Investigations upon the incidence of atmospheric fungi in the town of Craiova.

The present investigation was suggested by the fact that bronchial asthma (of all types) presents in Craiova and the district of Dolj a relatively increased incidence which may be correlated with certain findings concerning the incidence of atmospheric fungi in the houses and working places of asthmatic subjects. Petri dishes with Czapek medium were exposed monthly in the open air, in 17 houses of asthmatic subjects and in a large bakery unit. The prevalence of various types of fungi was observed on the culture media and a correlation could be made with the seasons. In the houses of asthmatics Penicillium was found to predominate and in certain months of the year Aspergillus as well, which may have a certain etiopathogenic role in bronchial asthma. In certain months Cladosporium and Alternaria also appeared. In the open air the number of colonies was smaller but the incidence was identical. In the bakery unit Penicillium was predominant in 3 out of 5 months, Aspergillus prevailling in all the other months of the year. Cladosporium and Alternaria were also rather frequent. Other fungi sometimes found in relatively large proportions (Mucor, Rhizopus, Verticillium) were not in themselves etiopathogenically involved in bronchial asthma.