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Occurrence of Toxigenic Aspergillus versicolor Isolates and Sterigmatocystin in Carpet Dust from Damp Indoor Environments

Engelhart S, Loock A, Skutlarek D +4 more2002Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyJournal Article
10.1128/aem.68.8.3886-3890.2002PubMedFree full text
CardiovascularEndocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateMusculoskeletalNeurologicalOcularRespiratory/Sinus
ActinomycetesBacterial EndotoxinsIndoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Water-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Over the past decade, there has been growing concern regarding the role of toxigenic fungi in damp indoor environments; however, there is still a lack of field investigations on exposure to mycotoxins. The goal of our pilot study was to quantify the proportion of toxigenic Aspergillus versicolor isolates in native carpet dust from damp dwellings with mold problems and to determine whether sterigmatocystin can be detected in this matrix. Carpet dust samples ( n = 11) contained from <2.5 × 10 1 to 3.6 × 10 5 (median, 3.1 × 10 4 ) A. versicolor CFU/g of dust, and the median proportion of A. versicolor from total culturable fungi was 18%. Based on thin-layer chromatography detection of sterigmatocystin, 49 of 50 A. versicolor isolates (98%) were found to be toxigenic in vitro. By using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, sterigmatocystin could be detected in low concentrations (2 to 4 ng/g of dust) in 2 of 11 native carpet dust samples. From this preliminary study, we conclude that most strains of A. versicolor isolated from carpet dust are able to produce sterigmatocystin in vitro and that sterigmatocystin may occasionally occur in carpet dust from damp indoor environments. Further research and systematic field investigation are needed to confirm our results and to provide an understanding of the health implications of mycotoxins in indoor environments.

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

Fatigue, muscle aches, joint painMetabolic: excessive thirst, frequent urination, night sweatsMood/Appetite: mood swings, appetite swingsNeurological: headache, memory loss, concentration difficulty, confusion, word-finding difficulty, tingling in extremitiesPain: ice pick pain, chronic painRespiratory: sinus congestion, cough, shortness of breathSensory: light sensitivity

Cited By (29)

  • Co-occurrence of toxic bacterial and fungal secondary metabolites in moisture-damaged indoor environmentsIndoor Air · 2011
  • 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
  • A time-series study of sick building syndrome: chronic, biotoxin-associated illness from exposure to water-damaged buildingsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2005
  • DNA damage and DNA damage responses in THP-1 monocytes after exposure to spores of either Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus versicolor or to T-2 toxinToxicological Sciences · 2010
  • Medizinisch klinische Diagnostik bei Schimmelpilzexposition in Innenräumen – Update 2023 (AWMF-Register-Nr. 161/001)Pneumologie · 2024

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