Cladosporium Spp Research Articles

Effect of Priming on Seed Quality of Soybean [<i>Glycine max</i> (L.) Merrill] Varieties at Assosa, Western Ethiopia

Benishagul state of Ethiopia is a potential place for soybean seed production but, seed quality production is the major problem under this place. So that, the use of seed priming techniques before seed sowing has been the best solution to overcome seed quality problem. Experiment was carried out at Haramaya University seed science laboratory. The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of priming on seed quality of soybean varieties. The experiment had three varieties (Belessa95, Wello and Gishama), three priming types [GA3 (100PPM), KH2PO4 (50 PP) and water] and three priming durations (0, 6, 12 hours) were evaluated using a randomized complete block design for field experiment. Seed were harvested and seed quality analysis was tested at laboratory by using completely Randomized Design in three replications. The result of the study showed that highly significant (P≤0.01) difference between interaction of varieties by, priming type and soaking durations for Seedling dry weight, seedling vigor index-2, speed of germination, Electrical conductivity and field emergence index and significant (P≤0.05) difference for seedling vigor index-1 were observed. Varieties by priming type interaction showed highly significant (P≤0.01) difference for seedling dry weight, seedling vigor index-2, speed of germination, electrical conductivity and field emergence index. The highest shoot length were observed for Belessa95 varieties primed with GA3 (16.31cm) and the highest root length were observed for Belessa95 varieties (6.98cm) and seed primed with water (7.22cm). The highest seedling dry weight was recorded when Belessa95 variety primed with water for 12hr (250 gm). The highest seedling vigor index1 was recorded when Gishema variety primed with KH2PO4 for 6hr (2202.20), the highest seedling vigor index2 was recorded when Belessa95 variety primed with water for 12hr (23673) and the highest Speed of Germination was recorded when Wello variety primed with water for 6hr (42.89). Colletotrichum dematium, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium spp, Alternaria spp, Tricodormal spp, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp, Cladosporium spp, Curvularia lunata, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Rhizopus spp, Macrophomina spp, yeast, Chaetomium spp, Sphacelomia glycines and Xanthomonas campestri were disease identified from seed sample. Soybean varieties primed with water and GA3 priming medias exhibited the better results in improving seed quality followed by KH2PO4. Hence, Water priming was recommended to user to overcome the problems of poor crop emergence and establishments under adverse environmental condition.

Bioatividade de óleos essenciais de espécies de hortelãs na sanidade e fisiologia de sementes de Phaseolus vulgaris L.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antifungica dos oleos essenciais (OEs) de hortela (Mentha piperita L.), hortela-verde (Mentha spicata L.) e menta-arvensis (Mentha arvensis L.) no crescimento dos fungos de armazenamento Aspergillus sp. e Penicillium sp., e na qualidade fisiologica e sanitaria de sementes de Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Tuiuiu. Para cada oleo essencial (OE) foram utilizadas as concentracoes 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5%, tendo agua destilada como testemunha negativa. Constitui-se como testemunha positiva o fungicida Derosal PlusⓇ na dose recomendada pelo fabricante. As variaveis analisadas foram crescimento micelial, esporulacao, porcentagem de germinacao, blotter test, indice de velocidade de emergencia (IVE), comprimento de parte aerea e raiz primaria, biomassa fresca total, biomassa seca da parte aerea e raiz. Os OEs de Mentha inibiram totalmente o crescimento micelial e a producao de esporos dos fungos. Os OEs de Mentha apresentaram efeito inibitorio sobre a germinacao de sementes e no IVE, bem como reduziram o comprimento da parte aerea em plantas de feijoeiro. Por outro lado, os oleos nao afetaram os atributos biomassa fresca total, biomassa seca da parte aerea, bem como o comprimento da raiz primaria. Quanto a sanidade todos os tratamentos promoveram menor incidencia dos fungos Aspergillus spp.; Alternaria spp. Cladosporium spp. Colletotrichum spp. Fusarium spp e Penicillium spp. quando comparados a testemunha negativa.

Characterization of biodeteriorating microorganisms in buildings in Bucaramanga, Colombia

The action of the microorganisms upon the integrity of the constructing material is termed Biodeterioration, concrete resistance to the action of the microorganisms is considered an indirect measurement of its durability and could be used as a marker of the integrity of the structure. In Colombia, the studies considering this parameter are rare. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize the microbial communities present in areas with evident deterioration in the selected buildings. To accomplish this, isolation, culturing and molecular identification of the isolates was performed. Results showed that Cladosporium spp, Aspergillus spp, Mucor spp, Penicillium spp, Penicillium spp, Rhizopus spp, Fusarium spp, Geotrichum spp, and bacterial genera such as Bacillus spp and Amphibacillus spp, coexist within the biofilms sampled. This study is a description and a starting point to deepen the characterization of these communities and to understand the role they perform in the integrity of the building materials considering the climatic and environmental conditions.

Mycoflora and Public Health Risks of Smoked Fish Sold in Port Harcourt Markets, Nigeria

Fish is a preferred source of protein globally, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. It is a savoured protein source in the Niger Delta, including Port Harcourt. Smoking is used to preserve fish by reducing its moisture content with a view to improved shelf life. This study aimed at determining the Mycoflora and the Public Health risks of smoked fish sold in Port Harcourt Markets. A total of 54 fish samples were collected from three strategic markets; Mile one, Oil Mill and Creek Road markets. Fish collected consists of 6 different species; Gadus morhua, Pseudotolithus typhus, Lutijanus goreensis, Ethalmosa fimbriata, Pseudotolithus senegalensis and Dasyatis pastinaca. All samples were grouped accordingly. Mycological study of fish samples was done using standard methods on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. There was a significant difference in the mycoflora counts of smoked fish from different markets (p<0.05). Fungal load ranged from 1.23±0.08 x103 sfu/g in Lutjanus goreensis to 8.89±0.10 x 103 sfu/g in Gadus morhua, at Creek road market. From Mile 1 market, Lutjanus goreensis still hosted the highest population of 13.25±0.7 x 103 sfu/g and Dasyatis pastinaca had the least; 0.66±0.01 x 103 sfu/g. At Oil mill market, Ethalmosa fimbriata hosted 13.23±0.47 x 103 sfu/g while Gadus morhua had 0.77±0.02 x 103sfu/g. The fungal load in all fish from all three markets were significantly high for food and calls for attention. Nine fungal genera; Saccharomyces spp, Rhizopus spp, Penicillium spp, Mucor spp, Fusarium spp, Cladosporium spp, Candida spp, Absidia spp and Aspergillus spp, were isolated. All six fish species studied recorded more than 50 % occurrence of fungal species in all the markets. The mycoflora of smoked fish sold in Port Harcourt markets suggest significant public health risks. The need for improved storage and handling of this important protein source is high towards reduced public health risk. Proper preparation method, such as boiling, is strongly advocated.

Physiological potential and health of soybean seeds obtained from organic and conventional systems

Abstract: The quality of seeds produced is the result of the management practices used and environmental conditions during growing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological potential and the health of soybean seeds produced in an organic and conventional system. The genotypes UEL 110 and 122 and BRS 257 and 284 were tested in organic and conventional systems in a randomized block design. The following characteristics were evaluated: moisture content; thousand seed weight (TSW); germination (G) and first count of germination (FCG); tetrazolium (TZ); classification, length, and dry matter of seedlings; and seed health. Analysis of variance was performed separately for the management systems, followed by combined analysis. When significant, the Tukey test (p&lt;0.05) was applied. Multivariate analysis was performed using R software. There was not significance between genotypes and management systems. The conventional management system performed positively for the characteristics TSW, G, TZ, FCG, classification, and length and dry matter of seedling roots, as well as for plant health. The UEL genotypes obtained higher TSW; UEL 110, lower germination; and BRS 257, a smaller number of ungerminated seeds and higher infestation by Cladosporium spp. The seeds produced under the organic system have greater weight and lower infestation by contaminants, whereas the conventional system produces seeds of better physiological quality and lower contamination by Phomopsis and bacteria. The genotype BRS 257 may have seeds multiplied in the organic and conventional management systems.

Important Characters in Identification of Cladosporium spp.

Important Characters in Identification of Cladosporium spp.

Effect of proximity of pit latrine and soak-away on the microbiological and physicochemical quality of well water in four local government areas of Kano metropolis

This study determines the microbiological and physicochemical quality of well water samples in relation to their proximity to pit latrine in four Local Government Areas of Kano Metropolis. A total of 32 water samples were collected and analyzed for aerobic mesophilic bacterial count, fungal, coliform and faecal coliform count. The physicochemical parameters analyzed included Chromium, Cadmium, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Phosphate, Nitrate, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solid, Biological oxygen demand. Dissolved oxygen Temperature and pH. The mean aerobic mesophilic bacterial, fungal, coliform and faecal coliform count in the well water samples close to pit latrines in Dala Local government were 2.7×10 5 cfu/ml, 7.86×10 4 cfu/ml, 6.75/ml and 3.5/ ml respectively. These were higher than the count of the Well water samples from same Local government that are located away from pit latrine with the mean values of 1.7×10 5 cfu/ml, 2.83×10 4 cfu/ml, coliform counts 1.0/100ml and 3.5/100ml faecal coliform count respectively. However, a total of seven genera of bacteria were isolated including E.coli, Enterobacter spp, Shigella spp, Salmonella spp, Proteus spp, Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas spp. Similarly, three fungal genera were isolated including Aspergillus spp, Penicillum pp, and Cladosporium spp. The average mean value of Electrical conductivity ranged from 14.3-1118.3μs/cm, pH 5.8-7.0, Temperature 25 28 o C, Cadmium 0.09-55mg/ Lead 0.05-0.53mg/L, Zinc 0.05-0.66mg/L, Cupper 0.06-0.27mg/L Nitrate 0.12-18.83mg/L, Chromium 0.09-0.44mg/L, Phosphate 0.11-16.2mg/L, Iron 0.06 0.46mg/L. Some of the water samples analysed were not within the acceptable limit of World Health Organization and National Standards for Drinking Water Quality standard for drinking water quality. Wells should be located at least 30m away from pit latrine and soak aways as proposed by World Health Organization and National Standard for Drinking Water Quality. Keywords : Well water, Chromium, World Health Organization, Enterobacter spp.

A survey of fungal microbiota in airways of healthy volunteer subjects from Puglia (Apulia), Italy

BackgroundThe human respiratory tract represents the major portal of entry for numerous microorganisms, primarily those occurring as airborne particles such as viral and bacterial entities, or fungal spores. Microorganism characteristics coupled with the local host immune response will determine whether they will be cleared or adhere and colonize the airways leading to acute or chronic pulmonary disease. Like bacteria, fungi can cause severe lung diseases, but their infection rates are much lower. The lung microbiota is commonly sampled using relatively invasive bronchoscopic procedures. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection offers a potentially less invasive alternative for lung microbiota sampling. This study tries to determine the composition of fungal communities in a cohort of healthy adult volunteer subjects from Puglia (Apulia), Italy.MethodsFungi diversity in 27 EBC samples collected from Italian adult volunteers was investigated using conventional microbiological culturing and DNA sequencing approach.ResultsTen tested subjects (37,03%) turned out to present fungi in the EBC. We observed complex fungal communities, in which more than 10% of the isolated species are represented by Aspergillus sydowii (14,8%) and Cladosporium spp (11,11%). Three subjects that showed fungal presence in EBC have been diagnosed with a respiratory disease.ConclusionsWe present a survey of an important scientific field in its early stages that is fungal contamination of airways of healthy subjects in a small geographic area. Furthermore, we interpreted our results to highlight the potential role of fungi in the context of respiratory diseases.

An Investigation into Noxious Circulation of Indoor Molds in Residential Apartments: A Case Study Of Uturu Hostels, Abia State, Nigeria

Fungal growth in damp buildings worldwide is an increasing problem which has adverse effects on both the occupant and the building. Hence, this study looks into the need to protect human health from mycotoxins through the analytical method in mycological examination and culture. It further elucidates problems with the microfungal infestation in buildings. Air and dust samples were collected by settle plate method and swabbing respectively, samples were cultured on Sabroud Dextrose Agar. The quantitative and qualitative analyses were done using systematic toxicological method for isolation and identification of molds. The microflora genera most frequently isolated were Penicillium spp, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium spp, Fusarium spp. They occurred at an average number of 39, 26, 15, 27, 7 and 5 respectively. These organismsare of public health importance. Therefore, this result justifies the need to incorporate antifungal substances into some walling materials such as; paint, cement

Antagonism and Effect of Volatile Metabolites of Trichoderma spp. on Cladosporium spp.

Antagonism and Effect of Volatile Metabolites of Trichoderma spp. on Cladosporium spp.

Survey of 1012 moldy dwellings by culture fungal analysis: Threshold proposal for asthmatic patient management.

Different countries have tried to define guidelines to quantify what levels of fungi are considered as inappropriate for housing. This retrospective study analyzes indoor fungi by cultures of airborne samples from 1012 dwellings. Altogether, 908 patients suffering from rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma were compared to 104 controls free of allergies. Portuguese decree law no 118/2013 (PDL118), ANSES (a French environmental and health agency) recommendations, and health regulations of Besançon University Hospital were applied to determine the rates of non-conforming dwellings, which were respectively 55.2%, 5.2%, and 19%. Environmental microbiological results and medical data were compared. The whole number of colonies per cubic meter of air was correlated with asthma (P<0.001) and rhinitis (P=0.002). Sixty-seven genera and species were detected in bedrooms. Asthma was correlated to Aspergillus versicolor (P=0.004) and Cladosporium spp. (P=0.02). Thresholds of 300cfu/m3 for A.versicolor or 495cfu/m3 for Cladosporium spp. are able to discriminate 90% of the asthmatic dwellings. We propose a new protocol to obtain an optimal cost for indoor fungi surveys, excluding surface analyses, and a new guideline to interpret the results based on >1000cfu/m3 of whole colonies and/or above threshold levels for A. versicolor or Cladosporium spp.

Isolation and identification of microbial contaminants associated with commercial poultry feeds

Poultry feeds are food materials used in raising poultry birds. Poultry is the second most widely eaten meat in the world, accounting for about 38% of the world meat. The diseases of poultry is like the disease of other animals. They may be caused by pathogenic organisms, nutritional deficiency and from wound. This study was designed and carried out to determine the load and species of fungi and bacteria contaminating poultry feeds. A total of 6 samples were collected from different feed types and source of feeds inside poultry farm and markets feeds. The isolates were identified according to their cultural, microscopic and biochemical properties to the following gram negative bacteria include Escherichia coli and Proteus spp and gram positive bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. The fungi includes Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp, Fusarium spp, Rhizopus spp, Mucor spp, and Cladosporium spp. It is concluded that poultry feeds, especially those inside farms are harbouring potential pathogenic bacteria and fungi loads that are far above the acceptable levels, thus constituting a public health hazard and necessitate the application of the standard measures for production of feeds by manufacturers and health authorities. Therefore, the study recommends that hygienic production of poultry feed is a public health issue, proper treatment of feed ingredients and application of hygienic measures such as HACCP, starting from harvesting of feed ingredients to the storage, processing of feeds, packaging, transporting and eventual marketing of the bagged feeds is need of the hour.

Isolation and identification of fungi associated with the spoilage of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L) and banana (Musa sapientum L) in Sokoto Metropolis

Mycological studies on fungi in apparently diseased sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and banana (Musa sapientum) sampled from various points in Kara Market in Sokoto Metropolis was carried out between August and September, 2016. The samples were surfaced sterilized with ethanol and the homogenates were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar and incubated aerobically at room temperature for 7days at 30°C. the pure cultures obtained were identified morphologically and microscopically. The investigation revealed that the samples were infected with several fungal species. The most predominant fungi isolated from sweet orange was Cladosporium spp (40%), Fusarium spp (30%), Alternaria spp (20%) and Chrysonilia spp (10%) while the most predominant fungi isolated from banana was Fusarium spp (50%), Mucor spp (30%) and Rhizopus spp (20%). The pathogenicity test result shows that Cladosporium spp and Fusarium spp were the most active in sweet orange with rot length of 74mm and 70mm respectively and the least active fungi were Alternaria spp and Chrsonilia spp with rots length of 52mm and 48mm respectively while Fusarium spp and Mucor spp were the most active in banana with rots length of 84mm and 75mm respectively and the least active fungus is Rhizopus spp with rots length of 54mm.

Assessment of Indoor Microbial Quality of Library’s Premise: Case of Central Library of the University of Yaound&amp;#233; I

Background: Good indoor air quality is important for human health and comfort, because people spend a most of their time within buildings. Microbial pollution is a key element of indoor air pollution. Bacteria and fungi growing indoors when sufficient moisture is available usually cause indoor air pollution. Methods: This study was conducted to assess the microbial concentration and to identify the main bacteria and fungi in the indoor environment of Central Library of the University of Yaounde I. A total of 76 samples were taken from indoor air, surfaces and mouldy books. Bioaerosol sampling and air concentration were made by passive air sampling technique using petri dishes containing different culture media and exposed for 30, 60 and 90 min in the morning and afternoon. Sampling of surfaces and mouldy books were made by rubbing using sterile swab. The identification of the isolated microorganisms was based on macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical characters. Results: The concentrations of bacteria and fungi in the indoor environment of Central Library of the University of Yaounde I ranged between 747 and 2324 CFU/m for the air and 40 and 500 CFU/cm2 for surfaces. In the examined area, the predominant culturable species of microflora were members of the following bacteria genera; Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Micrococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Rhodococcus spp, Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella spp and Escherichia spp and fungi; Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp, Curvularia spp, Mucor spp, Cladosporium spp, Candida spp Rhodotorula spp, Fusarium spp, Trichophyton spp, Acremonium spp, Aureobasidium spp, Rhizopus spp and Chrysonilia spp. Conclusion: High concentrations of bacteria and fungi were observed in the central library of the University of Yaounde I. Precautions and safety measures should be taken to reduce microbial pollution at universities libraries by improving libraries ventilation and disinfection.

Effect of ozone on the microbiological status of five dried aromatic plants.

Aromatic plants may be contaminated with a wide range of microorganisms, making them a potential health hazard when infused or added to ready-to-eat meals. To ensure safety, the effect of gaseous ozone treatment on the population of aerobic plate counts (APC), hygienic indicators (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae) and fungi was investigated for five dried aromatic plants: oregano, thyme, mountain tea, lemon verbena and chamomile. Selection, isolation and further fungi identification were based on the phenotypic and macro- and microscopic characteristics. Prior to ozonation, APC on five dried aromatic plants was in the range 5-7 log colony-forming units (CFU) g-1 . The APC exhibited a 4 log reduction, from around 6.5 to 2.5 in the case of oregano, and only a 1-2 log reduction for other herbs after 30 or 60 min of 4 ppm gaseous ozone treatment. Enterococcus spp. and E. coli were not detected on any of the tested dried aromatic plants. The fungi counts were 2-4 log CFU g-1 before ozonation. Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp, Cladosporium spp, Alternaria spp, Fusarium spp., Ulocladium spp. and some unknown fungi were detected on plants before ozone treatment. Aspergillus spp. and/or Penicillium spp. were only detected on mountain tea and thyme plant material after 60 min of ozonation. The present study provides information about the efficiency of ozone on the microbial decontamination of dried aromatic plants. Treatment with gaseous ozone at 4 ppm for 30 min in the case of dried oregano and 60 min in the case of chamomile and lemon verbena could be used as alternative disinfection methods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pruebas in vitro de hongos antagonistas para combatir la roya de mora en Costa Rica

El objetivo de esta investigación fue aislar hongos asociados a pústulas de roya (Kuehneola spp.), para seleccionar cepas con algún efecto antagonista sobre el agente causal de esta enfermedad, en 7 localidades de la Zona de Los Santos y Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica. Se realizaron muestreos en plantaciones de mora cultivadas orgánicamente para obtener distintos hongos y determinar su posible acción antagónica contra el agente causal. El estudio se extendió por espacio de un año (junio 2011-junio 2012), periodo en el cual se realizaron recolecciones mensuales para incluir la mayor diversidad de eventuales biocontroladores durante un ciclo. Del material recolectado se logró aislar un total de 11 géneros diferentes de hongos: Pestalotia spp., Sphaeropsis sp., Botrytis sp., Verticillium sp., Macrophomina sp., Cladosporium spp., Phoma sp., Colletotrichum spp., Rhizoctonia sp., Libertella sp., Paecilomyces sp., y varios micelios estériles no identificados. Para establecer el posible efecto antagonista de los hongos, se realizaron ensayos in vitro con el fin de determinar su capacidad supresora, sobre la germinación de las uredósporas de Kuehneola spp. De todos los aislamientos, los que resultaron significativamente distintos a su respectivo testigo fueron los del género Cladosporium. Para determinar diferencias significativas entre estos aislamientos se realizaron comparaciones entre ellos y se estableció que todos los aislamientos afectaron de igual forma la germinación de uredósporas y solamente Clados4 inhibió por completo la germinación.

Culturable halotolerant fungal isolates from Southern California Gulf sediments

Abstract Marine fungal biodiversity as a new precursor of biotechnology products is poorly studied compared to its terrestrial counterpart which has been used as a rich source of bioactive compounds. Because of the importance of marine fungi, we present here the first marine cultivable fungal isolates from sea sediments of 43 to 311 m depth from the Southern California Gulf, Mexico. Seventeen selected halotolerant fungi were isolated and identified by sequencing their ITS 1 and 2 genes. They belong to the phylum Ascomycota and Basidiomycota (16 and 1 isolates). Cladosporium spp were represented by 29%, Aspergillus spp by 24%, Talaromyces spp by 12% and other species by 35%. Two fungi showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

Cladosporium spp: Morfologia, infecções e espécies patogênicas

O gênero Cladosporium spp compreende grande número de fungos dematiáceos com distribuição mundial e que estão entre os fungos de ambiente mais comuns. São frequentemente isolados como contaminantes, no entanto, algumas espécies são patogênicas e toxigênicas para os seres humanos, estando associados a infecções superficiais da pele e dos tecidos moles e incluem sepse disseminada com elevada mortalidade. Cladoporium spp são aero-alérgenos e causam graves doenças alérgicas do trato respiratório, bem como lesões intrabrônquicas. Atualmente, as espécies de Cladosporium spp de interesse médico associadas com doença humana são C. cladosporioides, C. herbarum, C. oxysporum e C. sphaerospermum. No caso de infecções por Cladosporium spp, a terapia é prolongada e varia de acordo com a síndrome clínica. Sendo essencial o conhecimento a cerca desse gênero, para melhor diagnóstico e tratamento adequado. Esta revisão de literatura teve como objetivo reunir informações sobre as características gerais e morfológicas, patologias, aspectos clínicos e principais espécies patogênicas das infecções causadas por esse gênero.

Seasonal monitoring of microbiological air contamination from a museum - a case study

The aim of this study was to monitor microbial contamination in the work place of a museum, for estimating the influence of seasons, microclimatic parameters and tourists. The analysis was carried out in artefacts deposits, restoration laboratories and exhibition spaces. The media used to demonstrate the presence of biological agents, non-pathogenic and with pathogenic potential (opportunistic bacteria and filamentous fungi with haemolytic properties) were: simple agar, blood agar and Sabouraud with chloramphenicol. The isolated bacterial strains were identified by API tests and the fungal strains by examination of features with taxonomic value, aspects based on macroscopic observations of colony/cultures and microscopic assessment of mycelia. The counts of the microorganisms in the air were higher especially in the textiles deposits (the mesophilic microorganisms ranged from 200 to 1.4x10 4 CFU/m 3 ). The filamentous fungi most frequently isolated species were: Aspergillus spp.; Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp. The most frequently isolated bacteria swere: Staphylococcus ( S. epidermidis, S. xylosus, S. capitis ); Bacillus (B. cereus, Bacillus spp). The results of this study indicate a microbial air load containing both filamentous fungi and bacteria strains, including some opportunistic pathogens which can represent a health risk for the museums workers, especially in the seasons with higher exposure.

Antifungal activity of geraniol and citronellol against food-relevant dematiaceous fungi Cladosporium spp

Cladosporium spp. is a group of dematiaceous food-relevant fungi which are well dispersed in the environment causing food spoilage and poisoning. Considering the importance of fungal contamination, natural drugs to control their growth have become important. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of two monoterpenoids, (geraniol and citronellol), against strains of Cladosporium carrioni, C. cladosporioides, and C. oxysporum. Methods: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicide Concentration (MFC) of the drugs were determined by microdilution. The effects of test drugs on mycelial dry weight, conidia germination, and conidiogenesis of Cladosporium spp. were also investigated using a hemacytometer. Respective MIC and MFC values of citronellol varied from 256 to 512 µg/mL, and from 256 to 2048 µg/mL. The MIC and MFC of geraniol varied similarly to citronellol. Conidia germination, mycelial dry weight, and conidiogenesis of Cladosporium spp. were reduced by the test-drugs at 1/2MIC, MIC and 2xMIC (p&lt; 0.05). These measurable cell events are essential for fungal infection and development in foods. The action of citronellol and geraniol against Cladosporium spp. suggest that the drugs may serve as effective agents for controlling fungal contamination and growth in foods.