Title: The Impact of Dusty Days on Fungi Spores: Hot vs. Cold Seasons of Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract: Background: Background: Fungi spores are virtually everywhere and can be seen under any circumstances. Aerobiologic studies have shown that <i>Aspergillus</i>, <i>Cladosporium</i>, <i>Alternaria</i>, and <i>Fusarium</i> from <i>Ascomycetes</i> 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: <i>Cladosporium</i> 239, <i>Aspergillus flavus</i> 88, <i>Penicillium</i> 82 and <i>Aspergillus niger</i> 58 CFU/m<sup>3</sup>. In the autumn season, the mean of most isolated fungi spores was as follows: <i>Cladosporium</i> 1,733, <i>Penicillium</i> 82, <i>Aspergillus niger</i> 55 and <i>Ustilago</i> 32 CFU/m<sup>3</sup>. Moreover, the mean of most isolated fungi spores in normal air days was: <i>Cladosporium</i> 440, <i>Penicillium</i> 97, and <i>Aspergillus flavus</i> 68 CFU/m<sup>3</sup> and in dusty air days, they were: <i>Cladosporium</i> 2,277, <i>Aspergillus niger</i> 74, and <i>Penicillium</i> 49 CFU/m<sup>3</sup>. 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.