Mold diversity in selected underpasses in Manila

Abstract

Molds are commonly present in outdoor environments and exposure to them may lead to the development of hypersensitivity reactions and a variety of ailments such as allergies, alveolitis, and asthma. This study aims to assess the occurrence and diversity of molds in the Lagusnilad Underpass and the Quiapo Underpass. Capture plate method was performed using acidified Sabouraud Dextrose Agar to collect airborne molds. The isolated molds were identified using their cultural and morphological characteristics as basis. A total of 60 molds belonging to ten genera were isolated from the two underpasses. Six genera were shared by the two underpasses and four genera were unique to a particular underpass. Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., and Trichoderma sp. were isolated in both underpasses. Chrysosporium sp., Fonsecaea sp., and Trichophyton sp. were only isolated in the Lagusnilad Underpass, while Microsporum sp. was solely isolated in the Quiapo Underpass. The two selected underpasses had a 55.54% similarity in community composition. The Lagusnilad Underpass had a higher diversity as compared to the Quiapo Underpass (H = 2.034, D = 0.858). The two underpasses had relatively similar levels of diversity and the difference in the diversities of the underpasses was minimal (p = 0.317). The results observed were consistent with existing mold diversity studies in public areas. The commonality and discrepancy in isolated mold genera may be explained by the environments of the two underpasses. Future researchers may look into what particular factors may affect the distribution and diversity of molds in outdoor spaces and conduct a quantitative study to determine the mold spore load and fungal air density concentration in a specific environment.