The biocontaminants and complexity of damp indoor spaces: more than what meets the eyes

Abstract

Nine types of biocontaminants in damp indoor environments from microbial growth are discussed: (1) indicator molds; (2) Gram negative and positive bacteria; (3) microbial particulates; (4) mycotoxins; (5) volatile organic compounds, both microbial (MVOCs) and non-microbial (VOCs); (6) proteins; (7) galactomannans; (8) 1-3-beta-D-glucans (glucans) and (9) lipopolysaccharides (LPS--endotoxins). When mold species exceed those outdoors contamination is deduced. Gram negative bacterial endotoxins, LPS in indoor environments, synergize with mycotoxins. The gram positive Bacillus species, Actinomycetes (Streptomyces, Nocardia and Mycobacterium), produce exotoxins. The Actinomycetes are associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, lung and invasive infections. Mycobacterial mycobacterium infections not from M. tuberculosis are increasing in immunocompetent individuals. In animal models, LPS enhance the toxicity of roridin A, satratoxins G and aflatoxin B1 to damage the olfactory epithelium, tract and bulbs (roridin A, satratoxin G) and liver (aflatoxin B1). Aflatoxin B1 and probably trichothecenes are transported along the olfactory tract to the temporal lobe. Co-cultured Streptomyces californicus and Stachybotrys chartarum produce a cytotoxin similar to doxorubicin and actinomycin D (chemotherapeutic agents). Trichothecenes, aflatoxins, gliotoxin and other mycotoxins are found in dust, bulk samples, air and ventilation systems of infested buildings. Macrocyclic trichothecenes are present in airborne particles <2 microm. Trichothecenes and stachylysin are present in the sera of individuals exposed to S. chartarum in contaminated indoor environments. Haemolysins are produced by S. chartarum, Memnoniella echinata and several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Galactomannans, glucans and LPS are upper and lower respiratory tract irritants. Gliotoxin, an immunosuppressive mycotoxin, was identified in the lung secretions and sera of cancer patients with aspergillosis produced by A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger and A. flavus.

Homes of low-income minority families with asthmatic children have increased condition issues

“…27,28 With recent understandings of the innate immune system components the serendipitous interaction of many types of biocontaminants in damp indoor environments, including molds, is becoming more fully understood. 29,30 In this context, the relationship among damp environments, poor housing, and asthma is becoming appreciated. 31 Studies combining weatherization and healthy home interventions with asthma education are beginning to significantly improve childhood asthma control 32 and lower health-care costs.…”

Myco-toxins Monitoring Device and their Management Strategies through Detoxifying Agents in Feed

“…Carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, heptotoxic, nephrotoxic, immunodeppressants and inhibition of protein synthesis (Thrasher and Crawley, 2009). …”

Fungi, Bacteria, Nano-particulates, Mycotoxins and Human Health in Water- Damaged Indoor Environments

“…Of the mold particulates the greatest concern is the nano-particulates at or less than 0.3 microns shed from mold colonies. Field studies of water-damaged homes have shown concentrations of nano-particulates in indoor dust that are at least 1000 times or greater than the indoor air mold spore counts [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. These particulates contain 1, 3-beta glucans, a variety of fungal proteins that include substrate enzymes as well as mycotoxins.…”

“…All of these situations lead to both hidden as well visual signs of fungal and bacterial growth. For simplicity, "water intrusion" will be used as all encompassing term [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18].…”