Comparison of Atmospheric Fungal Spore Concentrations Between Two Main Cities in the Caribbean Basin

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Fungal spores are ubiquitous in the atmosphere worldwide, but their distribution is not homogeneous at different locations. Most studies have compared airborne fungal spores ecology in temperate zones, but less is known about the tropics.

METHODS: This study compared, through statistical analysis of archived datasets, the predominant fungal groups, patterns and meteorological variables affecting airborne fungal spore concentrations between two major cities in the Caribbean (Havana and San Juan) during the year 2015.

RESULTS: In Havana, the predominant fungal group was Cladosporium while in San Juan were basidiospores. Our data provide evidence of differences and similarities in the monthly distribution of airborne spores in Havana and San Juan, but Cladosporium, ascospores y basidiospores had comparable hourly patterns in both cities and were affected by the same meteorological variables.

CONCLUSION: Our study provides additional evidence to help design allergy interventions.

Publication

Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal (PRHSJ)

Volume

39

Issue

3

Pages

235-242

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Peer Reviewed

1

Comments

Publisher Copyright: © 2020, University of Puerto Rico. All rights reserved.

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