The Impact of Dusty Days on Fungi Spores: Hot vs. Cold Seasons of Ahvaz, Iran

Background: Background: Fungi spores are virtually everywhere and can be seen under any circumstances. Aerobiologic studies have shown that Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Fusarium from Ascomycetes are the most common fungi spores in the ambient air. These fungi are a cause of allergic and infectious respiratory diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dust storms on fungi spore’s diversity in hot and cold seasons in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, three areas of Ahvaz were selected. The study took place during the summer and autumn of 2017. Ninety-three samples from the ambient air were taken by Quick take pump with 28.3 (L/min) flow rate in 3 minutes. Sampling was carried out on Potato Dextrose Agar based on Anderson method. Results: The means of most isolated fungi spores in the summer were as follows: Cladosporium 239, Aspergillus flavus 88, Penicillium 82 and Aspergillus niger 58 CFU/m3. In the autumn season, the mean of most isolated fungi spores was as follows: Cladosporium 1,733, Penicillium 82, Aspergillus niger 55 and Ustilago 32 CFU/m3. Moreover, the mean of most isolated fungi spores in normal air days was: Cladosporium 440, Penicillium 97, and Aspergillus flavus 68 CFU/m3 and in dusty air days, they were: Cladosporium 2,277, Aspergillus niger 74, and Penicillium 49 CFU/m3. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that Ahvaz ambient air contains diverse fungi spores, and there was a significant difference between normal and dusty days in terms of the mean value of fungi spores. Also, a significant difference was found between the mean value of fungi spores in hot and cold seasons.