Mold Toxins and Human Illness: Patients Need Mold-Free Buildings and Mold-Free Food. Homes, Schools, Government Structures and Businesses Cannot Cause Mold Sickness and Remain Sick Buildings
2 Practical Up to Date and Clear Mold Books with Solutions by Dr. Schaller
- 1: J Appl Microbiol. 2007 Nov 15 [Epub ahead of print]
Fungi and selected mycotoxins from pre- and postfermented corn silage.
Gonz‡lez Pereyra ML, Alonso VA, Sager R, Morlaco MB, Magnoli CE, Astoreca AL, Rosa CA, Chiacchiera SM, Dalcero AM, Cavaglieri LR.
Departamento de Microbiolog’a e Inmunolog’a, Universidad Nacional de R’o Cuarto, R’o Cuarto, C—rdoba, Argentina.
Aim: To determine fungal genera, Aspergillus and Fusarium species and aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) contamination from pre- and postfermented corn silage produced in the most important region of Argentina where silage practice is developed. Methods and Results: Sampling of corn silos was performed manually through silos in transects at three levels: upper, middle and low sections. AFB(1) and FB(1) were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography, zearalenone by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and DON by gas chromatography. Over 90% of the samples showed counts higher than 1 x 10(4) CFU g(-1). Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides were the prevalent species. Some tested samples were contaminated with AFB(1), ZEA, DON and FB(1). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the presence of fungi and AFB(1), ZEA, DON and FB(1) contamination in corn silage in Argentina. Significance and Impact of the Study: This manuscript makes a contribution to the knowledge of mycotoxins in Argentinean silage in particular because the environmental conditions in this country differ from those of most reports. The comparison of pre- and postfermentation silage is also outstanding. Therefore, information on fungi and mycotoxins present in silage - an increasingly popular commodity - is useful to estimate potential risk for animal and human health.
PMID: 18005347 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
- 2: Sci Total Environ. 2007 Dec 15;388(1-3):16-23.
Ochratoxin A production in relation to ecophysiological factors by Aspergillus section Nigri strains isolated from different substrates in Argentina.
Astoreca A, Magnoli C, Barberis C, Chiacchiera SM, Combina M, Dalcero A.
Departamento de Microbiolog’a e Inmunolog’a, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, F’sico-Qu’micas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de R’o Cuarto, R’o Cuarto, C—rdoba, Argentina. aastoreca@exa.unrc.edu.ar
Contamination of foodstuff with mycotoxins such as ochratoxins is a major matter of concern for human and animal health. In Aspergillus species, ochratoxin synthesis depends on several environmental factors. The aims of this work were to evaluate the effect of water activity (0.995-0.85), temperature (15, 25 and 30 degrees C), incubation time (7, 14 and 21 days) and their interactions on OTA production on peanut, maize kernels, dried grapes and coffee beans meal extract agar medium by eight strains of Aspergillus section Nigri isolated from human food in Argentina. The optimum temperature for OTA production was 25 or 30 degrees C depending on the strains assayed, in most cases the highest OTA levels were achieved after 7 days of incubation, whereas this situation occurred at 15 degrees C after 14 days of incubation for only one strain. The maximum OTA level was obtained at earlier growth states when incubation temperature increased. In general, OTA concentration increased as water activity (a(W)) increased with no significant production at 0.85-0.91 a(W) under all temperature levels tested. Production occurred over a range of temperatures (15-30 degrees C) with optimum production at 30 degrees C depending on a(W) assayed. The knowledge of Aspergillus section Nigri ecophysiology is critical in the development and prediction of the risk models of raw material and final product contamination by these species under fluctuating and interacting environmental parameters.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17920659 [PubMed - in process]
- 3: Allergy Asthma Proc. 2007 Jul-Aug;28(4):489-96.
Using rare diseases as models for biobehavioral research: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Greenberger PA, Yucha CB, Janson S, Huss K.
Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. p-greenberger@northwestern.edu
Biobehavioral science explores links between biological, psychosocial, and behavioral factors and health. Maintaining positive health outcomes over time and across a variety of populations and settings requires understanding interactions among biological, behavioral, and social risk factors as well as other variables that influence behavior. Some barriers to biobehavioral research are related to performing biobehavioral research along the natural history of an illness, limitations in existing methodologies to assess the biological impact of behavior, the unknowns relating to impact of behavior on biology, and lack of valid and reliable biobehavioral methods to assess outcomes. A rare disease, such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) can be used as a model of biobehavioral research. ABPA complicates asthma and cystic fibrosis. It is a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus in most cases. ABPA can be classified into five stages: acute, remission, exacerbation, steroid-dependent asthma, and fibrotic or end stage. Because of its rarity, there can be delays in diagnosis. Treatment has used oral corticosteroids and antifungal agents in addition to management of asthma or cystic fibrosis. The National Institute of Nursing Research held an invitational 2-day working group meeting on July 15-16, 2004 with biobehavioral, biological, and immunologic science experts to examine current knowledge of biobehavioral research and to provide recommendations for additional research. The focus was on biobehavioral methods of measurement and analysis with interdisciplinary/biobehavioral approaches. This article is an outcome of this meeting.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17883921 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 4: Int J Food Microbiol. 2007 Oct 20;119(1-2):11-6. Epub 2007 Jul 31.
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Biodiversity of complexes of mycotoxigenic fungal species associated with Fusarium ear rot of maize and Aspergillus rot of grape.
Logrieco A, Moretti A, Perrone G, MulŹ G.
Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, ISPA, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy.
Fusarium ear rot of maize and Aspergillus rot of grape are two examples of important plant diseases caused by complexes of species of mycotoxigenic fungi. These complexes of species tend to be closely related, produce different classes of mycotoxins, and can induce disease under different environmental conditions. The infection of maize and grape with multiple fungal species and the resulting production of large classes of mycotoxins is an example of mutual aggressiveness of microorganisms toward host species as well as to humans and animals that eat feed or food derived from the infected and contaminated plants. Infection of crop plant with a complex of microbial species certainly represents a greater threat to a crop plant and to human and animal health than infection of the plant with a single fungal species.
PMID: 17765992 [PubMed - in process]
- 5: Mol Ecol. 2007 Oct;16(20):4401-17.
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Recombination, balancing selection and adaptive evolution in the aflatoxin gene cluster of Aspergillus parasiticus.
Carbone I, Jakobek JL, Ramirez-Prado JH, Horn BW.
Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA. ignazio_carbone@ncsu.edu
Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic polyketides produced by several Aspergillus species that are known to contaminate agricultural commodities, posing a serious threat to animal and human health. Aflatoxin (AF) biosynthesis is almost fully characterized and involves the coordinated expression of approximately 25 genes clustered in a 70-kb DNA region. Aspergillus parasiticus is an economically important and common agent of AF contamination. Naturally occurring nonaflatoxigenic strains of A. parasiticus are rarely found and generally produce O-methylsterigmatocystin (OMST), the immediate precursor of AF. To elucidate the evolutionary forces acting to retain AF and OMST pathway extrolites (chemotypes), we sequenced 21 intergenic regions spanning the entire cluster in 24 A. parasiticus isolates chosen to represent the genetic diversity within a single Georgia field population. Linkage disequilibrium analyses revealed five distinct recombination blocks in the A. parasiticus cluster. Phylogenetic network analyses showed a history of recombination between chemotype-specific haplotypes, as well as evidence of contemporary recombination. We performed coalescent simulations of variation in recombination blocks and found an approximately twofold deeper coalescence for cluster genealogies compared to noncluster genealogies, our internal standard of neutral evolution. Significantly deeper cluster genealogies are indicative of balancing selection in the AF cluster of A. parasiticus and are further corroborated by the existence of trans-species polymorphisms and common haplotypes in the cluster for several closely related species. Estimates of Ka/Ks for representative cluster genes provide evidence of selection for OMST and AF chemotypes, and indicate a possible role of chemotypes in ecological adaptation and speciation.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17725568 [PubMed - in process]
- 6: Ann Agric Environ Med. 2007;14(1):173-86.
Factors determining accumulation of mycotoxin producers in cereal grain during harvesting.
Lugauskas A, Raila A, Zvicevicius E, Railiene M, Novosinskas H.
Laboratory of Biodeterioration Research, Institute of Botany, Vilnius, Lithuania. lugauskas@botanika.lt
During the meteorologically contrasting period of 2003-2005, the contamination of winter wheat, malt barley and fodder barley grain with micromycetes during grain harvesting and preparation for storage was investigated. Micromycetes of over 70 species ascribed to 16 genera were isolated and identified, the density of their populations in grain was determined. Micromycetes with a population density of >50% were attributed to dominant species. Short biological characteristic, ecological peculiarities of the dominating micromycetes are provided; factors determining intensity of their development and abilities to synthesise and excrete toxic metabolites are indicated. The importance of grain drying for stabilisation of its contamination with micromycete propagules is highlighted. It is noted that in grain dried in shaft dryer using air at 90 degrees C the number of cfu (colony forming units) was reduced from 2.2 to 8.2 times. When active ventilation is applied, conditions favourable for the development of micromycetes remain longest in the upper layers of the mound. The airflow passing through the layer of damp grain inhibits the development of micromycetes, but an increase of comparative air flow for more than 500 m3x(txh)(-1) did not reduce the abundance of micromycete cfu. After drying Alternaria alternata, Fusarium avenaceum, F. culmorum, Penicillum verrucosum dominated in wheat grain; Aspergillus flavus, Bipolaris sorokiniana, Fusarium chlamydosporum, F. culmorum, F. tricinctum in malts barley grain; Fusarium avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. tricinctum, Alternaria alternata in fodder barley grain. It has been determined that all micromycetes recorded on grain after drying are potential producers of toxic metabolites, i.e. are hazardous to human health.
PMID: 17655196 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 7: J Med Microbiol. 2007 Aug;56(Pt 8):1101-6.
AIDS-related opportunistic mycoses seen in a tertiary care hospital in North India.
Wadhwa A, Kaur R, Agarwal SK, Jain S, Bhalla P.
Department of Microbiology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India. dranupriyawadhwa@gmail.com
Sixty symptomatic confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adult patients, of both sexes, suspected of having a fungal infection were taken as a study population, and the clinicomycological profile was correlated with the immunological status of the patients with particular reference to CD4 counts. Relevant samples were collected and subjected to direct microscopy, fungal culture and serology. CD4 counts were determined by flow cytometry. Patients belonged to the age group of 17-65 years, with a male : female ratio of 4.8 : 1. Heterosexuality was the commonest mode of transmission. Candidiasis was the most common diagnosis (41.7 %), followed by cryptococcosis (10.0 %), and pneumocystinosis and aspergillosis (8.3 % each). Two cases of histoplasmosis were also diagnosed. A low mean CD4 count of <200 cells microl(-1) was seen with most fungal infections. A total of 73 % of patients belonged to World Health Organization (WHO) stage 4, while 23.33 % belonged to stage 3. Thirty one patients (51.67 %) belonged to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage C3. Various fungal infections correlated well with the mean CD4 counts. It was difficult to correlate statistically WHO and CDC staging because of the small sample size. However, it was possible to assess to a limited extent the possibility of using clinical diagnosis to predict the status of progression of HIV infection in a resource-poor outpatient setting.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17644719 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 8: Rev Iberoam Micol. 2007 Mar;24(1):24-8.
[Nematophagous fungi of Toxocara canis eggs in a public park of La Plata, Argentina]
[Article in Spanish]
Gortari C, Cazau C, Hours R.
CIC-PBA and CINDEFI (CONICET-UNLP) Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP, La Plata, Argentina.
Fungi have showed a great potential for the biological control of nematodes. However, they have not been evaluated for the control of animal and/or human parasites transmitted by egg contaminated soils. Environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs is a public health problem. Accidental swallowing of Toxocara canis eggs (a nematode of dogs) usually results on a zoonotic infection (toxocarosis). The objectives of this research were: 1) To test the presence of antagonistic fungi against T. canis in the soil in public places of La Plata city, Argentina, infected with eggs of this parasite, 2) To determine the possible association between biotic and abiotic factors of the soil with the presence of fungal parasites of egg nematodes. Soil samples were tested for: textural type, organic matter (%), pH, presence of egg-parasite fungi, of larvae and of nematode eggs, in particular of Toxocara spp. The studied area showed the following characteristics: pH: 6.6-8.0, organic matter: 1.2-70%, with a predominantly loam texture. The following antagonistic fungal genera were identified: Acremonium, Aspergillus, Chrysosporium, Fusarium, Humicola, Mortierella, Paecilomyces and Penicillium. A prevalence of 70% was detected for nematode eggs, of 33% for Toxocara spp. eggs and of 90% for larvae. No association between the presence of egg-parasite fungi and the considered factors was found. More studies are necessary to know the natural antagonism factors to T. canis eggs for its in situ biological control.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17592887 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 9: Rev Iberoam Micol. 2007 Mar;24(1):3-13.
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Harmful fungi in both agriculture and medicine.
De Lucca AJ.
Southern Regional Research Center, USDA, ARS, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA. adelucca@srrc.ars.usda.gov
Most fungi are saprophytic and not pathogenic to plants, animals and humans. However, a relative few fungal species are phytopathogenic, cause disease (e.g., infections, allergies) in man, and produce toxins that affect plants, animals and humans. Among such fungi are members of the Aspergillus and Fusarium genera as well as other genera (e.g., Alternaria, Mucor) comprising the emerging pathogen group in humans. These fungi present a common threat to both agricultural production and the health of healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Taken together, these relative few fungi can cause huge economic losses to agriculture, loss of food for consumption, and serious, often fatal diseases in humans and animals. Plants may be a source of antifungal compounds since they have had to develop compounds to resist infections by fungi present in their environment.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17592884 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 10: Salud Publica Mex. 2007 May-Jun;49(3):227-35.
[Exposure to aflatoxin B1 in experimental animals and its public health significance]
[Article in Spanish]
Guzm‡n de Pe–a D.
Laboratorio de Micotoxinas, Departamento de Biotecnolog’a y Bioqu’mica, Campus Guanajuato, Centro de Investigaci—n y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Guanajuato, MŽxico. dguzman@ira.cinvestav.mx
The presence of AFB1 in human beings was detected in Mexico in 1996 both as a mutation of the gene p53 in hepatocellular carcinomas in Monterrey, Mexico, and as the adduct AFB1-lysine in serum from patients in Matamoros, Mexico in 2003. Aflatoxin B1 has been classified as a carcinogenic agent to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The compound is a natural contaminant produced by Aspergillus flavus and/or A. parasiticus when these fungi grow on different food products. At the molecular level, this review covers the carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic properties of these mycotoxins and their risk to humans. It also gives insight into the causal relationship between aflatoxins and hepatocellular carcinoma. Information is provided about AFB1-formamidopyrimidine, which is a determinant of the carcinogenic and mutagenic capabilities. The results suggest that the Mexican population ingests food containing low amounts of AFB1. Analyses is presented of AFB1 toxicity, which is a consequence of the carcinogenic activity in liver cells.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17589777 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 11: Rev Chilena Infectol. 2007 Jun;24(3):199-203. Epub 2007 May 30.
[Detection of some zoonotic agents in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia) in the city of Chill‡n, Chile]
[Article in Spanish]
Gonz‡lez-Acu–a D, Silva G F, Moreno S L, Cerda L F, Donoso E S, Cabello C J, L—pez M J.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Concepci—n, Chill‡n, Chile. danigonz@udec.cl
INTRODUCTION: There is an increase in the population of doves (Columba livia) as well as their contact with healthy and immunocompromised hosts. OBJECTIVES: detection of some zoonotic agents of the domestic pigeon (Columba livia) in Chill‡n city, Chile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2002 to September 2003, 100 domestic pigeons were captured. Blood, organs and intestine contents were sampled from each pigeon. The samples were cultivated in different kinds of agar according to the searched microorganism. Fungi were typified by morphological studies after staining with 2% methylene blue. For the detection of Chlamydophila psittaci a commercial Elisa kit (IDEXX) was used. RESULTS: Pigeons were registered positive for: chlamydiosis (11%), staphylococcus (8%), salmonellosis (4%) and aspergillosis (1%). No pigeon had evidence of cryptococcosis and listeriosis. CONCLUSIONS: these results confirm that domestic pigeon could act as vector of zoonotic agents of public health importance.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17554438 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 12: Rinsho Ketsueki. 2007 Apr;48(4):291-6.
[Evidence-based infection control]
[Article in Japanese]
Yano K.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17515119 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 13: Med Mycol. 2007 Jun;45(4):321-46.
Nosocomial fungal infections: epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Perlroth J, Choi B, Spellberg B.
Division of Infectious Diseases, Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, California 90502, USA.
Invasive fungal infections are increasingly common in the nosocomial setting. Furthermore, because risk factors for these infections continue to increase in frequency, it is likely that nosocomial fungal infections will continue to increase in frequency in the coming decades. The predominant nosocomial fungal pathogens include Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Mucorales, Fusarium spp., and other molds, including Scedosporium spp. These infections are difficult to diagnose and cause high morbidity and mortality despite antifungal therapy. Early initiation of effective antifungal therapy and reversal of underlying host defects remain the cornerstones of treatment for nosocomial fungal infections. In recent years, new antifungal agents have become available, resulting in a change in standard of care for many of these infections. Nevertheless, the mortality of nosocomial fungal infections remains high, and new therapeutic and preventative strategies are needed.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17510856 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 14: Curr Med Chem. 2007;14(11):1263-75.
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Role of micafungin in the antifungal armamentarium.
Ikeda F, Tanaka S, Ohki H, Matsumoto S, Maki K, Katashima M, Barrett D, Aoki Y.
Development Division, Astellas Pharma Inc. 3-17-1 Hasune, Tokyo 174-8612, Japan.
Serious infections caused by opportunistic molds remain a major problem for public health. Immune deficiency following organ transplantation and aggressive cancer treatment has greatly increased the incidence of systemic mycoses, and invasive aspergillosis in patients with AIDS is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Amphotericin B is the first-line therapy for systemic infection because of its broad-spectrum and fungicidal activity. However, considerable side effects limit its clinical utility. The echinocandins are large lipopeptide molecules that inhibit the synthesis of 1,3-beta-D-glucan, a key component of the fungal cell wall. Three echinocandins have reached the market, and some others are in early clinical development. Caspofungin was the first echinocandin to be licensed for clinical use in most countries. Micafungin is licensed for clinical use in Japan, China, Taiwan, Jordan, Korea, Hong-Kong and the US, and anidulafungin is currently licensed in the US. The novel class of echinocandins represents a milestone in antifungal drug research that has further expanded our therapeutic options. Studies to date have shown that micafungin exhibits extremely potent antifungal activity against clinically important fungi, including Aspergillus and azole-resistant strains of Candida. In animal studies, micafungin is as efficacious as amphotericin B with respect to improvement of survival rate. Micafungin is also characterized by a linear pharmacokinetic profile and substantially fewer toxic effects. Micafungin is a poor substrate for the cytochrome P450 enzymes, and compared to azoles, fewer drug interactions are described. No dose adjustments of the drug are required in the presence of mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporin, tacrolimus, prednisolone, or sirolimus. Strategies using this new echinocandin agent will benefit a large number of patients with severe immune dysfunction.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17504145 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 15: Mycologia. 2006 Nov-Dec;98(6):1053-64.
Eurotiomycetes: Eurotiomycetidae and Chaetothyriomycetidae.
Geiser DM, Gueidan C, Miadlikowska J, Lutzoni F, Kauff F, Hofstetter V, Fraker E, Schoch CL, Tibell L, Untereiner WA, Aptroot A.
Department of Plant Pathology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA. dgeiser@psu.edu
The class Eurotiomycetes (Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina) is a monophyletic group comprising two major clades of very different ascomycetous fungi: (i) the subclass Eurotiomycetidae, a clade that contains most of the fungi previously recognized as Plectomycetes because of their mostly enclosed ascomata and prototunicate asci; and (ii) the subclass Chaetothyriomycetidae, a group of fungi that produce ascomata with an opening reminiscent of those produced by Dothideomycetes or Sordariomycetes. In this paper we use phylogenetic analyses based on data available from the Assembling the Fungal Tree of Life project (AFTOL), in addition to sequences in GenBank, to outline this important group of fungi. The Eurotiomycetidae include producers of toxic and useful secondary metabolites, fermentation agents used to make food products and enzymes, xerophiles and psychrophiles, and the important genetics model Aspergillus nidulans. The Chaetothyriomycetidae include the common black yeast fungi, some of which are pathogens of humans and animals, as well as some primarily lichenized groups newly found to be phylogenetically associated with this group. The recently proposed order Mycocaliciales shows a sister relationship with Eurotiomycetes. The great majority of human pathogenic Pezizomycotina are Eurotiomycetes, particularly in Eurotiales, Onygenales and Chaetothyriales. Due to their broad importance in basic research, industry and public health, several genome projects have focused on species in Onygenales and Eurotiales.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17486980 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 16: Appl Environ Microbiol. 2007 Jul;73(13):4211-7. Epub 2007 May 4.
Mass spectrometry-based strategy for direct detection and quantification of some mycotoxins produced by Stachybotrys and Aspergillus spp. in indoor environments.
Bloom E, Bal K, Nyman E, Must A, Larsson L.
Dept of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Medical Microbiology, Lund University, Sšlvegatan 23, Lund, Sweden.
Dampness in buildings has been linked to adverse health effects, but the specific causative agents are unknown. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds and toxic to higher vertebrates. In this study, mass spectrometry was used to demonstrate the presence of mycotoxins predominantly produced by Aspergillus spp. and Stachybotrys spp. in buildings with either ongoing dampness or a history of water damage. Verrucarol and trichodermol, hydrolysis products of macrocyclic trichothecenes (including satratoxins), and trichodermin, predominately produced by Stachybotrys chartarum, were analyzed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, whereas sterigmatocystin (mainly produced by Aspergillus versicolor), satratoxin G, and satratoxin H were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. These mycotoxin analytes were demonstrated in 45 of 62 building material samples studied, in three of eight settled dust samples, and in five of eight cultures of airborne dust samples. This is the first report on the use of tandem mass spectrometry for demonstrating mycotoxins in dust settled on surfaces above floor level in damp buildings. The direct detection of the highly toxic sterigmatocystin and macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins in indoor environments is important due to their potential health impacts.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17483261 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 17: Ceylon Med J. 2006 Dec;51(4):137-42.
An outbreak of Aspergillus meningitis following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section in Sri Lanka: a post-tsunami effect?
Gunaratne PS, Wijeyaratne CN, Chandrasiri P, Sivakumaran S, Sellahewa K, Perera P, Fernando R, Wanigasinghe J, Jayasinghe S, Ranawala R, Riffsy MT, Seneviratne HR.
National Hospital of Sri Lanka. pagunara@hotmail.com
An outbreak of Aspergillus fumigatus meningitis occurred in 5 women following spinal anaesthesia, performed between 21 June and 17 July 2005 for caesarean section, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The patients' median age was 27 years. Different teams in 2 maternity hospitals gave spinal anaesthesia. Mean incubation period was 11.2 days. Fever, headache and nuchal rigidity were common presentations. Remittent fever continued despite broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. Papilloedema, lateral rectus palsy, cerebral infarction and haemorrhage developed later. Three patients died. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis with low glucose yielded negative PCR for fungi. Fungal cultures subsequently grew Aspergillus fumigatus. A post-mortem of the first patient confirmed Aspergillus meningitis, followed by treatment with amphotericin B and voriconazole, that saved the lives of others. Visual and hearing impairment in one and complete recovery in the other were observed a year after treatment. Examination of unused plastic syringes, needles, cannulae, and ampoules of anaesthetic agents confirmed that 43 syringes from three different manufactures were contaminated with Aspergillus fumigatus. The stores for drugs and devices of the Ministry of Health were examined and found to be full of tsunami donations, while regular procurements of the Ministry were kept in a poorly maintained humid warehouse. Inadequate space for tsunami donations was identified as the most plausible explanation for sub-optimal storage. Withdrawal and incineration of all unused syringes controlled the outbreak. The survival of those aggressively treated for Aspergillus meningitis suggests in hindsight that the availability of diagnostic tests and specific treatment, and early recognition of the outbreak could have saved the lives of victims who died. Early life-threatening side-effects and permanent long term sequelae of antifungal medication stress the need to be cautious with empirical treatment in immuno-competent low-risk individuals.
PMID: 17461323 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 18: Scand J Infect Dis. 2007;39(4):337-43.
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Diagnostics of fungal infections in the Nordic countries: we still need to improve!
Arendrup MC, Chryssanthou E, Gaustad P, Koskela M, Sandven P, Fernandez V.
Unit of Mycology and Parasitology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark. mad@ssi.dk
A Nordic External Quality Assessment programme in medical mycology was established in 2005. In order to monitor not 'best practice' but the level of routine diagnostics, specimens were designed to resemble clinical samples and laboratories were asked to handle the samples like routine samples. Five simulated clinical samples were distributed to 59 participating Nordic laboratories of clinical microbiology. The specimens contained the following microorganisms: 1) Candida glabrata and C. albicans in a ratio of 1:20; 2) Cryptococcus neoformans; 3) Aspergillus fumigatus, C. albicans and Enterobacter cloacae; 4) C. tropicalis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Enterococcus faecium; 5) None. 66% of the laboratories failed to detect the C. glabrata isolate in sample no. 1. 34% of the laboratories reporting susceptibility results incorrectly reported the Cryptococcus neoformans isolate as fluconazole susceptible. 24% of the laboratories failed to detect Aspergillus fumigatus in specimen no. 3 despite the accompanying clinical information notifying that it was a BAL sample from a neutropenic patient in an ICU. In conclusion, this distribution of simulated clinical samples illustrates that the traditional quality assessment programmes may give a false sense of satisfactory performance, that mycological diagnosis is difficult, and that there is a need of further improvement and attention.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17454898 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 19: Clin Infect Dis. 2007 May 15;44(10):1329-36. Epub 2007 Apr 4.
Optimization of the cutoff value for the Aspergillus double-sandwich enzyme immunoassay.
Maertens JA, Klont R, Masson C, Theunissen K, Meersseman W, Lagrou K, Heinen C, CrŽpin B, Van Eldere J, Tabouret M, Donnelly JP, Verweij PE.
Department of Hematology, Universitaire Ziekenhuizen, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. johan.maertens@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
BACKGROUND: Many health care centers worldwide use the Platelia Aspergillus enzyme immunoassay (PA-EIA; Bio-Rad Laboratories) for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). A cutoff optical density (OD) index of 1.5 was originally recommended by the manufacturer, but in practice, most institutions use lower cutoff values. Moreover, a cutoff OD index of 0.5 was recently approved in the United States. In the present study, we set out to optimize the cutoff level by performing a retrospective analysis of PA-EIA values for samples that had been obtained prospectively from adult patients at risk for IA at 2 European health care centers. METHODS: In total, 239 treatment episodes were included of which there were 19 episodes of proven IA and 19 episodes of probable IA. Per-episode and per-test analyses and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the optimal cutoff value. RESULTS: In the per-episode analysis, lowering the cutoff OD index for positivity from 1.5 to 0.5 increased the overall sensitivity by 21% (from 76.3% to 97.4%) but decreased the overall specificity by 7% (from 97.5% to 90.5%). Requiring 2 consecutive samples with an OD index > or = 0.5 resulted in the highest test accuracy, with an improved positive predictive value. At a cutoff OD index of 0.5, the antigen test result was positive during the week before conventional diagnosis in 65% of cases and during the week of diagnosis in 79.5% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: A cutoff OD index of 0.5--identical to the approved cutoff in the United States--improves the overall performance of the PA-EIA for adult hematology patients.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17443470 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 20: Food Microbiol. 2007 Sep;24(6):658-63. Epub 2007 Jan 12.
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Ethylene inhibits aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus parasiticus grown on peanuts.
Gunterus A, Roze LV, Beaudry R, Linz JE.
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
The filamentous fungi Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus synthesize aflatoxins when they grow on a variety of susceptible food and feed crops. These mycotoxins are among the most carcinogenic naturally occurring compounds known and they pose significant health risks to humans and animals. We previously demonstrated that ethylene and CO2 act alone and together to reduce aflatoxin synthesis by A. parasiticus grown on laboratory media. To demonstrate the potential efficacy of treatment of stored seeds and grains with these gases, we tested ethylene and CO2 for ability to inhibit aflatoxin accumulation on Georgia Green peanuts stored for up to 5 days. We demonstrated an inverse relationship between A. parasiticus spore inoculum size and the level of toxin accumulation. We showed that ethylene inhibits aflatoxin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner on peanuts; CO2 also inhibits aflatoxin synthesis over a narrow dose range. Treatments had no discernable effect on mold growth. These observations support further exploration of this technology to reduce aflatoxin contamination of susceptible crops in the field and during storage.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17418318 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 21: Kokuritsu Iyakuhin Shokuhin Eisei Kenkyusho Hokoku. 2006;(124):21-9.
[Hazardous food-borne fungi and present and future approaches to the mycotoxin regulations in Japan]
[Article in Japanese]
Takatori K, Aihara M, Sugita-Konishi Y.
takatori@nihs.go.jp
In recent years, various food-related accidents and health scares have dissipated trust in the food industry. Health hazards resulting from food contaminated with fungi is increasing. Food contamination by fungi causes many problems, especially in Japan, which relies on foreign countries for about 60% of its food: the contamination of imported food by fungi and mycotoxins constitutes a serious problem. As the quantity of imported food increases and changes in food distribution have occurred, so too has the number and type of fungi causing food-related damages; osmophilic and thermotolerant fungi, in addition to the mainstream fungi of genera Cladosporium, Pecinillium, and Aspergillus, have become a problem. Although European countries and the U.S. have recently conducted risk assessments for mycotoxins, Japan has not attained an international level in the determination of baseline values. However, in addition to risk management for Aflatoxin M1, Ochratoxin, T-2 toxin/HT-2 toxin, and Fumonisin, determination of baseline values for mycotoxins is beginning in Japan. In this review, we summarize hazardous food-borne fungi, and present and future approaches to the mycotoxin regulations in Japan.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17405518 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 22: Nepal Med Coll J. 2006 Dec;8(4):215-9.
Onychomycosis in eastern Nepal.
Agarwalla A, Agrawal S, Khanal B.
Department of Dermatology, Marwari Maternity Hospital, Adhgaon, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail is responsible for up to 50.0% of all nail diseases. Though, dermatophytes are most frequently implicated as the causative agents in onychomycosis, yeast and molds are increasingly recognized as causative pathogens. This study was aimed to know the clinical and mycological pattern of onychomycosis in eastern Nepal. Eighty-two clinically diagnosed patients of onychomycosis attending the Dermatology Outpatient department of a tertiary hospital over a period of one year were enrolled in this study. Clipping from the severely affected nail and skin scrapping from active border of the skin lesions if associated were collected from each patient and subjected to microscopy and culture for identification of fungi. The commonest affected age group was 21-40 years. The male: female ratio was 2.7:1. Fifty-one patients had isolated fingernail involvement, while involvement of toenails was seen in 15 patients. Distolateral subungual onychomycosis (67%) was the commonest clinical type followed in decreasing order by superficial white onychomycosis (14.6%), proximal subungual onychomycosis (9.8%), candidal onychomycosis (7.4%) and total dystrophic onychomycosis (1.2%). Trichophyton mentagrophytes (28.8%) was the most common pathogen isolated followed by Trichophyton rubrum (21.2%), Trichophyton tonsurans (11.5%), Candida albicans (11.5%), Trichospron beigelii, (9.6%), Epidermophyton floccosum (7.7%), Trichophyton violaceum (5.8%), and Aspergillus flavus (3.9%). Distolateral subungual onychomycosis was the most common clinical presentation and T. mentagrophytes and T. rubruni were the most frequently isolated fungi for onychomycosis in eastern Nepal.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17357634 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 23: Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2006 Nov-Dec;39(6):556-9.
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[Fungus microbiota in air conditioners in intensive care units in Teresina, Piau’]
[Article in Portuguese]
Mobin M, do Amparo Salmito M.
Laborat—ria de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Faculdade de Saśde, Cincias Humanas e Tecnol—gicas do Piau’, Teresina, PI, Brazil. mitramobin@novafapi.com.br
With the aim of identifying the fungus microbiota in air conditioners in intensive care units (ICUs) within public and private hospitals in Teresina, Piau’, solid material was collected from ten different ICUs. Thirty-three species of Moniliaceae and Dematiaceae were isolated, which was the first report of these in Piau’. High frequencies of Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem (60%), Aspergillus fumigatus Fres (50%), Trichoderma koningii Oudem (50%) and Aspergillus flavus Link: Fr. (40%) were recorded. The air conditioner cleanliness validity had expired in all the ICUs, and the quantity of colony-forming units exceeded the levels permitted by Law 176/00 from the Ministry of Health. It is important to provide individual protection equipment for professionals, adopt hospital infection control measures, raise the awareness of the presence of fungus infection, improve air circulation around the environment, periodically clean the air conditioners, and make health professionals alert to the importance of these fungi in the hospital environment.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17308702 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 24: Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi. 2007;48(1):1-12.
Trends in the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections.
Warnock DW.
Division of Foodborne, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
Invasive fungal infections have increased in importance, largely because of the increasing size of the population at risk. Candida species remain the fourth most important cause of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections. Infections with Candida species other than C. albicans appear to have become more common, but significant geographic variation has been reported. Invasive aspergillosis and other mould infections are a leading cause of infection-related death in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Although Aspergillus fumigatus remains the most frequent cause of infection, A. terreus has emerged as an important pathogen, at least among certain populations. Despite marked reductions in the rates of AIDS-associated fungal infections, such as cryptococcosis, in the United States and other developed countries, the burden of these diseases in developing countries is large and increasing. Enhanced surveillance and reporting will be critical to improve our understanding of the importance of invasive fungal infections, to enable prioritization of research and prevention efforts, and to evaluate prevention strategies.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17287717 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 25: PLoS Pathog. 2007 Feb;3(2):e13.
Environmental dimensionality controls the interaction of phagocytes with the pathogenic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans.
Behnsen J, Narang P, Hasenberg M, Gunzer F, Bilitewski U, Klippel N, Rohde M, Brock M, Brakhage AA, Gunzer M.
Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knšll Institute, Jena, Germany.
The fungal pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans are major health threats for immune-compromised patients. Normally, macrophages and neutrophil granulocytes phagocytose inhaled Aspergillus conidia in the two-dimensional (2-D) environment of the alveolar lumen or Candida growing in tissue microabscesses, which are composed of a three-dimensional (3-D) extracellular matrix. However, neither the cellular dynamics, the per-cell efficiency, the outcome of this interaction, nor the environmental impact on this process are known. Live imaging shows that the interaction of phagocytes with Aspergillus or Candida in 2-D liquid cultures or 3-D collagen environments is a dynamic process that includes phagocytosis, dragging, or the mere touching of fungal elements. Neutrophils and alveolar macrophages efficiently phagocytosed or dragged Aspergillus conidia in 2-D, while in 3-D their function was severely impaired. The reverse was found for phagocytosis of Candida. The phagocytosis rate was very low in 2-D, while in 3-D most neutrophils internalized multiple yeasts. In competitive assays, neutrophils primarily incorporated Aspergillus conidia in 2-D and Candida yeasts in 3-D despite frequent touching of the other pathogen. Thus, phagocytes show activity best in the environment where a pathogen is naturally encountered. This could explain why "delocalized" Aspergillus infections such as hematogeneous spread are almost uncontrollable diseases, even in immunocompetent individuals.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17274685 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 26: Anal Chem. 2007 Jan 15;79(2):751-7.
A new competitive fluorescence assay for the detection of patulin toxin.
de ChampdorŽ M, Bazzicalupo P, De Napoli L, Montesarchio D, Di Fabio G, Cocozza I, Parracino A, Rossi M, D'Auria S.
Institutes of Protein Biochemistry and of Genetics & Biophysics, CNR, and Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Patulin is a toxic secondary metabolite of a number of fungal species belonging to the genera Penicillum and Aspergillus. It has been mainly isolated from apples and apple products contaminated with the common storage-rot fungus of apples, Penicillum expansum, but it has also been extracted from rotten fruits, moldy feeds, and stored cheese. Human exposure to patulin can lead to serious health problems, and according to a long-term investigation in rats, the World Health Organization has set a tolerable weekly intake of 7 ppb body weight. The content of patulin in foods has been restricted to 50 ppb in many countries. Conventional analytical detection methods involve chromatographic analyses, such as HPLC, GC, and, more recently, techniques such as LC/MS and GC/MS. However, extensive protocols of sample cleanup are required prior to the analysis, and to accomplish it, expensive analytical instrumentation is necessary. An immunochemical analytical method, based on highly specific antigen-antibody interactions, would be desirable, offering several advantages compared to conventional techniques, i.e., low cost per sample, high selectivity, high sensitivity, and high throughput. In this paper, the synthesis of two new derivatives of patulin is described, along with their conjugation to the bovine serum albumin for the production of polyclonal antibodies. Finally, a fluorescence competitive immunoassay was developed for the on-line detection of patulin.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17222046 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 27: J Crit Care. 2006 Dec;21(4):322-7.
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Isolation of Aspergillus in critically ill patients: a potential marker of poor outcome.
Khasawneh F, Mohamad T, Moughrabieh MK, Lai Z, Ager J, Soubani AO.
Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
OBJECTIVE: Recent reports have suggested a rising incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical significance of isolating Aspergillus from respiratory samples of critically ill patients. DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records. SETTING: Tertiary medical center that has a large cancer center. PATIENTS: All patients admitted to the ICU between January 1998 and August 2004, in whom Aspergillus was isolated from respiratory samples or lung tissue. INTERVENTION: None. RESULTS: The charts of 104 patients were reviewed. Aspergillus was isolated for a mean of 6.6 days after ICU admission. Thirty-three percent of patients had hematological malignancy, 10% had absolute neutropenia, 14% had bone marrow transplant, 11% had HIV infection, and 22% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Upon admission to ICU, 79%, 43%, and 19% were on antibiotics, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive therapy, respectively. Ninety percent of patients required mechanical ventilation. The mean Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score on ICU admission was 20.6, with predicted mortality of 35.5%. However, the actual ICU mortality rate for the cohort was 50%. Twenty-eight percent of patients were diagnosed with probable or definite invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and 72% had Aspergillus colonization. On univariate analysis, the significant clinical differences between the 2 groups were the presence of neutropenia (P < .05), immunosuppressants (P < .05), antibiotics (P < .05), or bone marrow transplant (P < .05). The differences in Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, the need for mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, and ICU mortality were not statistically significant. On multivariate analysis, the following factors were independently associated with invasive diseases, bone marrow transplantation (P < .01), hematological malignancy (P = .02), and broad-spectrum antibiotics (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Isolation of Aspergillus in critically ill patients is a poor prognostic marker and is associated with high mortality irrespective of invasion or colonization. Those who are neutropenic, on immunosuppressive therapy, on broad-spectrum antibiotics, or had bone marrow transplantation are more likely to have invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
PMID: 17175418 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 28: Br J Ophthalmol. 2007 May;91(5):588-91. Epub 2006 Dec 6.
In vivo confocal microscopy in fungal keratitis.
Brasnu E, Bourcier T, Dupas B, Degorge S, Rodallec T, Laroche L, Borderie V, Baudouin C.
Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Center of Ophthalmology, Paris, France.
BACKGROUND: Fungal keratitis is a major blinding eye disease found throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. Given the recent increase in Fusarium keratitis infections in contact lens wearers owing to contact lens solutions, a warning was recently issued by the Food and Drug Administration, making it a public health concern in developed countries. OBJECTIVE: To show the advantages of in vivo confocal microscopy imaging using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II-Rostock Cornea Module (HRTII-RCM) in the early diagnosis of fungal keratitis. METHODS: HRTII-RCM confocal microscopy was performed on five patients presenting with fungal keratitis and on three donor corneas contaminated with Fusarium solani, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. RESULTS: Direct microscopic evaluation of corneal smears and culture revealed the presence of F solani in four cases and C albicans in one case. HRTII-RCM examination of the infected patients and contaminated donor corneas revealed numerous high-contrast elements resembling Fusarium, Aspergillus hyphae or Candida pseudofilaments in the anterior stroma. CONCLUSION: HRTII-RCM in vivo confocal microscopy is a new, non-invasive and rapid technique for the early diagnosis of fungal keratitis, showing high-resolution images resembling fungal structures in the early phase of the disease.
PMID: 17151059 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 29: Gac Med Mex. 2006 Sep-Oct;142(5):381-6.
[Micosis among five highly underprivileged Mexican communities]
[Article in Spanish]
MŽndez-Tovar LJ, Anides-Fonseca A, V‡zquez-Hern‡ndez A, Galindo-Gonz‡lez M, D’az-Madrid M, Berd—n-Castro A, Manzano-Gayosso P, Mill‡n-Chiu B, Hern‡ndez-Hern‡ndez F, L—pez-Mart’nez R.
Unidad de Investigaci—n MŽdica en Dermatolog’a y Micolog’a "Dr. Ernesto Macotela", UMAE Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepślveda", Centro MŽdico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico D. F., MŽxico. ljmt@servidor.unam.mx
BACKGROUND: In many small rural communities in Mexico, medical care is deficient, empirical or absent. OBJECTIVE: In order to improve health coverage in rural areas, the Mexican Institute of Social Security organizes Medical and Surgical Meetings of various specialties including Dermatology and Mycology (MSDM). These include visits to rural hospitals by dermatologists and a mycologist to care for underprivileged communities. In addition to taking samples, they establish the clinical diagnosis and indicate medical and/or surgical treatment, with follow-up visits when needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2004 and 2005, five MSDM in Chiapas (two), Puebla (one), Michoac‡n (one) and Oaxaca (one) were organized. Mycoses were within the first four skin pathologies detected. RESULTS: Direct examination with potassium hydroxide led to the diagnosis of mycosis and other skin diseases such as scabies, pediculosis or hair disorders. The sample cultures showed, in addition to common fungi as dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum, 19 cases), other uncommon fungal agents such as Trichosporon spp, Chrysosporium spp, Cryptococcus, Geotrichum spp and Aspergillus spp. Most of the candidiasis cases were caused by Candida parapsilosis (nine cases) followed by C. albicans (three cases).
Publication Types:
PMID: 17128817 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 30: Chemosphere. 2007 Apr;67(7):1368-74. Epub 2006 Nov 28.
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Degradation mechanisms of benzo[a]pyrene and its accumulated metabolites by biodegradation combined with chemical oxidation.
Zang S, Li P, Li W, Zhang D, Hamilton A.
Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China.
A high degradation extent of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) should not be considered as the sole desirable criterion for the bioremediation of BaP-contaminated soils because some of its accumulated metabolites still have severe health risks to human. Two main metabolites of BaP, benzo[a]pyrene-1,6-quinone (BP1,6-quinone) and 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OHBP) were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with standards. This study was the first time that degradation of both BaP and the two metabolites was carried out by chemical oxidation and biodegradation. Three main phases during the whole degradation process were proposed. Hydrogen peroxide-zinc (H(2)O(2)-Zn), the fungus - Aspergillus niger and the bacteria - Zoogloea sp. played an important role in the different phases. The degradation parameters of the system were also optimized, and the results showed that the effect of degradation was the best when fungus-bacteria combined with H(2)O(2)-Zn, the concentration range of BaP in the cultures was 30-120mg/l, the initial pH of the cultures was 6.0. However, as co-metabolites, phenanthrene significant inhibited the degradation of BaP. This combined degradation system compared with the conventional method of degradation by domestic fungus only, enhanced the degradation extent of BaP by more than 20% on the 12d. The highest accumulation of BP1,6-quinone and 3-OHBP were reduced by nearly 10% in the degradation experiments, which further proved that the combined degradation system was more effective as far as joint toxicity of BaP and its metabolites are concerned.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17126885 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 31: World Health Organ Tech Rep Ser. 2006;934:1-145, back cover.
Evaluation of certain food additives.
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.
This report represents the conclusions of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee convened to evaluate the safety of various food additives, with a view to recommending acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) and to prepare specifications for the identity and purity of food additives. The first part of the report contains a general discussion of the principles governing the toxicological evaluation of food additives (including flavouring agents), assessments of intake, and the establishment and revision of specifications for food additives. A summary follows of the Committee's evaluations of toxicological and intake data on various specific food additives (Beeswax, Candelilla wax, Calcium L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid (L-5-MTHF), Phospholipase A1 from Fusarium venenatum expressed in Aspergillus oryzae, Pullulan, Quillaia extract Type 1, Quillaia extract Type 2) and seven groups of flavouring agents. Annexed to the report are tables summarizing the Committee's recommendations for ADIs of the food additives, recommendations on the flavouring agents considered, changes in the status of specifications, and further information requested or desired.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17069402 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 32: J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2006 Jun;52(3):216-22.
Chemical components, palatability, antioxidant activity and antimutagenicity of oncom miso using a mixture of fermented soybeans and okara with Neurospora intermedia.
Matsuo M.
Faculty of Home Science, Gifu Women's University, 80 Taromaru, Gifu 501-2592, Japan. makko3_ishimatsu@yahoo.co.jp
The enzyme activities of Aspergillus oryzae on koji (malted rice) and Neurospora intermedia on S-oncom and O-oncom (fermented soybeans and okara with N. intermedia, respectively) were compared. The major enzymes of N. intermedia were different from those of A. oryzae, and the enzyme activities of O-oncom were extremely higher than those of S-oncom. S5-Miso, S10-miso and S9O1-miso replacing 50% or 100% of steamed soybeans with S-oncom or a 9 : 1 mixture of S-oncom and O-oncom, respectively, were prepared to supplement the enzyme action of koji. The chemical components of those miso were almost the same as those of soybean-miso (C-miso). The miso soups prepared with S5-miso, S10-miso and S9O1-miso were all considered to be more palatable and pleasant-tasting than the soup prepared with C-miso, and their flavor was preferred in the same degree as that of T5-miso using 50% tempeh, the soybeans fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus. Scavenging activities of DPPH and O2- and antimutagenicity of the 70% ethanol extract from those miso were higher than those of hot-water extract, and the activities of S9O1-miso were the highest. The isoflavone-aglycons and brownish color of S9O1-miso were higher than those of C-miso. The higher contents of isoflavone-aglycons and melanoidines of S9O1-miso might contribute to their higher antioxidant activity and antimutagenicity. From these results, S9O1-miso has potential as a healthier alternative to C-miso in terms of taste and health benefits.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16967767 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 33: Inhal Toxicol. 2006 Dec;18(13):1033-9.
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Aspergillus fumigatus challenge increases cytokine levels in nasal lavage fluid.
Stark H, Roponen M, Purokivi M, Randell J, Tukiainen H, Hirvonen MR.
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. harri.stark@kuh.fi
Several studies have shown an association between exposure in moisture-damaged buildings and adverse health effects. There are several indicator microbes of moisture damage, but Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the best-documented molds provoking health problems in different occupational conditions. We assessed whether inhalation of a commercial A. fumigatus solution would affect cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, interferon [IFN]-gamma) in nasal lavage fluid (NAL) compared with that evoked by placebo challenge. Twenty-seven subjects were studied: 13 had occupational exposure in a moisture-damaged building, 4 were atopic, and 10 were considered as controls. In all the subjects, the IL-1beta levels were increased significantly both at 6 (p = 0.013) and 24 h (p = .005) after the A. fumigatus challenge compared to placebo. In subjects with previous occupational exposure in a moisture-damaged building, IL-4 concentrations were increased significantly both at 6 (p =.046) and 24 h (p =.008) after the A. fumigatus challenge compared with placebo. Furthermore, in the control group, TNF-alpha levels were significantly increased at 6 h after the A. fumigatus challenge compared to placebo (p = .028). Thus, these data show a link between markers of inflammation in NAL and experimental A. fumigatus challenge.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16966303 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 34: Environ Health Perspect. 2006 Sep;114(9):1381-6.
Airborne mold and endotoxin concentrations in New Orleans, Louisiana, after flooding, October through November 2005.
Solomon GM, Hjelmroos-Koski M, Rotkin-Ellman M, Hammond SK.
Natural Resources Defense Council, San Francisco, California, USA. gsolomon@nrdc.org
BACKGROUND: The hurricanes and flooding in New Orleans, Louisiana, in October and November 2005 resulted in damp conditions favorable to the dispersion of bioaerosols such as mold spores and endotoxin. OBJECTIVE: Our objective in this study was to assess potential human exposure to bioaerosols in New Orleans after the flooding of the city. METHODS: A team of investigators performed continuous airborne sampling for mold spores and endotoxin outdoors in flooded and nonflooded areas, and inside homes that had undergone various levels of remediation, for periods of 5-24 hr during the 2 months after the flooding. RESULTS: The estimated 24-hr mold concentrations ranged from 21,000 to 102,000 spores/m3 in outdoor air and from 11,000 to 645,000 spores/m3 in indoor air. The mean outdoor spore concentration in flooded areas was roughly double the concentration in nonflooded areas (66,167 vs. 33,179 spores/m3 ; p < 0.05) . The highest concentrations were inside homes. The most common mold species were from the genera of Cladosporium and Aspergillus/Penicillium ; Stachybotrys was detected in some indoor samples. The airborne endotoxin concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 8.3 EU (endotoxin units) /m3 but did not vary with flooded status or between indoor and outdoor environments. CONCLUSIONS: The high concentration of mold measured indoors and outdoors in the New Orleans area is likely to be a significant respiratory hazard that should be monitored over time. Workers and returning residents should use appropriate personal protective equipment and exposure mitigation techniques to prevent respiratory morbidity and long-term health effects.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16966092 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 35: Mycopathologia. 2006 Sep;162(3):215-23.
Ochratoxins: a global perspective.
Bayman P, Baker JL.
Depto. de Biolog’a, Universidad de Puerto Rico-R’o Piedras, PO Box 23360, San Juan, PR, 00931, USA. pbayman@upracd.upr.clu.edu
Ochratoxins have been overshadowed by better-known mycotoxins, but they are gaining importance. Here we consider ochratoxins in the context of aflatoxins, which are better understood than ochratoxins on many levels. We review recent work on taxonomic distribution, contamination of commodities, biosynthesis, toxicity and regulatory aspects of ochratoxins. We focus on ochratoxins in coffee, since coffee is becoming a key commodity in ochratoxin research and regulation.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16944288 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 36: Food Microbiol. 2006 Jun;23(4):351-8. Epub 2005 Jul 7.
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Non-specificity of nutritional substrate for ochratoxin A production by isolates of Aspergillus ochraceus.
Pardo E, Sanchis V, Ramos AJ, Mar’n S.
Food Technology Department, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
Aspergillus ochraceus is an important contaminant of diverse substrates, such as cereals, coffee, grapes and derivates. This fungus produce a nephrotoxic metabolite, ochratoxin A (OTA), whose presence on food and feeds may be an important risk for animal and human health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the significance of the origin of A. ochraceus isolates on their OTA production patterns on different substrates (yeast extract sucrose (YES) broth, irradiated barley grains, irradiated green coffee beans and sterilized grapes) and under different environmental conditions. Results did not show a significant influence of the isolation source on OTA-production profiles by A. ochraceus isolates on several substrates, since the isolates which produced the highest OTA amounts in vitro (YES medium) were also the isolates with the highest OTA yields on the other substrates. Abiotic factors assayed (water activity, temperature and substrate) affected significantly OTA productions by A. ochraceus. Maximum OTA amounts were detected at 25 degrees C and 0.98 a(w) on all substrates tested. The highest OTA accumulations found on the different substrates were: green coffee beans (> 2 mg g(-1)), barley grains (approximately 1 mg g(-1)), YES medium (13.9 microg ml(-1)) and grape (approximately 3 ng g(-1)).
Publication Types:
PMID: 16943024 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 37: J Occup Environ Hyg. 2006 Sep;3(9):508-12.
The fungal profile of cotton lint from diverse sources and implications for occupational health.
Lane SR, Sewell RD.
Welsh School of Pharmacy-Pharmacology, Cardiff University, Wales. lanesr@cf.ac.uk
There is mounting evidence that inhalation of fungal spores and their fragments and toxins may cause respiratory illness, particularly in indoor environments and industrial settings. However, analysis of these organisms on cotton has not been carried out in detail and, hence, further examination may prove important in identifying sources of these organisms and assessing the risks posed to cotton workers. This study identified fungi from cotton lint samples originating in 12 world regions and revealed six different fungal genera, with the following rank order of sample isolation incidence: Aspergillus > Cladosporium > Fusarium > Rhizopus > Penicillium > Alternaria. Aspergillus was the most common genus and Aspergillus niger in particular was the pecies most frequently identified. Improved understanding of the variety of organisms that contaminate cotton may help to reduce prevalence of organic dust-related lung diseases.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16941777 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 38: Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2006 Sep;17(6):450-7.
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Specific fungal exposures, allergic sensitization, and rhinitis in infants.
Osborne M, Reponen T, Adhikari A, Cho SH, Grinshpun SA, Levin L, Bernstein DI, LeMasters G.
Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Indoor air quality has become increasingly important as we live in a society where the majority of our time is spent indoors. Specific attention has been drawn to airborne fungal spores as a factor affecting indoor air quality. This study targeted shortcomings of other studies by utilizing long-term air sampling and total fungal spore enumeration to determine associations between health outcomes and fungal spore concentrations. Infants (n = 144) were clinically evaluated and had skin prick tests (SPT) for 17 allergens. Airborne fungal spores were collected using a Button Personal Inhalable Sampler (SKC Inc.) for 48 h at a flow rate of 4 l/min. Sampling was conducted in the spring (March-May) or fall (August-October) in 2003-2004. Fungal spores were analyzed using microscopy-based total counting and identified to the genus/group level. Total spore and individual genus concentrations were analyzed for associations with rhinitis and positive SPT results. Overall, concentrations varied widely, between <2 and 2294 spores/m(3). While no relationship was observed between SPT(+) and total fungal counts, several significant associations were found when analysis was conducted on the various fungal genera and health outcomes. Positive associations were obtained between: Basidiospores and rhinitis (p < 0.01), Penicillium/Aspergillus and SPT(+) to any allergen (p < 0.01), and Alternaria and SPT(+) to any allergen (p < 0.01). Inverse associations were found between: Cladosporium and SPT(+) to any allergen (p < 0.05), and Cladosporium and SPT(+) to aeroallergens (p < 0.05). This study indicates that health outcome may vary by fungal genera; some fungal types may have sensitizing effects while others may have a beneficial role.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16925691 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 39: Rev Salud Publica (Bogota). 2006 May;8 Suppl 1:129-35.
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[Micotoxins in public health]
[Article in Spanish]
Duarte-Vogel S, Villamil-JimŽnez LC.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia. smduartev@unal.edu.co
Mycotoxins have become a worldwide problem due to their high incidence and levels of occurrence in human food and animal feed. The conditions for colonising substrates by mycotoxigenic fungus and later contamination by mycotoxins play an important role in surveillance and control strategies. The main mycotoxigenic funguses are the Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp genera, the main mycotoxins of interest for human health being aflatoxins, trichothecenes, ochratoxin A, fumonisins and zearalenone. These mycotoxins' toxic action mechanisms constitute a risk for both human and animal health, causing diseases in both populations. The situation in Colombia is complex due to the lack of research having been carried out; the few studies made to date have demonstrated the high levels of contamination of food and feed in the country. This paper discusses mycotoxins' potential risk to public health, the difficulties involved in diagnosis and legislation and suggests policy implications for food safety.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16925127 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 40: Respiration. 2007;74(1):88-104. Epub 2006 Jul 20.
Endobronchial fungal disease: an under-recognized entity.
Karnak D, Avery RK, Gildea TR, Sahoo D, Mehta AC.
Department of Chest Diseases, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey, and Department of Chest Medicine, KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India.
Most fungi enter the human body via inhalation; however, endobronchial fungal infection (EBFI) seems to be a rare manifestation compared to pulmonary or systemic disease. This presentation seems to be related to environmental factors as well as to the host status. With the increasing popularity of flexible bronchoscopy, it is being recognized with a higher frequency. Bronchoscopic findings in EBFI vary from mild mucosal inflammation to central airway obstruction. We searched English literature related to the topic and found 228 total cases of EBFI: Aspergillus species (121), Coccidioides immitis (38), Zygomycetes (31), Candida species (14) Cryptococcus neoformans (13), and Histoplasma capsulatum (11). We have also included a single case of endobronchial Pseudallescheria boydii infection in a lung transplant recipient that has not been reported previously. Most patients were immunocompromised, exhibited systemic manifestations of the primary infection, and responded to appropriate therapy. EBFI should be included in the differential diagnosis of any form of airway lesions in immunocompromised patients, especially among residents from the endemic areas. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16864987 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 41: Int J Food Microbiol. 2006 Aug 1;110(3):217-23. Epub 2006 Jul 5.
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The effect of storage time and agroecological zone on mould incidence and aflatoxin contamination of maize from traders in Uganda.
Kaaya AN, Kyamuhangire W.
Department of Food Science and Technology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. ankaya@agric.mak.ac.ug
A study to determine mould incidence and aflatoxin contamination of maize kernels was carried out among dealers (traders) in the three agroecological zones of Uganda. The maize kernels were categorized into those stored for two to six months or for more than six months to one year. Results indicate that the mean moisture content of the kernels was within the recommended safe storage levels of < or =15% but was significantly lower in the Highland maize kernels followed by the Mid-Altitude (dry) kernels while the Mid-Altitude (moist) kernels had the highest levels. Across the agroecological zones, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Rhizopus were the most predominant fungal genera identified and, among their species, A. niger had the highest incidence, followed by A. flavus, F. verticillioides, A. wentii, A. penicillioides and Rhizopus stolonifer. There were more aflatoxin positive samples from the Mid-Altitude (moist) zone (88%) followed by those samples from the Mid-Altitude (dry) zone (78%) while samples from the Highland zone (69%) were least contaminated. Aflatoxin levels increased with storage time such that maize samples from the Mid-Altitude (dry and moist) stored for more than six months had mean levels greater than the 20 ppb FDA/WHO regulatory limits. Aflatoxin B1 was the most predominant type and was found to contaminate maize kernels from all the three agroecological zones. These results indicate that maize consumers in Uganda are exposed to the danger of aflatoxin poisoning. Thus, there is the need for policy makers to establish and enforce maize quality standards and regulations related to moulds and aflatoxins across the agroecological zones to minimize health hazards related to consumption of contaminated kernels.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16822572 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 42: J Hosp Infect. 2006 Aug;63(4):423-7. Epub 2006 Jun 8.
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Potential compromise of hospital hygiene by clinical waste carts.
Blenkharn JI.
18 South Road, Ealing, London W5 4RY, UK. blenkharn@ianblenkharn.com
Bulk waste storage carts are common in hospitals and undoubtedly assist in the day-to-day management of clinical wastes. They are used for the transport and interim storage of primary clinical waste containers and are often located close to or within hospital buildings to receive such wastes from clinical departments. Examination of a random selection of bulk clinical waste carts at nine acute hospitals across Greater London revealed external soiling in all of 23 carts. Eight of 13 carts were also soiled on the inner surfaces, with evidence of bloodstains and free fluids in the base of five carts. Staphylococcus aureus and enterococci were recovered in low numbers from the lids (N=7) and wheels (N=10) of carts and Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were recovered from the wheels of a further five carts. Two carts were heavily contaminated with Aspergillus spp. Pathogens originating from clinical wastes may be transferred from contaminated bulk waste carts to the wider hospital environment. It may be advisable to keep bulk carts outside clinical areas, and preferably outside all hospital buildings. This becomes particularly important in circumstances where carts supplied by contractors are not dedicated to a single hospital or National Health Service trust.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16759738 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 43: Mol Nutr Food Res. 2006 May;50(6):507-12.
Preliminary data on the presence of mycotoxins (ochratoxin A, citrinin and aflatoxin B1) in black table olives "Greek style" of Moroccan origin.
El Adlouni C, Tozlovanu M, Naman F, Faid M, Pfohl-Leszkowicz A.
UniversitŽ Chouaib Doukkali, FacultŽ des Sciences, Lab Biologie & Biotechnologie VŽgŽtales, El Jadida, Morocco. chakib_eladlouni@yahoo.fr
Many mould strains, in particular Aspergillus and/or Penicillium, are able to develop on olive and produce ochratoxin A (OTA) and/or citrinin (CIT) and/or aflatoxin B (AFB) after harvest, during drying and storage of olives. The development of fungi on olives is responsible for the reduction of nutritional quality of olive because they can disturb the synthesis of the fatty acids. OTA, CIT and AFB are particularly dangerous for health, inducing cancer of urinary tracts or liver carcinoma. In this study, ten olive samples bought at retailer and at supermarket in Morocco were analyzed for their OTA, CIT and AFB contents. These three mycotoxins were extracted simultaneously by a method based on solvent partition validated in-house, then separated by HPLC coupled to a fluorescence detector. All olive samples contain OTA ranging from LOQ to 1.02 microg/kg. Respectively, 50 and 25% from retailer and supermarket samples were contaminated by more than 0.65 microg/kg. In addition, 80% of olive samples contained CIT above LOD, and 100% of olive tested contained AFB above 0.5 microg/kg. As simultaneous presence of these toxins increases toxic risks, it is thus essential to have a good control of the conservation of olives after harvest.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16688704 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 44: Mol Nutr Food Res. 2006 May;50(6):513-8.
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Monitoring the mycotoxins in food and their biomarkers in the Czech Republic.
Malir F, Ostry V, Grosse Y, Roubal T, Skarkova J, Ruprich J.
Department of Xenobiochemistry, Institute of Public Health Hradec Kralove, National Reference Laboratory for Biomarkers of Mycotoxins and Mycotoxins in Food, The Czech Republic. xeno@zulahk.cz
Testing of the presence of toxigenic microfungi and mycotoxins in foodstuffs in the food chain is an important part of the food safety strategy in The Czech Republic. At the national level, control of their presence in the entire food chain is assured by Public Health Protection Agencies, by the Veterinary Administration and by the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority. This article summarizes surveillance activities of Public Health Protection Agencies and mycotoxins findings in dietary raw materials and foodstuffs from the 1990s to 2004 in the Czech Republic. At present, the health risk from the mycotoxins exposure from foodstuffs is assessed to be relatively low in the Czech Republic, especially as far as the foodstuffs of the Czech origin are concerned. It may result in late toxic effects (e. g., carcinogenic risk) following a single or repeated ingestion of low mycotoxins doses from foodstuffs. Nevertheless, the overall situation may change due to the globalization of the food market. In order to minimize the risk associated with mycotoxins and eliminate their impact on Czech public health, continuous monitoring of the presence of toxigenic moulds, mycotoxins, and their biomarkers is necessary, in conjunction with strict respect to European Union legislation.
PMID: 16676375 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 45: J Environ Sci Eng. 2004 Oct;46(4):268-73.
Impact of gutkha chewing & smoking on microbial environment of oral cavity: a case study on slum dwellers of selected areas in Visakhapatnam.
Avasn Maruthit Y, Rao RS, Palivela H, Thakre S.
Department of Environmental Studies, College of Engineering, GITAM, Rishi konda, Visakhapaynam, Andhra Pradesh. a_yallamraju@yahoo.com
Oral diseases are still a neglected epidemic. During the recent years, in India, both in urban and rual, consumption of tobacco in the form of direct chewing of gutkha is alarmingly increasing especially in the young adults as which is major reason for subsistence of oral cancer. In the present investigation an attempt was made to find out the relationship between gutkha chewing including smoking and oral micro flora in some slum dwellers of Visakhapatnam. The subjects were randomly selected and their health data was collected by distributing questionnaire to control and effected subjects. The oral saliva samples were collected from both gutkha chewers, smokers and from control groups by using saline swabs and inoculated on suitable nutrient media. The results revealed that decrease in salivation and mucous formation in gutkha chewers, which further resulted in reduction in number of oral micro flora. Aspergillus species appeared only in gutkha chewers and smokers. Gutkha chewing and smoking thus, may lead to an increase in the oral pathogens by reducing the normal symbiotic microbial flora.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16649624 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 46: Toxicon. 2006 Jun 15;47(8):894-900. Epub 2006 Mar 27.
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Ochratoxin A in human blood in Abidjan, C™te d'Ivoire.
Sangare-Tigori B, Moukha S, Kouadio JH, Dano DS, Betbeder AM, Achour A, Creppy EE.
Department of Toxicology, University of Bordeaux 2, 146, rue LŽo-Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France.
Ochratoxin A (OTA) produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium genera contaminates a diversity of foods including cereals; cereals-derived foods; dry fruits; beans; cocoa; coffee; beer; wine; and foodstuffs of animal origin mainly poultry, eggs, pork and milk, including human breast milk. OTA is nephrotoxic to all animal species studied so far and most likely to humans, who show the longest half-life for elimination of this toxin among all species examined. Among other toxic effects, OTA is teratogenic, immunotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic, all of which lead to life-threatening pathologies through several molecular pathways. In C™te d'Ivoire, preliminary surveys conducted by us have proven from 1998 to 2004 the reality of ochratoxin A-contamination of foodstuffs. To assess OTA in human blood, the immunoaffinity columns were used along with HPLC for separation and fluorimetric quantification of blood samples collected in Abidjan from two categories of people: apparently healthy donors (n=63) and nephropathy patients undergoing dialysis (n=39). Among healthy donors, 34.9% show OTA concentrations ranging from 0.01 - 5.81 microg/l with a mean value of 0.83 microg/l, whereas, among nephropathy patients undergoing dialysis 20.5% are OTA positive in a range of 0.167-2.42 microg/l and a mean value of 1.05. Although the sex ratio is 0.82 (46 females for 56 males) ochratoxin A contamination is equally distributed in both sexes. Nephropathy patients undergoing dialysis appear, however, less frequently contaminated than healthy donors (20.5 versus 34.9%) and show higher OTA concentrations (higher mean value, p=0.01). Ochratoxin A concentrations found in human blood reflect concentrations previously detected in cereals and peanuts according to the eating habits and diets of people in C™te d'Ivoire. But, the prevalence of ochratoxin A in blood of nephropathy people undergoing dialysis appears lower than expected from the frequency of OTA contamination in cereals and peanuts. Pearson chi(2)-test indicates that among OTA-positive individuals renal dialysis and age are important modalities for consideration.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16626769 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 47: J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2006 May-Jun;9(3):265-96.
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Ochratoxin a: its cancer risk and potential for exposure.
Clark HA, Snedeker SM.
Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors (BCERF), Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401, USA. hac4@cornell.edu
Ochratoxin A (OA) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin known to contaminate a variety of foods and beverages. The cancer risk posed by OA was reviewed as relevant to human exposure, regulatory activities, and risk management efforts occurring worldwide, particularly in Europe. OA moves through the food chain and has been found in the tissues and organs of animals, including human blood and breast milk. Results from the National Toxicology Program's rodent bioassays show significantly increased incidence of mammary gland tumors in female rats and kidney tumors in male and female rats given OA orally. Liver tumors in female mice fed OA in the diet have also been observed. In humans, OA exposure has been most often associated with the kidney disease Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), symptoms of which include tumors of the kidney and urinary tract. No epidemiological studies have yet adequately evaluated the cancer risk of OA in human populations. Studies have shown OA to be genotoxic as well as immunotoxic, although its mode of action is not fully understood. Organizations and agencies in many countries are currently promulgating standards for OA in foods and beverages. Increased efforts in farm management and food safety are being made to mitigate the risks to public health posed by OA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently evaluating data on OA levels in domestic and imported commodities but has not established official regulations or guidelines for OA in the U.S. food supply.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16621780 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 48: Indian J Med Res. 2006 Feb;123(2):159-64.
Mycological profile of infectious Keratitis from Delhi.
Saha R, Das S.
Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India. rumpachatterjee@yahoo.co.in
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Corneal blindness is a major health problem worldwide and infectious keratitis is one of the predominant causes. The incidence of fungal keratitis has increased over the last few years. Though a few studies have been carried out on mycotic keratitis from north and other parts of India, there are none from Delhi. Keeping this in mind, this study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of positive fungal cultures in infectious keratitis and of the various fungal species identified as aetiologic agents in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in East Delhi. METHODS: Corneal scrapings from 346 patients of corneal ulcer with suspected fungal aetiology were subjected to direct examination by 10 per cent KOH mount, Gram stain and culture. The results were examined retrospectively and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 346 patients of corneal ulcer investigated, in 77 (22.25%) cases fungal aetiology was identified. Males were more commonly affected and were mostly in the age group of 31-40 yr. It was seen that trauma was the most common predisposing factor especially in the agriculturists and the farmers. Aspergillus flavus was the most common fungus isolated in 31.16 per cent cases, followed by A. fumigatus (16.88%) and Fusarium spp. (7.79%). Yeasts were also isolated in 21.62 per cent cases. Both yeasts and mycelial fungi were isolated in 6.5 per cent of cases. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Because of serious consequences of infectious keratitis, it is important to know the exact aetiology of corneal ulcer to institute appropriate therapy in time. Laboratory confirmation should be undertaken and fungal infection should be ruled out before prescribing corticosteroids and antibacterial antibiotics.
PMID: 16575115 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 49: Rev Iberoam Micol. 2005 Dec;22(4):223-8.
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Genomics of Aspergillus fumigatus.
Ronning CM, Fedorova ND, Bowyer P, Coulson R, Goldman G, Kim HS, Turner G, Wortman JR, Yu J, Anderson MJ, Denning DW, Nierman WC.
The Institute for Genomic Research, 9712 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. cronning@tigr.org
Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungal saprophyte that is ubiquitous in the environment. It is also a human pathogen and induces allergenic response, negatively impacting health care and associated costs significantly around the world. Much of the basic biology of this organism is only poorly understood, but the recent completion and publication of its genome sequence provides an excellent tool for researchers to gain insight into these processes. In this review we will summarize some of the more salient features revealed by analysis of the genome, including the search for candidate pathogenicity genes and the switch to a pathogenic lifestyle, allergen proteins, DNA repair, secondary metabolite gene clusters that produce compounds both useful and toxic, a theoretical capability of this asexual organism to reproduce sexually, signalling, and transcription. A. fumigatus was compared with the food biotechnology fungus Aspergillus oryzae and sexual fungus Aspergillus nidulans, as well as other fungi, in an attempt to discern key differences between these organisms.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16499415 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 50: Rev Iberoam Micol. 2005 Dec;22(4):194-202.
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Aspergillus flavus genomics: gateway to human and animal health, food safety, and crop resistance to diseases.
Yu J, Cleveland TE, Nierman WC, Bennett JW.
USDA/ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, 1100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA. jiuyu@srrc.ars.usda.gov
Aspergillus flavus is an imperfect filamentous fungus that is an opportunistic pathogen causing invasive and non-invasive aspergillosis in humans, animals, and insects. It also causes allergic reactions in humans. A. flavus infects agricultural crops and stored grains and produces the most toxic and potent carcinogic metabolites such as aflatoxins and other mycotoxins. Breakthroughs in A. flavus genomics may lead to improvement in human health, food safety, and agricultural economy. The availability of A. flavus genomic data marks a new era in research for fungal biology, medical mycology, agricultural ecology, pathogenicity, mycotoxin biosynthesis, and evolution. The availability of whole genome microarrays has equipped scientists with a new powerful tool for studying gene expression under specific conditions. They can be used to identify genes responsible for mycotoxin biosynthesis and for fungal infection in humans, animals and plants. A. flavus genomics is expected to advance the development of therapeutic drugs and to provide information for devising strategies in controlling diseases of humans and other animals. Further, it will provide vital clues for engineering commercial crops resistant to fungal infection by incorporating antifungal genes that may prevent aflatoxin contamination of agricultural harvest.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16499411 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 51: Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2006 May;209(3):257-64. Epub 2006 Feb 3.
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Survey and significance of filamentous fungi from tap water.
GonŤalves AB, Paterson RR, Lima N.
Centro de Engenharia Biol—gica, Micoteca da Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
Fungi in drinking water are involved in the production of tastes and odours in water. Health problems are possible, originating from mycotoxins, animal pathogens and allergies. This report concerns the surveillance of mesophilic fungi in tap water and assessment of their potential for causing problems. The methods for the determination of the filamentous fungi (ff) were filtering, swabbing and baiting. Tap water, half-strength corn meal, neopeptone-glucose rose Bengal aureomycin (NGRBA) and oomycete selective agars for the enumeration of colony forming units (cfu) were used. Samples were taken consecutively over 16 months. Filtration and NGRBA gave the highest ff counts. A total of 340 taxa were isolated. There appeared to be a negative correlation between bacterial and yeast (b/y) and ff counts. Highest counts were found in winter months for ff and in the warmer months for b/y. Penicillium (40.6%) and Acremonium (38.8%) were the most frequently isolated ff. There was a difference in the pattern of isolation of the key taxa with season: penicillia predominated in early summer and Acremonium in winter. P. expansum was isolated in high numbers in May 2004. This species is associated with the production of the mycotoxin patulin and the odour secondary metabolite geosmin. P. brevicompactum was detected throughout the sampling period and is known to produce the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolic acid. Acremonium is associated with ocentol production which is responsible for bad tastes and flavours. The remaining taxa were Phialophora sp. (4.1%), Cladosporium sp. (3.5%), Rhizopus stolonifer (2.9%), Chaetomium sp. (0.6%), Alternaria sp. (0.3%), Aspergillus sp. (0.3%), mycelia sterilia (2.6%) and unidentified (6.2%). It is emphasised that few Aspergillus and no Fusarium strains were isolated. Rhizopus stolonifer was obtained. However, none of the fungi isolated at mesophilic temperature used could be described as being involved with pathogenicity per se.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16459143 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 52: J Vector Borne Dis. 2005 Dec;42(4):129-34.
Mechanical transmission of pathogenic organisms: the role of cockroaches.
Tatfeng YM, Usuanlele MU, Orukpe A, Digban AK, Okodua M, Oviasogie F, Turay AA.
Lahor Public Health and Research Centre, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. youtchou@yahoo.com
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Cockroaches (Diploptera punctata) are basically tropical insects and will do their best to find a home that is both warm and moist. Their involvement in the transmission of tropical diseases is poorly investigated in Africa. METHODS: A study on the bacterial, fungal and parasitic profile of cockroaches trapped in and around houses in Ekpoma was carried out using standard microbiological techniques. RESULTS: Of a total of 234 cockroaches trapped from different sites (toilets, parlours, kitchens and bedrooms) in houses with pit latrines and water system, the bacterial, fungal and parasitic isolates were identical irrespective of the site, these included: E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serretia marcescens, S. aureus, S. feacalis, S. epidermidis, Aeromonas sp, Candida sp, Rhizopus sp, Aspergillus sp, Mucor sp, cysts of E. hystolitica, oocysts of C. parvum, C. cayetenensis and Isospora belli, cysts of Balantidium coli, ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Anchylostoma deodunalae, Enterobius vermicularis, ova Trichuris trichura, larva of Strongyloides stercoralis. Cockroaches trapped in the toilets of houses with pit latrines had a mean bacterial and parasites count of 12.3 x 10(10) org/ml and 98 parasites/ml respectively, while those trapped in the houses with water system had a mean bacterial and parasitic count of 89.5 x 10(7) org/ml and 31 parasites/ml respectively. A bacterial count of 78.9 x 10(7) org/ml was recorded from cockroaches trapped from the kitchens of houses with pit latrines. On the other hand a mean bacterial and parasitic count of 23.7 x 10(6) org/ml and 19 parasites/ml were recorded from kitchens of houses with water system. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Cockroaches represent an important reservoir for infectious pathogens, therefore, control of cockroaches will substantially minimise the spread of infectious diseases in our environment.
PMID: 16457381 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 53: Pol J Microbiol. 2005;54 Suppl:13-20.
Erratum in:- Pol J Microbiol. 2005;54(4):following table of contents.
Exposure to moulds in flats and the prevalence of allergic diseases--preliminary study.
Gutarowska B, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak J, Piotrowska M, Pa¸czyÄski C, Zakowska Z.
Technical University of L—d, Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Poland. gustaw@p.lodz.pl
The presented study concerned mycological analysis of buildings in L—d and evaluation of the role between filamentous fungi contaminated flats and inhabitants health (allergic airway diseases). 49 inhabitants of 20 flats with signs of moulds contamination were examined. Air samples were collected in houses and outdoors. In all inhabitants skin prick tests (SPT) to common allergens and to standardized particular fungal extracts were performed. Moreover, total and serum specific IgE to moulds, rest spirometry were measured in all subjects. Level of moulds contamination in the air of flats was high and in 75% cases exceed accepted limits. The most frequent species isolated from examined rooms were: Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Acremoniu and Alternaria. The most frequent symptoms reported by examined subjects were rhinitis (N = 29, 59.2%), conjunctivitis (N = 29, 59.2%), chronic cough (N = 24, 49%), dyspnea (N = 15, 30.6%) and skin symptoms (N = 24, 49%). Elevated IgE level was found in 12 subjects (24.5%) and in three patients (6.1%) mould specific serum IgE were detected. Nineteen out of all subjects (38.8%) had positive SPT to common allergens (house dust mites, grass and tree pollens). Eight out of these patients (16.3% of the group) were sensitized to moulds (Candida albicans, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Helminthosporium halodes, Aspergillus). In all cases sensitisation to moulds was accompanied by allergy to other common allergens. No isolated hypersensitivity to moulds was found. Although the frequency of self-reported symptoms was high, the prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases seems to be similar to that found in general population, but that statement must be confirmed by comparison of the control group.
PMID: 16457375 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 54: Microbiology. 2006 Jan;152(Pt 1):161-70.
Comparison of the aflR gene sequences of strains in Aspergillus section Flavi.
Lee CZ, Liou GY, Yuan GF.
Bioresource Collection and Research Center, Food Industry Research and Development Institute, PO Box 246, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, ROC.
Aflatoxins are polyketide-derived secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus nomius and a few other species. The toxic effects of aflatoxins have adverse consequences for human health and agricultural economics. The aflR gene, a regulatory gene for aflatoxin biosynthesis, encodes a protein containing a zinc-finger DNA-binding motif. Although Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus sojae, which are used in fermented foods and in ingredient manufacture, have no record of producing aflatoxin, they have been shown to possess an aflR gene. This study examined 34 strains of Aspergillus section Flavi. The aflR gene of 23 of these strains was successfully amplified and sequenced. No aflR PCR products were found in five A. sojae strains or six strains of A. oryzae. These PCR results suggested that the aflR gene is absent or significantly different in some A. sojae and A. oryzae strains. The sequenced aflR genes from the 23 positive strains had greater than 96.6 % similarity, which was particularly conserved in the zinc-finger DNA-binding domain. The aflR gene of A. sojae has two obvious characteristics: an extra CTCATG sequence fragment and a C to T transition that causes premature termination of AFLR protein synthesis. Differences between A. parasiticus/A. sojae and A. flavus/A. oryzae aflR genes were also identified. Some strains of A. flavus as well as A. flavus var. viridis, A. oryzae var. viridis and A. oryzae var. effuses have an A. oryzae-type aflR gene. For all strains with the A. oryzae-type aflR gene, there was no evidence of aflatoxin production. It is suggested that for safety reasons, the aflR gene could be examined to assess possible aflatoxin production by Aspergillus section Flavi strains.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16385126 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 55: Eur Respir J. 2005 Nov;26(5):887-93.
The effects of Aspergillus fumigatus challenge on exhaled and nasal NO levels.
Stark HJ, Randell JT, Hirvonen MR, Purokivi MK, Roponen MH, Tukiainen HO.
Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 1777, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland. harri.stark@kuh.fi
Several studies have previously shown that exposure to indoor air microbes from moisture-damaged buildings can cause adverse health effects. Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the best-documented moulds causing health problems to those exposed. In this study, inhalation of a commercial A. fumigatus solution was assessed, to establish if it would have effects on fractional exhaled (FeNO) and nasal (FnNO) nitric oxide levels and on lung function. The results were compared with placebo challenge. A total of 28 subjects were divided into three study groups: group 1 had been exposed to occupational mould; group 2 consisted of atopic subjects; and group 3 was a control group. Some 3 h after A. fumigatus challenge, there was a considerable increase in FeNO, and a significant difference was observed between the A. fumigatus and placebo inhalations. The difference was seen in all study groups. No such differences were found in the levels of FnNO or nitrite in nasal lavage fluid. Subjects reported significantly more frequent respiratory tract symptoms after the A. fumigatus inhalation compared with placebo challenge. In conclusion, it was shown here that inhalation challenge of Aspergillus fumigatus elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels. An increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide may serve as an indicator of respiratory inflammation of acute mould exposure.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16264051 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 56: Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2005 Jun-Sep;23(2-3):79-85.
Detection of fungi spectrum in industrial and home bakeries and determinated fungal allergy with skin prick test.
Orman A, FiŤici SE, Ay A, Ellidokuz H, Sivaci RG, Konuk M.
Department of Pulmonary Diseases, the School of Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon-03200, Turkey. avseorman@aku.edu.tr
Airborne fungal pathogens such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Trichophyton, and Alternaria may cause health problems. In this research, the fungal flora at different bakeries and their potential allergenic effects on the workers were investigated. We investigated 148 workers at 17 industrial type bakeries and 62 workers at 17 home type bakeries in Afyon. Our study was performed in two different seasons and climates, between January 2004 and June 2004. Fungal flora was detected by using Petri-dish method. In the winter, Penicillium was the dominant genus, while Cladosporium was the dominant genus during the summer, in both types of bakeries. The allergenic properties of dominant culturable fungi on workers involved in the bakeries were determined with the skin-prick test. It was found that with workers in the industrial type bakeries, the most common skin test positivity was caused by Penicillium. In the other hand, the skin test positivity, performed on workers in the home type bakeries, was equally caused by Penicillium, Trichophyton and Aspergillus.
PMID: 16252836 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 57: Sci Total Environ. 2005 Nov 1;350(1-3):47-58. Epub 2005 Mar 17.
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Culturable airborne fungi in outdoor environments in Beijing, China.
Fang Z, Ouyang Z, Hu L, Wang X, Zheng H, Lin X.
Key Lab of Systems Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085, ROC.
Airborne fungi are being proposed as a cause of adverse health effects. They may adversely affect human health through allergy, infection, and toxicity. Moreover, they have a great influence on urban air quality in Beijing. In this study, a systematical survey on the culturable airborne fungi was carried out for 1 year in Beijing urban area. Fungal samples were collected for 3 min, three times each day, and continued for three consecutive days of each month with FA-1 sampler from three sampling sites. Results showed that the culturable fungal concentrations ranged from 24 CFU (Colony forming units) /m3 to 13960 CFU/m3, and the mean and median was 1165 CFU/m3 and 710 CFU/m3, respectively. Fungal concentrations in the greener area around the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES) and Beijing Botanical Garden (BBG) were significantly higher than in the densely urban and highly trafficked area of Xizhimen (XZM) (***P<0.001), but no significant difference was found between RCEES and BBG (P>0.05). The variation of fungal concentrations in different seasons was significant in RCEES and BBG, where the concentrations were higher in Summer and Autumn, and lower in Spring and Winter. However, there were no significant differences in fungal concentrations between the Spring and the Winter for three sampling sites (P>0.05). Fourteen genera, including 40 species of culturable fungi, were identified in this study. Penicillium, with the most abundant species, which comprised more than 50% of the total isolated fungal species. Cladosporium were the most dominant fungal group, and contributed to more than one third of the total fungal concentration, followed by non-sporing isolates, Alternaria, Pencillium and Asperigillus. The concentration percentage of Cladosporium was significantly higher in RCEES than in XZM (*P<0.05), and the concentration percentages of Penicillium (**P<0.01) and Aspergillus (*P<0.05) were higher in XZM than in RCEES and in BBG. For other groups' concentration percentages, no significant differences were observed among the sampling sites. The distribution pattern of airborne fungi presented log-normal distribution. The highest proportion of culturable fungi was detected in stage 4 (2.0-3.5 microm), and the lowest was in stage 6 (<1.0 microm).
Publication Types:
PMID: 16227072 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 58: Planta. 2006 Feb;223(3):512-20. Epub 2005 Oct 1.
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Identification and characterization of phospholipase D and its association with drought susceptibilities in peanut (Arachis hypogaea).
Guo BZ, Xu G, Cao YG, Holbrook CC, Lynch RE.
USDA-ARS, Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, Tifton, GA 31793, USA. bguo@tifton.usda.gov
Preharvest aflatoxin contamination has been identified by the peanut industry as a serious issue in food safety and human health because of the carcinogenic toxicity. Drought stress is the most important environmental factor exacerbating Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin contamination in peanut. The development of drought-tolerant peanut cultivars could reduce aflatoxin contamination and would represent a major advance in the peanut industry. In this study, we identified a novel PLD gene in peanut (Arachis hypogaea), encoding a putative phospholipase D (PLD, EC 3.1.4.4). The completed cDNA sequence was obtained by using the consensus-degenerated hybrid oligonucleotide primer strategy. The deduced amino acid sequence shows high identity with known PLDs, and has similar conserved domains. The PLD gene expression under drought stress has been studied using four peanut lines: Tifton 8 and A13 (both drought tolerant) and Georgia Green (moderate) and PI 196754 (drought sensitive). Northern analysis showed that PLD gene expression was induced faster by drought stress in the drought-sensitive lines than the drought tolerance lines. Southern analysis showed that cultivated peanut has multiple copies (3 to 5 copies) of the PLD gene. These results suggest that peanut PLD may be involved in drought sensitivity and tolerance responses. Peanut PLD gene expression may be useful as a tool in germplasm screening for drought tolerance.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16200410 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 59: East Afr Med J. 2005 Jun;82(6):275-9.
Aflatoxin levels in maize and maize products during the 2004 food poisoning outbreak in Eastern Province of Kenya.
Muture BN, Ogana G.
National Public Health Laboratory Services, P.O. Box 20750, Nairobi, Kenya.
BACKGROUND: On 10th May, 2004 food samples suspected to have caused acute poisoning in Makueni district were received at the National Public Health Laboratory Services (NPHLS). On analysis, they were found to be highly contaminated with aflatoxin B1. More cases of poisoning were reported in the district and in neighbouring districts of Kitui, Machakos and Thika. As at 20th July, 2004 the Ministry of Health was aware of 317 cases of which 125 resulted in deaths. OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude of aflatoxin contamination of maize and maize products in the affected areas. DESIGN: Random environmental sampling of maize and maize products and case/control samples of the same in the affected regions and subsequent determination of aflatoxin levels using immunoaffinity coupled with solution fluorometry. SETTING: National Public Health Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health, Kenya, from May to August, 2004. SUBJECTS: A total of 480 samples comprising 362 random environmental samples, 26 cases and 92 controls were collected and analysed. The foods analysed included maize grains, maize flour and dehulled dry maize, traditionally known as muthokoi. RESULTS: Forty six point four per cent of the environmental samples, 15% of cases and 29.3% of controls were within the maximum permissible limit of 20 microg implying that over 50% (54.4) of the total did not comply and would be regarded as unfit for human consumption. 6.9% of the environmental samples, 57.7% of cases and 21.7 of controls had levels beyond 1000 microg/Kg. The amount of aflatoxin observed in the food samples had a range of 0-58,000 microg/Kg. CONCLUSION: The population in the affected region was exposed to high levels of aflatoxin. There is need to address the issue of pre and post harvest handling of grain and establishing monitoring and surveillance for early detection and intervention.
PMID: 16175776 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 60: East Afr Med J. 2005 Jun;82(6):273-4.
Aflatoxicosis: health implications.
Mwanda OW.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16175775 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 61: J Paediatr Child Health. 2005 Sep-Oct;41(9-10):532-3.
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Acute idiopathic pulmonary haemorrhage in infancy: case report and review of the literature.
Habiba A.
Wanganui Hospital, Wanganui, New Zealand. aahhabiba@netscape.net
This report presents the case of a 4-month-old male infant with recurrent bouts of haemoptysis for which no cause could be detected after extensive investigation. Literature reports of this condition from other geographic locations around the world are reviewed, together with epidemiologic studies attempting to provide a link with certain environmental exposures, toxic and infectious. A diagnostic entity of acute idiopathic pulmonary haemorrhage in infancy has recently been proposed. To my knowledge, this is the first case reported from New Zealand. Although the incidence of such reported cases appears to be rare, they constitute an interesting public health problem, particularly because some of the risk factors appear to overlap with risk factors for sudden infant death. They can therefore trigger an investigation into the home and outdoor environments, and may provide valuable insights into a possible underlying genetic factor and potentially harmful exposures in the modern urban or rural settings.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16150076 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 62: Ann Occup Hyg. 2006 Jan;50(1):39-53. Epub 2005 Sep 1.
Overview of personal occupational exposure levels to inhalable dust, endotoxin, beta(1-->3)-glucan and fungal extracellular polysaccharides in the waste management chain.
Wouters IM, Spaan S, Douwes J, Doekes G, Heederik D.
Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands. I.Wouters@iras.uu.nl
INTRODUCTION: In the past decade, we studied occupational bioaerosol exposures in various sites of the waste management chain. In this paper we present an overview of exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, beta(1-->3)-glucan (known or probable inducers of airways inflammation), and extracellular polysaccharide antigens of Aspergillus and Penicillium species (EPS-Pen/Asp; a common and probably more specific marker of fungal exposure). METHODS: Over 450 personal bioaerosol samples were taken. Mixed regression analyses were performed to estimate exposure determinants, between- and within-worker variance of exposure, and determinants of these variances. Furthermore, we explored whether the type of waste affected the bioaerosol composition of the dust. RESULTS: Endotoxin and glucan exposure levels were relatively low and comparable for waste collection and transferral, green waste composting and use of biomass in power plants. Exposure levels were 5-20 times higher in domestic waste transferral with sorting, and composting of both domestic and domestic and green waste ( approximately 300-1000 EU m(-3) for endotoxin, and 5-10 mug m(-3) for glucan). Observed exposure exceeded Dutch occupational exposure limits at all sites. EPS-Pen/Asp exposure was detected in 20% of waste collectors and 49% of compost workers. Exposure variability within tasks was large (geometric standard deviation > 2), with smaller between-worker than within-worker variance. Type of company and waste largely explained between-worker variance (40-90%), although within companies no major task-related determinants could be established. Markers of exposure correlated moderately to strongly. Relative endotoxin and glucan content in the dust was only weakly associated with handled waste. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational bioaerosol exposure in the waste management chain is lowest for outdoor handling of waste and highest when waste is handled indoors. However, exposure variability is large, with greater within-worker than between-worker variance. Occupational exposure limits for organic dust and endotoxins are frequently exceeded, suggesting workers are at risk of developing adverse health effects.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16141253 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 63: Toxicol In Vitro. 2006 Apr;20(3):332-41. Epub 2005 Sep 2.
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In vitro investigation of individual and combined cytotoxic effects of ochratoxin A and other selected mycotoxins on renal cells.
Heussner AH, Dietrich DR, O'Brien E.
Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of Konstanz, Jakob-Burkhardt-St. 25, P.O. Box X-918, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
Hundreds of mycotoxins are known to date and many of them are of great interest with regard to human and animal health since they are detected frequently in plant-derived products. Various mycotoxins may occur simultaneously, depending on the environmental and substrate conditions. Considering this coincident production, it is very likely, that humans and animals are always exposed to mixtures rather than to individual compounds. Therefore, future risk assessments should consider mixture toxicity data. This is particularly true for ochratoxin A (OTA), ochratoxin B (OTB), citrinin (CIT) and occasionally for patulin (PAT) as they are all produced by a number of Penicillium and Aspergillus species. Therefore, these four toxins were chosen to study the interactive effects in vitro, using the well-established porcine renal cell line LLC-PK1 and the MTT reduction test as a cytotoxicity endpoint. By application of a step-wise approach to test combination toxicity, using various full factorial as well as a central composite experimental designs, the interactive (synergistic) cytotoxic effects of the these four toxins were assessed. The results obtained in this study confirm a potential for interactive (synergistic) effects of CIT and OTA and possibly other mycotoxins in cells of renal origin.
PMID: 16140496 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 64: Eur J Med Res. 2005 Aug 17;10(8):345-51.
Instructions for infection control in outpatient care of patients with cystic fibrosis.
Schewe D, Kappler M, Griese M.
Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig-Maximilians- University, Mźnchen, Germany.
RATIONALE AND GOALS: Infections of the respiratory tract with multiresistant bacteria and other pathogens lead to a poor prognosis in patients with cystic fibrosis. The patient-to-patient transmission of infectious agents during the clinic visit and the transmission via the hands of healthcare workers has gained increased attention in the cystic fibrosis community. For this reason practical and possibly evidence-based instructions for infection control measures are needed that are feasible in every day outpatient management of patients with cystic fibrosis. - METHODS: For generating these instructions, a committee consisting of medical doctors and nursing staff providing care to cystic fibrosis patients, infectious diseases specialists and members of the department of infection control analyzed the patients' route through our cystic fibrosis unit during a routine clinic visit. First, the expert committee defined instructions concerning important infection control measures for each step. Next, each instruction was compared with the published literature and categorized as to its grade of evidence (I, II, 0). Instructions with grades of evidence I and II and instructions without demonstrated evidence (0) but theoretically reasonable and practically feasible, were accepted and outlined in a flow diagram. All other instructions were rejected. - RESULTS: The expert committee defined 45 instructions for infection control measures during an outpatient visit of a cystic fibrosis patient. 43 instructions within the categories "principles", "measures before entering the clinic", "measures in the examination room" and "measures when leaving the clinic" matched the criteria mentioned above and were accepted. 2 instructions were rejected. - CONCLUSIONS: Here we report evidence-based instructions for infection control in the setting of outpatient care for cystic fibrosis patients which are feasible in every day care. Since some instructions could only be assigned low evidence grade levels, i. e. II or 0, a further clarification of these issues by scientific investigations is warranted. Unresolved issues are primarily the recommendation for or against wearing a face mask for patients with certain pathogens and the issues of colonization with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Alcaligines xylosidans, but also with Aspergillus spp.. Continuous education of patients and healthcare workers as well as the validation of these practical instructions by a close monitoring and documentation of pathogens are of great importance.
PMID: 16131476 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 65: J Antimicrob Chemother. 2005 Sep;56 Suppl 1:i5-i11.
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Changing patterns and trends in systemic fungal infections.
Richardson MD.
Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. Malcolm.Richardson@helsinki.fi
Invasive mycoses are a significant and growing public health problem. Although bloodstream infections with Candida albicans may be decreasing in frequency, the number of persons at risk for them continues to grow. Moreover, infections with other Candida species, such as Candida glabrata, are increasing in incidence. Invasive mould infections in general, and Aspergillus infections in particular, are becoming more frequent. Fungal opportunistic infections in persons with AIDS are no longer a major problem in developed countries, but are resulting in significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries with AIDS epidemics. Further studies are needed to define populations at very high risk for fungal opportunistic infections who might benefit from targeted antifungal chemoprophylaxis, which remains the most promising of the potential prevention strategies. This review highlights the changing patterns in risk factors, changes in epidemiology, the impact of changes in medical practice in intensive care and organ transplantation on the incidence of systemic fungal infections, and gives an overview of fungal infections in paediatric patients, patients with haematological malignancy, and the emergence of antifungal resistance.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16120635 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 66: Med Mycol. 2005 May;43 Suppl 1:S115-9.
The future of animal models of invasive aspergillosis.
Patterson TF.
Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA. patterson@uthscsa.edu
The diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis remains very difficult, coupled with limited treatment options. Animal models have been utilized to evaluate both the diagnosis and treatment of infection and to assess the pathogenicity and virulence of the organism. However, animal models have not been standardized and have been used in only a limited fashion for genomic evaluation in this disease. Extensive efforts are underway to expand significantly the Aspergillus genomic information. Thus, the standardization of animal models of invasive aspergillosis is critical to create a unified platform to enhance evaluation of newer genomic information and allow assessment of pathogenicity and virulence factors. Proposed models, supported by a recently awarded National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases contract, will be developed in close interaction with the extended Aspergillus community (including academia and industry) to answer key questions in this disease. The goal of this work is to provide the framework to evaluate genomic targets in animal models in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of invasive aspergillosis that will ultimately result in improved outcomes of patients with this frequently fatal infection.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16110802 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 67: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Aug 24;53(17):6930-8.
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Influence of mycotoxin producing fungi (Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium) on gluten proteins during suboptimal storage of wheat after harvest and competitive interactions between field and storage fungi.
Prange A, Modrow H, Hormes J, KrŠmer J, Kšhler P.
Institute for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Food Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 168, D-53115 Bonn, Germany. a.prange@gmx.de
Cereals contaminated by Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Fusarium spp. and their mycotoxins, for example, ochratoxin A (OTA) and deoxynivalenol (DON), are not only a risk to human and animal health but can also show poor technological properties and baking quality. The influence of these genera on the sulfur speciation of low molecular weight (LMW) subunits of glutenin was characterized by investigating suboptimally stored wheat samples in situ by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and baking tests. Field fungi of the genus Fusarium have hardly any influence on both the sulfur speciation of wheat gluten proteins and the baking properties, whereas storage fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium have a direct influence. An increased amount of sulfur in sulfonic acid state was found, which is not available for thiol/disulfide exchange reactions in the gluten network, and thus leads to a considerably reduced baking volume. From changes of the composition of the mould flora during suboptimal storage of wheat and from the mycotoxin contents, it can be concluded that microbial competitive interactions play an important role in the development of the mould flora and the mycotoxin concentrations during (suboptimal) storage of wheat.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16104823 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 68: Chest. 2005 Aug;128(2):720-8.
Pneumothorax in cystic fibrosis.
Flume PA, Strange C, Ye X, Ebeling M, Hulsey T, Clark LL.
Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St, 812-CSB, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. flumepa@musc.edu
BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a complication that is commonly reported in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). An understanding of the pathophysiology of this complication and its consequences is important for the management of patients with CF. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with pneumothorax and to determine the prognosis of CF patients following an episode of pneumothorax. DESIGN: A retrospective observational cohort study of the National Cystic Fibrosis Patient Registry between the years 1990 and 1999. PATIENTS: The registry contained data on 28,858 patients with CF who had been followed up over those 10 years at CF centers across the United States. RESULTS: Pneumothorax occurred with an average annual incidence of 0.64% and in 3.4% of patients overall. There was no increased occurrence by sex, but CF was more prevalent in older patients (mean [+/- SD] age, 21.9 +/- 9.1 years) with more severe pulmonary impairment (nearly 75% of patients with FEV1 of < 40% predicted). The principal risks associated with an increased occurrence of pneumothorax included the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (odds ratio [OR], 2.3), Burkholderia cepacia (OR, 1.8), or Aspergillus (OR, 1.3) in sputum cultures, FEV1 < 30% predicted (OR, 1.5), enteral feeding (OR, 1.7), Medicaid insurance (OR, 1.1), pancreatic insufficiency (OR, 1.4), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (OR, 1.5), and massive hemoptysis (OR, 1.4). There is an increased morbidity (eg, increased number of hospitalizations and number of days spent in the hospital) and an increased 2-year mortality rate following pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: Pneumothorax is a serious complication in CF patients, occurring more commonly in older patients with more advanced lung disease. Nearly 1 in 167 patients will experience this complication each year. There is an attributable mortality to the complication and considerable morbidity, resulting in increased health-care utilization and a measurable decline in lung function.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16100160 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 69: Crit Care. 2005 Jun;9(3):R191-9. Epub 2005 Mar 11.
Isolation of Aspergillus spp. from the respiratory tract in critically ill patients: risk factors, clinical presentation and outcome.
Garnacho-Montero J, Amaya-Villar R, Ortiz-Leyba C, Le—n C, Alvarez-Lerma F, Nolla-Salas J, Iruretagoyena JR, Barcenilla F.
Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Roc’o, Sevilla, Spain. jose.garnacho.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
INTRODUCTION: Our aims were to assess risk factors, clinical features, management and outcomes in critically ill patients in whom Aspergillus spp. were isolated from respiratory secretions, using a database from a study designed to assess fungal infections. METHODS: A multicentre prospective study was conducted over a 9-month period in 73 intensive care units (ICUs) and included patients with an ICU stay longer than 7 days. Tracheal aspirate and urine samples, and oropharyngeal and gastric swabs were collected and cultured each week. On admission to the ICU and at the initiation of antifungal therapy, the severity of illness was evaluated using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. Retrospectively, isolation of Aspergillus spp. was considered to reflect colonization if the patient did not fulfil criteria for pneumonia, and infection if the patient met criteria for pulmonary infection and if the clinician in charge considered the isolation to be clinically valuable. Risk factors, antifungal use and duration of therapy were noted. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1756 patients, Aspergillus spp. were recovered in 36. Treatment with steroids (odds ratio = 4.5) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio = 2.9) were significantly associated with Aspergillus spp. isolation in multivariate analysis. In 14 patients isolation of Aspergillus spp. was interpreted as colonization, in 20 it was interpreted as invasive aspergillosis, and two cases were not classified. The mortality rates were 50% in the colonization group and 80% in the invasive infection group. Autopsy was performed in five patients with clinically suspected infection and confirmed the diagnosis in all of these cases. CONCLUSION: In critically ill patients, treatment should be considered if features of pulmonary infection are present and Aspergillus spp. are isolated from respiratory secretions.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15987390 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 70: Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2005 Aug;18(4):314-9.
Changing face of health-care associated fungal infections.
Bille J, Marchetti O, Calandra T.
Institute of Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. jacques.bille@chuv.hospvd.ch
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review was to evaluate recent publications on the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections. RECENT FINDINGS: Epidemiological surveys have highlighted significant differences between Europe and the United States regarding the incidence and etiology of Candida bloodstream infections. Today, invasive aspergillosis is occurring in a much broader patient population than the classical immunocompromised hosts and includes mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients and patients receiving corticosteroids for treatment of chronic lung diseases. Diagnosis is often delayed in these patients and prognosis is dismal. Measurement of galactomannan, mannan and antimannan antibodies, and beta-(1-3)-D-glucan may help to speed up diagnosis. The epidemiology of invasive mold infections is changing. The frequency of non-fumigatus Aspergillus species is increasing, uncommon hyalo-or phaeo-hyphomycoses are emerging and breakthrough mold infections intrinsically resistant to azoles have been reported. Clinical trials have shown that new azoles and echinocandins are as efficacious as amphotericin B or fluconazole for the treatment of eosophageal or invasive candidiasis, for prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections in transplant patients, or for empirical antifungal therapy in patients with persistent fever and neutropenia. SUMMARY: Recent data suggest that the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections may be changing with the emergence of uncommon molds and the occurrence of invasive aspergillosis in 'nonclassical' immunocompromised hosts. New diagnostic tools and improved antifungal agents are available to facilitate early diagnosis and offer new treatment options.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15985827 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 71: Chemosphere. 2005 Dec;61(11):1570-9. Epub 2005 Jun 27.
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Indoor and outdoor bioaerosol levels at recreation facilities, elementary schools, and homes.
Jo WK, Seo YJ.
Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea. wkjo@knu.ac.kr
One major deficiency in linking environmental exposure to health effects is the current lack of data on environmental exposure. Therefore, to address this issue, the present study measured the bacterial and fungal concentrations in the indoor and outdoor air from two types of recreation facility (42 bars and 41 Internet cafes), 44 classrooms at 11 elementary schools, and 20 homes under uncontrolled environmental conditions during both summer and winter. No major environmental problems were reported at the four microenvironments being investigated during the entire study period. Bacteria and fungi were found in all the air samples, and the environmental occurrence of individual fungi was in the order of Cladosprium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. The six parameters surveyed in the present study were all found to influence the indoor and outdoor bioaerosol levels: microenvironment type, sampling time in elementary school classrooms, agar type for measuring the fungal species, seasonal variation, facility location, and summer survey periods. The indoor and outdoor air concentrations of bacteria and fungi found in this study were comparable to those in other reports, with GM values for the total bacteria and total fungi between 10 and 10(3) colony-forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU m(-3)). The fungal concentrations found at most of the indoor environments fell within the specified guidelines of the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), between 100 and 1000 CFU m(-3) for the total fungi. However, the indoor bioaerosol concentrations at most of the surveyed environments exceeded the Korean indoor bioaerosol guideline (800 CFU m(-3)). Consequently, the current findings suggest the need for reducing strategy for indoor microorganisms at the surveyed microenvironments.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15982704 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 72: Indoor Air. 2005;15 Suppl 9:27-32.
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Determination of microbial volatile organic compounds adsorbed on house dust particles and gypsum board using SPME/GC-MS.
Wady L, Larsson L.
Department of Medical Microbiology, Dermatology and Infection, Lund University, Sweden.
Adsorption of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) on house dust was analyzed by performing solid phase microextraction (SPME) in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Settled dust samples were exposed to five selected MVOCs and to cultures of the molds Stachybotrus chartarum, Aspergillus versicolor, and Chaetomium globosum. Considerable desorption of the MVOCs adsorbed on the dust occurred spontaneously within a few hours at room temperature and within several days or weeks after storage at -20 degrees or -80 degrees C. Similar results were found for a sample of a gypsum board cultivated with A. versicolor. SPME/GC-MS analysis performed immediately after sampling revealed several of the studied MVOCs on gypsum board and settled dust collected in a house garage with visible mold growth. MVOCs adsorbed on respirable particles of house dust can be inhaled and reach deep into the respiratory system, which may partly explain health effects that have been found to be associated with the presence of low concentrations of MVOCs in air. Particle-bound MVOCs can easily be detected by SPME/GC-MS analysis, thus this technique may prove to be very useful in indoor air research for identifying factors that affect human health. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: We used SPME combined with GC-MS to study the adsorption and desorption of MVOCs on house dust particles that had been exposed to cultivated molds and molds in a damp building. Adsorbed MVOCs desorb spontaneously but this process can be slowed down by storing samples at -20 degrees or -80 degrees C. This opens up a possibility to apply SPME/GC-MS to reveal mold growth in buildings and to determine MVOCs in respirable dust particles that may reach deep in the respiratory system and lead to respiratory illnesses.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15954244 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 73: Appl Environ Microbiol. 2005 Jun;71(6):3106-11.
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Abundant respirable ergot alkaloids from the common airborne fungus Aspergillus fumigatus.
Panaccione DG, Coyle CM.
Division of Plant & Soil Sciences, Genetics & Developmental Biology Program, 401 Brooks Hall, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6058, USA. danpan@mail.wvu.edu
Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins that interact with several monoamine receptors, negatively affecting cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive, and immune systems of exposed humans and animals. Aspergillus fumigatus, a common airborne fungus and opportunistic human pathogen, can produce ergot alkaloids in broth culture. The objectives of this study were to determine if A. fumigatus accumulates ergot alkaloids in a respirable form in or on its conidia, to quantify ergot alkaloids associated with conidia produced on several different substrates, and to measure relevant physical properties of the conidia. We found at least four ergot alkaloids, fumigaclavine C, festuclavine, fumigaclavine A, and fumigaclavine B (in order of abundance), associated with conidia of A. fumigatus. Under environmentally relevant conditions, the total mass of ergot alkaloids often constituted >1% of the mass of the conidium. Ergot alkaloids were extracted from conidia produced on all media tested, and the greatest quantities were observed when the fungus was cultured on latex paint or cultured maize seedlings. The values for physical properties of conidia likely to affect their respirability (i.e., diameter, mass, and specific gravity) were significantly lower for A. fumigatus than for Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, and Stachybotrys chartarum. The demonstration of relatively high concentrations of ergot alkaloids associated with conidia of A. fumigatus presents opportunities for investigations of potential contributions of the toxins to adverse health effects associated with the fungus and to aspects of the biology of the fungus that contribute to its success.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15933008 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 74: J Environ Monit. 2005 Jun;7(6):598-602. Epub 2005 May 11.
A short-term test adapted to detect the genotoxic effects of environmental volatile pollutants (benzene fumes) using the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans.
Domingues Zucchi T, Domingues Zucchi F, Poli P, Soares de Melo I, Zucchi TM.
Department of Parasitology and Biotechnology Research Center, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. tzucchi@uol.com.br
With the recent focus on environmental problems, increasing awareness of the harmful effects of industrial and agricultural pollution has created a demand for progressively more sophisticated pollutant and toxicity detection methods. Using Aspergillus nidulans strains this work presents a new short term-test that, most importantly, enables the rapid and inexpensive detection of volatile pollutants that induce genotoxic/carcinogenic effects in animals. The main aim is to contribute to environmental health protection, and special attention is directed to monitoring the hazard posed by benzene (as a carcinogenic agent model) mainly because its ubiquitous presence often leads to severe noxious effects in humans among whom increased rates of human leukemia have been reported. To evaluate even the submutagenic effects of benzene fumes, two Aspergillus nidulans diploid strains, heterozygous for several auxotrophic mutations, were used. The DNA lesions produced stimulate mitotic recombination and homozygotization of auxotrophic recessive mutations. Conidial exposure to a saturated atmosphere of benzene fumes for 20 s was enough to increase the mitotic recombination frequencies significantly. Genetic analyses of treated diploids evidenced alterations related to mitotic recombination frequencies, gene expression, and allelic segregation rates. Altogether they reflect the potential of benzene to induce alterations in the fungal DNA, and albeit indirectly, they also respond for the genotoxic/carcinogenic harmful side effects widely connected to benzene. This is the first description of a sensitive, rapid and inexpensive test able to detect the submutagenic dose effects of volatile environmental compounds. In addition, despite concentrating on benzene the same test can be applied to many other pollutants, volatile or not. Additionally, the test can also be used to detect the antigenotoxic properties of foods and drugs.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15931421 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 75: Respir Care. 2005 Jun;50(6):725-39; discussion 739-41.
Comment in:
The pathogenesis of ventilator-associated pneumonia: its relevance to developing effective strategies for prevention.
Safdar N, Crnich CJ, Maki DG.
Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, University of Wisconsin Center for Health Sciences, Madison WI, USA.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in the intensive care unit and is associated with major morbidity and attributable mortality. Strategies to prevent VAP are likely to be successful only if based upon a sound understanding of pathogenesis and epidemiology. The major route for acquiring endemic VAP is oropharyngeal colonization by the endogenous flora or by pathogens acquired exogenously from the intensive care unit environment, especially the hands or apparel of health-care workers, contaminated respiratory equipment, hospital water, or air. The stomach represents a potential site of secondary colonization and reservoir of nosocomial Gram-negative bacilli. Endotracheal-tube biofilm formation may play a contributory role in sustaining tracheal colonization and also have an important role in late-onset VAP caused by resistant organisms. Aspiration of microbe-laden oropharyngeal, gastric, or tracheal secretions around the cuffed endotracheal tube into the normally sterile lower respiratory tract results in most cases of endemic VAP. In contrast, epidemic VAP is most often caused by contamination of respiratory therapy equipment, bronchoscopes, medical aerosols, water (eg, Legionella) or air (eg, Aspergillus or the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus). Strategies to eradicate oropharyngeal and/or intestinal microbial colonization, such as with chlorhexidine oral care, prophylactic aerosolization of antimicrobials, selective aerodigestive mucosal antimicrobial decontamination, or the use of sucralfate rather than H(2) antagonists for stress ulcer prophylaxis, and measures to prevent aspiration, such as semirecumbent positioning or continuous subglottic suctioning, have all been shown to reduce the risk of VAP. Measures to prevent epidemic VAP include rigorous disinfection of respiratory equipment and bronchoscopes, and infection-control measures to prevent contamination of medical aerosols. Hospital water should be Legionella-free, and high-risk patients, especially those with prolonged granulocytopenia or organ transplants, should be cared for in hospital units with high-efficiency-particulate-arrestor (HEPA) filtered air. Routine surveillance of VAP, to track endemic VAPs and facilitate early detection of outbreaks, is mandatory.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15913465 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 76: Rev Med Panama. 2000;25:4-7.
[Aflatoxins in newly harvested corn in Panama]
[Article in Spanish]
Rojas V, Martin MC, Quinzada M.
Laboratorio de Micolog’a, Departamento de Microbiolog’a, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Panam‡.
Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that may contaminate foods and feeds, resulting at times in important disease in humans and animals. Thirty-six samples of nine varieties of newly harvested corn (4 samples each variety) were analyzed in search of aflatoxins by thin layer chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography, and also cultured for the presence of Aspergillus flavus. Of the 36 samples studied, one was contaminated with 1290 ppb aflatoxin B1, which is 258x the concentration suggested by WHO, placed at 5 ppb in food for human consumption. Culture of the 36 samples of corn resulted in growth of 55 colonies of A. flavus from all but two (1 and 6) of the 9 varieties. Of the 55 colonies of A. flavus obtained, 15 (27.3%) were toxigenic. Comments are made on the public health implications of these findings.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15881740 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 77: Crit Rev Microbiol. 2005;31(1):33-44.
Spoilage of vegetable crops by bacteria and fungi and related health hazards.
Tournas VH.
Division of Natural Products, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland 20740, USA. vtournas@cfsan.fda.gov
After harvest, vegetables are often spoiled by a wide variety of microorganisms including many bacterial and fungal species. The most common bacterial agents are Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas spp., Corynebacterium, Xanthomonas campestris, and lactic acid bacteria with E. carotovora being the most common, attacking virtually every vegetable type. Fungi commonly causing spoilage of fresh vegetables are Botrytis cinerea, various species of the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Phomopsis, Fusarium, Penicillium, Phoma, Phytophthora, Pythium and Rhizopus spp., Botrytis cinerea, Ceratocystis fimbriata, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and some mildews. A few of these organisms show a substrate preference whereas others such as Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Phytophthora, and Rhizopus spp., affect a wide variety of vegetables causing devastating losses. Many of these agents enter the plant tissue through mechanical or chilling injuries, or after the skin barrier has been broken down by other organisms. Besides causing huge economic losses, some fungal species could produce toxic metabolites in the affected sites, constituting a potential health hazard for humans. Additionally, vegetables have often served as vehicles for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites and were implicated in many food borne illness outbreaks. In order to slow down vegetable spoilage and minimize the associated adverse health effects, great caution should be taken to follow strict hygiene, good agricultural practices (GAPs) and good manufacturing practices (GMPs) during cultivation, harvest, storage, transport, and marketing.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15839403 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 78: Indian J Ophthalmol. 2005 Mar;53(1):17-22.
Comment in:
Epidemiological and microbiological diagnosis of suppurative keratitis in Gangetic West Bengal, eastern India.
Basak SK, Basak S, Mohanta A, Bhowmick A.
Disha Eye Hospital & Research Centre, Barrackpore, North 24-Parganas, West Bengal 700-120, India. disha@cal2.vsnl.net.in.
PURPOSE: To determine the epidemiological pattern and risk factors involved in suppurative corneal ulceration in Gangetic West Bengal, eastern India, and to identify the specific microbial agents responsible for corneal infections. METHODS: All patients with suspected microbial keratitis presenting to the corneal clinic at Disha Eye Hospital, Barrackpore, West Bengal, India, from January 2001 to December 2003 were evaluated. Sociodemographic data and information pertaining to the risk factors were recorded. After diagnosing infective corneal ulcer clinically, corneal scraping and cultures were performed. RESULTS: Over a three-year period, 1198 patients with suppurative keratitis were evaluated. Ocular trauma was the most common predisposing factor in 994 (82.9%) patients (P< 0.0001), followed by use of topical corticosteroids in 231 (19.28%) patients. Cultures were positive in 811 (67.7%) patients. Among these culture positive cases, 509 (62.7%) patients had pure fungal infections (P< 0.001), 184 (22.7%) patients had pure bacterial infections and 114 (14.1%) had mixed fungal with bacterial infections. Acanthamoeba was detected in 4 (0.49%) patients. The most common fungal pathogen was Aspergillus spp representing 373 (59.8%) of all positive fungal cultures (P< 0.0001), followed by Fusarium spp in 132 (21.2%) instances. Most common bacterial isolate was Staphylococcus aureus, representing 127 (42.6%) of all the bacterial culture (P< 0.0001) followed by Pseudomonas spp 63 (21.1%). CONCLUSION: Suppurative keratitis in Gangetic West Bengal, most often occurs after a superficial corneal trauma with vegetative or organic materials. Fungal ulcers are more common than bacterial ulcers. Aspergillus spp and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common fungus and bacteria respectively. These "regional" findings have important public health implications for the treatment and prevention of suppurative corneal ulceration in this region of India.
PMID: 15829742 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 79: West Indian Med J. 2004 Dec;53(6):413-5.
Comment in:
Isolation and characterization of microorganisms from instruments used by pedicurists operating within Lagos metropolis, Nigeria.
Adeleye IA, Osidipe OO.
Department of Botany and Microbiology, The University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria. adeyemi21@yahoo.com
Eight bacterial and five fungal species were isolated from swab samples taken from instruments used by pedicurists operating at three different sites in Lagos, Nigeria. The bacterial isolates included Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus roseus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Hafnia spp, Shigella spp, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus spp. The five fungal isolates were identified as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor spp, Trichophyton spp and Candida albicans. The presence of these microorganisms, some of which are pathogenic, is an indication that pedicurists could be contributing towards the spread of skin and nail infections within the Lagos metropolis.
PMID: 15816270 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 80: Rev Iberoam Micol. 2000 Jun;17(2):S63-8.
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[Mycotoxin producing fungi]
[Article in Spanish]
Abarca ML, Bragulat MR, Castell‡ G, Accensi F, Caba–es FJ.
Departament Patologia i Producci— Animals, Facultat de Veterinria, UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Espa–a. Lourdes.Abarca@uab.es.
Mycotoxins are relatively small molecules characterized by a diversity of chemical structure and a diversity of biological activity. They are often genotypically specific for a group of species, but the same compound can also be formed by fungi belonging to different genera. Most of the mycotoxins known have been recognized as metabolic products of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium species. This review will be focused on aflatoxins, ochratoxins and fumonisins because of their hazard to animal and human health. The production of these mycotoxins have been usually associated with a small number of species but some recent studies have reported the production of these mycotoxins by some other species. These results show that mycotoxin production is broader than is normally thought, so the possibility can not be ruled out that new species may be a new source of unexpected mycotoxins in their natural substrates.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15813690 [PubMed]
- 81: Dakar Med. 2000;45(2):134-7.
[Aflatoxin contamination level in artisanal and industrial peanut butter food in Dakar (Senegal)]
[Article in French]
Diop YM, Ndiaye B, Fall M, Diouf A, Sall A, Ciss M, Ba D.
Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique et de Toxicologie, FacultŽ de MŽdecine et de Pharmacie, UniversitŽ Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar.
Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by some strains of fungus (Aspergillus) which develop in peanut seeds. Peanut oil and past are very used up in Senegal, then the aflatoxin poisoning risk is very actual. The aim of this study was to determinate the aflatoxin level in artisanal and industrial peanut pastry food from Dakar (SŽnŽgal). High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the different samples showed that the most contaminated by aflatoxins are artisanal pastry sold in different market of Dakar (SŽnŽgal). Indeed, 40% of these samples contained mean values of aflatoxin B1 (the most dangerous) widely over allowable EEC specifications (5ppb). Furthermore, most of industrial and domestic peanut pastry were cleaned and could be consumed without risk.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15779168 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 82: Ophthalmic Res. 2005 May-Jun;37(3):123-7. Epub 2005 Mar 4.
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Laboratory diagnosis in ulcerative keratitis.
Khanal B, Deb M, Panda A, Sethi HS.
Department of Microbiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
AIMS: To identify the common bacterial and fungal isolates from corneal ulcers and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates to commonly used antibiotics at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), eastern Nepal. Culture and direct microscopic correlation and reliability were also compared. METHODS: All patients with suspected corneal ulceration presenting to the Ophthalmology Department of BPKIHS from 1st August 1998 to 31st July 2001 were evaluated. Corneal scraping was performed and processed for direct microscopy and culture for bacterial and fungal isolates. Bacterial isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. RESULTS: Of 447 specimens examined direct microscopy was positive in 216 (48%) specimens. Culture positivity could be correlated with direct microscopy in 179 (83%) of specimens. Growth of etiologic agents was found in 303 (67.8%) samples. Of these 145 (47.8%) had pure fungal growth, 103 (34%) had pure bacterial growth and 55 (18.2%) had mixed fungal and bacterial infection. The commonest fungal pathogen was Aspergillus spp.in 78 (38.4%) followed by Fusarium spp. in 45 (22%). Aureobasidium sp. was isolated in 25 (12.3%) samples. Staphylococcus aureus (93, 56.7%) dominated the scene as the commonest bacterial agent. Streptococcus pneumoniae (33, 20%) was second in the list. Most of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to commonly used antibiotics. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance and need of the continued surveillance of the agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility for the prevention and management of corneal ulcers and their complications. Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.
PMID: 15746569 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 83: J Occup Environ Hyg. 2004 Dec;1(12):826-39.
Characterization of mold and moisture indicators in the home.
Mahooti-Brooks N, Storey E, Yang C, Simcox NJ, Turner W, Hodgson M.
University of Connecticut Health Center, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut 06030-6210, USA.
As studies increasingly support the presence of health risks associated with mold and moisture, understanding fungal concentrations and physical measurements as they relate to the microenvironment becomes more important. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the homes of 64 subjects. The primary objective of this study was to use trained inspectors' list of indicators in rooms (bathroom, bedroom, and basement) and determine whether these indicators are associated with higher fungal levels or physical measurements. A new category for combining the concentrations of fungal species, referred to as moisture indicator fungi (MIF), is used in the analysis. Our results show that basements with a musty odor, efflorescence, water sources, or mold have a two- to threefold increase in fungal concentrations over basements without these indicators. The regression model for the basement was highly predictive of indoor MIF concentrations (r2 = .446, p = .017). Basement water sources are substantial predictors of indoor total fungi, MIF, and Aspergillus/Penicillium spp. MIF concentrations are higher in homes with basement water sources, and most notably, the increase in MIF concentrations is significant in other living spaces (bathroom and bedroom) of the dwelling. Basement water sources are important moisture/mold indicators for epidemiologists to use in exposure assessments performed in residential dwellings.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15742712 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 84: Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2005 Mar;129(3):366-71.
Pulmonary complications after bone marrow transplantation: an autopsy study from a large transplantation center.
Roychowdhury M, Pambuccian SE, Aslan DL, Jessurun J, Rose AG, Manivel JC, Gulbahce HE.
University of Minnesota Medical School, Fairview-University Medical Center, Minneapolis, USA.
CONTEXT: Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is used to treat various malignant and nonmalignant disorders. Pulmonary complications are some of the most common causes of mortality in BMT recipients. Poor general health and bleeding tendency frequently preclude the use of definitive diagnostic tests, such as open lung biopsy, in these patients. OBJECTIVE: To identify pulmonary complications after BMT and their role as the cause of death (COD). DESIGN: The autopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) slides and microbiology studies of BMT recipients from a 7-year period were reviewed. RESULTS: Pulmonary complications were identified in 40 (80%) of the 50 cases. The most common complications were diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). Pulmonary complications were the sole or 1 of multiple CODs in 37 cases (74%). All complications were more common in allogeneic BMT recipients. In 19 (51%) of the 37 cases in which pulmonary complications contributed to the death, cultures were negative. Both DAD and DAH, complications commonly reported in the early post-BMT period, were seen more than 100 days after BMT in 33% and 12% of cases, respectively. Five (83%) of 6 cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis diagnosed at autopsy were negative for fungi ante mortem (by BAL and cultures). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary complications are a significant COD in BMT recipients, many of which, especially the fungal infections, are difficult to diagnose ante mortem. The etiology of DAD and DAH is likely to be multifactorial, and these complications are not limited to the early posttransplantation period. Autopsy examination is important in determining the COD in BMT recipients.
PMID: 15737032 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 85: Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2004 Jun;35(2):488-93.
Pollution status of swimming pools in south-south zone of south-eastern Nigeria using microbiological and physicochemical indices.
Itah AY, Ekpombok MU.
Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibon State, Nigeria.
Microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of swimming pools in South Eastern states of Nigeria (Akwa Ibom and Cross River) were investigated. The bacterial isolates included Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. Others were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus epidermidis, while fungal isolates were Penicillium sp, Rhizopus sp, Aspergillus versicolor Fusarium sp, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Mucor sp, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Absidia sp. The total viable count of microorganims in Ibeno (B) and Uyo (E) swimming pools were 6 x 10(6) cfu/ml and for Calabar (H) swimming pool, 3.3 x 10(7) cfu/ml. The total coliform counts were 10(6) cfu/100 ml for Calabar (G) swimming pools and 2 x 10(7) cfu/100 ml for Calabar (H) swimming pools while the fungal count ranged from 5 x 10(6) cfu/ml to 3 x 10(7) cfu/ml. Physical and chemical parameters known to be hazardous to health were also identified. The presence of high levels of coliform and fecal coliform bacteria (E. coli) revelaed that the swimming pools have not met the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for recreational waters. The swimming pools constitute a serious public health hazard.
PMID: 15691161 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 86: Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi. 2004 Dec;42(12):1024-9.
[Farmer's lung cases of a farmer and his son with high BAL fluid beta-D glucan levels]
[Article in Japanese]
Imai K, Ashitani J, Imazu Y, Yanagi S, Sano A, Tokojima M, Nakazato M.
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki Medical College.
A farmer and his son, who treated straw in a cowshed, were admitted to our hospital because of severe dyspnea during summer time. Their chest X-ray films revealed bilateral reticulonodular shadows in the middle to lower lung fields. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid analyses showed a high proportion of lymphocytes and an increased CD4/8 ratio. They were diagnosed with farmer's lung and treated with pulse therapy with methylprednisolone and tapering of steroid. Hypoxemia and interstitial shadow improved, though the farmer relapsed one day after getting home. Immune precipitation showed positive reactions against Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus and Nocardiopsis alba. Their beta D-glucan levels in BAL fluid were higher than those of healthy normal volunteers, whereas their beta D-glucan levels in serum were below the detection levels. Ventilation of the cowshed and wearing a mask should prevent recurrence of the disease.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15678910 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 87: Mycopathologia. 2004 Oct;158(3):325-35.
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Development of a method to detect and quantify Aspergillus fumigatus conidia by quantitative PCR for environmental air samples.
McDevitt JJ, Lees PS, Merz WG, Schwab KJ.
Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Environmental Health Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Rm. E6620, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
Exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus is linked with respiratory diseases such as asthma, invasive aspergillosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Molecular methods using quantitative PCR (qPCR) offer advantages over culture and optical methods for estimating human exposures to microbiological agents such as fungi. We describe an assay that uses lyticase to digest A. fumigatus conidia followed by TaqMan qPCR to quantify released DNA. This method will allow analysis of airborne A. fumigatus samples collected over extended time periods and provide a more representative assessment of chronic exposure. The method was optimized for environmental samples and incorporates: single tube sample preparation to reduce sample loss, maintain simplicity, and avoid contamination; hot start amplification to reduce non-specific primer/probe annealing; and uracil-N-glycosylase to prevent carryover contamination. An A. fumigatus internal standard was developed and used to detect PCR inhibitors potentially found in air samples. The assay detected fewer than 10 A. fumigatus conidia per qPCR reaction and quantified conidia over a 4-log10 range with high linearity (R2 >0.99) and low variability among replicate standards (CV=2.0%) in less than 4 h. The sensitivity and linearity of qPCR for conidia deposited on filters was equivalent to conidia calibration standards. A. fumigatus DNA from 8 isolates was consistently quantified using this method, while non-specific DNA from 14 common environmental fungi, including 6 other Aspergillus species, was not detected. This method provides a means of analyzing long term air samples collected on filters which may enable investigators to correlate airborne environmental A. fumigatus conidia concentrations with adverse health effects.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15645173 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 88: Ann Agric Environ Med. 2004;11(2):269-77.
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Assessment of human exposure to airborne fungi in agricultural confinements: personal inhalable sampling versus stationary sampling.
Adhikari A, Reponen T, Lee SA, Grinshpun SA.
Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, 3223 Eden Avenue, PO Box 670056, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0056, USA. adhikaa@email.uc.edu
Accurate exposure assessment to airborne fungi in agricultural environments is essential for estimating the associated occupational health hazards of workers. The objective of this pilot study was to compare personal and stationary sampling for assessing farmers' exposure to airborne fungi in 3 different agricultural confinements located in Ohio, USA (hog farm, dairy farm, and grain farm), using Button Personal Inhalable Samplers. Personal exposures were measured with samplers worn by 3 subjects (each carrying 2 samplers) during 3 types of activities, including animal feeding in the hog farm, cleaning and animal handling in the dairy farm, and soybean unloading and handling in the grain farm. Simultaneously, the stationary measurements were performed using 5 static Button Samplers and 1 revolving Button Sampler. The study showed that the total concentration of airborne fungi ranged from 1.4 x 10(4)-1.2 x 10(5) spores m(-3) in 3 confinements. Grain unloading and handling activity generated highest concentrations of airborne fungi compared to the other 2 activities. Prevalent airborne fungi belonged to Cladosporium, Aspergillus/Penicillium, Ascospores, smut spores, Epicoccum, Alternaria, and Basidiospores. Lower coefficients of variations were observed for the fungal concentrations measured by personal samplers (7-12%) compared to the concentrations measured by stationary samplers (27-37%). No statistically significant difference was observed between the stationary and personal measurement data for the total concentrations of airborne fungi (p > 0.05). Revolving stationary and static stationary Button Samplers demonstrated similar performance characteristics for the collection of airborne fungi. This reflects the low sensitivity of the sampler's efficiency to the wind speed and direction. The results indicate that personal exposure of agricultural workers in confinements may be adequately assessed by placing several Button Samplers simultaneously operating in a static stationary mode throughout the work site.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15627336 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 89: Ann Agric Environ Med. 2004;11(2):245-54.
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Ochratoxin A in grain dust--estimated exposure and relations to agricultural practices in grain production.
Halstensen AS, Nordby KC, Elen O, Eduard W.
National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149, N-0033 Oslo, Norway. anne.s.halstensen@stami.no
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxin frequently contaminating grains. OTA inhalation during grain handling may therefore represent a health risk to farmers, and was the subject of this study. Airborne and settled grain dust was collected during grain work on 84 Norwegian farms. Climate and agricultural practices on each farm were registered. Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp. and OTA in settled dust were measured. Settled dust contained median 4 microg OTA/kg dust (range 2-128), correlating with Penicillium spp. (median 40 cfu/mg; range 0-32000, rs =0.33; p < 0.01). Similar levels were found across grain species, districts and agricultural practices. Penicillium levels, but not OTA levels, were higher in storage than in threshing dust (p=0.003), and increased with storage time (rs =0.51, p < 0.001). Farmers were exposed to median 1 mg/m3 (range 0.2-15) dust during threshing and median 7 mg/m3 (range 1-110) dust during storage work, equalling median 3.7 pg/m3 (range 0.6-200) and median 40 pg/m3 (range 2-14000) OTA, respectively (p < 0.001). Agricultural practices could not predict OTA, Penicillium or Aspergillus contamination. Compared to oral intake of OTA, the inhalant exposure during grain work was low, although varying by more than 1,000-fold. However, the farmers may occasionally be highly exposed, particularly during handling of stored grain.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15627332 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 90: J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):461-9. Epub 2004 Nov 11.
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Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity of some herbal remedies from Tanzania.
de Boer HJ, Kool A, Broberg A, Mziray WR, Hedberg I, Levenfors JJ.
Department of Systematic Botany, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, NorbyvŠgen 18 D, SE-75236 Uppsala, Sweden. hugo@.deboer@ebc.uu.se
Plants are not only important to the millions of people to whom traditional medicine serves as the only opportunity for health care and to those who use plants for various purposes in their daily lives, but also as a source of new pharmaceuticals. During interviews with the Pare people from Northeastern Tanzania, 29 plants that are used for medicinal purposes as well as 41 plants used for non-medicinal purposes were reported. Six medicinally used plants were selected for bioactivity analysis. Extracts of Coccinia adoensis, Cineraria grandiflora, Pavonia urens, Marattia fraxinea, Clutia abyssinica var. usambarica, and Vangueria infausta were made using ethyl acetate, methanol, cold water and boiling water. The antimicrobial activity was tested on Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium culmorum, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas syringae, and Erwinia amylovora. All plants showed activity against several test organisms.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15619565 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 91: J Heart Lung Transplant. 2004 Dec;23(12):1376-81.
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A survey of anti-fungal management in lung transplantation.
Dummer JS, Lazariashvilli N, Barnes J, Ninan M, Milstone AP.
Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt Transplant Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
BACKGROUND: Fungal infections are an important complication of lung transplantation, but no controlled studies of their management have been performed. Knowledge of actual anti-fungal strategies may aid in the design of future prospective studies. METHODS: Thirty-seven of 69 active lung transplant centers, accounting for 66% of all US lung transplantations, responded to our survey. The survey focused on fungal surveillance, pre- and post-transplant prophylaxis, and approach to fungal colonization. RESULTS: The median number of lung transplantations performed by the centers in 1999 was 14 per year (range, 1-52), and median time that centers were in in operation was 9 years (range, 2-15 years). Seventy percent of centers had a transplant infectious diseases specialist. Pre-transplant fungal surveillance was performed by 81% of centers, with 67% of these surveying all patients and the remainder surveying only sub-sets of patients. Seventy-two percent of all centers started anti-fungal treatment if Aspergillus spp were isolated before transplantation. Itraconazole was the preferred agent (86%). After transplantation, 76% of centers gave anti-fungal prophylaxis, although 24% of these did so only in selected patients. Prophylactic agents in order of preference were inhaled amphotericin B (61%), itraconazole (46%), parenteral amphotericin formulations (25%), and fluconazole (21%); many centers used more than 1 agent. Prophylaxis was initiated within 24 hours by 71% and within 1 week by all centers. Median duration of prophylaxis was 3 months (range, <1 month-lifetime). All 37 centers used anti-fungal therapy if colonization with Aspergillus spp was detected for a median duration of 4.5 months. Itraconazole was the preferred agent. Only 59% of centers treated patients colonized with Candida spp. In a statistical analysis, centers with larger volumes were less likely to treat pre-transplant colonization with Candida spp but more likely to use agents other than itraconazole for post-transplant colonization with Aspergillus spp. Only 14% of centers engaged in any anti-fungal research at the time of the survey. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of surveyed lung transplant programs actively manage fungal infection with prophylaxis or pre-emptive therapy, despite the absence of controlled trials. This survey may provide an impetus and a basis for designing prospective studies.
PMID: 15607667 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 92: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2005 Jan;66(4):367-72. Epub 2004 Nov 23.
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Mycotoxins as harmful indoor air contaminants.
Jarvis BB, Miller JD.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. bj6@umail.umd.edu
Fungal metabolites (mycotoxins) that pose a health hazard to humans and animals have long been known to be associated with mold-contaminated food and feed. In recent times, concerns have been raised about exposures to mycotoxin-producing fungi in indoor environments, e.g., damp homes and buildings. The principal mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed (alfatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone) are rarely if ever found in indoor environments, but their toxicological properties provide an insight into the difficulties of assessing the health effects of related mycotoxins produced by indoor molds. Although the Penicillium and Aspergillus genera of fungi are major contaminants of both food and feed products and damp buildings, the particular species and hence the array of mycotoxins are quite different in these environments. The mycotoxins of these indoor species and less common mycotoxins from Stachybotrys and Chaetomium fungi are discussed in terms of their health effects and the need for relevant biomarkers and long-term chronic exposure studies.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15565335 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 93: Genetics. 2005 Mar;169(3):1369-77. Epub 2004 Nov 15.
Missense mutations that inactivate the Aspergillus nidulans nrtA gene encoding a high-affinity nitrate transporter.
Kinghorn JR, Sloan J, Kana'n GJ, Dasilva ER, Rouch DA, Unkles SE.
School of Biology, University of Saint Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK. jrk@st-andrews.ac.uk
The transport of nitrate into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, of considerable interest to agriculture, ecology, and human health, is carried out by members of a distinct cluster of proteins within the major facilitator superfamily. To obtain structure/function information on this important class of nitrate permeases, a collection of chemically induced mutations in the nrtA gene encoding a 12-transmembrane domain, high-affinity nitrate transporter from the eukaryote Aspergillus nidulans was isolated and characterized. This mutational analysis, coupled with protein alignments, demonstrates the utility of the approach to predicting peptide motifs and individual residues important for the movement of nitrate across the membrane. These include the highly conserved nitrate signature motif (residues 166-173) in Tm 5, the conserved charged residues Arg87 (Tm 2) and Arg368 (Tm 8), as well as the aromatic residue Phe47 (Tm 1), all within transmembrane helices. No mutations were observed in the large central loop (Lp 6/7) between Tm 6 and Tm 7. Finally, the study of a strain with a conversion of Trp481 (Tm 12) to a stop codon suggests that all 12 transmembrane domains and/or the C-terminal tail are required for membrane insertion and/or stability of NrtA.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15545642 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 94: Mycopathologia. 2004 Jul;158(1):1-7.
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Cytotoxic substances from Aspergillus fumigatus in oxygenated or poorly oxygenated environment.
Watanabe A, Kamei K, Sekine T, Higurashi H, Ochiai E, Hashimoto Y, Nishimura K.
Research Center for Pathogenic Fungi and Microbial Toxicoses, Chiba University, Chiba City, Japan. fewata@restaff.chiba-u.jp
Aspergillus fumigatus often causes serious health problems. The airway of the human body, the most common initial site of damage, is always exposed to an oxygenated condition, and the oxygen concentration may play a critical role in the virulence of A. fumigatus. In this study, oxygen content, fungal growth, the production of cytotoxic substance(s) in the fungal culture, and their relationship were investigated. Two clinical strains of A. fumigatus were cultured under certain oxygen contents (10, 14 and 20%), and cytotoxicity of their culture filtrates on murine macrophages and their fungal growth were evaluated. The components of these filtrates were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. All culture filtrates contained gliotoxin and showed potent cytotoxicity on macrophages at very low concentration. The amount of gliotoxin in the culture filtrate prepared at 10% oxygen was markedly less, but diminutions in fungal growth and cytotoxicity of this culture filtrate were negligible. These results suggest that a well-oxygenated condition is suitable for the production of gliotoxin by A. fumigatus. A significant role of cytotoxic substances(s) other than gliotoxin is also suggested.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15487313 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 95: Environ Res. 2004 Nov;96(3):250-6.
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Amoebae and other protozoa in material samples from moisture-damaged buildings.
Yli-PirilŠ T, Kusnetsov J, Haatainen S, HŠnninen M, Jalava P, Reiman M, Seuri M, Hirvonen MR, Nevalainen A.
Department of Environmental Health, National Public Health Institute, PO Box 95, FIN-70701 Kuopio, Finland. terhi.yli-pirila@ktl.fi
Mold growth in buildings has been shown to be associated with adverse health effects. The fungal and bacterial growth on moistened building materials has been studied, but little attention has been paid to the other organisms spawning in the damaged materials. We examined moist building materials for protozoa, concentrating on amoebae. Material samples (n = 124) from moisture-damaged buildings were analyzed for amoebae, fungi, and bacteria. Amoebae were detected in 22% of the samples, and they were found to favor cooccurrence with bacteria and the fungi Acremonium spp., Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium spp., and Trichoderma spp. In addition, 11 seriously damaged samples were screened for other protozoa. Ciliates and flagellates were found in almost every sample analyzed. Amoebae are known to host pathogenic bacteria, such as chlamydiae, legionellae, and mycobacteria and they may have a role in the complex of exposure that contributes to the health effects associated with moisture damage in buildings.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15364591 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 96: World Health Organ Tech Rep Ser. 2004;922:1-176.
Erratum in:- World Health Organ Tech Rep Ser. 2005;928:157.
Evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants.
[No authors listed]
This report represents the conclusions of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee convened to evaluate the safety of various food additives, with a view to recommending acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) and to prepare specifications for the identity and purity of food additives. The first part of the report contains a general discussion of the principles governing the toxicological evaluation of food additives (including flavouring agents) and contaminants, assessments of intake, and the establishment and revision of specifications for food additives. A summary follows of the Committee's evaluations of toxicological and intake data on various specific food additives (alpha-amylase from Bacillus lichenformis containing a genetically engineered alpha-amylase gene from B. licheniformis, annatto extracts, curcumin, diacetyl and fatty acid esters of glycerol, D-tagatose, laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila expressed in Aspergillus oryzae, mixed xylanase, beta-glucanase enzyme preparation produced by a strain of Humicola insolens, neotame, polyvinyl alcohol, quillaia extracts and xylanase from Thermomyces lanuginosus expressed in Fusarium venenatum), flavouring agents, a nutritional source of iron (ferrous glycinate, processed with citric acid), a disinfectant for drinking-water (sodium dichloroisocyanurate) and contaminants (cadmium and methylmercury). Annexed to the report are tables summarizing the Committee's recommendations for ADIs of the food additives, recommendations on the flavouring agents considered, and tolerable intakes of the contaminants considered, changes in the status of specifications and further information requested or desired.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15354533 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 97: J Environ Monit. 2004 Sep;6(9):740-4. Epub 2004 Aug 18.
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Indoor air quality during renovation actions: a case study.
Abdel Hameed AA, Yasser IH, Khoder IM.
Air Pollution Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. hameed_33@yahoo.com
A temporary renovation activity releases considerably high concentrations of particulate matter, viable and non-viable, into air. These pollutants are a potential contributor to unacceptable indoor air quality (IAQ). Particulate matter and its constituents lead, sulfate, nitrate, chloride, ammonium and fungi as well as fungal spores in air were evaluated in a building during renovation action. Suspended dust was recorded at a mean value of 6.1 mg m(-3) which exceeded the Egyptian limit values for indoor air (0.15 mg m(-3)) and occupational environments (5 mg m(-3)). The highest particle frequency (23%) of aerodynamic diameter (dae) was 1.7 microm. Particulate sulfate (SO(4)(2-)), nitrate (NO(3)(-)), chloride (Cl(-)), ammonium (NH(4)(+)) and lead components of suspended dust averaged 2960, 28, 1350, 100 and 13.3 microg m(-3), respectively. Viable fungi associated with suspended dust and that in air averaged 1.11 x 10(6) colony forming unit per gram (cfu g(-1)) and 92 colony forming unit per plate per hour (cfu p(-1) h(-1)), respectively. Cladosporium(33%), Aspergillus(25.6%), Alternaria(11.2%) and Penicillium(6.6%) were the most frequent fungal genera in air, whereas Aspergillus(56.8%), Penicillium(10.3%) and Eurotium(10.3%) were the most common fungal genera associated with suspended dust. The detection of Aureobasidium, Epicoccum, Exophiala, Paecilomyces, Scopulariopsis, Ulocladium and Trichoderma is an indication of moisture-damaged building materials. Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Scopulariopsis and Nigrospora have dae > 5 microm whereas Aspergillus, Penicillium and Verticillium have dae < 5 microm which are suited to penetrate deeply into lungs. Particulate matter from the working area infiltrates the occupied zones if precautionary measures are inadequate. This may cause deterioration of IAQ, discomfort and acute health problems. Renovation should be carefully designed and managed, in order to minimize degradation of the indoor and outdoor air quality.
PMID: 15346177 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 98: Toxicology. 2004 Oct 1;202(3):199-211.
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Cytotoxicity of occupationally and environmentally relevant mycotoxins.
Bźnger J, Westphal G, Mšnnich A, Hinnendahl B, Hallier E, Mźller M.
Department of Occupational and Social Medicine, Georg-August-University of Gšttingen, Waldweg 37, Lower Saxony, Gšttingen D-37073, Germany. jbuenge@gwdg.de
Mycotoxins can cause various toxic effects in humans. Acute and chronic respiratory diseases were reported after inhalation of organic dust containing toxigenic moulds and mycotoxins, respectively. To gain first insights into health effects from airborne exposure to these compounds, five toxigenic airborne moulds of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium collected at composting plants and eight reference mycotoxins were tested for cytotoxicity in four established cell lines as a surrogate of tissues known or suspected to be targets of toxic effects of mycotoxins. The known mycotoxins sterigmatocystin, fumagillin, verruculogen, penitrem A, and roquefortine C were detected in extracts of the moulds. All five extracts caused serious toxic effects in the cell lines. Sterigmatocystin caused a 80-fold higher toxicity in the A-549 lung cell line compared to Hep-G2 liver cells indicating a specific susceptibility of A-549 to this agent. Since only a minor part of the toxic effects of the extracts in A-549 cells and--to a lesser extent--in the other cell lines could be explained by contents of the identified mycotoxins, the presence of additional mycotoxins or other toxic principles is assumed in the mould extracts. However, the detected mycotoxins in the mould extracts and their distinctive cytotoxicity support the hypothesis that mycotoxins may be involved in the aetiology of lung diseases due to the inhalation of organic dust.
PMID: 15337583 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 99: Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2004 Jul;207(3):267-77.
Comparison of the toxicity of reference mycotoxins and spore extracts of common indoor moulds.
Schulz T, Senkpiel K, Ohgke H.
Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Lźbeck, Lźbeck, Germany.
There is an unclear endangering potential by toxic influences of inhaled conidiospores and therefore the conidia of indoor mould species were cultured and toxicologically examined after their mechanical disintegration. For this purpose high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and three colorimetric bioassays, the PTGT (pollen tube growth test), the MB (methylene blue) and the MTT (methylthiazoltetrazolium) assay were applied. The sensitivity of the biological methods was evaluated by using 12 reference mycotoxins and 3 structural cell wall components. Only in one extract of disintegrated spores (Aspergillus fumigatus) a mycotoxin (0.22 microg gliotoxin/6.2 x 10(8) spores) was determined. All nine spore extracts, however, turned out to be cytotoxic and in this case the MTT assay was remarkably more sensitive than the two other test methods. The IC50 values of six different spore extracts determined by the MTT assay were lower than 10(6) spores/well (well = 0.2 ml) whereas the IC50 values determined by the MB assay and PTGT were higher than 10(6) spores per 0.2 ml for each spore extract. An examination of four spore extracts, which were fractionated depending on their polarity by HPLC, showed that single substances as well as synergistic effects contribute to the toxic properties of the spores. The results of this work indicate a health hazard due to toxic effects after the inhalation of extremely high spore concentrations of indoor moulds. This risk will also exist if the spores do not contain any mycotoxins.
PMID: 15330395 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 100: Immunol Lett. 2004 Aug 15;95(1):25-30.
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Liver cells respond to Aspergillus fumigatus with an increase in C3 secretion and C3 gene expression as well as an expression increase in TLR2 and TLR4.
Wright MS, Clausen HK, Abrahamsen TG.
Department of Pediatric Research, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, N-0027 Oslo, Norway. marianne.wright@klinmed.uio.no
Fungal infections by molds like Aspergillus fumigatus are an increasing health problem which can be fatal in immuno-compromised patients. In healthy individuals, these infections are easily eliminated by the innate and acquired immune system. Complement factor 3 (C3) has a key place within the complement cascade and C3 RNA expression can therefore be used to monitor an impending immune response. Employing a liver cell line (HepG2) as a model system, we have examined their responses to A. fumigatus or beta-glucan, a major component of the fungal wall. C3 RNA expression was increased after stimulation with both LPS and A. fumigatus as well as after incubation with beta-glucan, although with different kinetics. C3 protein release into the supernatant followed an inverse bell-shaped curve when cells were incubated with A. fumigatus or beta-glucan while during LPS stimulation, the release was more stable. HepG2 cells also express Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and both for TLR2 and TLR4, an expression increase was found. These data demonstrate that liver cells are able to react specifically to a fungal pathogen without the help of Kupffer cells.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15325794 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 101: Ann Agric Environ Med. 2004;11(1):121-7.
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Immunologic reactivity to work-related airborne allergens in people occupationally exposed to dust from herbs.
Golec M, Sk—rska C, Mackiewicz B, Dutkiewicz J.
Department of Occupational Biohazards, Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland. msgolec@yahoo.com
A group of 150 people occupationally exposed to dust from herbs were examined. The examined group consisted of 47 thyme farmers, 32 chamomile farmers, 31 sage farmers and 40 workers of herbs processing industry. As a reference group, 50 urban dwellers, not exposed to any kind of organic dust, were examined. Skin prick tests and precipitin tests were conducted with, respectively, 4 and 11 microbial antigens associated with organic dust. Both skin and precipitin tests were also conducted with herbal extracts of chamomile and sage. Precipitin tests were carried out with sera not concentrated and sera 3-fold concentrated. Tests for inhibition of leukocyte migration (MIF) were also conducted with 4 microbial antigens. People occupationally exposed to dust from herbs showed a higher frequency of positive skin reactions to microbial antigens compared to the reference group. The results of precipitin test also revealed greater reactivity to the environmental microbial antigens in the examined group, compared to the reference group. The highest frequency of positive results was noted with the antigen of Pantoea agglomerans (30.6 % with sera not concentrated and 48.3 % with sera 3-fold concentrated) - the difference compared to the reference group (12.0 %) was highly significant (p < 0.01). The frequencies of positive results of MIF test in the examined group were high with all antigens tested: Arthrobacter globiformis (12.6 %), Pantoea agglomerans (11.1 %), Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (17.0 %), Aspergillus fumigatus (13.3 %), and, compared to the reference group with no positive result for any antigen, all the differences were significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the frequency of positive allergological reactions to airborne microorganisms was high in people occupationally exposed to dust from herbs and suggests a potential role of microbial allergens in the pathogenesis of work-related health disorders among herb workers. The risk of sensitization seems to be greatest among thyme farmers, who showed the highest positive response. The results confirmed the particular allergenic importance of Gram-negative bacterium Pantoea agglomerans.
PMID: 15236509 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 102: Ann Agric Environ Med. 2004;11(1):19-25.
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Airborne fungi in industrial environments--potential agents of respiratory diseases.
Lugauskas A, Krikstaponis A, Sveistyte L.
Institute of Botany, Zaliuju ezeru 49, LT-2021 Vilnius, Lithuania. lugauskas@botanika.lt
Investigations on airborne fungi in a poultry house, a swinery, a feed preparing and storing house, a grain mill, a wooden panel producing factory, and organic waste recycling facilities have been carried out in Lithuania. Low concentrations of fungal spores were detected in the wooden panel producing factory, the swinery, the feed preparing and storing house, and the poultry house; moderate concentrations were found in the organic waste recycling facilities; high concentrations were revealed at the grain mill. Species of Aspergillus oryzae, A. nidulans, P. expansum, Penicillium olivinoviride, P. claviforme and Botryotrichum longibrachiatum prevailed in the poultry farm; Geotrichum candidum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, Penicillium viridicatum and P. fellutanum dominated in the swinery. Fungi of Penicillium viridicatum, P. expansum, Staphylotrichum coccosporum and Aspergillus oryzae prevailed in the feed preparing and storing house at the swinery. Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, Penicillium viridicatum and Geotrichum candidum prevailed in the grain mill. Fungi ascribed as Paecilomyces puntonii, Rhizopus nodosus and R. stolonifer dominated in the wooden panel producing factory. Species of Aspergillus raperi, P. paxilli, P. oxalicum, and Cladosporium herbarum prevailed at the organic waste recycling facilities. According to published data, the majority of the identified fungal species are characterized as allergenic and an exposure to their spores may provoke adverse health effects (such as allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma or extrinsic allergic alveolitis) in susceptible individuals.
PMID: 15236494 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 103: Food Addit Contam. 2004 Jun;21(6):586-91.
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Ochratoxin A in conventional and organic cereal derivatives: a survey of the Italian market, 2001-02.
Biffi R, Munari M, Dioguardi L, Ballabio C, Cattaneo A, Galli CL, Restani P.
Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced mainly by Penicillium verrucosum and Aspergillus ochraceus. Although typically considered a cereal contaminant, it has also been detected in dried fruit, nuts, meat and derivatives. To estimate the quantity of ochratoxin A that might be ingested by Italian consumers from these foods, 211 cereal derivatives (flours and bakery products) were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Products were from conventional and organic agriculture and from integrated pest management agriculture. All commercial flours and derivatives examined contained ochratoxin A at concentrations very much below the legal limit (3 microg kg(-1)): the highest value, 0.816 microg kg(-1), was detected in a sample of spelt whole flour from organic agriculture. In many samples, the ochratoxin content was below the limit of detection; only rarely did values exceed 0.5 microg kg(-1). In baby foods, four samples were above the particularly restrictive Italian legal limit of 0.5 microg kg(-1). Although some significant differences were found between samples from conventional and organic agriculture when some product categories were examined (namely, baby foods as semolina and rice creams), no important difference was found between the two types of agricultural practice when all types of cereal derivatives were considered together.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15204537 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 104: Arch Environ Health. 2003 Jul;58(7):442-6.
Health symptoms caused by molds in a courthouse.
Lee TG.
Faculty of Environmental Design, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. lee@ucalgary.ca
A majority of occupants of a newly renovated historic courthouse in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, reported multiple (3 or more) health-related symptoms, and several reported more than 10 persistent symptoms. Most required at least 1 day outside of the building to recover from their symptoms. Molds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys chartarum and Emericella nidulans, were identified in the building, along with fungal organisms of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Streptomyces, Cladosporium, Chaetomium, Rhizopus/Mucor, Alternaria, Ulocladium, and Basidiomycetes. Renovations to this historic had building failed to provide adequate thermal and vapor barriers, thus allowing moist indoor air to migrate into the building enclosure, causing condensation to develop. Mold grew on the condensation and was dispersed throughout the courthouse, including on furniture and files. The courthouse was closed and a new facility was modified with low-offgassing materials, better ventilation and air filtration, and strict building maintenance to accommodate those occupants of the older building who had developed multiple chemical sensitivities.
PMID: 15143857 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 105: Arch Environ Health. 2003 Jul;58(7):421-32.
Antibodies to molds and satratoxin in individuals exposed in water-damaged buildings.
Vojdani A, Thrasher JD, Madison RA, Gray MR, Heuser G, Campbell AW.
Immunosciences Lab, Inc., Beverly Hills, California, USA. immunsci@ix.netcom.com
Immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, and IgG antibodies against Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus niger, Stachybotrys chartarum, and satratoxin H were determined in the blood of 500 healthy blood donor controls, 500 random patients, and 500 patients with known exposure to molds. The patients were referred to the immunological testing laboratory for health reasons other than mold exposure, or for measurement of mold antibody levels. Levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies against molds were significantly greater in the patients (p < 0.001 for all measurements) than in the controls. However, in mold-exposed patients, levels of these antibodies against satratoxin differed significantly for IgG only (p < 0.001), but not for IgM or IgA. These differences in the levels of mold antibodies among the 3 groups were confirmed by calculation of z score and by ScheffŽ's significant difference tests. A general linear model was applied in the majority of cases, and 3 different subsets were formed, meaning that the healthy control groups were different from the random patients and from the mold-exposed patients. These findings indicated that mold exposure was more common in patients who were referred for immunological evaluation than it was in healthy blood donors. The detection of antibodies to molds and satratoxin H likely resulted from antigenic stimulation of the immune system and the reaction of serum with specially prepared mold antigens. These antigens, which had high protein content, were developed in this laboratory and used in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure. The authors concluded that the antibodies studied are specific to mold antigens and mycotoxins, and therefore could be useful in epidemiological and other studies of humans exposed to molds and mycotoxins.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15143855 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 106: Int J Food Microbiol. 2004 May 15;93(1):101-7.
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PCR-restriction fragment length analysis of aflR gene for differentiation and detection of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus in maize.
Somashekar D, Rati ER, Chandrashekar A.
Food Microbiology Department, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore-570 013, Karnataka, India.
Contamination of food and feedstuffs by Aspergillus species and their toxic metabolites is a serious problem as they have adverse effects on human and animal health. Hence, food contamination monitoring is an important activity, which gives information on the level and type of contamination. A PCR-based method of detection of Aspergillus species was developed in spiked samples of sterile maize flour. Gene-specific primers were designed to target aflR gene, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the PCR product was done to differentiate Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Sterile maize flour was inoculated separately with A. flavus and A. parasiticus, each at several spore concentrations. Positive results were obtained only after 12-h incubation in enriched media, with extracts of maize inoculated with A. flavus (101 spores/g) and A. parasiticus (104 spores/g). PCR products were subjected to restriction endonuclease (HincII and PvuII) analysis to look for RFLPs. PCR-RFLP patterns obtained with these two enzymes showed enough differences to distinguish A. flavus and A. parasiticus. This approach of differentiating these two species would be simpler, less costly and quicker than conventional sequencing of PCR products. Copyright 2003 Elsevier B.V.
PMID: 15135586 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 107: J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Apr;91(2-3):181-8.
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Phyllanthus piscatorum, ethnopharmacological studies on a women's medicinal plant of the Yanomam• Amerindians.
Gertsch J, Niomaw‘ , Gertsch-Roost K, Sticher O.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. juerg.gertsch@pharma.ethz.ch
The shrub Phyllanthus piscatorum Kunth (Euphorbiaceae) is cultivated by various ethnic groups of the Amazon because of its piscicidal properties. During ethnobotanical fieldwork among the Yanomam• Amerindians in Venezuela we observed that Phyllanthus piscatorum was exclusively cultivated and used by the women. Aerial parts of this herbaceous shrub are employed as fish poison and medicine to treat wounds and fungal infections. In addition, the leaves are used as tobacco substitute. Ethnobotanical data regarding the context of the use of this plant are presented. To validate ethnobotanical information related to its medicinal indications, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties of water, methanol (MeOH) and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts were studied. No activity against Gram-positive bacterial strains but significant activity against the fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and the yeast Candida albicans were found. All extracts showed weak in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. The extracts were further investigated for cytotoxic effects in an in vitro test system with leukemia Jurkat T, HeLa, and human peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs). During the first 48 h the extracts did not exhibit any cytotoxicity. After 72 h the DCM extract potently inhibited viability of HeLa cells. Although in several communities along the upper Orinoco the cultivation and use of Phyllanthus piscatorum is being lost because of the ongoing acculturation, the traditional medicinal use of Phyllanthus piscatorum might provide an effective and cheap remedy against dermatological diseases linked with Candida albicans infections.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15120438 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 108: Manag Care Interface. 2004;Suppl B:7-21; quiz 22-3.
Comment on:
Management of invasive aspergillosis in high-risk patients.
Olyaei AJ.
Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA.
Invasive aspergillosis can be difficult to diagnose and control, and conventional drug treatment is often highly toxic, producing medical complications that further compromise patients' health status and escalate health care costs. This article describes the clinical manifestations of Aspergillus infection and discusses approaches to its therapy, including newer pharmaceutical agents with fewer adverse effects, which offer the potential to improve outcomes and substantially lower the cost of treating aspergillosis.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15115332 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 109: J Hosp Infect. 2004 Apr;56(4):269-76.
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Erratum in:- J Hosp Infect. 2005 Apr;59(4):379.
Invasive aspergillosis in critically ill patients: attributable mortality and excesses in length of ICU stay and ventilator dependence.
Vandewoude KH, Blot SI, Benoit D, Colardyn F, Vogelaers D.
Department of Intensive Care, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185 B-9000 Gent, Belgium. koenraad.vandewoude@ugent.be
Invasive aspergillosis is a rare disease in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and carries a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the attributable mortality due to invasive aspergillosis in critically ill patients. In a retrospective, matched cohort study (July 1997-December 1999), 37 ICU patients with invasive aspergillosis were identified together with 74 control patients. Matching of control (1:2) patients was based on the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II classification: an equal APACHE II score (+/-1 point) and diagnostic category. This matching procedure results in an equal expected in-hospital mortality for cases and controls. Additionally, control patients were required to have an ICU stay equivalent to or longer than the case before the first culture positive for Aspergillus spp. Patients with invasive aspergillosis were more likely to experience acute renal failure (43.2% versus 20.5%; P = 0.020). They also had a longer ICU stay (median: 13 days versus seven days; P < 0.001) as well as a more extended period of mechanical ventilator dependency (median: 13 days versus four days; P < 0.001). Hospital mortalities for cases and controls were 75.7% versus 56.8%, respectively (P=0.051). The attributable mortality was 18.9% (95% CI: 1.1-36.7). A multivariate survival analysis showed invasive aspergillosis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0; P = 0.004] and acute respiratory failure (HR: 6.5, 95%: 1.4-29.3; P < 0.016) to be independently associated with in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, it was found that invasive aspergillosis in ICU patients carries a significant attributable mortality of 18.9%. In a multivariate analysis, adjusting for other co-morbidity factors, invasive aspergillosis was recognized as an independent predictor of mortality.
PMID: 15066736 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 110: Mycol Res. 2003 Nov;107(Pt 11):1361-71.
Spatiotemporal distribution of airborne mould spores in apartments.
Herbarth O, Schlink U, Mźller A, Richter M.
Department of Human Exposure Research and Epidemiology, TUFZ Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Leipzig, Germany. olf.herbarth@ufz.de
Indoor air contamination with mould spores currently experiences an increasing interest with respect to their relevance to health. To assess adverse health effects, epidemiological studies combine the health outcome of individuals with their concomitant exposure to airborne spores, which is observed, for example, during the current month. While the latter is representative for the studied period, health effects might also be the result of long term-exposure or emerge in consequence of a peak of pollution throughout the year. To consider such questions, additional information about the spatiotemporal distribution of airborne spores is necessary. This paper aims at elucidating the spatial and temporal variation of spore concentrations in Leipzig, Germany. The analysis is based on 1165 matched pairs of indoor and outdoor measurements taken in the period 1998-2002. All data were collected in the frame of previous epidemiological studies and refer to apartments. The analysis comprised spore concentrations (as CFU m(-3) in air) of the most important genera, such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Mucorales, Cladosporium, and also for yeasts. We found two groups of fungi differing in their spatiotemporal distribution. As this behaviour can be explained by the predominant origin and growing conditions, we call them indoor-relevant and outdoor-relevant genera. Penicillium species are a representative of the former group, while the latter is well represented by Cladosporium. In the studied period we did not observe a clear trend in the spore concentration. Outdoors there is a year-to-year variation of Cladosporium spore concentrations, which follow the prevalent climatic conditions. For the spore concentration of the outdoor-relevant group a significant annual cycle was observed. Highest concentrations occurred during the summer months and were about 100 x the winter burden. That means, for a direct comparison of measurements of spore concentrations taken during different months the season has to be considered. We summarise the findings in a seasonal model, which is fitted to our measurements. Based on the model we developed a procedure for seasonal adjustment, which enabled us to estimate the annual peak spore concentration utilising one monthly observation.
PMID: 15000238 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- 111: Mycoses. 2004 Feb;47(1-2):82-4.
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Chronic bilateral otomycosis caused by Aspergillus niger.
Mishra GS, Mehta N, Pal M.
Department of ENT, Shree Krishna Hospital and Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India. dakshagiri@yahoo.com
Aspergillus niger, an opportunistic filamentous fungus, was identified as the cause of chronic bilateral otomycosis in a 46-year-old female patient who was unresponsive to different drugs. The patient showed signs of erythema, otalgia, itching, otorrhoea and presence of greyish black coloured mass in both the ear canals. The direct microscopical examination of the ear debris in potassium hydroxide preparations, Giemsa, phase contrast and Gram revealed many thin, branched s