FUNGAL DIVERSITY IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF HAVANA (CUBA) DURING THREE PERIODS LOW RAINFALL

The climate of Havana favors a high representation of fungi in the air during the year, mainly in the day-time. In the periods of low rainfall (November to April), the greatest climatic variations are evident, which can affect the appearance of allergic and respiratory diseases. The objective of this work was to characterize the atmospheric diurnal mycobiota of Havana during three consecutive dry periods. Forty-eight viable volumetric samples were obtained using a slit biocolector (chirana aeroscope) during three periods of low rainfall (November/2012-April/2013, November/2013-April/2014 and November/2014-April/2015). The collected fungi were isolated and identified. Simultaneously, visual identification of spores was conducted on the preparations from a Hirst type sampler (Lanzoni VPPS 2000), on the same day and time as the viable samplings. Subsequently, the concentration, relative density and relative frequency of fungal propagules identified by both methods were calculated. The three evaluated periods were quantitatively and qualitatively similar. Thirtyt two genera were identified, three genera only by viable methodology, 17 by non-viable and 11 by both methodologies. Spores of the order Uredinales and of the family Xylariaceae were also identified by the non-viable method. The genera Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Curvularia highlighted by their abundance and relative frequency. The mycobiota detected in both periods was similar in diversity and concentration of genera. Mean temperature and mean relative humidity were correlated with atmospheric concentrations of fungal propagules. The data provided are useful for the prevention of allergies and respiratory diseases, with a high incidence in the Cuban population during winter and dry periods.