The study of the effects of airborne fungal spores in allergic and pathogenic infections in Akoko environment, Ondo State, Nigeria

Fungal spores and hyphal fragments have been associated with out-door allergens and constitute human, animal and plant pathogens with long history of epidemiology. Airborne fungal spores of Akoko environment during the months of October 2016 to September 2017 were trapped and analyzed palynologicaly to determine the genera with allergic and pathogenic implications. Very high concentrations of these aerospora were documented. Out of 35 fungal spore type identified, the most commonly documented genera were species of Nigrospora, Endophragmiella, Ustilago, Botryodiplodia, Curvularia, Pithomyces, Corynespora and Venturia among others. The availability of these airborne fungal spore types is not only a reflection of their degree of abundance in the atmosphere, but an indication of the availability of host plants and other spore sources in the region. Statistical analysis shows that there was significant difference in the mean monthly fungal spore recorded. Multiple comparisons (using DMRT) showed that the mean fungal spores recorded in the month of October was significantly different (P<0.05) from that recorded in the month of July but not significantly different from those recorded for other months. Seasonal variation showed that the highest mean monthly fungal spore abundance were more from June - July and October - December due to higher sporulation activities by the fungi. This study would provide relevant information that could be useful in monitoring the frequency and intensity of fungal allergies and other pathogenic disease conditions of plants, animals and humans in the study environment and proffer adequate measures for safety health and environment.