Authors : Chuku Aleruchi, Ekweozor Ikem Kris, Gobo Akuro Ephraim and M. Eze Evelyn
Abstract: n order to determine the moulds that were prevalent in houses with moisture problem, 288 sampling sessions were carried out in 12 living houses in Port Harcourt area of Rivers State. The houses were identified to have moisture problem as a result of constant flooding and leakages. Air samples were collected once a month for 24 months as well as temperature and relative humidity readings. Flooding and leakage incidence were also recorded. Samples were processed using potassium hydroxide for direct microscopy and cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar medium containing chloramphenicol. Microscopic examination of culture was done using lactophenol cotton blue mounting technique. All study sites yielded mould isolates. Sixteen different species of mould were isolated from the sampling sites Trichophyton rubrum and Mucor sp. were the most prevalent moulds with a total occurrence of 288 (13.8%) followed by Microsporum audouinii with 201 (9.6%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes 176 (8.4%), Penicillium sp. 175 (8.4%), Aspergillus flavus 165 (7.9%), Aspergillus fumigatus 148 (7.1%) and Microsporum ferrugineum 109 (5.2%). The lowest percentage occurrence was from Trichophyton schoenleinii 26 (1.2%). Buildings with consistent moisture problem and relative humidity above 60% will always provide a conducive and fertile ground for the growth of moulds.
Chuku Aleruchi, Ekweozor Ikem Kris, Gobo Akuro Ephraim and M. Eze Evelyn, 2010. Prevalence of Mould Found in Buildings with Moisture Problem in Port Harcourt, River State of Nigeria. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 5: 97-101.