Indoor Endotoxin and Glucan in Association with Airway Inflammation and Systemic Symptoms

Abstract

Indoor bioaerosols (i.e., bacteria, fungi, endotoxin, and beta-1,3-glucan) were determined in daycare centers, office buildings, and domestic environments in the Taipei area. In addition, we used a questionnaire survey to determine associations between indoor dampness, bioaerosols, and airway inflammation and systemic symptoms. We demonstrated that the median levels of indoor bacteria and fungi were the highest in daycare centers, followed by those in homes and office buildings. Similar patterns were observed for endotoxin and beta-1,3-glucan. The prevalences of airway inflammation and systemic symptoms were higher for females in office buildings than for employees in daycare centers; all symptoms were more prevalent in females than males. With respect to the relationship between bioaerosol exposure and airway inflammation and systemic symptoms, we found a strong association between beta-1,3-glucan and lethargy/fatigue.

Fuzzy k-NN applied to moulds detection

“…Moulds can provoke allergies, infections, toxic effects, and different symptoms characteristic for the "sick building syndrome". A relationship between the dampness and/or fungal contamination and those symptoms has been documented in many studies [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] .…”

Detection of diverse mould species growing on building materials by gas sensor arrays and pattern recognition

“…Fungal contamination can produce infections, allergies, toxic effects and other symptoms documented in many studies and characteristic for the "sick building syndrome" [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Specific for (1→6) Branched, (1→3)-β- d -Glucan Detection in Environmental Samples

“…The molecular weight, degree of (136)-linked side branching, helical conformation, and solubility are the most important factors which determine the biological activities of (133)-␤-D-glucans. The biological activities of (133)-␤-D-glucans include host-mediated antitumor activity (11), adjuvant effects (21), and activation of neutrophils (34), eosinophils (23), macrophages (15, 27), and complement (26).There is increasing evidence that (133)-␤-D-glucans cause nonspecific inflammatory reactions (9, 10) and are responsible for bioaerosol-induced respiratory symptoms observed in both indoor (24,25,32) and occupational (4, 5) environments. Dose-response relationships have been found between levels of (133)-␤-D-glucans and eye and throat irritation, dry cough, and itching skin (25).…”