Browsing by Author "Quintal Gomes, Anita"
Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Analysis of Aspergillus spp. burden by culture and molecular based methods in different occupational environments: what needs to be done?Publication . Quintal Gomes, Anita; Faria, Tiago; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Sabino, Raquel; Viegas, CarlaFungal burden have traditionally being detected by conventional culture analysis, which despite its limitations, is widely used by the scientific community. Alternatively, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), based on the amplification of genomic regions specific to certain fungal species, has been associated with increased sensivity, allowing the detection of dormant forms of fungi, such as spores. We present several studies where both methods were used to detect the presence of toxigenic fungi, namely Aspergillus, particularly from the Fumigati, Flavi and Circumdati sections
- Feed production, swine and slaughterhouse: where is the highest occupational exposure to Aspergillus spp. in this production linePublication . Viegas, Carla; Faria, Tiago; Sabino, Raquel; Quintal Gomes, AnitaThis study intended to characterize fungal contamination in two swine farms, in one feed production unit, and also in one swine slaughterhouse. We aimed to identify where the highest occupational exposure to Aspergillus spp. was detected during the production line. Air and surfaces samples were collected from the four units through impaction and swabbing methods, respectively. Quantitative and qualitative results were obtained, with the identification of the isolated fungal species. For molecular analysis, 300L of air were also collected from each same sampling site using the impinger method. Real Time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was done to perform the molecular detection of the Aspergillus sections Circumdati, Fumigati and Flavi (only the toxigenic strains). Results: Eleven species of filamentous fungi were identified in air samples from the feed production unit, with a total of 1666 isolates. None Aspergillus species were isolated. Seven filamentous fungi species were found in the slaughterhouse, with a total of 810 isolates and only 10 isolates belonging to the Aspergillus fumigatus group (section Fumigati) were isolated. Twelve fungal species were found in the air from one of the analyzed swine farms in a total of 3080 isolates. Aspergillus genus showed low prevalence (6.5%), being the sections Candidi, Circumdati and Terrei the only ones isolated. Regarding the other assessed swine farm, 15 fungal species were identified, in a total of 5080 isolates. Aspergillus genus presented the highest prevalence (15.7%). Among this genus, Eurotium herbariorum (section Restricti) was the most prevalent (45.0%). Fumigati and Circumdati sections were also isolated. Regarding the results obtained by molecular methods, A. fumigatus section was detected in 10 sampling sites where this species-complex was not isolated by conventional methods: 2 in feed production, 4 in slaughterhouse and 2 in each swine farm assessed. Cultural methods showed that swine farms were the settings with the highest fungal load, presenting also the highest number of isolates belonging to Aspergillus spp., and a more diversified number of sections. The applied molecular tools enabled to target selected fungal indicators of higher occupational risk, allowing a more accurate characterization on occupational exposure to Aspergillus.
- Fungal burden exposure assessment in podiatry clinics from IrelandPublication . Viegas, Carla; Coggins, Ann Marie; Faria, Tiago; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Quintal Gomes, Anita; Sabino, Raquel; Veríssimo, Cristina; Roberts, Nigel; Watterson, David; MacGilchrist, Claire; Fleming, Gerard T.AFungi are amongst the bioaerosols of most importance, as indicated by the growing interest in this field of research. The aim was to characterize the exposure to fungal burden in podiatry clinics using culture-based and molecular methods. Methods: Airborne fungi were collected using an impaction air sampler and surface samples were also performed. Fourteen air samples were collected for direct detection of fungal DNA from filamentous fungi and dermatophytes. Overall, 63.6 % of the evening samples and 46 % of the morning samples surpassed the threshold values (150 CFU/ m3). Molecular detection, by real time PCR, of the target fungal species/ strains (Aspergillus and Stachybotrys species) was negative for all samples collected. Trichophyton rubrum was detected by PCR analysis in one DNA sample collected on day six. Results suggest the use of both culture-based and molecular methodologies are desirable for a complete evaluation of fungal burden in this particular health care setting.
- Occupational exposure to Aspergillus spp. In poultry and swine feed productionPublication . Viegas, Carla; Sabino, R.F.P.; Quintal Gomes, AnitaWorkers from feed production often develop allergic respiratorysymptoms and fungi, are likely to be a significant contributing factorto these symptoms. This study intended to characterize fungal con-tamination in two feed production units, one for poultry and otherfor swine consumption. We aimed at identifying which unit pre-sented the highest risk of occupational exposure to Aspergillus spp.
- Prevalence of Aspergillus section Fumigati in portuguese slaughterhouses: a fungal and mycotoxin concernPublication . Viegas, Carla; Faria, Tiago; Sabino, Raquel; Quintal Gomes, Anita; Viegas, SusanaWithin the Aspergillus genus, Aspergillus fumigatus species is one of the most ubiquitous saprophytic fungi and is considered the section of species with higher clinical relevance. This section is the most common cause of invasive aspergillosis and a major source of infection-related mortality in immunocompromised patients. One of the most abundant metabolites produced by this fungus is the metabolite gliotoxin, which exhibits a diverse array of biologic effects on the immune system. The aim of the present work was to determine the prevalence of Aspergillus section Fumigati by cultural and molecular methods in poultry; swine/bovine; and large animal (bovine and horses) slaughterhouses. Air samples were collected through an impaction method, while surface samples were collected by the swabbing method and subject to further macro and microscopic observations. In addition, we collected air samples using the impinger method in order to perform real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) amplification of genes from A. fumigatus complex. Aspergillus section Fumigati was present only in Stacker, Bleeding and Evisceration air collected from the Poultry Slaughterhouse (10 – 30 CFU.m3), and in air from the Gut Room collected in the Bovine Slaughterhouse (10 CFU.m3). Molecular tools amplified successfully DNA from the A. fumigatus complex in six sampling sites where the presence of this fungal species was not identified by conventional methods. Besides suggesting A. fumigatus complex as an indicator of harmful fungal contamination in this occupational setting, this study also indicates that conventional and molecular tools should be used as a combined strategy to ensure a proper characterization of fungal occupational exposure. Moreover, in the considered slaughterhouses, fungal contamination results pinpoint to co-exposure to other mycotoxins. In fact, occupational exposure to aflatoxin B1 has already been detected in Poultry Slaughterhouse. Therefore, there is a need for considering possible interactions between mycotoxins and fungi and this should be taken into account in the risk assessment process.
- Slaughterhouses Fungal Burden Assessment: A Contribution for the Pursuit of a Better Assessment StrategyPublication . Viegas, Carla; Faria, Tiago; dos Santos, Mateus; Carolino, Elisabete; Sabino, Raquel; Quintal Gomes, Anita; Viegas, SusanaIn slaughterhouses, the biological risk is present not only from the direct or indirect contact with animal matter, but also from the exposure to bioaerosols. Fungal contamination was already reported from the floors and walls of slaughterhouses. This study intends to assess fungal contamination by cultural and molecular methods in poultry, swine/bovine and large animal slaughterhouses. Air samples were collected through an impaction method, while surface samples were collected by the swabbing method and subjected to further macro- and micro-scopic observations. In addition, we collected air samples using the impinger method in order to perform real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) amplification of genes from specific fungal species, namely A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. ochraceus complexes. Poultry and swine/bovine slaughterhouses presented each two sampling sites that surpass the guideline of 150 CFU/m3. Scopulariopsis candida was the most frequently isolated (59.5%) in poultry slaughterhouse air; Cladosporium sp. (45.7%) in the swine/bovine slaughterhouse; and Penicillium sp. (80.8%) in the large animal slaughterhouse. Molecular tools successfully amplified DNA from the A. fumigatus complex in six sampling sites where the presence of this fungal species was not identified by conventional methods. This study besides suggesting the indicators that are representative of harmful fungal contamination, also indicates a strategy as a protocol to ensure a proper characterization of fungal occupational exposure.