Cryptococcus spp isolated from dust microhabitat in Brazilian libraries

Abstract

BackgroundThe Cryptococcus spp is currently composed of encapsulated yeasts of cosmopolitan distribution, including the etiological agents of cryptococcosis. The fungus are found mainly in substrates of animal and plant origin. Human infection occurs through inhalation of spores present in the environment.MethodsEighty-four swab collections were performed on dust found on books in three libraries in the city of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The material was seeded in Sabouraud agar and then observed for characteristics compatible with colonies with a creamy to mucous aspect; the material was then isolated in birdseed (Niger) agar and cultivated at a temperature of 37°C for 5 to 7 days. Identification of isolated colonies was performed by microscopic observation in fresh preparations dyed with India ink, additional tests performed on CGB (L-canavanine glycine bromothymol blue), urea broth, and carbohydrate assimilation tests (auxanogram).ResultsOf the 84 samples collected from book dust, 18 (21.4%) were positive for Cryptococcus spp totalizing 41 UFC’s. The most frequently isolated species was C. gattii 15 (36.6%); followed by C. terreus, 12 (29.3%); C. luteolus 4 (9.8%); C. neoformans, and C. uniguttulatus 3 (7.3%), and C. albidus and C. humiculus with 2 (4.6%) of the isolates.ConclusionThe high biodiversity of the yeasts of the Cryptococcus genus, isolated from different environmental sources in urban areas of Brazil suggests the possibility of individuals whose immune systems have been compromised or even healthy individuals coming into sources of fungal propagules on a daily bases throughout their lives. This study demonstrates the acquisition possible of cryptococcosis infection from dust in libraries.

Bacterial and fungal contamination in the library setting: a growing concern?

“…General concerns regarding health from exposures to the pathogenic and toxic properties of fungi were addressed by Lugauskas and Kriktaponis (2004), Maggi et al (2000), Pinheiro et al (2011), andShamsian et al (2006). Long-term fungi and fungal spore exposures can lead to a variety of health problems, including upper respiratory illness (asthma, rhinitic symptoms, broncho-pulmonary conditions, or allergies), skin infections, severe cryptococcal meningitis, and even death in those with chronic lung disease (Dalal, et al 2011;Gambale et al 1993;Karbowska-Berent et al 2011;Leite et al 2012a;Leite et al 2012b;Reis-Menezes, et al 2011;Zielinska-Jankiewicz et al 2008). Only one study interviewed library workers, and the results indicated that a significant proportion (49%) reported asthmatic or rhinitic symptoms and 18 tested positive to fungirelated allergies where the presence of those fungi in the library was laboratory confirmed (Gambale et al 1993).…”

“…Optimal environmental parameters were suggested at 18Á228C and humidity below 55% (Dalal et al 2011;Shamsian et al 2006). Additionally, public and occupational health hazards could be mitigated through surveillance programs (Leite et al 2012a;Zielinska-Jankiewicz et al 2008). …”

“…Proper monitoring of library conditions is also recommended to protect the health of patrons and, particularly, library staff (Leite et al 2012a), and this may include regular visual inspection (Maggi et al 2000) and air-quality testing (Leite et al 2012a). Promising new sensor technologies, such as the ''electronic nose, '' are currently being investigated and can potentially improve detection methods (Pinzari et al 2004).…”

“…It is important to further research and employ existing methods that can decontaminate not only book covers, but also individual pages (Lugauskas and Kriktaponis 2004). A significant concern identified by Leite et al (2012a) is the lack of standardized methodology that currently exists in the maintenance of library facilities and materials. It is recommended that a concise report or pamphlet, providing education regarding appropriate measures, be produced and distributed to all library staff.…”

“…Pathogen type Findings and recommendations Leite et al (2012a) Occupational health is at risk and needs to be addressed…”