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Prof. Susana Viegas
Assistant Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health, NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

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0 biomonitoring
0 Occupational toxicology
0 Exposure and Risk Assessment
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Journal article
Published: 23 August 2021 in Atmosphere
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The higher education sector represents a unique environment and it acts as a work environment, a learning environment for students, and frequently, also a home environment. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial contamination (SARS-CoV-2, fungi, and bacteria) in Higher Education Facilities (HEI) by using active and passive sampling methods and combining culture-based methods with molecular tools targeting Aspergillus section Fumigati. In addition, the resistance to azole profile was also assessed. Surface samples showed a range of total bacterial contamination between 1 × 103 to 3.1 × 106 CFU·m−2, while Gram-negative bacteria ranged from 0 to 1.9 × 104 CFU·m−2. Fungal contamination ranged from 2 × 103 to 1.8 × 105 CFU·m−2 on MEA, and from 5 × 103 to 1.7 × 105 CFU·m−2 on DG18. The most prevalent species found on both media was Cladosporium sp. (47.36% MEA; 32.33% DG18). Aspergillus genera was observed on MEA (3.21%) and DG18 (14.66%), but not in the supplemented media used for the azole screening. Aspergillus section Fumigati was detected in 2 air samples (2.22%, 2 out of 90 samples) by qPCR. When testing for SARS-CoV-2 all results were negative. The present study showed that although cleaning and disinfection procedures are done regularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, being effective in eliminating SARS-CoV-2, surfaces were often contaminated with microorganisms other than SARS-CoV-2. This can be a result of increasing resistance to biocides, and to the wide range of environmental factors that can contribute to the dissemination of microbial contamination indoors.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Raquel Pimenta; Marta Dias; Bianca Gomes; Miguel Brito; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Elisabete Carolino; Anita Quintal Gomes. Microbiological Contamination Assessment in Higher Education Institutes. Atmosphere 2021, 12, 1079 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Raquel Pimenta, Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Miguel Brito, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Elisabete Carolino, Anita Quintal Gomes. Microbiological Contamination Assessment in Higher Education Institutes. Atmosphere. 2021; 12 (8):1079.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Raquel Pimenta; Marta Dias; Bianca Gomes; Miguel Brito; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Elisabete Carolino; Anita Quintal Gomes. 2021. "Microbiological Contamination Assessment in Higher Education Institutes." Atmosphere 12, no. 8: 1079.

Journal article
Published: 22 April 2021 in Environmental Research
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Ambulance vehicles are an essential part of emergency clinical services. Bioburden control in ambulances, through cleaning and disinfection, is crucial to minimize hospital-acquired infections, cross contamination and exposure of patients and ambulances‘ crew. In Portugal, firefighter crews are responsible, besides fire extinction, for first aid and urgent pre-hospital treatment. This study assessed the bioburden in Portuguese firefighters’ ambulances with a multi-approach protocol using active and passive sampling methods. Fungal resistance profile and mycotoxins detection in ambulances' ambient, and S. aureus (SA) prevalence and resistance profile in ambulances' ambient and colonization in workers were also investigated. Toxigenic fungi with clinical relevance, namely Aspergillus section Fumigati, were found on ambulance's air in the hazardous dimension range. Interestingly, surface contamination was higher after cleaning in several sampling sites. Prevalence of S. aureus was 3% in environmental samples, of which 2% were methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and 1% methicillin-resistant (MRSA). About 2.07 fungal species were able to grow in at least one azole, ranging from one (44% samples) to five (6% samples) species in each azole. Mycotoxins were detected in mops and electrostatic dust cloths. Colonization by S. aureus in the firefighter crew was observed with a high associated prevalence, namely 48%, with a 24% prevalence of MSSA (8/33) and 21% of MRSA (7/33). Additional studies are needed to determine the potential risk of infection transmission between different vehicle fleets and under varying conditions of use. This will strengthen the paramedic sector's mission to save lives without putting their own health and safety at risk.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Pedro Sousa; Marta Dias; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Edna Ribeiro; Elisabete Carolino; Magdalena Twarużek; Robert Kosicki; Susana Viegas. Bioburden contamination and Staphylococcus aureus colonization associated with firefighter's ambulances. Environmental Research 2021, 197, 111125 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Pedro Sousa, Marta Dias, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Edna Ribeiro, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Susana Viegas. Bioburden contamination and Staphylococcus aureus colonization associated with firefighter's ambulances. Environmental Research. 2021; 197 ():111125.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Pedro Sousa; Marta Dias; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Edna Ribeiro; Elisabete Carolino; Magdalena Twarużek; Robert Kosicki; Susana Viegas. 2021. "Bioburden contamination and Staphylococcus aureus colonization associated with firefighter's ambulances." Environmental Research 197, no. : 111125.

Journal article
Published: 31 March 2021 in Atmosphere
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This study aims to assess the airborne bioburden of rural and urban Portuguese Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) using active and passive sampling methods and identify the potential differences in airborne microbiota between both environments. The highest total aerobic mesophilic bacterial load in indoor air were found in the Vaccination Room (448 CFU.m−3) in the Rural PHCC and in the Waiting Room (420 CFU.m−3) for Urban PHCC. The total coliforms contamination level in indoor air was detected only in the Cleaning Supplies Room (4 CFU.m−3) in the Urban PHCC. The most frequent bacteria genera identified was Micrococcus (21% Rural PHCC; 31% Urban PHCC). The surface samples showed a highest total aerobic mesophilic bacterial contamination in the Treatment Room (86 × 103 CFU.m−2) from the Rural PHCC and in the Front Office (200 × 103 CFU.m−2) from the Urban PHCC. The electrostatic dust cloth (EDC) samples showed a highest bacterial load in the Urban PHCC. Total aerobic mesophilic bacterial load in settled dust and in the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) filter samples in the Urban PHCC (8 CFU.g−1 and 6 × 103 CFU.m−2) presented higher values compared with the Rural PHCC (1 CFU.g−1 and 2.5 × 103 CFU.m−2). Urban PHCC presented higher bacterial airborne contamination compared with the Rural PHCC for the majority of sampling sites, and when compared with the indoor air quality (IAQ) Portuguese legislation it was the Rural PHCC in two sampling places who did not comply with the established criteria.

ACS Style

Ana Monteiro; Beatriz Almeida; Inês Paciência; João Cavaleiro Rufo; Edna Ribeiro; Elisabete Carolino; Carla Viegas; António Uva; Sandra Verde. Bacterial Contamination in Health Care Centers: Differences between Urban and Rural Settings. Atmosphere 2021, 12, 450 .

AMA Style

Ana Monteiro, Beatriz Almeida, Inês Paciência, João Cavaleiro Rufo, Edna Ribeiro, Elisabete Carolino, Carla Viegas, António Uva, Sandra Verde. Bacterial Contamination in Health Care Centers: Differences between Urban and Rural Settings. Atmosphere. 2021; 12 (4):450.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana Monteiro; Beatriz Almeida; Inês Paciência; João Cavaleiro Rufo; Edna Ribeiro; Elisabete Carolino; Carla Viegas; António Uva; Sandra Verde. 2021. "Bacterial Contamination in Health Care Centers: Differences between Urban and Rural Settings." Atmosphere 12, no. 4: 450.

Editorial
Published: 26 March 2021 in Microorganisms
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Since the 1940s, humans have developed new drugs and consumption has increased significantly in the last 15 years.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Susana Viegas. Special Issue “Antimicrobial Resistance: From the Environment to Human Health”. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 686 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Susana Viegas. Special Issue “Antimicrobial Resistance: From the Environment to Human Health”. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (4):686.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Susana Viegas. 2021. "Special Issue “Antimicrobial Resistance: From the Environment to Human Health”." Microorganisms 9, no. 4: 686.

Journal article
Published: 13 March 2021 in Atmosphere
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Sampling campaigns indoors have shown that occupants exposed to contaminated air generally exhibit diverse health outcomes. This study intends to assess the deposition rates of total settleable dust and bioburden in the indoor air of dwellings onto quartz fiber filters and electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs), respectively. EDC extracts were inoculated onto malt extract agar (MEA) and dichloran glycerol (DG18) agar-based media used for fungal contamination characterization, while tryptic soy agar (TSA) was applied for total bacteria assessment, and violet red bile agar (VRBA) for Gram-negative bacteria. Azole-resistance screening and molecular detection by qPCR was also performed. Dust loading rates ranged from 0.111 to 3.52, averaging 0.675 μg cm−2 day−1. Bacterial counts ranged from undetectable to 16.3 colony-forming units (CFU) m−2 day−1 and to 2.95 CFU m−2 day−1 in TSA and VRBA, respectively. Fungal contamination ranged from 1.97 to 35.4 CFU m−2 day−1 in MEA, and from undetectable to 48.8 CFU m−2 day−1 in DG18. Penicillium sp. presented the highest prevalence in MEA media (36.2%) and Cladosporium sp. in DG18 (39.2%). It was possible to observe: (a) settleable dust loadings and fungal contamination higher in dwellings with pets; (b) fungal species considered indicators of harmful fungal contamination; (c) Aspergillus section Candidi identified in supplemented media with voriconazole and posaconazole; (d) specific housing typologies and (e) specific housing characteristics influencing the microbial contamination.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Estela Vicente; Carla Candeias; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Elisabete Carolino; Célia Alves. Loading Rates of Dust and Bioburden in Dwellings in an Inland City of Southern Europe. Atmosphere 2021, 12, 378 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Estela Vicente, Carla Candeias, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Elisabete Carolino, Célia Alves. Loading Rates of Dust and Bioburden in Dwellings in an Inland City of Southern Europe. Atmosphere. 2021; 12 (3):378.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Estela Vicente; Carla Candeias; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Elisabete Carolino; Célia Alves. 2021. "Loading Rates of Dust and Bioburden in Dwellings in an Inland City of Southern Europe." Atmosphere 12, no. 3: 378.

Review article
Published: 17 February 2021 in Science of The Total Environment
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The SARS-CoV-2 exposure assessment is critical to implement control measures and guarantee safety of patients and workers from different occupational environments. The aim of this review article was to identify methodologies applied for SARS-CoV-2 sampling and analyses in environmental samples in different occupational and indoor environments. This study reports the search of available data published between May 29th 2020 and November 1st 2020. The search strategy used allowed the identification of 48 papers that comply with selected inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most described indoor environment consisted of health care facilities. From all the analyzed studies, 34 sampled surfaces, 27 sampled air (impactors and impingers being the most used), and 9 sampled water. All studies were based on molecular detection by qPCR of viral RNA extracted from collected samples. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 44 out of the 48 studies. The results suggest that the sampling approach should include both active and passive sampling methods in order to overcome each method limitations. Concerning the assays used, although most studies were based on qPCR detection, the fact that the digital PCR technique allows SARS-CoV-2 detection at lower concentrations, indicates that this should be the chosen method for future detection studies.

ACS Style

Pedro Pena; Joana Morais; Anita Quintal Gomes; Carla Viegas. Sampling methods and assays applied in SARS-CoV-2 exposure assessment. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 775, 145903 -145903.

AMA Style

Pedro Pena, Joana Morais, Anita Quintal Gomes, Carla Viegas. Sampling methods and assays applied in SARS-CoV-2 exposure assessment. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 775 ():145903-145903.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pedro Pena; Joana Morais; Anita Quintal Gomes; Carla Viegas. 2021. "Sampling methods and assays applied in SARS-CoV-2 exposure assessment." Science of The Total Environment 775, no. : 145903-145903.

Journal article
Published: 05 February 2021 in Toxins
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Tea has been consumed for thousands of years. Despite the different varieties, particular emphasis has been placed on green tea (GT), considering the associated health benefits following its regular consumption, some of which are due to its polyphenol constituents, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Tea is not prone to the growth of microorganisms, except fungus, when proper storage, handling, and packing conditions are compromised. Consequently, mycotoxins, secondary metabolites of fungi, could contaminate tea samples, affecting human health. In the present study, we aimed to assess the balance between risks (due to mycotoxins and high levels of EGCG) and benefits (due to moderate intake of EGCG) associated with the consumption of GT. For this, 20 GT samples (10 in bulk and 10 in bags) available in different markets in Lisbon were analyzed through a LC–MS/MS method, evaluating 38 different mycotoxins. Six samples revealed detectable values of the considered toxins. Current levels of mycotoxins and EGCG intake were not associated with health concerns. Scenarios considering an increasing consumption of GT in Portugal showed that drinking up to seven cups of GT per day should maximize the associated health benefits. The present study contributes to the future establishment of GT consumption recommendations in Portugal.

ACS Style

Ricardo Assunção; Magdalena Twarużek; Robert Kosicki; Carla Viegas; Susana Viegas. Drinking Green Tea: Despite the Risks Due to Mycotoxins, Is It Possible to Increase the Associated Health Benefits? Toxins 2021, 13, 119 .

AMA Style

Ricardo Assunção, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Carla Viegas, Susana Viegas. Drinking Green Tea: Despite the Risks Due to Mycotoxins, Is It Possible to Increase the Associated Health Benefits? Toxins. 2021; 13 (2):119.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ricardo Assunção; Magdalena Twarużek; Robert Kosicki; Carla Viegas; Susana Viegas. 2021. "Drinking Green Tea: Despite the Risks Due to Mycotoxins, Is It Possible to Increase the Associated Health Benefits?" Toxins 13, no. 2: 119.

Review article
Published: 10 January 2021 in Environmental Research
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Aspergillus section Fumigati is one of the sections of the Aspergillus genus most often associated with respiratory symptoms. The azole-resistant clinical isolates in this section have been widely described worldwide. More recently, the environmental origin of azole resistance has been correlated with the development of fungal diseases and therapeutic failure. This paper presents a review of several studies performed in Portuguese occupational environments focusing on occupational exposure to this section and give guidance to exposure assessors and industrial hygienists to ensure an accurate exposure assessment. Future studies should tackle the limitations concerning the assessment of occupational exposure to the Fumigati section, in order to allow the implementation of adequate risk management measures. In the light of the results of previous studies, the following approach is proposed to ensure an accurate exposure assessment: a) a combination of active and passive sampling methods appropriate to each occupational environment; b) the use, in parallel, of culture-based methods and molecular tools to overcome the limitations of each method; c) evaluation of the mycobiota azole resistance profile; and d) consider the possible simultaneous presence of mycotoxins produced by this section when assessing workers occupational exposure. In sum, preventing the development of fungal strains resistant to azoles will only be achieved with a holistic approach. An adequate “One Health approach” can contribute positively to concerted actions in different sectors, by reducing the use of fungicides through the introduction of crops and agricultural practices that prevent fungal colonization, and by promoting the rational use of antifungal drugs in human and animal health.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Susana Viegas. Occupational exposure to Aspergillus section Fumigati: Tackling the knowledge gap in Portugal. Environmental Research 2021, 194, 110674 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Susana Viegas. Occupational exposure to Aspergillus section Fumigati: Tackling the knowledge gap in Portugal. Environmental Research. 2021; 194 ():110674.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Susana Viegas. 2021. "Occupational exposure to Aspergillus section Fumigati: Tackling the knowledge gap in Portugal." Environmental Research 194, no. : 110674.

Journal article
Published: 06 January 2021 in Journal of Fungi
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Identification of Aspergillus to species level is important since sibling species may display variable susceptibilities to multiple antifungal drugs and also because correct identification contributes to improve the knowledge of epidemiological studies. Two retrospective laboratory studies were conducted on Aspergillus surveillance at the Portuguese National Mycology Reference Laboratory. The first, covering the period 2017–2018, aimed to study the molecular epidemiology of 256 Aspergillus isolates obtained from patients with respiratory, subcutaneous, or systemic infections and from environmental samples. The second, using our entire collection of clinical and environmental A. fumigatus isolates (N = 337), collected between 2012 and 2019, aimed to determine the frequency of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates. Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto was the most frequent species in both clinical and environmental samples. Overall, and considering all Aspergillus sections identified, a high frequency of cryptic species was detected, based on beta-tubulin or calmodulin sequencing (37% in clinical and 51% in environmental isolates). Regarding all Fumigati isolates recovered from 2012–2019, the frequency of cryptic species was 5.3% (18/337), with the identification of A. felis (complex), A. lentulus, A. udagawae, A. hiratsukae, and A. oerlinghauensis. To determine the frequency of azole resistance of A. fumigatus, isolates were screened for azole resistance using azole-agars, and 53 possible resistant isolates were tested by the CLSI microdilution reference method. Nine A. fumigatus sensu stricto and six Fumigati cryptic isolates showed high minimal inhibitory concentrations to itraconazole, voriconazole, and/or posaconazole. Real-time PCR to detect cyp51A mutations and sequencing of cyp51A gene and its promoter were performed. The overall frequency of resistance to azoles in A. fumigatus sensu stricto was 3.0%. With this retrospective analysis, we were able to detect one azole-resistant G54R mutant A. fumigatus environmental isolate, collected in 2015. The TR34/L98H mutation, linked to environmental transmission route of azole resistance, was the most frequently detected mutation (N = 4; 1.4%). Our findings underline the demand for correct identification and susceptibility testing of Aspergillus isolates.

ACS Style

Raquel Sabino; Paulo Gonçalves; Aryse Martins Melo; Daniela Simões; Mariana Oliveira; Mariana Francisco; Carla Viegas; Dinah Carvalho; Carlos Martins; Teresa Ferreira; Cristina Toscano; Helena Simões; Cristina Veríssimo. Trends on Aspergillus Epidemiology—Perspectives from a National Reference Laboratory Surveillance Program. Journal of Fungi 2021, 7, 28 .

AMA Style

Raquel Sabino, Paulo Gonçalves, Aryse Martins Melo, Daniela Simões, Mariana Oliveira, Mariana Francisco, Carla Viegas, Dinah Carvalho, Carlos Martins, Teresa Ferreira, Cristina Toscano, Helena Simões, Cristina Veríssimo. Trends on Aspergillus Epidemiology—Perspectives from a National Reference Laboratory Surveillance Program. Journal of Fungi. 2021; 7 (1):28.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Raquel Sabino; Paulo Gonçalves; Aryse Martins Melo; Daniela Simões; Mariana Oliveira; Mariana Francisco; Carla Viegas; Dinah Carvalho; Carlos Martins; Teresa Ferreira; Cristina Toscano; Helena Simões; Cristina Veríssimo. 2021. "Trends on Aspergillus Epidemiology—Perspectives from a National Reference Laboratory Surveillance Program." Journal of Fungi 7, no. 1: 28.

Journal article
Published: 04 January 2021 in Environmental Pollution
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A wider characterization of indoor air quality during sleep is still lacking in the literature. This study intends to assess bioburden before and after sleeping periods in Portuguese dwellings through active methods (air sampling) coupled with passive methods, such as electrostatic dust cloths (EDC); and investigate associations between before and after sleeping and bioburden. In addition, and driven by the lack of information regarding fungi azole-resistance in Portuguese dwellings, a screening with supplemented media was also performed. The most prevalent genera of airborne bacteria identified in the indoor air of the bedrooms were Micrococcus (41%), Staphylococcus (15%) and Neisseria (9%). The major indoor bacterial species isolated in all ten studied bedrooms were Micrococcus luteus (30%), Staphylococcus aureus (13%) and Micrococcus varians (11%). Our results highlight that our bodies are the source of the majority of the bacteria found in the indoor air of our homes. Regarding air fungal contamination, Chrysosporium spp. presented the highest prevalence both in after the sleeping period (40.8%) and before the sleeping period (28.8%) followed by Penicillium spp. (23.47% morning; 23.6% night) and Chrysonilia spp. (12.4% morning; 20.3% night). Several Aspergillus sections were identified in air and EDC samples. However, none of the fungal species/strains (Aspergillus sections Fumigati, Flavi, Nidulantes and Circumdati) were amplified by qPCR in the analyzed EDC. The correlations observed suggest reduced susceptibility to antifungal drugs of some fungal species found in sleeping environments. Toxigenic fungal species and indicators of harmful fungal contamination were observed in sleeping environments.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Ana Monteiro; Tiago Faria; Joana Lage; Elisabete Carolino; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anita Quintal Gomes; Susana Marta Almeida; Sandra Cabo Verde; Joana Belo; Nuno Canha. Bioburden in sleeping environments from Portuguese dwellings. Environmental Pollution 2021, 273, 116417 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Marta Dias, Ana Monteiro, Tiago Faria, Joana Lage, Elisabete Carolino, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Anita Quintal Gomes, Susana Marta Almeida, Sandra Cabo Verde, Joana Belo, Nuno Canha. Bioburden in sleeping environments from Portuguese dwellings. Environmental Pollution. 2021; 273 ():116417.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Ana Monteiro; Tiago Faria; Joana Lage; Elisabete Carolino; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anita Quintal Gomes; Susana Marta Almeida; Sandra Cabo Verde; Joana Belo; Nuno Canha. 2021. "Bioburden in sleeping environments from Portuguese dwellings." Environmental Pollution 273, no. : 116417.

Journal article
Published: 28 December 2020 in Microorganisms
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Introduction: The frequency in detection of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates has increased since 2010. In Portugal, the section Fumigati is one of the most frequent, and resistant strains to have been found in clinical and environmental contexts. Although several cryptic species within the Fumigati section show intrinsic resistance to azoles, one factor driving (acquired) resistance is selective pressure deriving from the extensive use of azoles. This is particularly problematic in occupational environments where high fungal loads are expected, and where there is an increased risk of human exposure and infection, with impact on treatment success and disease outcome. The mechanisms of resistance are diverse, but mainly associated with mutations in the cyp51A gene. Despite TR34/L98H being the most frequent mutation described, it has only been detected in clinical specimens in Portugal. Methods: We analyzed 99 A. fumigatus isolates from indoor environments (healthcare facilities, spas, one dairy and one waste sorting unit) collected from January 2018 to February 2019 in different regions of Portugal. Isolates were screened for resistance to itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole by culture, and resistance was confirmed by broth microdilution. Sequencing of the cyp51A gene and its promoter was performed to detect mutations associated with resistance. Results: Overall, 8.1% of isolates were able to grow in the presence of at least one azole, and 3% (isolated from the air in a dairy and from filtering respiratory protective devices in a waste sorting industry) were pan-azole-resistant, bearing the TR34/L98H mutation. Conclusion: For the first time in Portugal, we report environmental isolates bearing the TR34/L98H mutation, isolated from occupational environments. Environmental surveillance of the emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus sensu stricto strains is needed, to ensure proper and timely implementation of control policies that may have a positive impact on public and occupational health.

ACS Style

Paulo Gonçalves; Aryse Melo; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Cristina Veríssimo; Carla Viegas; Raquel Sabino. Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Harboring the TR34/L98H Mutation: First Report in Portugal in Environmental Samples. Microorganisms 2020, 9, 57 .

AMA Style

Paulo Gonçalves, Aryse Melo, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Cristina Veríssimo, Carla Viegas, Raquel Sabino. Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Harboring the TR34/L98H Mutation: First Report in Portugal in Environmental Samples. Microorganisms. 2020; 9 (1):57.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paulo Gonçalves; Aryse Melo; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Cristina Veríssimo; Carla Viegas; Raquel Sabino. 2020. "Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Harboring the TR34/L98H Mutation: First Report in Portugal in Environmental Samples." Microorganisms 9, no. 1: 57.

Journal article
Published: 26 December 2020 in Atmosphere
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Culturing is still the most widely used method for determining fungal growth. Thus, is important to identify the most suitable culture media to assess Aspergillus spp. The aim of this study was to analyze data obtained from previous studies, aiming at identifying the most suitable culture media (malt extract agar (MEA) or dichloran-glycerol agar (DG18) to assess Aspergillus spp. isolation and growth. This study was conducted by using environmental samples (n = 1153). Most of the active sampling methods (air samples) were impacted directly onto both culture media. As for passive sampling methods, fungi were extracted from environmental matrices inoculated onto both media. Overall, total Aspergillus counts were higher in MEA (n = 617, 53.5%) than in DG18 (n = 536, 46.5%). Regarding Aspergillus sections, significant associations were detected with the media (χ2 (7) = 241.118, p < 0.001), the sampling approach (p < 0.001, 95% CI = (0.3 × 10−4), and the indoor environment (p < 0.001, 95% CI = (0.3 × 10−4)). As such, sampling approach and the culture media should be accurately selected when dealing with Aspergillus spp. exposure assessment.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Elisabete Carolino; Raquel Sabino. Culture Media and Sampling Collection Method for Aspergillus spp. Assessment: Tackling the Gap between Recommendations and the Scientific Evidence. Atmosphere 2020, 12, 23 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Marta Dias, Elisabete Carolino, Raquel Sabino. Culture Media and Sampling Collection Method for Aspergillus spp. Assessment: Tackling the Gap between Recommendations and the Scientific Evidence. Atmosphere. 2020; 12 (1):23.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Elisabete Carolino; Raquel Sabino. 2020. "Culture Media and Sampling Collection Method for Aspergillus spp. Assessment: Tackling the Gap between Recommendations and the Scientific Evidence." Atmosphere 12, no. 1: 23.

Short report
Published: 18 November 2020 in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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The organic material present on waste sorting units serve as a substrate for different microorganisms, increasing workers’ exposure to Aspergillus spp. This study intends to assess the Aspergillus spp. contamination on Mechanical Protection Gloves (MPG) from different workstations and understand the role of MPG in workers’ exposure to these genera. Sixty-seven used MPG were collected from different workstations and extracts were seeded on malt extract agar (MEA) supplemented with chloramphenicol (0.05%) and dichloran glycerol (DG18). The same extracts were used for the molecular detection of fungal species/strains, with reported toxigenic potential, namely Aspergillus sections (Circumdati, Flavi, Fumigati, and Nidulantes). Among Aspergillus spp., the sections with the highest prevalence on MEA were Nigri (88.29%) and Fumigati (8.63%), whereas on DG18 were Nigri (31.79%) and Circumdati (30.77%). Aspergillus section Circumdati was detected in 22 MPG samples by RT-PCR (32.84%), Fumigati in 59 samples (88.06%), Nidulantes in 61 samples (91.05%), and Flavi in 6 samples (8.96%). It was showed that, even with daily replacement, MPG presented Aspergillus spp. contamination. Thus, a more regular replacement of MPG and the adoption of complementary hygienic procedures by workers are critical to guarantee workers’ protection in this occupational environment.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Elisabete Carolino; Susana Viegas. Aspergillus spp. presence on mechanical protection gloves from the waste sorting industry. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene 2020, 17, 523 -530.

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Elisabete Carolino, Susana Viegas. Aspergillus spp. presence on mechanical protection gloves from the waste sorting industry. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 2020; 17 (11-12):523-530.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Elisabete Carolino; Susana Viegas. 2020. "Aspergillus spp. presence on mechanical protection gloves from the waste sorting industry." Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene 17, no. 11-12: 523-530.

Journal article
Published: 16 November 2020 in Microorganisms
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Monitoring campaigns in several buildings have shown that occupants exposed to contaminated indoor air generally exhibit diverse health symptoms. This study intends to assess settleable dust loading rates and bioburden in Portuguese dwellings by passive sampling onto quartz fiber filters and electrostatic dust cloths (EDCs), respectively. Settled dust collected by EDCs was analyzed by culture-based methods (including azole-resistance screening) and qPCR, targeting four different toxigenic Aspergillus sections (Flavi, Fumigati, Circumdati, and Nidulantes). Dust loading rates and bioburden showed higher variability in the summer season. In both seasons, Penicillium sp. was the one with the highest prevalence (59.1% winter; 58.1% summer), followed by Aspergillus sp. in winter (13.0%). Fungal contamination increased in the winter period, while bacterial counts decreased. Aspergillus sections Circumdati and Nidulantes, detected in voriconazole supplemented media, and Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Nidulantes, detected by molecular tools, were found in the winter samples. This study reinforces the importance of applying: (a) Passive sampling methods in campaigns in dwellings; (b) two different culture media (MEA and DG18) to assess fungi; (c) in parallel, molecular tools targeting the most suitable indicators of fungal contamination; and (d) azole resistance screening to unveil azole resistance detection in fungal species.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Estela Vicente; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Elisabete Carolino; Célia Alves. Settleable Dust and Bioburden in Portuguese Dwellings. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 1799 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Estela Vicente, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Elisabete Carolino, Célia Alves. Settleable Dust and Bioburden in Portuguese Dwellings. Microorganisms. 2020; 8 (11):1799.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Estela Vicente; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Elisabete Carolino; Célia Alves. 2020. "Settleable Dust and Bioburden in Portuguese Dwellings." Microorganisms 8, no. 11: 1799.

Journal article
Published: 17 September 2020 in Atmosphere
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The exposure to particles and bioaerosols has been associated with the increase in health effects in children. The objective of this study was to assess the indoor exposure to bioburden in the indoor microenvironments more frequented by children. Air particulate matter (PM) and settled dust were sampled in 33 dwellings and four schools with a medium volume sampler and with a passive method using electrostatic dust collectors (EDC), respectively. Settled dust collected by EDC was analyzed by culture-based methods (including azole resistance profile) and using qPCR. Results showed that the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in classrooms (31.15 μg/m3 and 57.83 μg/m3, respectively) were higher than in homes (15.26 μg/m3 and 18.95 μg/m3, respectively) and highly exceeded the limit values established by the Portuguese legislation for indoor air quality. The fungal species most commonly found in bedrooms was Penicillium sp. (91.79%), whereas, in living rooms, it was Rhizopus sp. (37.95%). Aspergillus sections with toxigenic potential were found in bedrooms and living rooms and were able to grow on VOR. Although not correlated with PM, EDC provided information regarding the bioburden. Future studies, applying EDC coupled with PM assessment, should be implemented to allow for a long-term integrated sample of organic dust.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Beatriz Almeida; Marta Dias; Liliana Caetano; Elisabete Carolino; Anita Gomes; Tiago Faria; Vânia Martins; Susana Marta Almeida. Assessment of Children’s Potential Exposure to Bioburden in Indoor Environments. Atmosphere 2020, 11, 993 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Beatriz Almeida, Marta Dias, Liliana Caetano, Elisabete Carolino, Anita Gomes, Tiago Faria, Vânia Martins, Susana Marta Almeida. Assessment of Children’s Potential Exposure to Bioburden in Indoor Environments. Atmosphere. 2020; 11 (9):993.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Beatriz Almeida; Marta Dias; Liliana Caetano; Elisabete Carolino; Anita Gomes; Tiago Faria; Vânia Martins; Susana Marta Almeida. 2020. "Assessment of Children’s Potential Exposure to Bioburden in Indoor Environments." Atmosphere 11, no. 9: 993.

Journal article
Published: 26 August 2020 in Environmental Research
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The use of Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices (FRPD) is mandatory in Portugal to protect workers from the waste industry of harmful exposures. Deleterious health effects of exposure to bioburden via inhalation and/or ingestion include respiratory symptoms and nephrotoxicity. Between January and February 2019, 118 FRPD samples were collected in one waste sorting industry and characterized regarding microbial contamination and cytotoxicity, defined as cell metabolic activity, through the MTT colorimetric assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Cytotoxic effect was classified according to percentage of extinction values with respect to the control group, as follows: absent (≥90); low (80%–90%, +); medium (60%–79%, ++); and high (below 60%, +++). For 113 samples the MTT assay revealed a cytotoxic effect in A549 cells, of which 81 presented high cytotoxicity. In SK cells, a cytotoxic effect was observed in 56 samples, of which five displayed a high cytotoxic effect. Several moderate (p < 0.05) to strong (p < 0.01) correlations were found between higher bacterial and fungal counts both in interior layers (fungi and bacteria) and in exhalation valves (fungi) of FRPD samples and reduced cell metabolic activity of SK cells. On the basis of the obtained results for the cytotoxic effect of FRPD samples on two different cells lines, it was determined that A549 cells exhibited a cytotoxic effect for a higher number of FRPD, whereas the SK cells model correlated better with the other assessed parameters, namely, bacterial and fungal counts and conditions of FRPD use. Although the results are not conclusive on the most appropriate cell line to assess FRPD cytotoxicity, they reinforce the importance of in vitro toxicology in exposure assessments to determine the cytotoxicity of mixtures of contaminants, for better risk characterization and selection of appropriate risk management measures.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Magdalena Twarużek; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Elisabete Carolino; Ewelina Soszczyńska; Iwona Ałtyn; Susana Viegas; Liliana Aranha Caetano. Cytotoxic effect of filtering respiratory protective devices from the waste sorting industry: is in vitro toxicology useful for risk characterization? Environmental Research 2020, 191, 110134 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Magdalena Twarużek, Marta Dias, Beatriz Almeida, Elisabete Carolino, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Iwona Ałtyn, Susana Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano. Cytotoxic effect of filtering respiratory protective devices from the waste sorting industry: is in vitro toxicology useful for risk characterization? Environmental Research. 2020; 191 ():110134.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Magdalena Twarużek; Marta Dias; Beatriz Almeida; Elisabete Carolino; Ewelina Soszczyńska; Iwona Ałtyn; Susana Viegas; Liliana Aranha Caetano. 2020. "Cytotoxic effect of filtering respiratory protective devices from the waste sorting industry: is in vitro toxicology useful for risk characterization?" Environmental Research 191, no. : 110134.

Research article
Published: 19 August 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Health Research
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Association between selection pressure caused by the use of azole fungicides in sawmills and the development of fungal resistance has been described. The aim of this study was to implement an algorithm to assess the presence of Aspergillus section Fumigati resistant strains in sawmills. Eighty-six full-shift inhalable dust samples were collected from eleven industrial sawmills in Norway. Different culture media were used and molecular identification to species level in Aspergillus section Fumigati was done by calmodulin sequencing and TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A mutations were screened by real-time PCR assay and confirmed by cyp51A sequencing. Six Fumigati isolates were identified as A. fumigatus sensu stricto and two of these grew on azole-supplemented media and were further analyzed by real-time PCR. One was confirmed to be a TR34/L98H mutant. The obtained results reinforce the need to assess the presence of A. fumigatus sensu stricto resistant isolates at other workplaces with fungicide pressure.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Beatriz Almeida; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anani Afanou; Anne Straumfors; Cristina Veríssimo; Paulo Gonçalves; Raquel Sabino. Algorithm to assess the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus resistant strains: The case of Norwegian sawmills. International Journal of Environmental Health Research 2020, 1 -9.

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Beatriz Almeida, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Anani Afanou, Anne Straumfors, Cristina Veríssimo, Paulo Gonçalves, Raquel Sabino. Algorithm to assess the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus resistant strains: The case of Norwegian sawmills. International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 2020; ():1-9.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Beatriz Almeida; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anani Afanou; Anne Straumfors; Cristina Veríssimo; Paulo Gonçalves; Raquel Sabino. 2020. "Algorithm to assess the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus resistant strains: The case of Norwegian sawmills." International Journal of Environmental Health Research , no. : 1-9.

Commentary
Published: 13 August 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Recent advances in analytical chemistry have allowed a greater possibility of using quantitative approaches for measuring human exposure to chemicals. One of these approaches is biomonitoring (BM), which provides unequivocal evidence that both exposure and uptake of a chemical have taken place. BM has been a longstanding practice in occupational health for several reasons. BM integrates exposure from all routes. It can help identify unintentional and unexpected exposures and assess the effectiveness of existing risk-management measures. BM also provides relevant information to support policy development by delivering better evidence of workers’ exposure to chemical substances, even within the framework of the present regulations. Thus, BM can allow for both the evaluation of the impact of regulation and identification of further needs for new or improved regulation. However, despite all these well-recognized advantages, BM is currently an underused exposure assessment tool. This paper provides an overview of the key aspects to be considered when using BM in the context of occupational health interventions. Additionally, this paper describes the potential of BM as an exposure assessment tool, distinguishing the role of BM in exposure assessment and health surveillance and clarifies ethical and communication aspects to guarantee that general data protection regulations are followed. In addition, actions and research needs are identified (particularly with reference to the European situation), which aim to encourage the increased use of BM as an exposure assessment tool.

ACS Style

Susana Viegas; Maryam Zare Jeddi; Nancy B. Hopf; Jos Bessems; Nicole Palmen; Karen S. Galea; Kate Jones; Peter Kujath; Radu-Corneliu Duca; Hans Verhagen; Tiina Santonen; Robert Pasanen-Kase. Biomonitoring as an Underused Exposure Assessment Tool in Occupational Safety and Health Context—Challenges and Way Forward. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 5884 .

AMA Style

Susana Viegas, Maryam Zare Jeddi, Nancy B. Hopf, Jos Bessems, Nicole Palmen, Karen S. Galea, Kate Jones, Peter Kujath, Radu-Corneliu Duca, Hans Verhagen, Tiina Santonen, Robert Pasanen-Kase. Biomonitoring as an Underused Exposure Assessment Tool in Occupational Safety and Health Context—Challenges and Way Forward. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (16):5884.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Susana Viegas; Maryam Zare Jeddi; Nancy B. Hopf; Jos Bessems; Nicole Palmen; Karen S. Galea; Kate Jones; Peter Kujath; Radu-Corneliu Duca; Hans Verhagen; Tiina Santonen; Robert Pasanen-Kase. 2020. "Biomonitoring as an Underused Exposure Assessment Tool in Occupational Safety and Health Context—Challenges and Way Forward." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 16: 5884.

Review
Published: 11 August 2020 in Toxins
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In occupational settings where exposure to organic dust occurs (e.g., intensive animal production, waste management, farming and many others) workers can also be exposed to mycotoxins. However, recognizing exposure to mycotoxins in workplace environments does not happen commonly and, consequently, remains as a not identified occupational risk factor. In the last decade, work developed in different occupational settings, using different sampling approaches reported that occupational exposure to mycotoxins occurs and it’s of upmost importance to be seen as an occupational concern that needs to be tackled. This paper intends to discuss the several possibilities available for assessing and characterizing the occupational exposure to mycotoxins through the description of the advantages and limitations of the different sampling strategies. Overviewing the approaches and the main achievements used in several field campaigns developed in Portugal, the knowledge obtained will be used to support the identification of the main aspects to consider when designing new occupational studies. The need for additional research work will also be discussed where new directions to follow will be debated.

ACS Style

Susana Viegas; Carla Viegas; Carla Martins; Ricardo Assunção. Occupational Exposure to Mycotoxins—Different Sampling Strategies Telling a Common Story Regarding Occupational Studies Performed in Portugal (2012–2020). Toxins 2020, 12, 513 .

AMA Style

Susana Viegas, Carla Viegas, Carla Martins, Ricardo Assunção. Occupational Exposure to Mycotoxins—Different Sampling Strategies Telling a Common Story Regarding Occupational Studies Performed in Portugal (2012–2020). Toxins. 2020; 12 (8):513.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Susana Viegas; Carla Viegas; Carla Martins; Ricardo Assunção. 2020. "Occupational Exposure to Mycotoxins—Different Sampling Strategies Telling a Common Story Regarding Occupational Studies Performed in Portugal (2012–2020)." Toxins 12, no. 8: 513.

Journal article
Published: 22 July 2020 in International Journal of Food Microbiology
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In recent times green tea (GT) consumption has increased, due to the numerous studies that indicate a wide variety of health benefits following its regular consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the bioburden (bacteria and fungi) of bulk and bags of GT marketed in Lisbon and to obtain a more refined fungal burden characterization, including azole resistance profile. The bacteriota in tea bags before boiling ranged from lower than the detection limit to 1770 CFU.g−1, whereas in brew samples ranged from lower than the detection limit to 54.55 CFU.mL−1. In bulk samples before boiling ranged from lower than the detection limit to 2636 CFU.g−1, while after boiling ranged from lower than the detection limit to 72.73 CFU.mL−1. Fungal contamination on tea bags before boiling ranged from lower than the detection limit to 66.67 CFU.g−1 and after boiling, all samples presented results lower than the detection limit. Concerning bulk samples before boiling ranged from lower than the detection limit to 96.97 CFU.g−1, whereas after boiling ranged from lower the detection limit to 30.3 CFU.mL−1. Before boiling, the most common fungal species in the bagged tea (90.91 CFU.g−1; 45.45%) and bulk samples (66.67 CFU.g−1; 91.67%) was Aspergillus section Nigri. Fungal diversity was higher on bulk samples than in tea bags. Aspergillus section Nigri and Rhizopus sp. growth was observed mostly on itraconazole-supplemented Sabouraud dextrose agar media, which require further investigation. Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Nidulantes were detected by using real time PCR, but not in the GT samples in which they were identified through culture-based methods. A significantly reduction of bacterial contamination after boiling was observed, however fungal contamination with toxigenic potential was observed before and after boiling. Future research work needs to characterize in detail the mycotoxins contamination to allow a risk-benefit assessment to estimate the human health benefits and risks following tea consumption and to support policy-actions, if and when needed. The results also suggest that the conditions how tea is packed can influence the fungal diversity and this variable should be further investigated.

ACS Style

Carla Viegas; Flávio Sá; Margarida Mateus; Patrícia Santos; Beatriz Almeida; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anita Quintal Gomes; Susana Viegas. Commercial green tea from Portugal: Comprehensive microbiologic analyses. International Journal of Food Microbiology 2020, 333, 108795 .

AMA Style

Carla Viegas, Flávio Sá, Margarida Mateus, Patrícia Santos, Beatriz Almeida, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Anita Quintal Gomes, Susana Viegas. Commercial green tea from Portugal: Comprehensive microbiologic analyses. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2020; 333 ():108795.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carla Viegas; Flávio Sá; Margarida Mateus; Patrícia Santos; Beatriz Almeida; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anita Quintal Gomes; Susana Viegas. 2020. "Commercial green tea from Portugal: Comprehensive microbiologic analyses." International Journal of Food Microbiology 333, no. : 108795.