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March 4, 2026Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure0 citationsOpen Access

Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Fungal Respiratory Infections in Kashmir: A Comparative Study of Traditional and Modern Heating Systems

NINovfa IftikharGovernment Medical College IAInsha AltafUniversity of Kashmir TMTabeen MansoorGovernment Medical College

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the impact of indoor air quality on fungal respiratory infections associated with heating systems in Kashmir.
Conducted a cross-sectional study with 300 households and 1200 participants.
Monitored indoor air quality parameters including temperature, humidity, PM, and carbon dioxide.
Performed mycological sampling using Anderson Six-Stage Cascade Impactors.
Conducted clinical evaluations including pulmonary function tests and lab analyses of fungal species.
Traditional heating systems showed higher fungal contamination (856 CFU/m³ vs. 384 CFU/m³).
Adjusted odds ratio of fungal respiratory symptoms was 2.84 for traditional heating systems.
Higher-pathogenicity fungal species were found more frequently in traditional heating environments (45.8% vs. 22.3%).
PM2.5 exposure and poor ventilation were significant risk factors for respiratory symptoms.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Indoor air quality and its relationship with respiratory health are particularly significant in Kashmir, where extreme winters and traditional heating methods create unique environmental conditions. This study investigated the correlation between indoor air quality parameters and fungal respiratory infections during the winter months in Kashmir. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 through February 2024, involving 300 households and 1200 participants. Environmental assessment included monitoring of temperature, humidity, particulate matter (PM), and carbon dioxide levels. Mycological sampling was performed using Anderson Six-Stage Cascade Impactors, and clinical evaluations included respiratory health assessments, pulmonary function tests, and comprehensive laboratory analyses of fungal species. Results: Traditional heating systems were associated with significantly higher fungal contamination (856 ± 234 colony-forming unit CFU/m³ vs. 384 ± 156 CFU/m³, P < 0.001) and respiratory symptoms (adjusted odds ratio OR = 2.84, 95% confidence interval CI = 1.98–4.07, P < 0.001). Higher proportions of high-pathogenicity species were found in traditional heating environments (45.8% vs. 22.3%, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression identified traditional heating methods as a substantial risk factor for respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.98–4.07, P < 0.001), along with elevated PM2.5 exposure (OR = 3.12, 95% CI = 2.15–4.52, P < 0.001) and poor ventilation (OR = 2.98, 95% CI = 2.05–4.33, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate significant disparities in indoor air quality and fungal contamination between traditional and modern heating systems, with traditional methods associated with higher health risks. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions in traditionally heated homes and the development of evidence-based guidelines for indoor environmental management.

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