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A water-damaged home and health of occupants: a case study

Thrasher J, Gray M, Kolburn K +2 more2012Journal of Environmental and Public HealthJournal Article
10.1155/2012/312836PubMedFree full text
DermatologicalImmune/InnateNeurologicalRespiratory/Sinus
Bacterial EndotoxinsIndoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsWater-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

A family of five and pet dog who rented a water-damaged home and developed multiple health problems. The home was analyzed for species of mold and bacteria. The diagnostics included MRI for chronic sinusitis with ENT and sinus surgery, and neurological testing for neurocognitive deficits. Bulk samples from the home, tissue from the sinuses, urine, nasal secretions, placenta, umbilical cord, and breast milk were tested for the presence of trichothecenes, aflatoxins, and Ochratoxin A. The family had the following diagnosed conditions: chronic sinusitis, neurological deficits, coughing with wheeze, nose bleeds, and fatigue among other symptoms. An infant was born with a total body flare, developed multiple Cafe-au-Lait pigmented skin spots and diagnoses with NF1 at age 2. The mycotoxins were detected in bulk samples, urine and nasal secretions, breast milk, placenta, and umbilical cord.Pseudomonas aueroginosa, Acinetobacter, Penicillium,andAspergillus fumigatuswere cultured from nasal secretions (father and daughter). RT-PCR revealedA. fumigatusDNA in sinus tissues of the daughter. The dog had 72 skin lesions (sebaceous glands and lipomas) from which trichothecenes and ochratoxin A. were detected. The health of the family is discussed in relation to the most recent published literature regarding microbial contamination and toxic by-products present in water-damaged buildings.

Key Biomarkers

AcinetobacterAflatoxinsAspergillus fumigatus DNAOchratoxin APseudomonas aeruginosaTrichothecenes

Symptom Clusters

Cafe-au-Lait pigmented spotsChronic sinusitisCoughing with wheezeFatigueNeurocognitive deficitsNose bleedsSkin lesions

Cited By (4)

  • Onset characteristics and breadth of occupants’ long-lasting building-related symptoms attributed to living in damp housing conditions in Australia: Qualitative insightsBuilding and Environment · 2024
  • A Review of the Mechanism of Injury and Treatment Approaches for Illness Resulting from Exposure to Water‐Damaged Buildings, Mold, and MycotoxinsThe Scientific World JOURNAL · 2013
  • Chronic Illness Associated with Mold and Mycotoxins: Is Naso-Sinus Fungal Biofilm the Culprit?Toxins · 2014
  • Detection of Mycotoxins in Patients with Chronic Fatigue SyndromeToxins · 2013

References (12)

  • Detection of AirborneStachybotrys chartarumMacrocyclic Trichothecene Mycotoxins on Particulates Smaller than ConidiaApplied and Environmental Microbiology · 2005
  • Co-occurrence of toxic bacterial and fungal secondary metabolites in moisture-damaged indoor environmentsIndoor Air · 2011

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