Hemolytic potential of bioaerosol-derived Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces isolates

Abstract

Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces species are frequently cited as contaminants of various substrata and are often associated with indoor environments. The main purpose of this study was to assess the potential pathogenicity of aerosol-derived fungi from Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces genera, isolated in the rooms for con­servation of cultural heritage artefacts, via estimating hemolytic activity. Hemolysis was detected in 20.58% of tested isolates at 37°C (11.76% partial and 8.82% complete) and 64.71% at 25°C (38.24% partial and 26.47% complete). The majority of isolates that caused α hemolysis led to the significant oxidation of hemoglobin iron with methemoglobin content in blood agar medium, higher than 80%. Aspergillus melleus was the only tested fungi that caused formation of ferry hemoglobin after the incubation at 25°C. Obtained I values (index of activity for hemolytic exoenzymes) for α hemolysis were in range of from 0.13 to 0.60 for 37°C, while for the temperature of 25°C values were in range of from 0.08 to 0.50. The same values for β hemolysis were in range of from 0.03 to 0.08 (37°C), i.e. 0.06 to 0.49 (25°C). Monitoring of pathogenic airborne fungi in indoor environments and estimation of their virulence is essential for the adequate assessment of human health risks.