@article{Hemmings:2027:10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101379,
author = {Hemmings, SJ and Varaden, D and Barnes, J and Elmi, MS and Skillern, A and Barratt, B and Mudway, IS and Green, DC and Kelly, FJ and Fisher, MC},
doi = {10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101379},
journal = {Lancet Microbe},
title = {Diversity analysis of indoor and outdoor fungal bioaerosols in UK households: a prospective, observational, longitudinal study.},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101379},
year = {2027}
}

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TY  - JOUR
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term exposure to indoor fungal bioaerosols is a recognised risk factor for respiratory illness, particularly in damp and poorly ventilated housing. However, the diversity and seasonal variability of these fungal communities are poorly understood. As part of the West London Healthy Home and Environment Study (WellHome), this study aimed to characterise the composition, diversity, and temporal dynamics of indoor fungal bioaerosols in urban UK homes, as compared with outdoor air, to inform future exposure baselines and policy development. METHODS: In this prospective, community-based observational study, 118 households were recruited across West London, UK, via community networks and partner organisations, prioritising families with children aged 5-17 years with asthma or allergies, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Sampling occurred between Oct 3, 2022, and June 14, 2024. Participant data were collected via questionnaires completed by household members, capturing demographics, building characteristics, and respiratory health. Passive-air samplers were used in living rooms for 28 days during two seasonal campaigns, with concurrent outdoor sampling at four fixed community sites. Fungal bioaerosols were identified by ITS2 amplicon sequencing and quantified using broad-range quantitative PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Diversity indexes and temporal dynamics were analysed using ecological statistics and generalised additive models. FINDINGS: 118 households were enrolled, comprising 504 residents (263 women, 237 men, and four not reported). Among 504 participants who self-identified, the largest groups comprised individuals identifying as Black African (n=47), Somali (n=46), White British (n=42), and African (n=38), with additional representation from mixed race ethnic backgrounds (n=29), Black British (n=27), White (n=22), and Black Caribbean (n=18), alongside several other ethnicities each represented at lower frequencies. Of 118 households, 104 c
AU  - Hemmings,SJ
AU  - Varaden,D
AU  - Barnes,J
AU  - Elmi,MS
AU  - Skillern,A
AU  - Barratt,B
AU  - Mudway,IS
AU  - Green,DC
AU  - Kelly,FJ
AU  - Fisher,MC
DO  - 10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101379
PY  - 2027///
TI  - Diversity analysis of indoor and outdoor fungal bioaerosols in UK households: a prospective, observational, longitudinal study.
T2  - Lancet Microbe
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101379
UR  - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/42242279
ER  - 

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