Exposure to airborne fungi has been linked with infections and the exacerbation of existing chronic conditions. Specific factors, such as seasonal variations and weather, can significantly influence fungal concentration. The environmental conditions in Las Vegas, Nevada play, a role in the distribution and concentration of airborne fungal spores. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of the estimated total fungal DNA concentration of airborne fungi in Las Vegas using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) across different seasons, weather patterns, and meteorologic factors. Environmental air samples collected for one year from 13 sites across Las Vegas were analyzed with a universal fungal PCR assay. Standards of known concentration were used to determine DNA copies in the samples. The estimated total fungal DNA concentration ranged from 346 to 4967 copies/m3. The mean estimated total fungal DNA concentration was 2276 copies/m3. There was a significant difference in the mean estimated total fungal DNA concentration between seasons (p = 0.026). There were no significant correlations between estimated total fungal DNA concentration and meteorologic factors. This study utilized a molecular detection method to measure outdoor fungal DNA concentrations. The methodology developed in this study can enhance indoor and outdoor air quality surveillance for public health assessment by providing rapid and quantitative results.
Roehr et al. (Sat,) studied this question.