Microbial Characterization of Contaminating Cells on Scientific Collections in a Specialized Library

Aims: Microbial characterization of contaminants on Scientific Collections in a Specialized Library.
Study Design: Selection and segregation of books from special collections, followed by an investigation of the fungal contamination through molecular biology.
Place and Duration of Study: Museu de Astronomia e Ciências Afins, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during seven months.
Methodology: Several books with a clear fungal contamination on their surface and several air samples from distinct locations in the library were included. Classical microbiological identification, molecular biology techniques and chemical treatment after flooding and cleaning of surfaces and books were performed.
Results: Results indicated that mainly cosmopolitan species were found in the environment and on the surface of selected books. Most species presented potential cellulolytic action and are toxin producers. Some unusual species were found such as Periconia, Hypocrea and Pestalotiopsis. Due to this unusual occurrence concentrations higher than 200mg/L were necessary to decontaminate the area and surfaces of the library after flooding.
Conclusion: The rapid action of the staff to solve the problems associated with the flooding in the scientific library of the Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences in Rio de Janeiro, proved to be essential to minimize higher damage that could occur on rare books and special collections. The cooperative work involving Chemistry, Classical Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Preventive Conservation proved that the integrated practices among professionals of several areas were essential to ensure a free public access to documentation and books of interest for the scientific society. The multidisciplinary work involving Chemistry, Biology and Molecular Biology led to important conclusions about the presence of cosmopolitan fungi in the air and in selected books, their DNA characterization and their resistance to a fungistatic compound.