Mycoflora and DNA sequencing analysis of radioresistant fungi isolated from irradiated vehicular air conditioning filters collected in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Fungal bioburdens in filters from car air conditioning systems represent a potential risk of respiratory or pulmonary diseases to both passengers and drivers. The present study demonstrated high fungal contamination in air conditioning filters collected from fifty-seven vehicles from the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The filters samples were irradiated with 10, 15 and 20 kGy gamma ray doses with a cobalt-60 source. The presence of Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium glabrum and Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti remaining after the ionizing treatment with 10 and 15 kGy. The radioresistant pathogenic species was confirmed through genetic sequencing of the ITS, β-tubulin and calmodulin gene rDNA regions. The 20 kGy dose was efficient in inhibiting pathogenic fungi growth in all samples but promoted the fungal decontamination in 79% of the samples. These results and other efforts will enable ionizing radiation to become an important tool in contributing to the recycling of automotive vehicle air filters and in ensuring indoor air quality for both drivers and passengers.

Keywords: Fungal contamination, indoor air quality, vehicle air filters, ionizing radiation.