The role of Airborne Pollen grains of some Angiosperms and Fungal Spores in Allergic and Pathogenic Infections in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

^*Essien, Benjamin Christopher and Aina, Daniel Oluwagbemiga

Department of Biological Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.

Accepted July 04, 2014

Airborne palynomorphs of Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria were analysed palynologically to determine the taxa of biological importance present in the atmosphere. The predominant palynomorphs were the allergic and offending pollen grains identified in this study which include those of Acanthaceae (Justicia sp.), Amaranthaceae/ Chenopodiaceae, Asteraceae tubiliflorae type (Aspilia africana), Bombacaceae (Ceiba pentandra), Caesalpinoideae (Delonix sp.), Cyperaceae, Mimosoideae (Acacia sp.), and Poaceae among others; and pathogenic spore genera include those of Botryodiplodia sp., Curvularia sp., Gliomastix sp., Helminthosporium/Drechslera sp., Neurospora sp., Nigrospora sp., Pithomyces sp., Teliospore and Stemphylum sp. Several allergic reactions of the eyes resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, runny/ itchy nose as well as itchy and watering eyes prevalent in the study environment recently is as a result of the abundance and prevalence of different species of these aerospora. The presence of fungal spores in the atmosphere may influence anthropogenic activities on the local vegetation. Analysis of variance for the various airborne pollen and fungal spores showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the various groups. This study would provide a good template that could be used to monitor the frequency and intensity of pollen and fungal allergies and various disease conditions of plants, animals and man in the surrounding environment, and provide adequate restoration and conservation measures for safety health and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Airborne, Allergy, Fungal spores, Nigeria, Palynomorphs, Pathogenic, Pollen.

Full Text PDF (80KB)