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Characterization of the microbial community in indoor environments: a chemical-analytical approach

Sebastian A, Larson L2003Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyJournal Article
10.1128/aem.69.6.3103-3109.2003PubMedFree 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 An integrated procedure is presented whereby gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry is used to determine chemical markers of gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (3-hydroxy fatty acids with 10 to 18 carbon atoms), gram-positive bacteria (branched-chain fatty acids with 15 and 17 carbon atoms), bacterial peptidoglycan (muramic acid), and fungal biomass (ergosterol) in samples of settled house dust. A hydrolysate of 13 C-labeled cyanobacterial cells is used as an internal standard for the first three markers. These analyses require two dust samples, one for 3-OH fatty acids, branched-chain fatty acids, and muramic acid and another for ergosterol. The method may be used to characterize microbial communities in environmental samples.

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

Gastrointestinal: excessive thirst, frequent urinationMusculoskeletal: muscle aches, joint pain, ice pick painNeurological: fatigue, headache, memory loss, difficulty with concentration, confusion, word finding difficulty, light sensitivity, tingling in extremitiesRespiratory/Sinus: sinus congestion, cough, shortness of breathSystemic: night sweats, mood swings, appetite swings

Cited By (7)

  • Sick building syndrome (SBS) and exposure to water-damaged buildings: Time series study, clinical trial and mechanismsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2006
  • Sampling for indoor fungiJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology · 2004
  • Indoor air particles and bioaerosols before and after renovation of moisture-damaged buildings: the effect on biological activity and microbial floraEnvironmental Research · 2008
  • Molds and Mycotoxins in Indoor Environments — A Survey in Water-Damaged BuildingsJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene · 2009
  • Multicomponent Moraxella catarrhalis outer membrane vesicles induce an inflammatory response and are internalized by human epithelial cellsCellular Microbiology · 2010
  • Molecular profiling of fungal communities in moisture damaged buildings before and after remediation - a comparison of culture-dependent and culture-independent methodsBMC Microbiology · 2011

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References (6)

  • Building-related respiratory symptoms can be predicted with semi-quantitative indices of exposure to dampness and moldIndoor Air · 2004
  • Systemic Immunoresponses in Mice after Repeated Exposure of Lungs to Spores of Streptomyces californicusClinical and Vaccine Immunology · 2003
  • Trichothecene mycotoxins in aerosolized conidia of Stachybotrys atraApplied and Environmental Microbiology · 1987
  • Enhanced Detection of Surface-Associated Bacteria in Indoor Environments by Quantitative PCRApplied and Environmental Microbiology · 2001
  • Diversity of streptomycetes in water-damaged building materials based on 16S rDNA sequencesLetters in Applied Microbiology · 2002
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