Study Of Aerobiology Of Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

The present study provides a survey of atmospheric pollen and fungal spores in the city of Alexandria with the aim of supplying information that may be useful in the treatment of aeroallergies. Considerable attention has been given to the correlation between pollen grain concentration in the atmosphere and concurrent values of meteorological variables. Air sampling using Burkard volumetric spore trap was undertaken daily for two years (1981, 1982). Fungal spores were counted weekly for one year (from April 1983 to April 1984) using culture plate technique. Pollen grains related to 18 families were identified and estimated. Those of Poaceae, Casuarinaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Urticaceae, Cupressaceae, and Pinaceae were recorded in high frequency. The pollen peaks of common allergenic plants (Poaceae, Casuarina, Artemisia, and Urtica) and their distribution are presented in this study. They were correlated with frequencies of Spring catarrh. Twenty one genera of moulds and actinomycete were identified, of which only Cladosporium, AIternaria, and Streptomyces were frequently recorded.