Assessment of Portuguese fitness centers: Bridging the knowledge gap on harmful microbial contamination with focus on fungi

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Viegas, C (Author) Other; Peixoto, C (Author) Other; Gomes, B (Author) Other; Dias, M (Author) Other; Cervantes, R (Author) Other; Pena, P (Author) Other; Klara Slezakova (Author) FEUP; Pereira, MD (Author) Other; Morais, S (Author) Other; Carolino, E (Author) Other; Twaruzek, M (Author) Other; Viegas, S (Author) Other; Caetano, LA (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Environmental Pollution

Vol. 350

ISSN: 0269-7491

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Natural sciences > Environmental science ; Health sciences

Associated Projects

ALiCE - ALiCE - Laboratório Associado em Engenharia Química

BioFirEx - Um painel de (bio)marcadores para a vigilância da saúde e da segurança do bombeiro

LEPABE - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 da Unidade de I&D LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-D43

DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123976

Abstract (EN): The lack of knowledge regarding the extent of microbial contamination in Portuguese fitness centers (FC) puts attendees and athletes at risk for bioaerosol exposure. This study intends to characterize microbial contamination in Portuguese FC by passive sampling methods: electrostatic dust collectors (EDC) (N = 39), settled dust (N = 8), vacuum filters (N = 8), and used cleaning mops (N = 12). The obtained extracts were plated in selective culture media for fungi and bacteria. Filters, EDC, and mop samples' extracts were also screened for antifungal resistance and used for the molecular detection of the selected Aspergillus sections. The detection of mycotoxins was conducted using a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) system and to determine the cytotoxicity of microbial contaminants recovered by passive sampling, HepG2 (human liver carcinoma) and A549 (human alveolar epithelial) cells were employed. The results reinforce the use of passive sampling methods to identify the most critical areas and identify environmental factors that influence microbial contamination, namely having a swimming pool. The cardio fitness area presented the highest median value of total bacteria (TSA: 9.69 x 10(2) CFU m(-2).day(-1)) and Gram-negative bacteria (VRBA: 1.23 CFU m(-2).day(-1)), while for fungi it was the open space area, with 1.86 x 10(1) CFU m(-2).day(-1). Aspergillus sp. was present in EDC and in filters used to collect settled dust. Reduced azole susceptibility was observed in filters and EDC (on ICZ and VCZ), and in mops (on ICZ). Fumonisin B2 was the only mycotoxin detected and it was present in all sampling matrixes except settled dust. High and moderate cytotoxicity was obtained, suggesting that A549 cells were more sensitive to samples' contaminants. The observed widespread of critical toxigenic fungal species with clinical relevance, such as Aspergillus section Fumigati, as well as Fumonisin B2 emphasizes the importance of frequent and effective cleaning procedures while using shared mops appeared as a vehicle of cross-contamination.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12