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Indoor fungal contamination of moisture‐damaged and allergic patient housing analysed using real‐time PCR
Author(s) -
Bellanger A.P.,
Reboux G.,
Roussel S.,
Grenouillet F.,
DidierScherer E.,
Dalphin J.C.,
Millon L.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2009.02653.x
Subject(s) - library science , unit (ring theory) , humanities , art , computer science , psychology , mathematics education
Aims: The aim of our study was to compare, using real‐time (Rt) PCR, quantitative levels of five fungal species in three kinds of dwellings. Methods and Results: Three groups of homes were recruited: moisture‐damaged homes (MDH, n = 30), allergic patient homes (APH, n = 25) and paired control homes (CH, n = 55). Five moulds with allergenic compounds or mycotoxin production characteristics ( Cladosporium sphaerospermum , Penicillium chrysogenum , Aspergillus versicolor , Alternaria alternata and Stachybotrys chartarum ) were quantified using Rt‐PCR. Cycle threshold results were expressed in spore equivalent per volume or surface unit using a direct calculation based on a spore standard curve. MDH presented significantly higher amounts of DNA from C. sphaerospermum in both air and surface samples than CH ( P < 0·001). APH presented slightly elevated amounts of DNA from A. versicolor in both air and surface samples, compared to CH ( P < 0·05). Conclusion: Rt‐PCR quantification of targeted fungal species is a rapid, reliable tool that could be included in a global indoor mould evaluation. Significance and Impact of the Study: Quantification of C. sphaerospermum using Rt‐PCR can help to better target social service intervention in MDH. Quantification of A. versicolor DNA could be informative for characterization of APH.