Molecular characterization, gene expression profile and histopathology of fungal spore causing allergies in southwestern Nigeria

Author:

Odebode A 1; Adekunle A 1; Adeonipekun A 1; Farombi E 2

Author address:

1 University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria; 2 University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Full conference title:

European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress 2017

Date: 20 August 2020

Abstract:

Introduction: Airborne fungal spores and pollen grains are ubiquitous both indoors and outdoors due to their sizes, predominance and aerodynamic properties which enhance their distribution. Fungal spores are associated with dysfunction of multiple system and organs such as respiratory, nervous, immune, haematological and skin.

Objectives: The aim of this research work is therefore to determine the seasonal variation of airborne fungal spores in two states in Nigeria. The Specific objectives are to: collect, isolate and identify (culturally and molecularly) aero-spores from different locations in Lagos and Ibadan monthly for a period of eighteen months. To compare the effects of fungal spores on inoculated mice at different concentrations.

Results: A total of 44 spore types were identified. Genotypic identifications were accomplished through sequencing of amplified ITS1 and 4 of rDNA genes. The fungal strains identified belong to Ascomycetes, Deuteromycetes and Basidiomycetes. The results revealed lowest count during dry and maximum during the rainy season. Aspergillus was quite abundant in all the environments surveyed. The predominance of Aspergillus, Curvularia, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium in all the surveyed environments has been attributed to their ability to grow in various substrata. The mean relative gene expression values ranged from 18.95-31.28 for Actin, 17.38-26.77 for b tubulin and 19.74-30.63 for P. oxalicum and 30.22-37.56 for P. citrinum. All genes were significantly correlated to the Bestkeeper index (P < .001). Fungal spore inoculation was done intranasally on balb/b albino mice. Histopathology result for Aspergillus flavus, A. penicilloides, Penicillium chrysogenum and P. citrinum inoculated organisms on mice lung appear to be similar although with varying degrees of severity. All of them had intra-lesional unstained fungal hyphae. Pathologies include thickening of alveolar sepatae, which causes impairment in vascular exchange and/or respiratory movements. Hyperplasia of the bronchiolar epithelium was also observed. The hyperplasia is a response to the irritation caused by the fungal hyphae as well as an attempt to replace necrotic epithelial cells of the bronchioles.

Conclusions: Data on the abundance/prevalence of fungi species in the atmosphere of sub-Saharan Africa is limited which necessitated this study for forecasting the prevalence of allergenic fungi in the environment at various seasons.

Abstract Number: 0619

Link to conference website:

Link Conference abstract: 

EAACI 2017

Conference abstracts, posters & presentations

Showing 10 posts of 17325 posts found.

  • Title

    Author

    Year

    Number

    Poster