Interest of the qPCR method calibrated with flow cytometry to quantify Aspergillus versicolor in mold-damaged homes and comparison with the cultural approach

The contamination of indoor air by molds constitutes an economic and health concern in many countries. Among fungi found in bioaerosols, some species like Aspergillus versicolor are known to be recurrent and toxinogenic. Several methods can be used to quantify this mold in bioaerosols, however, the lack of a standardized and rapid method to assess the human exposure to A. versicolor in indoor environments is a problem. In this study, the flow cytometry and qPCR techniques were used to quantitate A. versicolor in bioaerosols collected in 38 mold-damaged homes. A statistical analysis showed a correlation between qPCR and cultural approaches (r = 0.704, p < 0.001), and no significant difference (p = 0.153) between quantification with cultural and molecular approaches. Therefore a qPCR calibrated with flow cytometry could be routinely used to monitor A. versicolor in mold-damaged homes.