Indoor Airborne Fungal community in an Experimental Animal Hall and their Risks and Control Using Essential Oil Vapors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24086/cuesj.v9n2y2025.pp111-116Keywords:
Airborne fungi, animal house, oil vapor, health impact, AspergillusAbstract
Airborne fungi are a major concern in indoor environments, particularly in experimental animal housing facilities, where they pose significant health risks to both animals and humans. This study investigates the diversity, concentration, and health implications of airborne fungal species present in an experimental animal house at Cihan University-Erbil. Air samples were collected from both indoor and outdoor environments to assess fungal contamination levels. The results revealed that indoor air had a significantly higher fungal concentration (401 CFU/m³) compared to outdoor air (202 CFU/m³), with dominant species including Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria sp., and White Yeast. The study also evaluated the antifungal efficacy of Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus oil vapor, which demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, suggesting its potential as a natural antifungal agent. The findings highlight the importance of proper ventilation and fungal control measures in animal housing environments to mitigate health risks. Future research should explore the long-term effectiveness of natural antifungal agents and optimize air quality management strategies.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Salah M. Al-Bader, Mohammed M. Hussein , Fahmi S. Moqbel
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