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- Sampling protocol to assess Aspergillus section Fumigati in woodworking environmentsPublication . Dias, Marta; Gomes, Bianca; Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Rodriguez, Margarida; Riesenberger, Bruna; Marques, Liliana; Ribeiro, Edna; Viegas, CarlaPortugal’s wood industry employs over 80,000 people and comprises about 16,600 enterprises in 2021. Sawmill workers are exposed to several occupational hazards, including microorganisms. Health problems have been documented by workers exposed to wood dust infected with fungi. A fungal priority pathogens list (WHO FPPL) was recently released by the WHO. It prioritizes fungal pathogens based on their perceived public health importance and unmet research and development needs. Some of the species on this list are frequently found in sawmills. Azole fungicides are commonly used by sawmills to protect wood. Aspergillus section Fumigati azole antifungal resistance has previously been observed in this environment. This study aimed to establish a sampling protocol to effectively isolate Aspergillus section Fumigati in woodworking environments.
- Budget-friendly protocol for TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation detection in Aspergillus section Fumigati isolatesPublication . Dias, Marta; Rodriguez, Margarida; Vasques, C.; Riesenberger, Bruna; Marques, Liliana; Gomes, Bianca; Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Viegas, Susana; Viegas, CarlaAspergillus section Fumigati is one of the most common sections, in the environment. It has been found in different occupational environments, such as sawmills and waste sorting. Its cryptic species show intrinsic resistance to several antifungals. Resistance in A. fumigatus is emerging due to selective pressure caused by the prolonged use of azoles. It is often associated with mutations in the Cyp51A gene. The fungal priority pathogens list (WHO), includes A. fumigatus with critical priority. Further analysis to identify potential resistance mechanisms and mutations is needed. Objective: This evaluation aims to offer a protocol for mutation detection in Aspergillus section Fumigati isolates. It will contribute to the development of guidance that can support future occupational exposure assessments.
- Fungal contamination in Lisbon’s primary schools: sampling insights and analytical approachesPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Riesenberger, Bruna; Rodriguez, Margarida; Marques, Liliana; Viegas, CarlaClimate change is posing challenges for Portugal due to intense weather changes, affecting public health and causing pathogens to adapt and spread, increasing the global risk of infectious diseases. Azole fungicides are less effective against resistant fungi, raising concerns for children. Warm and humid conditions promote the growth of pathogenic fungi and the production of mycotoxins, impacting health by causing gastrointestinal problems, organ damage, and chronic diseases Even after fungi removal, mycotoxins continue to pose risks. Objectives: identifying fungal species present in indoor environments; assessing the spatial distribution and concentration levels within classrooms and other areas; investigating factors influencing fungal proliferation, such as building characteristics and seasonal variations; evaluating the effectiveness of existing cleaning protocols and providing insights into proactive management strategies to protect students and staff members' health and well being.
- Preliminary results concerning school staff personal exposure to microbial load: worry to be considered?Publication . Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Dias, Marta; Gomes, Bianca; Riesenberger, Bruna; Marques, Liliana; Rodriguez, Margarida; Viegas, CarlaWhy is it important to assess indoor air quality in schools? Is Portugal addressing educators’ health risks? Do the current guidelines cover school workers too? This study aims to provide a first insight into the personal exposure of teachers and school staff to bacteria and fungi in primary schools in Portugal.
- First insights of Portuguese primary schools’ fungal assessment: is indoor air quality legal framework suitable for this indoor setting?Publication . Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Riesenberger, Bruna; Marques, Liliana; Sousa, Margarida; Viegas, CarlaThe assessment of microbial indoor air quality in schools is vital for promoting student health. Portugal's regulations focus on commercial buildings (Ordinance nº 138-G/2021), neglecting standards for schools. Evidence suggests indoor/outdoor fungal ratio inadequacies in high-risk areas like schools. Objective: To assess fungal threshold adequacy set by the Portuguese ordinance in different sites of schools located in the Lisbon area.
- A multi-approach sampling strategy to assess exposure to microbiologic agents in poultriesPublication . Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Rodriguez, Margarida; Marques, Liliana; Riesenberger, Bruna; Viegas, CarlaA reasonable number of studies focusing on microbiological contamination associated with the poultry industry evidence various health concerns. In occupational studies focusing on microbiological contamination in poultry farms, air sampling is typically the only sampling method used. To better understand the relationship between factors influencing microbial contamination and adverse health effects, data regarding the amount, composition, and risk category of the common microorganisms are needed. This study intends to apply a multi-approach sampling protocol and corroborate the importance of its application for a wider microbial characterization.
- Internship in environmental microbiology: from the field to the laboratoryPublication . Riesenberger, Bruna Martins; Viegas, CarlaABSTRACT: The second year of the master’s in clinical-laboratory Technologies includes the curricular unit Project/Thesis/Internship, in which you can choose the type of internship, present a report on the activities carried out at the end. The internship was professional and took place between 11 September 2023 and 20 June 2024 in the Environmental and Occupational Microbiology laboratory at the Health & Technology Research Centre. During this time, 3 PhD projects were carried out to assess occupational/environmental exposure to microbiological agents, namely fungi and bacteria, in different environments. Environmental sampling campaigns were carried out as well as the laboratory activities involved in preparing and analysing the samples obtained. Sample processing consisted of applying classical microbiology techniques and using molecular biology methods as a complement. The internship allowed me to consolidate the knowledge acquired during the first year of the course and acquire other knowledge, and new practical skills related to the area of environmental microbiology and to produce scientific work (articles, abstracts for conferences, and scientific posters) and to reflect on other possible study projects.