← Explorer/Network

Toxic-Metabolite-Producing Bacteria and Fungus in an Indoor Environment

Petola J, Andersson MA, Haahtela T +5 more2001Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyJournal Article
10.1128/aem.67.7.3269-3274.2001PubMedFree full text
CardiovascularEndocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateMusculoskeletalNeurologicalOcularRespiratory/Sinus
Bacterial EndotoxinsIndoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Water-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Toxic-metabolite-emitting microbes were isolated from the indoor environment of a building where the occupant was suffering serious building-related ill-health symptoms. Toxic substances soluble in methanol and inhibitory to spermatozoa at <10 μg (dry weight) ml −1 were found from six bacterial isolates and one fungus. The substances from isolates of Bacillus simplex and from isolates belonging to the actinobacterial genera Streptomyces and Nocardiopsis were mitochondriotoxic. These substances dissipated the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ) of boar spermatozoa. The substances from the Streptomyces isolates also swelled the mitochondria. The substances from isolates of Trichoderma harzianum Rifai and Bacillus pumilus damaged the cell membrane barrier function of sperm cells.

Key Biomarkers

Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)Immunoglobulin E (IgE)LeptinMatrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS)

Symptom Clusters

Appetite swingsConfusionCoughDifficulty with concentrationExcessive thirstFatigueFrequent urinationHeadacheJoint painLight sensitivityMemory lossMood swingsMuscle achesNight sweatsShortness of breathSinus congestionTingling in extremitiesWord finding difficulty

Cited By (11)

  • The biocontaminants and complexity of damp indoor spaces: more than what meets the eyesToxicology and Industrial Health · 2009
  • Sick building syndrome (SBS) and exposure to water-damaged buildings: Time series study, clinical trial and mechanismsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2006
  • Neural autoantibodies and neurophysiologic abnormalities in patients exposed to molds in water-damaged buildingsArchives of Environmental Health An International Journal · 2003
  • Biological Effects of Trichoderma harzianum Peptaibols on Mammalian CellsApplied and Environmental Microbiology · 2004
  • Mycotoxin production by indoor moldsFungal Genetics and Biology · 2003
  • Cognitive function of 6-year old children exposed to mold-contaminated homes in early postnatal period. Prospective birth cohort study in PolandPhysiology & Behavior · 2011
  • Overview of fungal isolates on heritage collections of photographic materials and their biological potency

Related Papers

  • Synergistic interaction in simultaneous exposure to Streptomyces californicus and Stachybotrys chartarumEnvironmental Health Perspectives · 2004 · 14 shared tags
  • Comparison of inflammatory and cytotoxic lung responses in mice after intratracheal exposure to spores of two different Stachybotrys chartarum strainsToxicological Sciences · 2004 · 14 shared tags
  • Localization of Satratoxin-G in Stachybotrys chartarum Spores and Spore-Impacted Mouse Lung Using ImmunocytochemistryToxicologic Pathology · 2004 · 14 shared tags
  • Correction to “Maitotoxin induces biphasic interleukin-1β secretion and membrane blebbing in murine macrophages”Mol Pharmacol · 2004 · 14 shared tags
  • HUMAN VISUAL FUNCTION IN THE NORTH CAROLINA CLINICAL STUDYON POSSIBLE ESTUARY-ASSOCIATED SYNDROMEJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health · 2001 · 14 shared tags
  • Effectiveness of cholestyramine in the detoxification of zearalenone as determined in miceBulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology · 1995 ·
Journal of Cultural Heritage · 2021
  • Occupational Microbiological Biohazards – Exposure, Detection, and DiseasePatty's Industrial Hygiene · 2021
  • The Toxicity of Wiped Dust and Airborne Microbes in Individual Classrooms Increase the Risk of Teachers’ Work-Related Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional StudyPathogens · 2021
  • Diversity of streptomycetes in water-damaged building materials based on 16S rDNA sequencesLetters in Applied Microbiology · 2002
  • Effects of Mycotoxins on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Immune ProcessesClinical Therapeutics · 2018
  • References (2)

    • Bacteria, molds, and toxins in water-damaged building materialsApplied and Environmental Microbiology · 1997
    • Trichothecene mycotoxins in aerosolized conidia of Stachybotrys atraApplied and Environmental Microbiology · 1987
    14 shared tags