Fungal Spore Concentrations Research Articles

465. A Multifaceted and Multi-Institutional Analysis of the COVID19-Associated Mucormycosis Outbreak in the Delhi Area Indicates the Simultaneous Convergence of Multiple Risk Factors

Abstract Background A major outbreak of COVID19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) in India in spring 2021 aggravated the death toll of COVID19. As the causes of that CAM outbreak remain unclear, we performed a multifaceted study of host, pathogen, environmental, and heath care-related factors in adult CAM patients (pts) in the metropolitan New Delhi area. Methods We reviewed the records of all pts diagnosed with culture- or biopsy-proven CAM at 7 hospitals in the New Delhi area (April 1 – June 30, 2021). We used a multivariate logistic regression model to compare clinical characteristics of either all CAM cases (analysis 1, n = 50) or only pts with CAM after moderate or severe COVID19 (analysis 2, n = 31). As controls for both analyses, we used 69 COVID19-hospitalized contemporary pts. Selected hospital fomites were cultured for Mucorales. Additionally, we compared meteorological data and fungal spore concentrations in outdoor air before the CAM outbreak (January-March 2021) and during the outbreak (April-June 2021). Mucorales isolates from CAM pts were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS and ITS sequencing. A subset of 15 isolates underwent whole genome sequencing (WGS). Results Risk factors for CAM in both analyses were newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 8.26/5.67) and active cancer (OR 5.98/5.68) (Figure 1). Supplemental oxygen for COVID19 was associated with a lower CAM risk in both analyses (OR 0.13/0.17). Another significant CAM risk predictor identified only in analysis 1 was severe COVID19 (WHO score ≥ 6, OR 4.09), while remdesivir therapy (OR 0.40) and ICU admission for COVID19 were protective (OR 0.41) (Figure 1). No Mucorales were cultured from hospital fomites. The CAM incidence peak coincided with a significant uptick in environmental spore concentrations but was not linked to specific meteorological factors. Rhizopus was the predominant Mucorales genus (64%) identified by MALDI-TOF-MS and ITS sequencing; WGS found no clonal population of isolates but detected 2 cases of the rare pathogen Lichtheimia ornata. Figure 1 Conclusion An intersection of host, environmental, pathogen and healthcare-related factors might have contributed to the emergence of CAM. Surrogates of access to advanced treatment of COVID19 were associated with lower CAM risk. Disclosures Dimiitrios P. Kontoyiannis, MD, ScD, PhD (hon), AbbVie: Advisor/Consultant|Astellas Pharma: Advisor/Consultant|Astellas Pharma: Grant/Research Support|Astellas Pharma: Honoraria|Cidara Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: Honoraria|Merck: Advisor/Consultant.

Indoor air quality and early detection of mould growth in residential buildings: a case study.

Mould growth affects one in three homes, and it is the biggest cause for complaints and litigations filed to the relevant authorities in Australia, while also significantly affecting the physical and psychological health of the building's occupants. Indoor mould is caused by excessive dampness, resulting from poor architectural specification, construction and maintenance practices, as well as inappropriate behaviour of the occupants. The consequences range from early biodeterioration of building materials, requiring anticipated renovation works, to deterioration of the indoor environment, posing a serious threat to the building's occupants. This study investigates indoor air quality (IAQ) and mould growth, providing a snapshot of the current IAQ of Australian residential buildings regarding air pollutants. It uses a case study representative of the typical Australian suburban home to investigate the effects of unnoticed mould growth. The results of the monitoring campaign indicate that buildings with a high concentration of fungal spores are also more likely to present poor IAQ levels, high concentrations of particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO2). This research suggests the need for the development of early detection strategies that could minimise the health hazard to people, thereby preventing the need for any major renovations.

A Modified Spectroscopic Approach for the Real-Time Detection of Pollen and Fungal Spores at a Semi-Urban Site Using the WIBS-4+, Part I.

The real-time monitoring of primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) such as pollen and fungal spores has received much attention in recent years as a result of their health and climatic effects. In this study, the Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor (WIBS) 4+ model was evaluated for its ability to sample and detect ambient fungal spore and pollen concentrations, compared to the traditional Hirst volumetric method. Although the determination of total pollen and fungal spore ambient concentrations are of interest, the selective detection of individual pollen/fungal spore types are often of greater allergenic/agricultural concern. To aid in this endeavour, modifications were made to the WIBS-4 instrument to target chlorophyll fluorescence. Two additional fluorescence channels (FL4 and FL5 channels) were combined with the standard WIBS channels (FL1, FL2, FL3). The purpose of this modification is to help discriminate between grass and herb pollen from other pollen. The WIBS-4+ was able to successfully detect and differentiate between different bioaerosol classes. The addition of the FL4 and FL5 channels also allowed for the improved differentiation between tree (R2 = 0.8), herbaceous (R2 = 0.6) and grass (R2 = 0.4) pollen and fungal spores (R2 = 0.8). Both grass and herbaceous pollen types showed a high correlation with D type particles, showing strong fluorescence in the FL4 channel. The additional fluorescent data that were introduced also improved clustering attempts, making k-means clustering a comparable solution for this high-resolution data.

Co-occurrence of airborne biological and anthropogenic pollutants in the central European urban ecosystem.

The interactions between organic and inorganic air pollutants, enhanced by the impact of weather parameters, may worsen the respiratory allergy symptoms in allergy sufferers. Pollen grains and fungal spores belong to some of the most crucial aeroallergens. Other allergenic bioparticles in the atmospheric microbiome can include microalgae, fern spores and mites. In this study, we evaluated if and to what extent air pollutants and weather parameters drive the daily variation in airborne concentrations of broad spectrum of bioparticles (pollen grains, fungal spores, microalgae, fern spores and invertebrates) in the air of Bratislava over 3years, 2019-2021. Air samples were collected using a Hirst-type volumetric sampler. Based on the results of Spearman's correlation analysis, air temperature seems to be the most influential meteorological factor, positively associated with the concentration of all types of bioparticles at assemblage level, even though the association with microalgae was negative. Wind speed, known to have a diluting effect on most airborne particles, appears to be the most influential for microalgae, as their concentration in the air increases along with rising wind speed. Considering air pollutants, correlation analysis revealed that as the daily concentrations of ozone, PM10, CO and/or NO2 increased, so did the levels of most types of analysed bioaerosols at the assemblage level. Regarding that bioparticles may act as carriers for inorganic particles and amplify their allergenic impact, a concomitant increment in the airborne concentration of both organic and inorganic pollutants poses a threat to allergy sufferers in the study area. The concentration of microalgae, on the other hand, decreases with rising levels of CO, NO2 and PM10; thereby, their synergistic effect on allergy sufferers is negligible. Based on our findings, we suggest that the response of pollen and fungal spore concentration to environmental conditions should be investigated at the taxon, not the assemblage level, as each pollen/spore taxon has a different pattern in response to meteorological parameters and air pollutants.

A Study of Airborne Pollen Grains and Fungal Spores in the Region of Epirus (Northwestern Greece)

Introduction: In the region of Epirus (Northwestern Greece) there are characteristic climatic and geographical conditions that facilitate the growth of typical vegetation with the production of allergic pollen. Aerobiological research into airborne pollen diversity and seasonal variation in pollen counts and fungi spores has become essential due to the growing incidence of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and other pollen-related and spore-related allergic conditions. Furthermore, weather conditions and other factors like air pollution may affect the intensity, the onset, and the duration of the pollen season, and the impact on the patient's symptomatology.Methods: The diversity of airborne pollen grains (grains/m3) and fungal spores (spores/m3) in the region of Epirus were measured volumetrically using Burgard trap for 13 months, from May 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018.Results: Totally, 10 pollen families and two fungi were recognized. The six most common taxa were Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, Urticaceae, Poaceae, Betulaceae, and Compositeae. The fungi taxa were Cladosporium and Alternaria. Peak pollen centralization was recorded from May to September. Urticaceae had the longest pollen season while Oleaceae and Pinaceae had the shorter. Fungal spores were recorded during all the months of the year. Also, there was a correlation between meteorological parameters and most pollen taxa.Conclusion: The pollen and spore calendar shows the concentration of pollen grains and fungal spores in the region of Epirus. This knowledge is important for physicians and allergic patients as it could improve the management of the allergic respiratory disease.

First volumetric records of airborne Cladosporium and Alternaria spores in the atmosphere of Al Khor (northern Qatar): a preliminary survey

Daily monitoring of airborne fungal spores was carried out for the first time in Al Khor city, Qatar, using a Hirst type 7-day recording volumetric spore trap, from May 2017 to May 2019. During the sampling period, the annual and monthly fluctuations, as well as intradiurnal variations of airborne fungal spore concentrations, were evaluated. Cladosporium, followed by Alternaria, were the spore types most abundant in the atmosphere of the city, with a strong interannual variability in the atmospheric concentrations being observed. The Annual Spore Integrals (ASIns) were 3334 and 1172 spore * day/m3 (2017–2018), and 6796 and 1538 spore * day/m3 (2018–2019) for Cladosporium and Alternaria, respectively. Total daily spore concentrations showed significantly positive correlations with mean, minimum, and maximum temperatures but significantly negative correlations with relative humidity. However, due to the scarce rainfalls’ days, we did not find a statistically significant correlations between Cladosporium and Alternaria spore concentrations and this parameter. Despite this, the spore peaks were strongly related to precipitations that occurred during the previous month. In general, no significant correlations were found with wind speed but, regarding wind direction, the higher percentage of spores were collected when wind blows from the 4th quadrant (NW). According to the intradiurnal pattern, Cladosporium fungal spores displayed their maximum daily concentration during 8:00–10:00 h in the morning, with a second peak in the afternoon, while for Alternaria, the maximum peaks were observed between 08:00 and 14:00 h. Because no consistent previous aerobiological studies exist from Qatar, the aim of this study is to define the seasonality and intradiurnal behaviour of these two airborne fungal spore and the role that, in such arid scene, the meteorological parameters play on the spore concentrations.

A study on correlations between precipitation ETCCDI and airborne pollen/fungal spore parameters in the NE Iberian Peninsula

Precipitation is one of the meteorological variables usually involved in the aerobiological studies, which presents a complex relationship with atmospheric levels of pollen and fungal spores and the temporal characteristics of their seasons. This complexity is due in a large part to rainfall's twofold impact of having, prior to pollination, a positive influence on subsequent pollen production and of contributing, during pollination, to pollen removal from the air through a wash-out effect. To better explore this impact, we place particular emphasis on extreme rainfall by calculating the correlation between airborne pollen and fungal spore parameters and the precipitation indices that the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) proposed for characterising climate extremes. Parameters for twenty-seven pollen and fungal spore taxa measured in six aerobiological stations in the NE Iberian Peninsula have been considered. We have distinguished between annual and winter ETCCDI in order to compare the correlations between extreme rainfall and airborne pollen concentrations and to avoid the wash-out effect as far as possible. Results show a positive influence from an increase in moderately extreme winter rainfall, specifically on subsequent pollen/fungal spore production: the percentage of all possible significant correlations is higher for winter than for annual rainfall. Furthermore, while annual rainfall in this region has nearly the same number of positive as negative correlations, the positive correlations for winter rainfall are more than twice that of the negative ones. The seasonal consideration on rainfall ETCCDI made with the aim to avoid the confounding overlapping of different rainfall impacts has led to more sharpened observations of its positive and negative effects on airborne pollen and fungal spore concentrations.

First Long-Time Airborne Fungal Spores Study in Dublin, Ireland (1978–1980)

Ambient fungal spores within the atmosphere can contribute to a range of negative human, animal and plant health conditions and diseases. However, trends in fungal spore seasonality, species prevalence, and geographical origin have been significantly understudied in Ireland. Previously unpublished data from the late 1970s have recently been collected and analysed to establish historical fungal spore trends/characteristics for Dublin. Historical spore concentrations were largely dominated by Alternaria, Ascospores, Basidiospores, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Erysiphe and Rusts. The main fungal spore season for Dublin commenced in April with the fructification of Scopulariopsis and Ganoderma. However, the vast majority of other spore types did not reach peak spore release until late summer. The correlation between ambient spore concentration, and meteorological parameters was examined using Multivariable Regression Tree (MRT) analysis. The notable correlations found for fungal spore concentrations tended to involve temperature-based parameters. The use of a non-parametric wind regression was also employed to determine the potential geographical origin of ambient fungal spores. The impact of wind direction, and high windspeed on fungal spores was established, ultimately highlighting the importance of studying and monitoring fungal spores within Ireland, rather than attempting to rely on data from other regions, as most fungal spores collected in Dublin appeared to originate from within the island.

Airborne Fungal Spore Review, New Advances and Automatisation

Fungal spores make up a significant portion of Primary Biological Aerosol Particles (PBAPs) with large quantities of such particles noted in the air. Fungal particles are of interest because of their potential to affect the health of both plants and humans. They are omnipresent in the atmosphere year-round, with concentrations varying due to meteorological parameters and location. Equally, differences between indoor and outdoor fungal spore concentrations and dispersal play an important role in occupational health. This review attempts to summarise the different spore sampling methods, identify the most important spore types in terms of negative effects on crops and the public, the factors affecting their growth/dispersal, and different methods of predicting fungal spore concentrations currently in use.

Spatiotemporal assessment of aeromycoflora under differing urban green space, sampling height, and meteorological regimes: the atmospheric fungiscape of Thessaloniki, Greece.

We studied the diversity and abundance of the airborne fungal spores in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, for two consecutive years. Air samples were collected at one rooftop station (at 30m) and six near-ground stations (at 1.5m) that differed in the size and composition of adjacent green spaces. The effects of meteorological factors on airborne fungal spore concentrations were also explored. Cladosporium spores were dominant everywhere in the air of the city. The total concentration of the airborne fungal spores at 30m was 10 times lower than near the ground. Differences in concentration and composition were far less pronounced among near-ground stations. The attributes of the fungal spore season did not change in a consistent way among stations and years. Concentrations at the near-ground stations matched the grouping of the latter into stations of high, intermediate, and low urban greenspace. Minimum air temperature was the primary meteorological factor affecting spore abundance, followed by relative humidity. Airborne fungal spores are more homogeneously distributed in the air of the city, but their concentrations decrease more rapidly with height than pollen.

Comparison of the Airborne Fungal Spore Concentrations in the Mojave Desert and Las Vegas From 2016-2020

Airborne fungal spores are common allergens present in urban and surrounding environments. Data comparing the abundance of airborne fungi are lacking, especially in desert climates. This study aims to compare fungal spore concentrations between Las Vegas and the surrounding Mojave Desert from 2016-2020.

The Qualitative Estimation of Fungi Distributed in the Fruit and Vegetable Market

Fungal spores are approximately ten times more than pollen grains in air. Exposed petri plate method was used to obtain qualitative estimation respectively. Concentration of fungal spores in vegetable market environment was examined to collect the basic information required for further studies. Most of the fungal samples were collected and isolated from main vegetable market of district Hapur during January, 2022 by visual and sticky slide methods. Alternaria sp. was found most dominant and Phytophthora sp. was the least dominant fungus found during present study. The study also showed a common representation of many fungi in vegetable market and as well as their occurrence in the vegetable crop fields near the vegetable market.

Aeromycoflora and Allergenic Fungal Spores: A Review

“Primary Biological Aerosol Particles (PBAPs)” are vast volumes present of the air particles that are made up mostly of fungal spores. Fungal spores are considered as most important aeroallergens and cause adverse effects on plant and human health. Aerobiological monitoring revealed that they are constantly present in the atmosphere, although their concentrations change depending on the weather and locations. In addition, the presence of vegetation and its dissemination between indoor and outdoor environments also affects the fungal spore densities. This review briefly discusses various spore sampling techniques and categorizes the significant spore types for their detrimental properties on crops. The general population and identification of the variables influencing their dispersal and growth is also discussed along with currently used techniques for predicting fungal spore concentrations.

Temporal variations in fungal spores in Mardin city atmosphere, upper Mesopotamia, SE-Turkey

The present study aimed to determine the fungal spores and their concentrations in the atmosphere of Mardin (southeast Turkey) in 2014 and 2015 using the volumetric method. A total of 43 taxa, hyphal fragments, and single septate ascospores were identified by light microscopy. It was determined that the dominant fungal spores included Cladosporium (51.5%), Ustilaginales species spores (13.9%), Alternaria (6.9%), Pucciniales species spores (1.6%), Agrocybe (1.2%), Pleospora (1.1%) and hyphal fragments (15.5%). The highest atmospheric spore concentrations were observed in May and the lowest levels were determined in February in both years. Dry air spores constituted a significant ratio of the total count (73.9%) in the atmosphere of Mardin. There were significant positive correlations between atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Ustilaginales, and Pucciniales spores and temperatures. There were significant negative correlations between airborne fungal spore concentrations and daily mean humidity. There was a significant negative correlation between Agrocybe spore concentrations and daily mean temperature and a significant positive correlation between the same and humidity and precipitation. No significant correlation was determined between the meteorological variables and Pleospora and Aspergillus/Penicillium spore concentrations.

Inactivation of fungal spores from clinical environment by silver bio-nanoparticles; optimization, artificial neural network model and mechanism

The present study aimed to assess the efficiency of silver bio-nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in inactivating of the Aspergillus fumigatus, A. parasiticus and A. flavus var. columnaris and A. aculeatus spores. The AgNPs were synthesized in secondary metabolic products of Penicillium pedernalens 604 EAN. The inactivation process was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) as a function of Ag NPs volume (1–10 μL/mL); time (10–120 min); pH (5–8); initial fungal concentrations (log10) (3–6). The artificial neural network (ANN) model was used to understand the behavior of spores for the factors affecting inactivation process. The best conditions to achieved SAL 10−6 of the fungal spores were recorded with 3.46 μl/mL of AgNPs, after 120 min at pH 5 and with 6 log of initial fungal spore concentrations, at which 5.99 vs. 6.09 (SAL 10−6) log reduction was recorded in actual and predicted results respectively with coefficient of 87.00%. The ANN revealed that the timehas major contribution in the inactivation process compare to Ag NPs volume. The fungal spores were totally inactivated (SAL 10−6, 6 log reduction with 99.9999%) after 110 min of the inactivation process, 10 min more was required to insure the irreversible inactivation of the fungal spores. The absence of protease and cellulase enzymes production confirm the total inactivation of the fungal spores. FESEM analysis revealed that the AgNPs which penetrated the fungal spores leading to damage and deform the fungal spore morphology. The AFM analysis confirmed the total spore surface damage. The bands in the range of the Raman spectroscopy from 1300 to 1600 cm−1 in the inactivated spores indicate the presence of CH3, CH2 and the deformation of lipids released outside the spore cytoplasm. These finding indicate that the AgNPs has high potential as a green alternative inactivation process for the airborne fungal spores.

Influence of meteorological condition during rainstorm periods on the ambient concentrations of fungi in Bangkok, Thailand

Meteorological conditions change substantially during rainstorms, potentially affecting ambient concentrations of fungal spores. Exposure to ambient fungal spores during rainstorm periods may result in adverse health outcome such as thunderstorm asthma and allergic symptoms. This study investigated the ambient concentrations of culturable fungi during rainstorms period in Bangkok, Thailand. Using a single-stage impactor, air samples were collected between October and November 2017, when Thailand was struck by three major tropical cyclones: Typhoon Khanun, Typhoon Damrey, and Typhoon Kirogi. Fungal colonies were counted and identified according to their morphology. Meteorological data were obtained from the Thai Meteorological Department. Multiple regression analysis, performed to determine the associations between fungal concentrations and meteorological parameters, revealed a mean fungal concentration of 1,230 ± 1,136 CFU/m3 (n = 60). Fungal concentrations increased before the rainstorm arrival and decreased during the downpour rain. The fungal genera Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., and Aspergillus sp. were commonly observed but less than nonsporulating fungi, which accounted for more than 68% of all colonies. Fungal concentrations were positively associated with meteorological parameters, namely temperature, relative humidity, and maximum wind speed (R2 = 0.58, p < 0.05). Considerable changes in daily weather conditions during rainstorm periods strongly affected the fungal concentrations. Future studies should collect relevant hospital admission and more fungal monitoring data to determine the associations between fungal exposure during rainstorm periods and adverse outcomes.

Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Airborne Fungi in Nerja Cave, Spain

Nerja Cave, Southern Spain, was revealed as an important biodiversity reservoir from which several novel species of Aspergillus were described. We carried out an aerobiological study in Nerja Cave to assess the origin of airborne fungi. This study quantified the fungi present in the air of ten representative halls covering the three sectors comprising the cave: Touristic Galleries, High Galleries, and New Galleries. Microclimatological monitoring allowed us to understand the dynamic of airborne fungi in two seasons of the year (winter and summer), corresponding to the strongest and the lowest cave ventilation, and to validate the influence that the transport of airborne fungi from outside may have on the cave itself. The data show that cold air enters in winter, as confirmed by the abundant presence of Aspergillus and Penicillium spores inside and outside the cave. In summer, the abundance of some fungi in the air of Nerja Cave, which are not detected outside, indicates a stagnation or low ventilation, and therefore, the concentration of fungal spores is maxima. The high occurrence of Cladosporium outside the cave and the scarce abundance inside support the cave stagnation in this season.

Features of the fungal spectrum in the air environment in the Rostov region according to the results aeropalynologic monitoring 2019

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, there has been an epidemic growth of allergic diseases, in which fungi along with other allergens significantly play a role in their etiology. Spores of a number of micromycetes are present in the air. Aeropalynology environmental monitoring enables examination of the composition of airborne microorganisms, their dynamics, and role in the formation of allergic diseases. The Rostov region has climatic and geographical features that affect the qualitative and quantitative compositions of the fungal spectrum in the air environment. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the composition and features of the fungal spectrum of the air environment in Rostov-on-Don, to assess the dynamics of the concentration of fungal spores during the monitoring period (March to October), and to make a calendar of plant pollination and fungal spore production for this region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this longitudinal, observational, single-center study, aeroallergens were detected using a volumetric Burkard trap. Identification of plant pollen and fungal spores was performed by microscopy of colored slides obtained from a sticky tape covered with a special mixture. RESULTS: Results of aeropalynological monitoring in 2019 in the air environment of Rostov-on-Don revealed the presence of pollen taxa and fungal spores, represented by the mold fungi Cladosporium herbarum and Alternaria alternata in high increasing concentrations. Their dynamics were recorded throughout the observation period (March to October). The specific weight of fungal sensitization in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis was 11.6%. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies the regional features of the fungal spectrum of air allergens, and a calendar of dusting and sporulation was compiled for the city of Rostov-on-Don.

Abundance of Ganoderma sp. in Europe and SW Asia: modelling the pathogen infection levels in local trees using the proxy of airborne fungal spore concentrations

Ganoderma comprises a common bracket fungal genus that causes basal stem rot in deciduous and coniferous trees and palms, thus having a large economic impact on forestry production. We estimated pathogen abundance using long-term, daily spore concentration data collected in five biogeographic regions in Europe and SW Asia. We hypothesized that pathogen abundance in the air depends on the density of potential hosts (trees) in the surrounding area, and that its spores originate locally. We tested this hypothesis by (1) calculating tree cover density, (2) assessing the impact of local meteorological variables on spore concentration, (3) computing back trajectories, (4) developing random forest models predicting daily spore concentration. The area covered by trees was calculated based on Tree Density Datasets within a 30 km radius from sampling sites. Variations in daily and seasonal spore concentrations were cross-examined between sites using a selection of statistical tools including HYSPLIT and random forest models.Our results showed that spore concentrations were higher in Northern and Central Europe than in South Europe and SW Asia. High and unusually high spore concentrations (> 90th and > 98th percentile, respectively) were partially associated with long distance transported spores: at least 33% of Ganoderma spores recorded in Madeira during days with high concentrations originated from the Iberian Peninsula located >900 km away. Random forest models developed on local meteorological data performed better in sites where the contribution of long distance transported spores was lower. We found that high concentrations were recorded in sites with low host density (Leicester, Worcester), and low concentrations in Kastamonu with high host density. This suggests that south European and SW Asian forests may be less severely affected by Ganoderma. This study highlights the effectiveness of monitoring airborne Ganoderma spore concentrations as a tool for assessing local Ganoderma pathogen infection levels.

Fungal spore indicators of vegetation and highland pastoralism in modern topsoil and dung, eastern Tibetan Plateau

Recent research on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has focused on the human-land relationship and its evolution through time; fossil fungal spores are promising proxies for recovering information on paleoecological changes and ancient anthropogenic activity. Modern analog fungal spore datasets are crucial for accurate paleoecological interpretation of fossil fungal spores, however, these are lacking for the QTP. In this study, we analyzed 130 modern samples of topsoil and herbivore dung from eastern QTP to assess fungal assemblages in different habitats and vegetational communities. The results indicate that fungal spores in different types of domestic herbivore dung samples are quite similar and dominated by Sporormiella spp., Urocystis sp., Sordaria spp., Pleospora spp., QTPF-01 (Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Fungi). Topsoil samples, collected from different vegetation zones, show more variation. Savoryella spp. is the dominant taxon in cropland samples, while Meliola spp. and Coniochaeta spp. are well associated with alpine forest environments. Fungal spore assemblages in alpine shrub, alpine meadow, and alpine steppe are mostly dominated by Glomus spp., together with Savoryella spp., Valsaria sp., Entorrhiza spp., and QTPF-03. Comparison of fungal assemblages in herbivore dung and topsoil samples suggests that Sporormiella spp., Urocystis sp., Sordaria spp., Pleospora spp., QTPF-01, Podospora spp., Delitschia A., and QTPF-07 are the most reliable dung indicators. The total concentration of coprophilous fungal spores is sensitive to grazing pressure and can be used to diagnose the intensity of pastoralism on the QTP. Our work provides vital modern analog data for fossil fungal spore studies on the QTP.