Health Effects, Pathology,
Epidemiology
Effects after mold exposure
– which are the causative agents?
Ragnar
Rylander, M.D.
Department
of Environmental Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 414; 405 30 Gothenburg,
Sweden; Tel: +46 31 773 3601, Fax: +46 31 82 5004, e-mail: ragnar.rylander@envmed.gu.se
Abstract
This
presentation reviews the most well known specific agents in molds and their
relation to the different effects caused by exposure to molds. It is emphasized
that field studies in principle only describe relationships and that such
relationships not always support conclusions regarding causality for individual
agents. At present, the general strategy to prevent the mold-related diseases
airways inflammation, increased risk for infections, hypersensitivity
pneumonitis and neurological disorders must therefore be to remove the mold
contamination, viable as well as dead organisms.
Key words:
ecology, detection and
identification problems of moulds in indoor environments
Robert
A. SAMSON Ph.D.
Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, P.0. Box
273, 3740 AG Baarn, The Netherlands, Tel.:+31-35-540-1234, Fax: +31-35-541-6142,
e-mail: samson@cbs.knaw.nl
For
many people working in the building industry or those who are consulting for
indoor problems, identification of moulds does not seem a problem. In their
opinion mould applying disinfectants or antifungal paints can easily solve
problems. Furthermore, it is often recommended to modify the construction and
adding ventilation with the result that the conditions for fungal growth can be
reduced. However, if we like to know the cause and the degree of
biodeterioration, in particular when health implications are involved, it is
important to know which organisms are causing the problem. This is particularly
true for species of Stachybotrys, Penicillium,
Aspergillus and Fusarium.
Identification
of mould isolates or specimens is problematic for the inexperienced researcher.
This is partly due to the fact that the methods for identification are still
based on the phenotypical characters of the moulds, which requires many skills
in microscopical observations. In addition the mould flora of indoor
environments consists of some problematic genera such as Penicillium, Aspergillus
and Fusarium of which there is no general taxonomic consensus. Even
experienced mycologists might reach different conclusions hence different names
for an isolate.
Several
surveys of moulds in indoor environments have revealed that we are dealing with
a known and relatively low number of species. To detect these relevant species
it is, however, essential to apply the appropriate methods. This paper is
focused on the ecology and taxonomic problems of indoor moulds also related to
methods of detection.
Occupational Exposure to
Molds, Diseases and Diagnosis
Kari
Reijula, M.D., Ph.D.
Director,
Indoor Air & Environment Program; Finnish Institute of Occupational Health;
Helsinki, Finland; Address correspondence to: Kari Reijula, MD, PhD, Finnish
institute of Occupational Health, Arinatie 3, FIN-00370 Helsinki, Finland, tel
(358)-09-4747932, fax (358)-09-5061087, email: krei@occuphealth.fi
Abstract
Exposure
to molds has become a significant health risk to an increasing number of workers
in various occupations throughout the nations. Fungal antigens are able to cause
occupational asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and
organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) for instance among farmers, construction
workers, housekeeping personnel as well as factory and sawmill workers who have
to handle moldy and contaminated materials. In recent years, an increasing
incidence of mold-induced diseases has been encountered in moldy contaminated
water-damaged buildings. This has occured both in homes and workplaces.
Symptomatic persons occupying moisture problem buildings may develop asthma,
rhinitis, ODTS and HP. However, the majority of the exposed individuals present
with conjunctival, respiratory or systemic reactions the immune mechanisms of
which remain unclear. In the present summary some aspects will be presented on
health effects which appear among workers exposed especially to fungal antigens.
Key words:
Indoor moulds: a public
health problem in Belgium: overview of 15 years’ experience
Nicole
Nolard, Ph. D.
Head
of the section Mycology, Institute of Public Health (IPH), 14 Juliette
Wytsmanstreet, B 1050 Brussels, Belgium. phone: 32 2 642 55 17, fax: 32 2 642 55
19
This
paper is a summary of highlights recorded from 15 years’ experience of surveys
in home environments of patients with respiratory disorders linked with allergy,
mainly asthma.
Actually,
after the 1st oil crisis, in the 1970’s, people began to renovate their house
with the aim of best insulating every part from cellar to attic and we
registered a continuing increase in complaints correlated with the presence of
fungi, not only in damp houses but also in renovated and even new houses. Each
survey responded to a specific case with different situation standards (house/flat;
city/country, underprivileged/luxurious; pets/no pets....) Moreover, taking into
account the evolution of the sampling methods, a standard methodology was rather
difficult to elaborate.
Under
these circumstances, in 1982, a scheme was set up in our laboratory at the
Institute of Public Health, which belongs to the Belgian Ministry of Health, for
« environmental control» in homes. It includes:
•
a visit to the home,
•
a standardized home environment form,
•
the sampling of air, surfaces, furniture, wall paper, mattress and carpet
dust for fungal moulds
•
the isolation, purification and placing in our collection of fungal
strains for immunological testing (more than 2000 strains are stored either
freeze dried or under liquid nitrogen in the IHEM collection),
•
the creation of a serum bank containing not only the serum of the
allergic patient but also the sera of people living in the same surroundings,
•
the standardisation of a mini-method for preparing fungal extracts from
each selected strain,
•
finally, the immunological analysis from allergic patients, from subjects
exposed to the same environment but not symptomatic and from a pool of test sera.
Prick tests and antibody research (IgE and IgG) are carried out, or are in the
process of being carried out, with our own extracts and have confirmed the role,
in greater and greater numbers, of moulds as pneumoallergens in the home.
Our
objective is to present in this article a synthesis of our work at the Institute
and to inform about the interest of environmental surveys.
PILOT ANALYSIS OF THE IMMUNE
RESPONSE TO FUNGAL ANTIGENS IN SUBJECTS WORKING IN HUMIDITY DAMAGED HOUSES
Anja
S. Tiilikainen1, M.D., Ph.D., Irmeli Heikkinen2, M.Sc., Kirsi Vedenpää3, M.Sc.,
Riitta Karttunen4, M.D., Ph.D.
1
Professor (e) of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology; 2Research Associate;
3Research Associate; 4Acting Professor of Clinical Microbiology; From Department
of Medical Microbiology, University of Oulu; Oulu, Finland; Postal address:
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Oulu, FIN-90220 OULU, Finland,
Telephone: +358 - 8 - 537 5868, Fax: +358 - 8 - 335 908; Correspondence: Dr.
Anja Tiilikainen, e-mail: Anja.Tiilikainen@oulu.fi, or Department of Medical
Microbiology, University of Oulu, FIN-90220 OULU, Finland
Abstract.
Although
the proportion of anti-mold IgG antibody producers was largely the same among
different groups of subjects tested, the highest OD-readings in EIA technique
were seldom seen in symptomless controls, but generally in association with any
allergy of the ”mold exposed” subjects or in patients referred to specialist
analysis at the Oulu University Hospital outpatient clinic for
oto-rhino-laryngology. Some subjects in each group were distinctly multi-immune
(”responders” = R) and some just occasionally reactive (”low responders”
= LR) against a panel of 12-16 mold antigens; of the 34 allergic subjects 6 were
R and 3 LR. In vitro cultures of patient lymphocytes usually responded with a
lower cytokine production to Aspergillus
fumigatus antigen than to other mold antigens, in contrast to responses of
lymphocytes from healthy controls. More often than not, R lymphocytes showed
higher cytokine production than did LR lymphocytes; more frequently in healthy
controls than in patients.
Key words:
CAN MICROBIAL VOLATILE
METABOLITES CAUSE IRRITATION AT INDOOR AIR CONCENTRATIONS?
Anna-Liisa
Pasanen, Ph.D., Anne Korpi, Ph.Lic., Jukka Pekka Kasanen, M.Sc., Pertti Pasanen,
Ph.D.
University
of Kuopio, Department of Environmental Sciences, Kuopio, Finland; Corresponding
author: Prof. Anna-Liisa Pasanen; University of Kuopio, Department of
Environmental Sciences; P.O.Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland; tel. +358-17-163 157, fax +358-17-163 230; email: annal.pasanen@uku.fi
ABSTRACT
Sensory
irritation potency of selected volatile organic compounds assumed to be of
microbial origin (MVOCs) was estimated theoretically by using the data of the
recent chamber experiments and the results of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
measurements in water-damaged buildings. According to the estimations, a
possible risk for complaints of irritation caused by exposure to the mixtures of
those MVOCs in moisture problem buildings was evaluated. Exposure to mixtures of
the selected non-reactive VOCs at the theoretical airborne concentrations
calculated from the data of the chamber experiments would not result in sensory
irritation in humans, and, thus, microbial growth in constructions should not
increase the probability of irritating symptoms considerably. The data on MVOC
concentrations measured in some problem buildings also supported this
hyphothesis. Irritation would be expected when the airborne concentrations of
single assumed MVOC approach a level of hundreds of m g/m3 or mg/m3.
Key words:
GROWTH CONDITIONS OF
STREPTOMYCES ANULATUS REGULATE INDUCED INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES AND CYTO TOXICITY
IN MACROPHAGES.
Maija-Riitta
Hirvonen Ph.D., Merja Suutari Ph.D., Ulla Lignell M.Sc, Marjo Ruotsalainen Ph.D.
Aino Nevalainen Ph.D.
Division
of Environmental Health, National Public Health Institute, Division of
Environmental Health P.O.Box 95, FIN-70701 Kuopio, Finland. Correspondence:
Maija-Riitta Hirvonen, Ph.D, National Public Health Institute, Division of
Environmental Health, Laboratory of Toxicology, P.O.Box 95, FIN-70701 Kuopio,
Finland, Telephone +358 17 201 303, Telefax +358 17 201 265, E mail
Maija-Riitta.Hirvonen@ktl.fi
ABSTRACT
RAW264.7
macrophages were exposed for 24 hrs to the spores of Streptomyces anulatus
(doses of 105 106, 107 spores/million cells),
isolated from a moldy building and grown on 23 different kind of media.
Production of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages was induced dose dependently by
spores of S. anulatus reaching the level from 4.2 mM to 39.2 mM depending on the
composition of the medium. The expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was
detected in the macrophages after the exposure to the spores collected from all
tested growth media. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was
significantly increased when compared to controls by the highest dose of the
spores from two media. The growth media affected the production of cytokines as
well; the highest dose dependent levels of IL-6 varied from 400 to 7500 pg/ml
and the levels of TNF a from 450 to 3100 pg/ml. The amount of death macrophages
after the exposure varied from 11 % to 98% depending on the growth media of the
microbe. Altogether, our results suggest that the growth conditions of S.
anulatus, have a fundamental role in the ability of spores to induce
inflammatory responses and cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 cells.
Eckardt
Johanning1 M.D., M.Sc., Paul Landsbergis2 Ph.D.
1
Eastern New York Occupational and Environmental Health Center, Albany, New York,
USA, 155 Washington Ave, Albany, N.Y. 12210, USA; 2Cornell University Medical
College, New York, N.Y., USA; Correspondence: johanni2@crisny.org
Abstract
Objective:
Review of symptoms, clinical abnormalities and laboratory findings of building
occupants with abnormal indoor fungal exposure, primarily allergenic and
toxigenic fungi (Stachybotrys atra,
Penicillium, Aspergillus).
Design:
Descriptive review of 151 cases evaluated at a specialty clinic. Analyses of a
standardized health symptom questionnaire and immunological laboratory data.
Subjects:
Pediatric and adult specialty clinic population with verified abnormal indoor
fungal exposure.
Main
outcome measures: Self-reported symptom-complexes, Immunoglobulin E and G, T-
lymphocyte enumeration and function.
Results:
Widespread contamination of water-damaged building materials primarily with
toxin producing fungi were identified in the patients exposure history, who are
reporting from a variety of nonspecific”sick building”-like complaints to a
history of more serious morbidity of the respiratory system, skin, eye, chronic
fatigue-like symptoms (CFIDS) and central nervous system dysfunctions (vertigo,
memory, irritability, concentration, verbal dysfunctions). In some cases
abnormalities of enumeration and functional laboratory tests (flow-cytology),
mainly of the white blood cell system were identified. IgE or IgG antibodies
used as exposure markers, were positive in about less than 25% of all cases.
Removal from exposure typically resulted in improvement in the majority of
cases.
Conclusion:
Indoor air exposure to mycotoxin and allergen producing fungi results in a high
frequency of health complaints, variant multi-organ and laboratory abnormalities
requiring a detailed exposure assessment and clinical evaluation. Removal from
fungal exposure and symptomatic treatment generally results in noticeable
improvement of most patients. I propose to name these presentations and clinical
findings-if certain criteria are met: “fungal syndrome”.
Key messages:
Many
patients with fungal indoor exposure have a variety of symptoms, primarily the
skin, mucous membrane, respiratory organs, central nervous system and
constitutional symptoms.
Laboratory
results suggest other than type I allergy, IgE mediated health responses.
Diagnosis
of fungal disease should be based on exposure history, medical history and
clinical findings.
The
prognosis appears good provided the exposure can be stopped.
Pulmonary Hemorrhage among
Infants with Exposure to Toxigenic Molds: An Update
Ruth
A. Etzel1, M.D., Ph.D., Dorr G. Dearborn2, Ph.D., M.D.
1Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341; 2Rainbow Babies and
Childrens Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University,
Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Address for correspondence: Ruth A. Etzel, M.D., Ph.D.,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700, phone: 202-501-7373,
FAX: 202-501-6982
Abstract
In
1994, we investigated a geographic cluster of 10 cases of acute idiopathic
pulmonary hemorrhage among infants in Cleveland, Ohio. Our matched case-control
study demonstrated that infants with this condition were more likely than
control infants to live in homes with toxigenic Stachybotrys chartarum and other
fungi in the indoor air. The risk appeared to increase when both S. chartarum
and environmental tobacco smoke were present in the home. Since the completion
of the 1994 investigation, 27 additional infants in the Cleveland area have been
diagnosed with acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage. Of the 37 infants, 30 were
African-American infants, all of whom lived in a limited geographic area of
eastern metropolitan Cleveland, an area of older housing stock. Twelve deaths
with extensive idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis have been identified,
including seven originally thought to be due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS).
To
determine how common this problem might be, we actively solicited reports of
idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants from pediatricians throughout the
United States. We have received physician reports of an additional 101 cases of
acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants under 1 year of age. This
paper reviews the risk factors for this condition and discribes the ongoing
surveillance efforts.
Key words:
IAQ and Human Toxicosis:
Empirical Evidence and Theory
Harriet
M. Ammann, Ph.D., D.A.B.T.
Office
of Environmental Health Assessment Services, Washington State Department of
Health, P.O. Box 47846, 7700 Cleanwater Lane, Olympia, Washington 98504-7846,
Phone: 360-236-3171, FAX: 360-236-2257, e-mail: HMA0303@doh.wa.gov
Abstract
Studies
of injury, illness and death occurring in mold-exposed animals and people in the
field, observe that the illness called mycotoxicosis results from more complex
exposures than can be observed in laboratory experiments with pure mold toxins.
Response in field exposures occurs at lower exposure concentrations than those
from controlled experiments. Occurrence of signs and symptoms at low exposure
levels may result from a number of factors, including a greater spectrum of
susceptibility in heterogeneous populations, additive or synergistic actions of
multiple toxins, actions of other toxic microbial compounds, allergic and
irritant response, as well as concomitant exposure to other contaminants.
Changes in the immune system, often reflected as increased susceptibility to
infectious illness, are a common finding of low level exposure to toxigenic
molds that inhibit protein synthesis. Changes in the immune system are extremely
complex, but changes in the endocrine and nervous system accompany them, and may
reflect changes in the central neuroendocrine-immune control system. Evaluation
of illness of individuals exposed to a combination of irritant, allergenic and
toxigenic biological contaminants in wet buildings requires more information
about basic effects of individual agents as well as interactive effects of the
complex mixtures. In the meantime, case definition for such illness needs to
include exposure parameters that actually reflect the nature of the agents
capable of effecting illness, rather than some isolated component such as a
single mycotoxin. A definition of mycotoxicosis borrowed from agricultural
animal and worker exposures, “illness resulting from exposure to one or more
toxic molds and their products,” could serve. A case definition should also
include location of individuals relative to the location of suspect
contaminants, time of contact with or exposure to molds and their products, and
a list of signs and symptoms gleaned from investigations of known animal or
human toxic exposures. Commonality of signs and symptoms in those who show
similar time and place exposure parameters could be used to further focus
definition of a case. Prudent public health practice recognizes the potency of
the toxic agents produced by toxigenic molds, and seeks to protect occupants of
buildings once moisture incursion with resultant microbial growth has been
discovered.
Cognitive Impairment
Associated with Exposure to Toxigenic Fungi
Wayne
A. Gordon1, Ph.D., Eckardt Johanning2, M.D.,M.Sc. Lisa Haddad3, B.A.
1Professor,
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; 2Eckardt
Johanning, M.D., Adjunct Instructor, Department of Community Medicine, Mount
Sinai School of Medicine; 3Lisa Haddad, B.A., Research Assistant, Department of
Rehabilitation Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Research performed at
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Correspondence: Wayne A Gordon Ph.D., Department
of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy
Place, Box #1240, New York, NY 10029-6574, telephone: (212) 241-7917, fax: (212)
348-5901
Abstract
The
objective of the study was to examine whether cognitive impairment was
associated with exposure to Stachybotrys atra. 20 individuals were examined
using a standard neuropsychological battery and a symptom checklist. Results
indicate that all individuals seen meet at least 1 of the criteria for a
cognitive impairment, with 13 of the 20 (65%) meeting at least 3 of the criteria
for cognitive impairment. Preliminary findings suggest that exposure to
toxigenic molds are associated with cognitive impairment, specifically deficits
in verbal memory, verbal learning, attention/concentration and set shifting. In
addition to these cognitive deficits, the sample reported a high number of
cognitive, physical and behavioral symptoms. Validation on a larger sample of
individuals is indicated.
Key words:
Symptoms associated to work
in a water damaged school building
T.Sigsgaard1
MD., PhD., H.L.C.Jensen2 B.Sc., E.Nichum2 B.Sc., S.Gravesen3 M.Sc., L.Larsen4
M.Sc., M.Ø.Hansen5 B.Sc.
1:
Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University; 2:
Occu-pational health consultancy, Vejle; 3: Danish Building Research Institute,
Hørsholm: 4: ALK-Abello; Copenhagen, 5: Environmental Consultancy; Copenhagen,
DENMARK. All correspondence to: Torben Sigsgaard, MD. PhD., Associate professor
Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University,
University Park Bldg 180, DK 8000 Aarhus, Denmark, Phone: +45 8942 2945 Fax: +45
8942 6199, E-mail: TS@mil.au.dk
Abstract
This
paper describes a cross sectional study of employees from a school, where an
annex had a long history of water damage. The annex had infestations by a range
of moulds with Penicillium, Aspergillus,
Cladosporium most often encountered. The employees filled in a questionnaire
with questions on sick building syndrome extended with symptoms of toxic
alveolitis. After allocating the employees into three groups according to the
weekly hours spent in the annex of 0-7 h/week, 8-15h/week and more than 15
hours/week. We found a positive trend for headache, tiredness, nausea and
sleeping difficulties with increasing time spent in the annex. This was also
true for episodes of fever, shivering or a flue-like feeling. This study
emphasises the need for a standardised way to perform investigations of water
damaged buildings and indicates a dose response relationship between exposure to
water damaged buildings and symptoms of inflammation and CNS-irritation even in
low exposure situations.
Key words
Sensory irritation of
microbially produced volatile organic compounds in mice during repeated
exposures
Anne
Korpi, PH. LIC., Jukka-Pekka Kasanen, M.Sc., Anna-Liisa Pasanen, Ph.D.
University
of Kuopio, Department of Environmental Sciences, Kuopio, Finland; Corresponding
author: Anne Korpi, University of Kuopio, Department of Environmental Sciences,
P.O.Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, FINLAND, tel. +358-17-163
220, fax. +358-17-163 230, email: anne.korpi@uku.fi
ABSTRACT
Microbially
produced volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) are suspected to cause eye, nose and
throat irritation in occupants of moldy buildings. The effect of repeated
exposures (30 minutes per day during 4 consecutive days) of mice to 3-octanone
(3531 mg/m3), 1-octen-3-ol (36 mg/m3), or to a mixture of
five MVOCs (58 mg/m3) via inhalation was studied with a standardized
method (ASTM E 981-84). With single MVOCs, no changes in the responses between
repetitions of exposure were seen, and only a very slight adaptation in the
respiratory response was noted along with the repetition of exposure to a
mixture of MVOCs. Thus, during a short-term experiment, repeated exposure to
MVOCs did not provoke changes in the sensation of irritation nor cause permanent
effects on upper respiratory tract.
Key words:
IMMUNOLOGICAL BIOMONITORING
IN THE ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE TO AIRBORNE FUNGI FROM WASTE HANDLING
J. Bünger1, M.D., M. Müller, Ph.D., K. Stalder, M.D., Prof., E. Hallier, M.D., Prof.
Center
of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Department of Occupational and
Social Medicine, Georg-August-University, Waldweg 37, D-37073 Göttingen,
Germany, Address of authors: E. Hallier, M.D., Prof., K. Stalder, M.D., Prof.,
M. Müller, Ph.D., J. Bünger1, M.D., Department of Occupational and Social
Medicine, Georg-August-University, Waldweg 37, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany,
Phone: 49-551-394950, Fax: 49-551-396184, e-mail: ehallie@gwdg.de,
mmuelle3@gwdg.de, jbuenge@gwdg.de, 1 Address correspondence to this author at
the Department of Occupational and Social Medicine, Georg-August-University,
Waldweg 37, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
ABSTRACT
The
immunologic reaction of workers in different waste treatment facilities to
inhalation of mold antigens was studied by determination of specific IgG
antibody levels and compared to exposures. Antigens were prepared from cultures
of fungi which were dominant in dust samples at these workplaces. In 520 waste
workers, 32 patients with symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), and 98
control subjects, serum concentrations of specific IgG antibodies to antigens of
molds (Aspergillus and Penicillium
species) were determined by an indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT). The
highest antibody levels were found in workers in compost plants, followed by
employees of garbage sorting facilities. Lower levels were determined in workers
at landfills and lowest in collectors of household biowaste. This order reflects
the ranking according to the exposure measurements. About 5% of workers had
elevated antibody levels, but none complained about typical symptoms of HP. The
IIFT proved to be a very sensitive method of antibody detection since even IgG
levels of persons subjected to environmental exposure alone (control) could be
measured. High exposure to organic dust at workplaces with waste handling is
correlated with elevated mold-specific IgG antibody levels.
Key words:
Waste handling is strongly
associated with dyspnoea
Niels Ebbehøj1, M.D. D.M.Sc., Niels O Breum2, M.Sc. D.M.Sc., Gerard J Coenen2, M.Sc., Ulla I Ivens2, M.Sc. Ph.D., Birgitte Kjær2, M.Sc., Thomas Lund2, M.Sc., Poul Suadicani1, D.D.S., Uffe Midtgaard2 D.Sc., Helle Würtz2 M.Sc., Torben Sigsgaard3, M.D. Ph.D.
Department
of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of
Copenhagen, Denmark¹, National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen
Denmark ², Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of
Aarhus ³, Corresponding author: Niels Ebbehøj, Department of Occupational and
Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, DK 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark,
Telephone +45 35 31 60 60, Fax + 45 35 31 60 70, E-mail ne01@bbh.hosp.dk
Abstract
In
a cross-sectional study, we examined the health of the employees in the Danish
paper and glass recycling industries. Health was assessed by questionnaire,
general health examination, and lung function tests. The exposure to airborne
organic dust, moulds, bacteria, and endotoxin was measured by a personal carried
sampler during a full working shift.
The
predominant result was dyspnoea, reported by 40.7 % in the glass recycling
industry against 5.7% in the control group. The measured lung function
parameters showed minor but significant decrease in VC and FVC, whereas dynamic
values were equal. The dyspnoea was strongly associated with glass handling (OR
14.2, 95%CI: 4.0-50.6), and female sex (OR 4.5, 95%CI: 2.2-9.3). The results
were partially explained by variation in the levels of mould, but hardly any
other air microbiological air pollution. The presence of 0.5 mm diameter glass
particles qualitatively identified at microscopy at the glass recycling plants
is an other possible cause.
AN ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE AND
RESPIRATORY HEALTH AMONG SEWAGE TREATMENT PRESSROOM WORKERS
MICHAEL
B. LAX, M.D., M.P.H., GREG SIWINSKI, C.I.H., Ms., FEDERICA A. MANETTI, M.D., Ms.
CENTRAL
NEW YORK OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CLINICAL CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY MEDICINE,
SUNY HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT SYRACUSE, Correspondence: Michael B. Lax MD, MPH,
CNYOHCC, 6712 Brooklawn Parkway, Suite 204, Syracuse, New York 13211 Tel:
315-432-8899, Fax: 315-431-9528
ABSTRACT
An
exposure and health assessment was carried out to investigate reports of illness
among pressroom workers at a large sewage treatment plant. The investigation
included environmental monitoring and a self-administered health survey.
Environmental monitoring revealed several relevant exposures including
predominantly gram-negative bacteria, endotoxin, ammonia, and a volatile organic
compound. The health surveys showed a very high prevalence and frequency of a
number of respiratory symptoms among workers spending 20% or more of their time
in the pressroom. The vast majority reported symptom improvement away from work.
The findings suggest that pressroom workers at this plant were experiencing
respiratory symptoms as a consequence of workplace exposures. Likely exposures
contributing to the symptoms include gram negative bacteria and endotoxin.
Ammonia and volatile organics may also have been contributing factors.
KEY WORDS:
Chronic toxic
encephalopathies apparently related to exposure to toxigenic fungi.
Pierre
L. Auger1 M.D., Pierrot Pépin2 H.I., J. David Miller3 Ph.D., Manfred Gareis4
D.V.M., Ph.D., Julien Doyon5 Ph.D., Rémi Bouchard5 M.D., Marie-France Pinard6
Ph.D., Claude Mainville6 Ing.
1 CLSC Haute-Ville, Santé au travail, 530 Boul. de l'Atrium, #101,
Charlesbourg, (Québec), Canada, G1H 7H1. 2 CLSC Rivières et Marées, 22, rue
St-Laurent, Rivière-du-Loup, (Québec), Canada, G5R 4W5. 3
Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, (Ontario), Canada, K1A 0C6. 4
Institute for Microbiology and Toxicology, Federal Center of Meat Research.
E.-C.-Baumann-Str 20, D-95326, KUMLBACH, Germany; 5 Département de Psychologie
et Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada,G1K
7P4; 6 Laboratoire VITAL/AIR, Microbiologie et biochimie, Salubrité des bâtiments(M.F.P.)
and NATUR’AIR-KIWATIN (C.M.) 1264 Sherbrooke
ABSTRACT
This
report concerns four cases of neurotoxic encephalopathies possibly caused by a
prolonged exposure to toxin producing filamentous fungi (molds) in the
workplace. We will also demonstrate that complete fungal evaluation with species
identification and complementary cytotoxicity testing can be useful to identify
possible causes of health effects of mold exposures.
Key words:
INHALATION OF (1
®3)-
b-D-glucan IN HUMANS
L
Beijer, Ph.D., J Thorn, M.D., R Rylander, M.D.
Department
of Environmental Medicine, Göteborg University, Gothenburg, Sweden;
Correspondence to: Lena Beijer, Department of Environmental Medicine, Box 414,
405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden, Tel +46 31773 3614, Fax +46 80 5004, E-mail
lena.beijer@envmed.gu.se
Abstract
Fourteen
persons living in houses with levels of airborne glucan of at least 4 ng/m3
(G-high) and 14 subject living in houses with levels of airborne glucan of less
than 3 ng/m3 (G-low), were exposed to grifolan suspended in saline as
well as to saline alone. Comparing the groups before exposure showed that the
G-high group had an increased TNFa secretion from the blood mononuclear cells
and a lower number of cytotoxic T cells in blood compared to the G-low group.
These results suggest that persons living in homes with higher levels of glucan
(indicator for molds) show changes in the inflammatory and immunological system.
The inhalation exposure to saline induced an increase in the secretion of TNFa,
IFNg and IL-10 in PHA-stimulated blood mononuclear cells, while the exposure to
the combination of glucan and saline abrogated the saline effect. This
downregulation of the saline induced inflammation by glucan is in accordance
with previous results in animals exposed to endotoxin and glucan.
Key words:
BUILDING-RELATED ILLNESS IN
OCCUPANTS OF MOLD-CONTAMINATED HOUSES: A CASE SERIES
JAMES
CRANER, M.D., M.P.H.
Consultant
in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Verdi, Nevada, Assistant Clinical
Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational Medicine, University
of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, Address for correspondence:
P.O. Box 1161, Verdi, NV 89439, Phone: (775) 345-1407, Fax: (775) 345-1404
Abstract
The
clinical presentation and course of individuals and families who developed
illnesses related to non-infectious fungal exposures inside their homes is
described. Occupants developed their illnesses shortly after their homes had
been water damaged. A few occupants had a specific building-related illness,
such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis or asthma exacerbation, but most had a
“sick building syndrome” symptom complex involving irritation/inflammation
of the mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and skin; fatigue; and/or
neurocognitive dysfunction. All cases required months or years to correctly
diagnose. Air, surface, and/or bulk microbiological sampling in most of the
homes yielded high concentrations of toxigenic fungi, including Stachybotrys
chartarum and Penicillium and Aspergillus
species, emanating from water-damaged building materials. Most of the ill
individuals had complete clinical improvement shortly after their removal from
the contaminated indoor environment, but a few individuals continued to
experience symptoms in response to a variety of environmental irritants. The
author proposes a new clinical syndrome entity to describe the non-infectious,
mold-related, building-related illness.
Key words:
DIAGNOSING THE CAUSE OF A
“SICK BUILDING:” A CASE STUDY OF AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL
INVESTIGATION
JAMES
CRANER1, M.D., M.P.H., LINDA D. STETZENBACH2, Ph.D.
1
Consultant in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Verdi, Nevada,
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational
Medicine, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, P.O. Box
1161, Verdi, NV 89439, Phone: (775) 345-1407, Fax: (775) 345-1404
2
Director, Department of Microbiology, Harry Reid Center for Environmental
Studies, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, 4505 Maryland
Parkway, Box 454009, Las Vegas, NV 89154-4009, Phone: (702) 895-1419, Fax: (702)
895-3094; Work performed privately (JC) and at University of Nevada-Las Vegas
(LS); Address for correspondence: James Craner, MD, MPH, P.O. Box 1161, Verdi,
NV 89439
ABSTRACT
This
report describes the methods and outcome of a physician-led investigation of
occupants’ prolonged, unexplained illnesses associated with working inside a
large, modern office building. Occupants (cases) complained of building-related
symptoms including eye, nose, and throat mucous membrane irritation; rashes;
respiratory symptoms; profound, unexplained fatigue; and neurocognitive
symptoms, including difficulty concentrating and short-term memory impairment.
No functional ventilation problems or chemical contamination were detected in a
walk-through evaluation and basic air quality testing. An epidemiological survey
of the building’s 700 occupants was then conducted. With 86% of the occupants
responding to the survey, there was an average case prevalence of health-related
complaints of nearly 25%, evenly distributed among floors. Cases were
geographically distributed in a pattern which coincided with the location of the
ceiling-mounted variable air volume (VAV) boxes which distributed ventilated air
to the occupied spaces. Re-inspection revealed previously undetected, focal
water-staining of 40% of ceiling tiles located underneath the VAV boxes
throughout the building. Active growth of Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) and
other fungi was detected on many of the damaged tiles. All water-damaged tiles
were replaced and VAV hot water valves were tightened. Occupants reported
significant improvement of symptoms within weeks after these changes.
Key words:
FUNGAL EXPOSURE AND
IgG-LEVELS OF OCCUPANTS IN HOUSES WITH AND WITHOUT MOLD PROBLEMS
Hyvärinen1*
A., M.Sc., Reiman2 M., Ph.D., Meklin1 T, M.Sc., Husman1 T., M.D, Vahteristo1 M,
M.Sc., MD., Nevalainen1 A, Ph.D.
1
National Public Health Institute, Division of Environmental Health, P.O.Box 95,
FIN-70 701 Kuopio, Finland; 2 Kuopio Regional Occupational Health, P.O.Box 93,
FIN-70701 Kuopio, Finland; 1* Corresponding author, tel. 358-17-201 364, fax
358-17-201 155, Email: Anne.Hyvarinen@ktl.fi
Abstract
The
aim of the study was to evaluate the relevance of serum antifungal-IgG
antibodies to reflect the individual´s exposure to building related fungi. The
concentrations of viable fungi were higher and composition of fungal flora was
different in the index houses with moisture problem compared to those in the
reference houses. Positive IgG-findings were common in both groups, although
higher antibody levels against most of the fungi were found in the study group
than in the control group. However, compatibility between fungal flora found in
each house and elevated IgG-levels of its occupants were seldom found in either
of the groups. This study suggests that microbial sampling gives information of
the building at the time of the measurements, whereas IgG-antibodies reflect
long-term integrated exposure of an individual from total environment including
the work place.
Key words:
The immunopathology of
hypersensitivity reactions
Vincent
A. Marinkovich, M.D.
Clinical
Associate Professor, Stanford Medical School, 801 Brewster Avenue, Suite 220,
Redwood City, CA 94063, Telephone: (650) 482-2800, Fax: (650) 482-2802
Abstract
Overactivity
of the immune system, either allergy (IgE) or hypersensitivity (non-IgE) is
responsible for more illness than is generally appreciated, even by the medical
profession. The least understood are the non-IgE mechanisms which involve either
immune complex formation (type III of Gell and Combs) or direct killer T-cell
involvement (type IV). Type III reactions may be localized with a large
deposition of antigen at a focal point where immune complexes are formed and
tissue damage ensues including necrosis. This is termed the Arthus reaction. A
systemic dissamination of antigens will provoke a systemic inflammentory
reaction which is most closely modeled by the well studied acute and chronic
serum sickness reaction. Serum sickness was identified as the constellation of
symptoms which followed the aadministration of antitoxins (antisera given for
infectious disease before the advent of antibiotics) which were derived from
non-human sources, most often horses. Chronic serum sickness was observed when
otherwise heaalthy subjects were given repeat doses of antisera experimentally
over relatively short periods of time. The symptoms observed in spontaneous and
experimental serum sickness included fatigue, rash, cognitive changes, myositis,
arthritis, headache, weight-loss, cardiovascular symptoms etc., which are often
seen during heavy chronic exposure to fungal spores. The dynamic nature of
circulating immune complexes, their complexity, their rapidly changing
exquilibrum patterns aaand their pathogenicity must be appreciated before the
clinican can properly interpret the patterns of illnes his patients’ describe.
The best simple test identifying and thereby allowing the avoidance of serum
sickness is a specific IgE test to a panel of high exposure antigens including
fungi, food and occupational antigens.
Key words
EXPOSURE TO STACHYBOTRYS
CHARTARUM INDUCES IMMUNOGLOBULIN A ANTIBODY RESPONSE IN MAN
Päivi
Raunio1 M.Sc, Anna-Liisa Pasanen1 Prof., Tuula Husman2 M.D., Tuomas Virtanen3
M.D.
1
University of Kuopio, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, P.O.Box 1627, FIN-70211
Kuopio, Finland; 2 National Public Health Institute, P.O.Box 95, FIN-70701,
Kuopio, Finland; 3 University of Kuopio, Department of Clinical Microbiology,
P.O.Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Corresponding author: Päivi Raunio,
fax 358-17-163 230, tel. 358-17-163, e-mail: Paivi.Raunio@uku.fi, University of
Kuopio, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, P.O.Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
ABSTRACT
The
levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E, G and A antibodies against Stachybotrys
chartarum were measured in patients with asthmatic or mycotoxicosis symptoms
(n=6), their family members (n=10) and control subjects (n=18) with indirect
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The Stachybotrys-specific IgG and IgA levels
correlated with each other significantly (r=0.71, p<0.01) in the group of
exposed subjects (patients and family members), but not in the control group.
The IgA levels were significantly higher (p<0.01) and the IgG levels slightly
higher (p<0.05) in the patient group than in the control group. IgE levels
did not differ between the subject groups. The results of this study suggest
that the exposure to Stachybotrys does not cause IgE-mediated allergy in humans.
It is possible that the IgA response reflects better exposure to the fungus than
the IgG response does.
Key words:
Serum
antibody level, Stachybotrys chartarum, exposure, enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay, IgA, IgG, IgE
Impacts of Airborne Viruses
on Indoor Environments
Douglas T. Reindl
Assistant
Professor, College of Engineering, Director, HVAC&R Center, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, 432 North Lake St., Madison, WI 53706, (608) 626-6381 -
voice, (608) 263-3160 - fax
ABSTRACT
The
presence of airborne viruses in the indoor environment can lead to a significant
incidence of occupant morbidity. Although many of the illnesses caused by
airborne viruses are relatively benign or self-limiting, there are strains of
viruses, e.g. influenza, which can result in mortality. Certain populations,
such as immunocompromised, are especially at risk. Respiratory disease accounts
for approximately 75-80% of all acute morbidity in the U.S. with nearly 80% of
the illnesses viral (Ray 1994).
In
the U.S., we spend over five billion dollars annually on remedies for relief of
the common cold caused, primarily, by rhinoviruses (Radetsky 1991). The common
cold is also responsible for an aggregate of thirty million sick days from work
and school due to its debilitating effects (Radetsky 1991). The principle
modality for transmission of the common cold is via an airborne pathway (Dick
and Inhorn 1992).
Properly
designed, implemented, and operated engineering control strategies may be an
effective intermediate term approach to breaking the chain-of-transmission of
illness attributed to respiratory viruses. This paper reviews some background on
the prevalence of airborne viruses in the indoor environment, currently
available engineering control strategies, and research needs in the area of
indoor environmental virology.
Key words:
Viruses,
indoor environment, ventilation, common cold, airborne transmission
SENSITIZATION TO MOLDS AND
RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN SCHOOL CHILDREN
Taskinen1
T., M.D., Hyvärinen2 A., M.Sc., Meklin2 T., M.Sc., Husman2 T., M.D.,
Nevalainen2 A., Ph.D., Korppi1 M. M.D.
1
Kuopio University Hospital, 1Department of Paediatrics, P.O.Box 1777, FINLAND
70211 Kuopio, Finland., Telephone: + 358-17-172396, Telefax: + 358-17-172410; 2
National Public Health Institute, Division of Environmental Health, Kuopio,
Finland. Address of correspondence: Taina Taskinen, Lypsäjänpolku 3, FIN-
74700 Kiuruvesi, FINLAND, Telephone: + 358-17-752549, Telefax: + 358-17-753601,
E-mail: Taina.Taskinen@ktl.fi, taina.taskinen@kiuruvesi.fi
Abstract
We
performed a questionnaire study in 622 school children; asthma or asthmatic
symptoms were present in 208 (33%) children. Moisture and mold problems were
documented in the index school (N=414; 168 (41%) were symptomatic); the control
school (N=208; 40 (19%) were symptomatic, p<0.001) had no such problems. Skin
prick tests to 13 molds (9 occurring in environment and 4 indicating moisture
problems in buildings) were performed in the 208 symptomatic children. A
positive reaction (>3mm) was observed in only 5 (2%) children. Children who
were exposed to molds in the school had more often emergency visits (OR=2.0,
p<0.01) and also they had used more antibiotic courses (OR=2.1, p<0.01)
than nonexposed pupils, but only during spring. Our results show that skin test
positivity to molds is rare in school children. This is true in pupils with
asthmatic symptoms, and also in the pupils from the school with moisture or mold
problems. In addition, respiratory infections seem to be associated with mold
exposure.
Key words:
Glucan exposure and airways
inflammation among household waste collectors in two municipalities in Sweden
Jörgen
Thorn, M.D., Lena Beijer, Ph.D., Ragnar Rylander, M.D., Ph.D.
Department
of Environmental Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 414, 405 30 Gothenburg,
Sweden. Tel +46 31 773 3600, Fax +46 31 82 5004; Correspondence to: Prof Ragnar
Rylander, Department of Environmental Medicine, Box 414, 405 30 Gothenburg,
Sweden. Tel +46 31 773 3601, Fax +46 31 82 5004
ABSTRACT
Objective:
To study effects of household waste handling two studies were performed. A first
study included 17 workers collecting unsorted household waste, eight workers
collecting organic/non organic separated waste and 24 controls. The second study
included 15 workers collecting organic/non organic separated waste and 27
controls.
Methods:
Measurements of airborne endotoxin and (1
®3)-
b-D-glucan were made
in their working environments. Examinations consisted of a questionnaire for
symptoms, spirometry, measurements of airway responsiveness, and blood and
sputum sampling for determination of differential cell counts, eosinophilic
cationic protein (ECP), myeoloperoxidase (MPO) and cytokines (study 2).
Results:
The waste collectors reported more respiratory and general symptoms as compared
with controls. In the first study, the number of blood lymphocytes and monocytes
were higher among waste collectors. The effects were associated with higher
amounts of airborne (1
®3)- b-D-glucan.
In the second study, the number of blood lymphocytes was lower and the number of
monocytes higher among waste collectors. The exposure levels were lower in this
study as compared with the first.
Conclusion:
The results suggest that exposure to household waste dust may cause an
activation of inflammatory cells.
Key words:
MOISTURE OBSERVATIONS AND
HEALTH
Vahteristo1
Mikko, M.Sc., Räsänen2 Jouni, Husman3 Tuula, M.D., Nevalainen4 Aino, Ph.D.,
1
National Public Health Institute of Finland, Di-vision of Environmental Health,
Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, 2, Civil Engineer, National Public
Health Institute of Finland, Di-vision of Environmental Health, Laboratory of
Environmental Microbiology; 3 National Public Health Institute of Finland,
Di-vision of Environmental Health, Unit of Environmental Epidemiology; 4
National Public Health Institute of Finland, Di-vision of Environmental Health,
Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology; Correspondence: Mikko Vahteristo,
National Public Health Institute, P.O.Box 95, 70701 Kuopio, Finland, Phone: +358
17 201 153, Fax:+358 17 201 155
ABSTRACT
Two
tenements, one with 252 and the other with 144 separate apartments were studied
for their moisture problems and the symptoms of occupants. There were signs of
moisture in 97% of the apartments of the index building and in 59% of the
reference building. Among adults, the prevalence of nearly all respiratory
symptoms was higher in the index building. The prevalence of nocturnal shortness
of breath was more than twice as high in the index building than in the
reference building. There was a statistically significant difference in
adult’s visits to a physician because of the respiratory symptoms between the
two buildings. When the groups that were defined by the severity of moisture
problems in the apartments was considered as an exposure variable, in hoarseness
of voice, in nocturnal cough and in nocturnal shortness of breath ORs were high
and showed a tendency of dose-response relationship. These results support the
conclusion that good maintenance of buildings is necessary in order to prevent
moisture problems and corresponding health consequences.
Mycotoxin Cytotoxicity
Screening of Field Samples
Manfred
Gareis, D.V.M., Ph.D., Prof., Eckardt Johanning1, MD., M.Sc. Ritchie Dietrich2,
Ph.D.
Institute
for Microbiology and Toxicology, Federal Centre for Meat Research,
E.-C.-Baumann-Str. 20, D-95326 Kulmbach, Germany; 1Eastern New York Occupational
& Environmental Health Center, 155 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York
12210; 2Institute for Hygiene and Technology of Food of Animal Origin,
Veterinary Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13,
D-80539 Munich, Germany; Address for Correspondence: M. Gareis, PhD, Director
and Professor, Institute for Microbiology and Toxicology, Federal Centre for
Meat Research, E.-C.-Baumann-Str. 20, D-95326 Kulmbach, Germany; Tel.:
+49-9221-803-220, Fax: +49-9221-803-331, e-mail: gareis.baff@t-online.de
Abstract
Several
hydrophil fungi produce very potent chemical metabolites (mycotoxins) that may
pose a particular health risk in indoor settings. However, these properties have
not been routinely assessed in similar field investigations, due to a lack of
readily available screening test methods. A total of 166 moulded samples of
building materials (gypsum boards, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, fiberglass and
other insulating materials, carpets, dust and air filters) from 44 case
investigations conducted during the time period from 1993 to 1998 in various
areas of the United States were tested with the MTT-cytotoxicity screening assey
for the presence of cytotoxic mycotoxins and compared with controls. A subset of
samples was analysed by an enzyme-immune assay (EIA) for occurrence of
macrocyclic trichothecenes produced by strains of Stachybotrys chartarum. In
addition, presence of fungi were examined by culture methods and scanning
electron microscopy. Different levels of cytotoxicity were detected in
particular of field samples of gypsum board or wall paper visibly contaminated
with fungal growth. Samples with highly cytotoxic effects reacted positive in
the MTT-bioassay at concentrations of less than 5 mg of sample aliquot per ml of
cell culture medium and indicated the presence of cytotoxic contaminants.
Twentythree field samples (52%) of all case investigations were positive for
cytotoxicity compared with controls. Most frequently detected fungi in toxic
samples were Stachybotrys chartarum (85%), Trichoderma sp. (31%) and Chaetomium
sp. (38%) compared to non-cytotoxic samples with a proportion of 38%, 10% and
5%, respectively. These results indicated the presence of non-toxigenic strains
or alternatively the non-production of cytotoxic mycotoxins by toxigenic strains
on these particular samples. The level of toxicity obtained by the MTT-bioassay
highly correlated with the amount of macrocyclic trichothecenes detected by use
of the EIA in the samples contaminated with or without Stachybotrys chartarum.
Toxicity detected in samples not contaminated with Stachybotrys chartarum
indicates the presence of cytotoxic mycotoxins produced by other fungi. In
conclusion, the results support the usefulness of the MTT cytotoxicity assay as
an important diagnostic tool for the assessment of potential mycotoxin exposure
inside buildings with fungal contamination.
THE EFFECT OF INHALED SPORES
OF MYCOTOXIN PRODUCIN FUNGI ON ANIMALS
Eeva-Liisa
Hintikka, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Head
of the Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary and Food Research
Institute, PO Box 368, FIN-00231 Helsinki, FINLAND, Telephone: + 358 9 393 1826,
Fax: + 358 9 393 1811
Abstract:
Animals
in contact with a mouldy environment are exposed to respiratory fungal
infection, lung mycosis. Toxic fungal spores in the air create a risk of
respiratory effect. Animal experiments have shown that pure mycotoxins
administered to the respiratory organs have only a transient or no effect in the
lungs. Toxin-containing spores of Stachybotrys atra administered to the
respiratory organs of mice cause severe haemorrhages and lung inflammation.
Key words:
Trichothecenes as a potent
inducer of apoptosis
Hiroki
OKUMURA1, Naoto YOSHINO1, Yoshitsugu SUGIURA1, Masao SUGAMATA2, Eeva-Liisa
HINTIKKA3, Bruce JARVIS4, Yoshio UENO1
1)Department
of Toxicology and Microbial Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Science University of Tokyo, Ichigaya, Tokyo 162-0826, 2) Department of
Pathology, Tochigi Institute of Clinical Pathology, Nogi, Tochigi 329-0112,
Japan, 3) National Veterinary and Food Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland,
and 4)Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Maryland, Maryland,
USA. Correspondence, Yoshio UENO Prof., Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Science University of Tokyo, Ichigaya, Tokyo 162-0826, Japan, TEL
+81-3-3260-4272 (ext. 5069), FAX +81-3-3267-1320, E-mail
<youeno@kagu.sut.ac.jp
Abstract
Induction
of apoptosis by the trichothecenes was examined in promyelotic leukemia cell
line HL-60 and mice. An early elevation of intracellular Ca++ ion followed by
disruption of observed mitochondrial transmembrane potential, induction of
caspase-3, and DNA fragmentaion was oberved in T-2 toxin-treated cells. An
induction of apoptotic cell death in the tissues of mice given T-2 toxin was
confirmed by electron microscopic analysis. The induction of apoptosis was
proposed as a novel cell death mechanism of T-2 toxin as well as macrocyclic
trichothecenes.
Key words:
Analysis for Stachybotrys
Toxins
Bruce
B. Jarvis1, Ph.D., Prof., Simon F. Hinkley
Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Joint Institute for Food Safety and
Nutrition, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, 1Corresponding
author: Phone No. (301)-405-1843; Fax no. (301)-314-9121, e-mail address:
bj6@umail.umd.edu
Abstract:
Analytical
conditions have been developed for the detection and quantitation of several
classes of mycotoxins produced by the toxigenic mold, Stachybotrys atra (S.
chartarum). Fungal cultures or environmental samples are extracted with
methanol-chloroform and the crude extracts passed through a PEI silica cleanup
column. The fractions from this cleanup column are analyzed by reversed phase
chromatography (C-18, acetonitrile-water-formic acid) coupled to a diode array
detector. Three major classes of mycotoxins are produced by S. atra:
trichothecenes, phenylspirodrimanes, and, a new class of diterpenoids, the
atranones. Thirty-eight isolates of S. atra were assayed for their mycotoxin
production, and the S. atra isolates fell into two distinct classes: those that
produce trichothecenes (12/38) and those that produce atranones (22/38).
Key words:
Assessing Bioaerosols in
Elementary School Classrooms
K.H.
Bartlett, Ph.D., S.M. Kennedy, Ph.D., M. Brauer, Sc.D., B. Dill, Ph.D., C.
vanNetten, Ph.D.
K.H.
Bartlett, Ph.D. candidate, Interdisciplinary Studies; S.M. Kennedy, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor, Occupational Hygiene Programme; M. Brauer, Sc.D., Associate
Professor, Occupational Hygiene Programme; B. Dill, Ph.D., Department of
Microbiology and Immunology; C. vanNetten, Ph.D., Associate Professor,
Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, Occupational Hygiene Programme,
Third Floor, 2206 East Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British
Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada, Please address correspondence to: Karen H. Bartlett,
Occupational Hygiene Programme, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, B.C., V6T 1Z3, Phone:
(604) 822-9573 FAX: (604) 822-9588 email: kbartlet@interchange.ubc.ca
Abstract:
A
two year study of elementary school classrooms was begun in 1996. Data collected
included: number of occupants and patterns of occupancy, CO2 levels, temperature
and percent relative humidity (%RH), total particulate, and air exchange rates
using tracer gas (SF6). Indoor and outdoor bioaerosols were collected using an
Andersen N-6 impactor.
The
effect of measured indoor air quality parameters and building characteristics on
the airborne concentrations of indoor bacteria and mesophilic fungi were
evaluated using multiple linear regression. The variable with the highest
predictive value for bacterial concentrations was indoor CO2 concentration, with
the final equation having a R2 of 0.59. In contrast, outdoor temperature had the
highest predictive value for indoor mesophilic fungi with the final equation
having a R2 of 0.61.
Variables
commonly measured during an indoor air quality investigation can be used to
understand bioaerosol concentrations. High commensal bacterial counts are
clearly related to inadequate ventilation of the occupied space. In a similar
manner, the use of mechanical or natural ventilation in buildings and the
concentration of fungi in the outdoor environment is related to indoor fungal
counts. These data would suggest that indoor air quality investigations benefit
from an integrated investigative approach.
Anatomy of a Fungal Problem
Neil
Carlson1, M.S., C.I.H., Arif Quraishi2, B.S.M.E., M.B.A.
1University
of Minnesota, 410 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, Phone:
651-626-5714, Fax: 651-624-1949, E-mail: carls001@maroon.tc.umn.edu, N.G.
Carlson Analytical, Inc., 216 16th Avenue S.W., MN
2
Institute for Environmental Assessment, Indoor Environments Division, 7101
Northland Circle, Suite 219, Minneapolis, MN 55428, Phone: 612-535-7721, Fax:
612-535-9177, E-mail: schooliaq@aol.com
Institute
for Environmental Assessment, 7101 Northland Circle, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428,
612-535-7721 * 800-233-9513 * Fax 612-535-9177, Arif Quraishi, B.S.M.E., M.B.A.
Abstract
Sampling
was performed in a school with extensive visible fungal growth to evaluate
exposure potential to building occupants. Musty odors and allergy-type symptoms
were reported by building occupants. Initial testing using fungal sampling was
not successful in identifying risks to building occupants. Additional sampling
was conducted using total spore trap sampling, tape sampling and microbial
volatile organic compound (MVOC) sampling. Analysis of the samples using total
spore trap and tape sampling methods identified exposure potential to Acremonium
spp., Alternaria spp., Paecilomyces spp., Aspergillus niger and others.
Measurement of MVOCs showed that the indoor MVOCs were almost double the outside
level. While sampling performed by traditional viable methods suggested no
exposure potential, tape, spore trap and MVOC sampling data revealed greater
exposure potential. Based on the results of this study, viable fungal sampling
should not be the only method for conducting risk assessments relating to
exposure to fungal spores and their bioeffluents.
Key words
Characterization of
Bioaerosol Emissions from a suburbanYard waste composting facility.
Luke
Curtis1, M.S., C.I.H., Mary Ross2 Ph.D., Joe Chung3 Ph.D., Peter Scheff1 Ph.D.,
C.I.H., Victoria Persky1 M.D., Richard Wadden1 Ph.D., C.I.H., Viswanathan
Ramakrishnan1 Ph.D., Daniel Hryhorczuk1, M.D., M.P.H.
1-
University of Illinois at Chicago, Departments of Environmental and Occupational
Health Science and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Mail Code 922, 2121
West Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60012.; 2 - United States Environmental
Protection Agency, Health Effects and Standards Group, Mail Code 15, Research
Triangle Park, NC 27711. 3 - United States Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 5, 77 West Jackson Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602.; Corresponding
Author: Luke Curtis, MS, CIH, School of Public Health West, M/C 922- University
of Illinois at Chicago, 2121 West Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60091, Work
(312) 996-7887 Home (847) 256-3562 Fax (312) 413-7369, E Mail
Luke_Curtis@Juno.com
Abstract:
During
the months of September through November, 1995, extensive bioaerosol
measurements were made at and around at composting facility over a 10 day
sampling period. Airborne bacterial concentrations were much higher on-site than
off site and off site bacterial concentrations were significantly higher
downwind of the composting facility. Airborne fungal concentrations were not
significantly higher closer to the compost facility than further off-site.
Particulate, endotoxin and beta 1,3 glucan concentrations were significantly
higher on-site than off-site.
Key words:
Airborne contamination of
Eastern Canada sawmills.
Caroline
Duchaine Ph.D.1, Anne Mériaux B.Sc. Yvon Cormier M.D.
Affiliation: Centre de Pneumologie, Hôpital and
Université Laval, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada. 1Corresponding author: Caroline
Duchaine, Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Laval, 2725 Chemin Ste-Foy, Ste Foy, Québec,Canada,
G1V-4G5, Tél: (418) 656-4760, fax: (418) 656-4509, duchaine@mediom.qc.
Abstract:
The
purpose of this study was to quantify and identify the airborne contamination in
sawmills in order to monitor the exposure levels for workers. Seventeen sawmills
were chosen to cover a wide range of size, geographic distribution, wood species
and, within each sawmill, different work areas (debarking, sawing, sorting, or
planing) were studied separately. Microbial contaminants were assessed using all
glass-impingers-30 and six-stages Andersen samplers. Tryptic soy agar was used
for bacteria, Rose Bengal Agar (RB) was used for culturable molds (30°C)
determination. PVC filters were used at a flow rate of 2l/min for at least 6
hours for dust level measurements. Endotoxins were measured in AGI-30 liquid.
Temperature and humidity were also measured. Penicillium species were the most
predominant molds. We identified up to 40 different Penicillium species in these
environments. Debarking was the working site most highly contaminated by molds,
bacteria and endotoxins (p=0,0001). At this working site mold levels reached up
to 1.5x106 CFU/m3, the culturable bacteria levels were in
average 3.3 X105 ± 3.1 X105 CFU/m3 and the
median value for endotoxin level was 1081 endotoxin units/m3. Planing
site was the most highly contaminated with dust (median: 3.0 mg/m3)
(p<0.05). Eastern North America sawmills contain airborne biological
contaminants which vary between working sites and their microflora is different
from those previously described in European sawmills.
Key words:
Prevalence of Fungi in CARPET
Dust Samples
Mark
Hodgson1 LRSC, Richard Scott2 AIA
1
Senior Consultant, 2 Senior Architect, Occupational Health and Safety;
1&2Clayton Environmental Consultants, a division of Clayton Group Services,
Inc., 160 Fieldcrest Avenue, Edison, New Jersey 08837 USA, Tel: (732) 225-6040
Fax: (732) 225-4577, Email: Mhodgson@claytongrp.com or Rscott@Claytongrp.com
ABSTRACT
Samples
of dust collected from carpeting can provide an indication of the microbial
condition of a building with the carpet material having potential to be both an
amplifier (growth site) and reservoir for fungi. Interpretation of the data
obtained from analysis of the dust is helpful when making a determination as to
the overall condition of both the building and the carpet material. The authors
have collated data from 243 samples collected in both problem and control
buildings across the USA. A comparison is made between the results obtained from
both problem and control buildings, with particular emphasis on the biodiversity
found and the regional differences observed. The study concludes that despite
the ubiquitous nature of fungi there are a number of key indicators which can be
used to determine if the dust from a carpet suggests a contaminated building.
Key words:
Detection and Decontamination
of a Facility Contaminated with Fungi Including Stachybotrys chartarum: A Case
Study
Ling-Ling
Hung, Ph.D.
US
Public Health Service, Division of Federal Occupational Health, 150 S.
Independence Mall West, Suite 368, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Phone: 215-861-4113,
Fax: 215-861-4121, Email:LHUNG@FOH.DHHS.GOV
ABSTRACT
A
facility indoor environmental quality investigation was initiated in 1996 due to
onset of employees' health symptoms after fifteen minutes exposure in the
facility. The investigation was to determine the extent of contamination,
identify the causative agents, design decontamination specifications, and
develop and implement a monitoring strategy for clearance sampling.
Massive
fungal growth was observed on various surfaces. Many types of microbiological
samples were collected throughout this two-story facility. Very high fungal
levels were detected on bulk and wipe samples (107 CFU/g and 106
CFU/in2). Three rounds of air samplings were conducted. Outdoor
fungal levels were at 102 CFU/m3 with Cladosporium as the
predominant fungi. However, indoor fungal levels were consistently at least 104
CFU/m3. Indoor fungal flora was dominated by Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys
chartarum. Analytical results showed that basement, ground floor, and
ductwork were contaminated.
Specifications
were developed to decontaminate the facility and the ductwork. Ten percent (10%)
bleach solution and Oxine® brand of chlorine dioxide (500 ppm) was used as the
disinfectant for the facility and the ductwork, respectively. Final clearance
samples were taken to evaluate the effectiveness of the cleaning. Air sampling
results showed that airborne fungal levels in the facility were compatible to
those of outdoors (230 and 224 CFU/m3, respectively), with a similar
fungal flora. Results from final clearance surface samples, taken after
completion of second ductwork cleaning, showed that surface fungal burden of
this facility was not different from that of a reference building.
Key words:
Case Study: Airborne
Concentrations of Trichoderma and Stachybotrys linked to Mycotoxicosis
Larry
D. Robertson, M.S., B.S.
Mycotech
Biological, Inc., Rt. 1 Box 182 Jewett, TX 75846 U.S.A., Phone/Fax 800-272-3716
Abstract
The
affected individual developed symptoms approximately 55 days after exposure to a
working environment containing significant fungal contamination. Initial
symptoms included bronchitis, swelling, spastic colon, severe headaches, and
fatigue. Later, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and loose teeth were reported.
Three physicians having specialties in internal medicine, toxicology, and
neurology independently diagnosed exposure to an "unknown"
environmental toxin; however, the physicians were not provided with
environmental results from the work place. The work environment indicated
airborne concentrations of Trichoderma viride and Stachybotrys chartarum at 494
CFU/m3 and 212 CFU/m3, respectively. Active Trichoderma
viride and Stachybotrys chartarum growth sites were documented at levels of 3.3
x 104 CFU/g and 2.0 x 107 CFU/g; respectively. Although
these contaminants were exclusive to the individuals work area, the CIH/CSP
represented the data as “typical” for indoor environments. As a result, no
exposure data was provided to the attending physicians. After 5 months of
exposure the individual became too ill to return to work. Within 1 month of
removal the symptoms begin to subside. Complete symptom cessation resulted after
12 months. The absence of specific human dose-exposure data relative to the
various mycotoxins produced by Trichoderma viride and Stachybotrys chartarum
does not support a valid medical claim relative to an aerosol-induced
mycotoxicosis. However, anecdotal, circumstantial, and environmental information
strongly supports the potential for this event to have occurred. This study
demonstrates the current void that exists relative to both the knowledge and
availability of mycotoxin diagnostic methods in the medical field and suggests
the immediate need for education, training, and research relative to aerosol
generated mycotoxicoses.
Key words
FUNGAL GENERA IDENTIFIED FROM
FLOODED WALL CAVITIES
CONSTANCE
L. JENKINS1, B.S., PETER H. SIERCK
1
Environmental Testing & Technology, 1106 Second Street, Suite 102,
Encinitas, CA 92024, Tel: (760) 436-5990, Fax: (760) 436-9448
ABSTRACT
Field
investigators are often confronted with the situation of evaluating whether or
not fungal amplification is present on the back side of drywall in walls which
have sustained a moisture intrusion. When there is no visible source of fungal
growth in a room with higher than expected levels of culturable fungi and a
pathway exists for migration of fungal spores into the room, growth on the
interior of the wall cavity must be considered. This study was conducted to
assess if culturable air sampling of wall cavities is a valuable tool to assist
in making this determination.
The
fungal genera present in the wall cavities were determined by collecting air
samples through a hole in the wall with an Anderson N6 stage impaction sampler
on selective media with laboratory analysis. The goal of the study was to
determine the fungal genera present in the inside of the wall cavities which
have sustained a moisture intrusion (flood) and compare them to the fungal
genera in wall cavities which have not sustained a water intrusion (non
flooded).
The
analysis results showed an increase in the total colony counts and a significant
shift from Cladosporium species to Aspergillus/Penicillium
species in the wall cavities which had sustained the water intrusion.
Statistically, in the flooded wall cavities, the sum of Aspergillus and Penicillium
is higher by more than three times the standard deviation.
Key words:
Exposure measures for studies
of mold and dampness and respiratory health
J.
David Miller1 M.Sc., Ph.D., Robert Dales2 M.D., M.Sc. Jim White3, P. Eng.
1Department
of Chemistry, Carleton University, 228 Steacie Building, Ottawa, Ontario. K1S
5B6,
2Environmental
and Occupational Toxicology, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. K1A 0L2, Canada
3Research
Division, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation, Ottawa, Ontario. K1A 0P7
Abstract
This
paper reviews some basic principles underlying the measurement of fungi in air
samples and dust to describe their quantitative and qualitative value. We
compare the results of such measurements with our experience in the Wallaceburg
study wherein ca. 400 homes in southern Ontario were studied for various
exposure and health outcomes. Until more powerful methods to determine
quantitative and qualitative exposures to fungi are developed, the attributable
risk of fungal contamination in residential housing for public health cannot be
estimated with accuracy. The most reliable information on mold exposures in
residential housing can be obtained by measuring moisture source strength,
detailed study of areas of visible mold plus some mycological testing of
building materials to determine where the growth is occurring beyond that
visible to the naked eye and qualitative and quantitative analysis of molds in
settled dust.
Key words
Fungal Growth in Buildings:
The Aerobiological Perspective
Harriet A. Burge Ph.D.
Harvard
School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Bldg. 1 Rm G-13, Boston, MA
02115, Tel: (617) 432-4638 Fax; (617) 432-3349
Abstract
In
the search for inexpensive shelter, we have developed indoor environments that
are conducive to fungal contamination. While active fungal growth indoors is
usually inappropriate and should be controlled, assessing specific health risks
associated with such growth remains a challenge. Epidemiological tools are often
used to determine relative risks associated with occupancy by groups of people
in environments with or without certain factors, including fungal growth, but do
not always make clear the role of the growth in the disease process in
indiviudals. Aerobiologists assess relationships along a pathway that includes
sources, dispersion and decay of aerosols, exposuree to individuals, doses of
agents, and responses. Both approaches yield valuable information, but require
the development of testable hypotheses.
As
a model, we can apply the epidemiological and aerobiological processes to the
Cleveland hemosiderosis outbreak, and consider the following hypotheses:
1.
The Cleveland babies that develop hemosiderosis are more likely to live in moldy
homes than those that did not develop the diseease, all other things being
equal.
2.
The Cleveland babies that developed hemosiderosis are more likely to live in
homes with Stachybotrys than those that did not develop the disease, all other
things being equal.
3.
(Aerobiology) Babies that developed disease were likely to have received a dose
of Stachybotrys chartarum toxins sufficient to cause the reported symptoms.
Some
evidence exists to support Hypothesis 1. Hypothesis 2 is suppored by very little
evidence and Hypothesis 3 has not been tested. Until Hypotheses 2 and 3 are
adequately tested and verified, assuming a cause/effect relationshipfor
Stachybotrys toxins in these cases is premature. Premature establishement of
cause/effect relationships may lead to unneccessaary conceern, and prevent
discovery of actual caauses of disease. This hypothesis development and testing
process is essential if we are to accurately determine the role of indoor fungi
in human disease.
Why are there Still Problems
with Fungal Allergen Extracts?
W.
Elliott Horner, Samuel B. Lehrer
Air
Quality Sciences, Inc., Atlanta, GA, and Tulane University Medical Center, New
Orleans, LA; Air Quality Sciences, Inc., 1337 Capital Circle, Altanta, GA 30067,
tel.: 770.933.0638, FAX 770.933.0641, aqs@mindspring.com
It
has long been axiomatic that reliable allergen extracts of fungi are more
difficult to produce and work with than extracts of pollen, dander, or other
allergen sources (Salvaggio, 1981; Burge, 1985; D’Amato, Spieksma, 1995;
Feinberg, 1946). Features of fungi that contribute to this include their number
and variety, the identification is sometimes difficult, their phenotypic
plasticity, and the presence of endogenous proteases that can degrade allergens
in crude extracts. All of these problems can be addressed to an extent, albeit
some with difficulty. Indeed, with the few fungi with which molecular techniques
are being used, recombinant allergens are readily being produced. Unfortunately,
adequate resources and resolve are lacking for a concerted effort at producing
well-characterized allergen extracts. Further, the extracts that are available
correspond poorly with the fungi that are often a problem indoors.
FROM FUNGAL EXPOSURE TO
DISEASE: A BIOLOGICAL MONITORING CONUNDRUM
Raymond
E. Biagini, M.S., Ph.D.
Division
of Biomedical and Behavioral Science, National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop C-26, Cincinnati, OH 45226.
Phone:513-5338196; Fax:
513-533-8494; Email: reb4@cdc.gov.
Abstract:
Biological
monitoring is the estimation of exposure to an agent through the measurement of
biomarker(s) resulting from an internal dose of an agent. The biomarker(s) are
typically the agent or its metabolite(s) in a biologically derived specimen. For
example, styrene in expired air, styrene in blood, and mandelic and
phenylglyoxylic acids (metabolites of styrene) in urine. The biomarker also can
be a highly specific, validated effect of the agent, such as elevated levels of
zinc protoporphyrin in blood caused by exposure to lead. Due to advances in
molecular biology, genetics, analytical chemistry, and other basic sciences, it
is now possible to detect smaller amounts of analytes and contaminants and
smaller biological changes, as well as to identify mechanisms at the cellular
and molecular levels. These advances can be exploited for biological monitoring,
in some cases. Legacy biological monitoring, is the measurement of a specific
biological monitoring determinant which contains none of the atoms of the
molecule to which the organism was exposed. The most common example of this is
an antibody produced against small molecular weight molecules or altered
constituitive proteins. Numerous investigators have implicated putative exposure
to macrocyclic tricothecenes and other compounds from Stachybotrys chartarum as
being associated with a plethora of signs and symptoms of disease. To date, no
compelling biological marker for exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum mycotoxins
or other metabolites has been presented. There is no doubt that exposure to
Stachybotrys chartarum is associated with an increased prevalence of
self-reported symptoms. However, evidence of the association of these complaints
with frank disease is lacking. More biological monitoring research is needed to
solidify these associations, if present.
Key words:
Comparative studies of fungal
media for the recovery of Stachybotrys chartarum from environmental samples
Stella
M. Tsai1, M.Sc., Chin S. Yang1, Ph.D., Patricia Heinsohn2, Ph.D., CIH
1
P&K Microbiology Services, Inc., 1950 Old Cuthbert Road, Unit L, Cherry
Hill, NJ 08034, Phone: (609) 427-4044, Fax: (609) 427-0232; 2 Exponent, 149
Commonwealth Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Abstract
Five
commonly used fungal media were used to determine the relative recovery
efficiencies of Stachybotrys chartarum (SC) by culturing sixty-five unknown
environmental samples from building materials. These fungal media were cornmeal
agar (CMA), Czapek cellulose agar (CCA), 2% malt extract agar (2% MEA), 1% malt
extract agar (1% MEA) and rose bengal agar (RBA). The samples were first
examined microscopically for the presence of SC. It was found that all five
fungal media were all suitable for the recovery of SC from the environmental
samples. The recovery frequency of SC from bulk samples ranged from 87.7% on 2%
MEA to 95.4% on CMA. Qualitative differences of colony growth and interaction
between S. chartarum and other fungi were observed on the media. CMA yielded the
best sporulation and highest recovery rate of SC from the environmental samples.
The other four media also supported the isolation and recovery of SC but at
reduced rates.
Key words:
Heteroduplex DNA
fingerprinting of Penicillium brevicompactum from house dust
James
A. Scott1,2, Neil A. Straus1, Bess Wong1
1Department
of Botany, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2,
Tel: 416-978-5563 Fax: 416-867-5878 E-m: jscott@sporometrics.com; 2 Sporometrics
Inc., 253 College Street, Box 400, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R5
Abstract
It
is widely believed that many osmotolerant microfungi, including toxigenic
species of Aspergillus and Penicillium
proliferate on indoor substrata such as dust and broadloom even in the absence
of appreciable moisture. This hypothesis has been offered as an explanation for
the disproportionate abundance of propagules of these species in indoor
environments, relative to their representation in outdoor reservoirs such as air
and soil.
We
obtained several thousand isolates of Penicillium from 367 homes in southwestern
Ontario, Canada. From these, 75 isolates of P. brevicompactum representing 54
houses were selected based on micromorphological and physiological uniformity.
Sequences of PCR-amplification products of polymorphic genetic loci were
compared between isolates using heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA), demonstrating
two primary, genetically divergent groups which appear to be stable,
clonally-reproduced lineages within the dust mycoflora. These clones are
distributed throughout the sample population and co-exist at several sites,
suggesting that in absence of objective moisture problems, the principal
amplifiers of P. brevicompactum lie outside the building environment. It is
possible that mechanical / filtration effects (e.g. differential removal of
propagules by vacuum cleaning and elutriation in air conveyance systems), and
the relatively long spore viabilities of trichocomaceous anamorphs play a
significant role in concentrating propagules of these microfungi in homes.
Key words:
Penicillium
brevicompactum, population, house dust, indoor air quality, heteroduplex
mobility assay
The Trichodiene Synthase Gene
from Stachybotrys chartarum : A potential diagnostic indicator of indoor
contamination
Neil
A. Straus1 PhD, James Scott, Bess Wong MSc
Department
of Botany, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1Corresponding
Author, Email: straus@botany.utoronto.ca
Abstract
The
hyphomycete Stachybotrys chartarum readily grows on damp cellulosic areas in
buildings producing spores that may contain highly toxic trichothecenes. Here we
report the cloning, sequencing of the gene for trichodiene synthase which is the
first enzyme of the pathway uniquely dedicated to the synthesis of
trichothecenes. The predicted amino acid sequence shows regions of high
conservation. Nucleotide sequence divergence permits the selection of PCR
primers that can detect the trichodiene synthase gene of S. chartarum in DNA
diagnostic strategies.
Key words