Repository logo
 
No Thumbnail Available
Publication

Aspergillus prevalence in air conditioning filters from vehicles: taxis for patient transportation, forklifts, and personal vehicles

Use this identifier to reference this record.

Advisor(s)

Abstract(s)

The frequency and importance of Aspergillus infections is increasing worldwide. This study aimed to assess the occupational exposure of forklifts and taxi drivers to Aspergillus spp. Nineteen filters from air conditioning system of taxis, 17 from forklifts and 37 from personal vehicles were assessed. Filters extract were streaked onto MEA, DG18 and in azole-supplemented media. Real-time quantitative PCR amplification of selected Aspergillus species-complex was also performed. Forklifts filter samples presented higher median values. Aspergillus section Nigri was the most observed in forklifts filters in MEA (28.2%) and in azole-supplemented media. DNA from Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Versicolores was successfully amplified by qPCR. This study enlightens the added value of using filters from the air conditioning system to assess Aspergillus spp. occupational exposure. Aspergillus azole resistance screening should be included in future occupational exposure assessments.

Description

Keywords

Occupational health Occupational exposure Taxi Air conditioning filter Aspergillus azole resistance screening Aspergillus spp. Forklifts

Citation

Viegas C, Moreira R, Faria T, Caetano LA, Carolino E, Gomes AQ, Viegas S. Aspergillus prevalence in air conditioning filters from vehicles: taxis for patient transportation, forklifts, and personal vehicles. Arch Environ Occup Health. 2018 July 10. [Epub ahead of print]

Research Projects

Organizational Units

Journal Issue

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Collections

Altmetrics