Study of fungal infection frequency in libraries affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2013

Books and documents damaged or contaminated by microorganisms are a serious threat to the health of users and librarians. This study was conducted to investigate the air, surfaces and shelves of books in the libraries affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences for various molds. In this descriptive study, 307 samples of existing molds were taken from air and different surfaces in library including repository of Persian and Latin books, reading room, circulation desk, and magazines section. Culture was done on Sabouraud's medium and dextrose agar by swab. After 10 days, direct smears were prepared from grown colonies, and fungal genera were identified. Frequency distribution of molds growth was higher in Latin books than in Persian books, shelves, and air. The most frequent type of mold in different studied sections was Penicillium. Regarding higher growth of molds in Latin books and presence of some molds including Penicillium in these books, more attention to this sector is essential and necessary.