LAUSR

The biotic (bacteria, fungi, pollen grains, algae) and abiotic (dust mites) factors present in the atmosphere are responsible for the common allergic reactions in humans. Fungi are one of the major biotic factors resulting in allergic conditions and sometimes lead to fatal diseases affecting vital organs. A detailed survey was carried out for 2 years (from May 2014 to April 2016) to assess the seasonal distribution and comparative diversity of aeromycoflora present in the urban and rural areas of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh (India). During the survey, a marked variation in the types of fungal isolates and their colonies were observed in the samples collected at study sites. The maximum number of fungal colonies was obtained in the month of October and November during the first and second year, respectively. Among the isolates, Aspergillus and Curvularia sp. were found with the highest percent frequency and percent contribution. The predominant fungal species observed during the survey were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp. and Alternaria alternata which are known to cause different types of diseases including allergy in human beings, suggesting the possibility of occurrence of fungal allergy in the human population of Bilaspur.