Outdoor (1→3)-β-D-glucan Levels and Related Climatic Factors

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the monthly variation in the airborne (1→3)-β-D-glucan level throughout one year and its relationship with climatic factors (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, hours of daylight, cloud cover, and pollen counts). METHODS: A total of 106 samples were collected using a two-stage cyclone sampler at five outdoor sampling locations (on top of 5 university buildings). The kinetic limulus amebocyte lysate assay was used to obtain (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels. RESULTS: Airborne (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels were significantly higher in the spring, particularly in April, and temperature was significantly related to (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels (r =0.339, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels may be highest in the spring, and outdoor temperature may influence (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels.