Fungi isolated in school buildings

Elżbieta Ejdys

doi:10.5586/am.2007.028

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the species composition of fungi occurring on wall surfaces and in the air in school buildings. Fungi isolated from the air using the sedimentation method and from the walls using the surface swab technique constituted the study material. Types of finish materials on wall surfaces were identified and used in the analysis. Samples were collected in selected areas in two schools: classrooms, corridors, men's toilets and women's toilets, cloakrooms, sports changing rooms and shower. Examinations were conducted in May 2005 after the heating season was over. Fungi were incubated on Czapek-Dox medium at three parallel temperatures: 25, 37 and 40°C, for at least three weeks. A total of 379 isolates of fungi belonging to 32 genera of moulds, yeasts and yeast-like fungi were obtained from 321 samples in the school environment. The following genera were isolated most frequently: Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium. Of the 72 determined species, Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium chrysogenum occurred most frequently in the school buildings. Wall surfaces were characterised by an increased prevalence of mycobiota in comparison with the air in the buildings, with a slightly greater species diversity. A certain species specificity for rough and smooth wall surfaces was demonstrated. Fungi of the genera Cladosporium and Emericella with large spores adhered better to smooth surfaces while those of the genus Aspergillus with smaller conidia adhered better to rough surfaces. The application of three incubation temperatures helped provide a fuller picture of the mycobiota in the school environment.

Highlights

Schools belong to a specific category of public buildings were factors that increase the expansion of fungi belonging to different systematic and ecological groups accumulate
The technical condition of a school building which results from the construction technology, finish materials and its use significantly influences the occurrence of conditions favourable for a temporary or permanent occurrence of fungi (Bogacka 1997)
A total of 379 fungal isolates were obtained from 312 samples. 213 isolates were recorded in 7 study areas in school I and 166 isolates in school II. 32 genera of moulds, yeasts and yeast-like fungi were identified in the study material

Summary

Introduction

Schools belong to a specific category of public buildings were factors that increase the expansion of fungi belonging to different systematic and ecological groups accumulate. School occupants constitute further sources or transmission vectors of fungi. E. Ejdys into and within a school building. The present author’s previous studies show that fungi are isolated in over 1/3 of school children (Ejdys 2003). The bioaerosol in school buildings consists of secondary metabolites produced by the mycobiota occurring in building partitions. Antibiotics produced in low concentrations may induce resistance of the bacterial flora of school occupants (Markiewicz , Kwiatkowski 2001). 2002; Dacarro et al 2003), the species composition of fungi occurring on wall surfaces and in the air in school buildings was analysed As literature data on the diversity range of fungi in schools are greatly divergent (Levetin at al. 1995; Meklin at al. 2002; Dacarro et al 2003), the species composition of fungi occurring on wall surfaces and in the air in school buildings was analysed

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