Influence of meteorological factors on the occurrence of airborne fungal spores in Nsukka zone, Enugu State, Nigeria

Airborne fungal spore concentrations vary considerably over time and location and that was the case in this investigation. Studies on airborne fungal spores and associated allergies in Nigeria are few, and are limited to some urban areas and cities. The main aims of the study were to identified as far as possible and to correlate the fungal spore concentrations with meteorological factors in Nsukka zone, Enugu State, Nigeria during March, 2005 and February, 2006. The study was conducted with the gravitational samplers of Tauber's trap at six locations. Analysis of variance showed that there were very highly significant differences in the mean quantity of fungal spores recorded monthly and between the study locations. Some correlations were found between the spore types and meteorological factors such as temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, light intensity and wind speed. A total of 84 four fungal spore types were identified at generic levels. This by no means represents the total number of fungi recorded because the unidentified ones were grouped under “fungal spores”. The most predominant fungal spore types identified were Nigrospora, Ustilago, Pithomyces, Curvularia, Endophragmiella, Corynespora and Botryodiplodia. The spore types were distinguished into dry and wet airspora. The members of the Deuteromycetes constituted over 60 % of the fungal spore types identified. Some of the fungal spores identified have notable impact on humans.

Key words: Fungal spores, correlation, meteorological factors, airspora