Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor, Medical Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Medical Library and Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Medical Student, Medicine, Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

5 Lecturer, Medical Library and Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

6 Epidemiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Fungi are biological threatening which exist in all the environments. Libraries and
archive centers are a suitable environment for the growth of fungi. The aim of this study was to
identify fungal life-threatening factors for librarians and users in libraries of Isfahan University of
Medical Sciences in 2011.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study. The study population
included libraries of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2011. 126 samples were chosen in
seven libraries at three different day times (morning, noon and evening), from the atmosphere,
books and surfaces (desks, computers, book shelves etc.). Culture media (Sc) containing samples
were placed at 25-30° C. After the growth of fungi, they were identified by macroscopic and
microscopic criteria.
Results: A total of 2140 colonies belonging to 26 fungal genera were isolated from the seven
libraries. The highest amounts of colonies (555) were isolated from the library of School of
Dentistry and the lowest amounts (70) were isolated from the library of School of Management
and Information Sciences. Cladosporium, Penicillium, Yeasts, Aspergillus Niger and Aspergillus
had the highest prevalence and Aureobasidium Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis, Botrytis, Neurospora
and Curvularia had the lowest prevalence. There was no significant correlation between the
sampling times and fungal contamination.
Conclusion: Cladosporium Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Aspergillus Niger, which had the
highest prevalence rate, are the opportunistic pathogens that may cause infection for those prone
to them.

Keywords

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