Outdoor airborne fungal spora load in a suburb of Kolkata, India: its variation, meteorological determinants and health impact

Abstract

Our objective was to conduct an aeromycological and health survey (2002–2007) in a suburban area near Kolkata, India, with the aim of achieving the following goals: (i) to prepare a fungal spore calendar, (ii) to determine the influence of different meteorological parameters, and (iii) to study the respiratory health status of local population in relation to allergy. Airborne fungal spores from more than 50 taxa were found, of which at least 15 were allergenic. The spore-concentration increased during early-winter and rainy season, and diminished during late-winter and mid-summer. Species-specific fluctuations had substantial influences from several meteorological parameters. The suburban area was found to be considerably contaminated with numerous allergenic air-spora, which caused health risk to the local population. Males were more susceptible to respiratory disorders irrespective of their age. In general, respiratory allergic patients in the 20–40 year age-group showed more frequent health problems due to aeroallergens. A positive correlation was found between the respiratory allergy cases and the air-spora concentrations.