STUDIES ON STACHYBOTRYS ALTERNANS I. ISOLATION OF TOXICOGENIC STRAINS FROM FINNISH GRAINS AND FEEDS

Abstract

Nineteen Stachybotrys alternans strains isolated from animal feeds, fodder or bedding and from grain for human consumption were tested for their toxin‐producing capacity on a mixture of wheat, oats and barley. Ultraviolet light was applied during isolation of the fungi. Nine out of the 19 strains were toxic to white mice in a feeding experiment of two week's duration. Five selected strains were also tested by the rabbit skin test and by the feeding test with guinea pigs. Clinical symptoms and patho‐anatomical pictures are described. The reason why S.alternans has been rarely found in grain is discussed.

STUDIES ON STACHYBOTRYS ALTERNANS

“…In an earlier study (Korpinen 1973) 9 out of 19 strains tested were found by a feeding test with mice to be toxic. The material was included in the present tissue culture toxicity tests.…”

“…By using ultraviolet light rhe abundant overgrowth of many fungus species may also be prevented, thus providing room for Stachybotrys growth. The latter method was used in an earlier work (Korpinen 1973). I n the present work tht: filter paper method was chosen mainly for practical reasons.…”