A study of airborne fungal allergens in sandstorm dust in Al-Zulfi, Central region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The impact of sandstorm dust events on local air quality and public health are becoming a greater concern in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Among sandstorm dust particles, airborne fungal spores cause serious respiratory ailments to those who are exposed to the dust. Although the study of dust storm material has attracted research interest, little work has been carried out in Saudi Arabia and no major study has been conducted in the Al-Zulfi, Riyadh province region. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate airborne fungal allergen concentrations in sandstorm dust in the Al-Zulfi city, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: During the study period, 12 sandstorm dust samples and 3 control samples were collected from various locations (educational campus, people gathering, and recreational places) by gravitational plate exposure method using Sabouraud dextrose agar. Following incubation, the fungal colonies were identified by microscopic and morphological identification. Results: A total of 2590 fungal isolates were identified among 36 exposures of sandstorm dust samples. From the samples dematiaceous fungi and hyaline fungi were observed, divided 56.2%, 43.8%, respectively. The incidences of predominant fungal genera were Fusarium (21%), Cladosporium (15.8%), Ulocladium (11.1%), Aspergillus (10.9%), and Alternaria (8.6%). Conclusion: Our observations infer that some of the most important allergenic fungal spores are predominantly observed in sandstorm dust samples and incidences of dematiaceous fungi are higher than hyaline fungi. This study highlights the need for precautionary safety measures to protect the public against sandstorm dust exposures.

Assessment of airborne endotoxin in sandstorm dust and indoor environments using a novel passive sampling device in Al Zulfi city, Saudi Arabia – Establishing threshold exposure levels

“…Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides (LPS) naturally present within the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and they are ubiquitous indoor bio-contaminants, with potent immune-stimulatory and proinflammatory properties that contribute to the development and severity of asthma and other respiratory symptoms ( Shamsollahi et al, 2019 , Thorne et al, 2005 ). Although the study of dust storm material has attracted many researchers worldwide ( Behzad et al, 2018 , Kim and Chung, 2010 , Kwaasi et al, 1998 , Vijayakumar et al, 2017 ), only limited studies have evaluated the effects of endotoxins on human health and such studies have been limited to endotoxin loads in house dust, collected from floors and beds by vacuuming, as a surrogate for exposure to airborne endotoxins ( Dassonville et al, 2008 , Gehring et al, 2004 , Wickens et al, 2003 ). These studies have drawn an association between exposure to endotoxin in dust and a role in aggravating asthma in adults and children, and airflow obstruction ( Lai et al, 2012 , Rizzo et al, 1997 ).…”

Global Ramifications of Dust and Sandstorm Microbiota

“…This information is essential for understanding their potential impact on host ecosystems. Regardless of their potential limitations, these studies confirmed that a large number of viable microorganisms, including known and opportunistic human and plant pathogens, are transported via sandstorms ( Kellogg and Griffin 2006 ; Vijayakumar et al. 2017 ).…”

“…2017 ) Dominated by Bacillus members Asian dust Noto Peninsula, Japan High throughput Metagenomics: -16S rRNA gene sequencing N/D ( Maki et al. 2017a ) Fusarium ; Cladosporium ; Ulocladium ; Aspergillus ; Alternaria Arabian dust Saudi Arabia Fungal culture Human ( Vijayakumar et al. 2017 ) Bacillus subtilis Asian dust Carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)-based electrochemical biosensor Human ( Yoo et al.…”

“…2017 ). Significant increases in the concentration of bacteria and fungi are commonly detected in dust clouds during sandstorm events ( Kellogg and Griffin 2006 ; Griffin 2007 ; Vijayakumar et al. 2017 ; Tang et al.…”

Evaluation of C-C Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5) Chemokine, Interleukin 5 (IL-5) Cytokine, and Eosinophil Counts as Potential Biomarkers in Saudi Patients with Chronic Asthma During Sandstorms

“…Acute asthma exacerbations are considered one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits, and such exacerbation can be initiated by exposure to dust or during sandstorms [5][6]. These sandstorms carry some of the most important allergenic fungal spores that may initiate an allergic reaction in patients with asthma, as reported in our previous study [7].…”