title: Fungal aerosol in the process of poultry breeding--quantitative and qualitative analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess fungal air contamination in the processes associated with poultry breeding depending on the season. The evaluation was based on the determined concentrations of fungi and qualitative identification of isolated microorganisms.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study covered 2 hatcheries and 3 hen buildings. The air was sampled in spring, summer and autumn directly onto a filter using air aspirator. For the quantitative analysis of fungi, the medium MEA with chloramphenicol and streptomycin was used. The qualitative identification of fungi was carried out based on macro- and microscopic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The concentrations of total airborne mesophilic fungi in breeding facilities ranged from 1.22 x 10(3) to 5.87 x 10(5) cfu/m3 with the arithmetic mean value 1.60 x 10(5) cfu/m5. In 45% of the taken samples, these levels exceeded the reference value recommended in Poland for occupational environment exposure. The fungi concentration in the air of poultry houses was significantly modified by season (p = 0.04). A higher concentration of fungi occurred in autumn (p = 0.05). The dominant fungal microflora in the air was composed of molds (88%), with the most prevalent genus Acremonium. Yeasts constituted another 10% of bioaerosol and were mainly represented by genus Candida. The fungal aerosol contained two species qualified to the 2 group of risk--Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida tropicalis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Facilities of poultry farms are contaminated with high concentrations of fungal aerosols, especially in a colder season, often exceeding the recommended limits. Among the fungi, there are also present pathogenic microorganisms that may pose a risk to farm workers' health.
authors: Department of Environmental Health Hazards, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź. msowiak@imp.lodz.pl
authors: Małgorzata
authors: M
authors: Sowiak
authors: Karolina
authors: K
authors: Bródka
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Kozajda
authors: Alina
authors: A
authors: Buczyńska
authors: Irena
authors: I
authors: Szadkowska-Stańczyk
mesh_terms: D000391:Air Microbiology; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D011044:Poland; D011200:Poultry; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D017132:Workplace
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational