Detection of fungal spores from contaminated surfaces by the polymerase chain reaction

A method has been developed to detect fungal spores in dust samples collect ed from internal surfaces of air-conditioning ducts. The method is based on the utilization of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific prime rs for fungal species. PCR amplification is carried out directly in boiled samples avoiding time-consuming DNA preparation steps. The presence of bovi ne serum albumin in the reaction mixture overcame the inhibitory effect of the humic acids present in the dust.