Identification and concentration of airborne basidiospores

Although clinical investigations have shown that basidiospores are allergenic, very little information exists on the airborne concentration or identification of these spores. The atmosphere in Tulsa, Oklahoma has been monitored for the presence of basidiospores using Burkard Volumetric Spore Traps. The concentration of total basidiospores shows that they are a significant component of the Tulsa atmosphere during certain periods. Overall spores of 18 genera have been identified from the atmosphere; the morphology of these spores is described. Field studies have shown that fruiting bodies of all these genera are common within the city. In addition other basidiospores present in the atmosphere include those identifiable only to the family level as well as many morphologically indistinct hyaline basidiospores.