Molds
Fungi are ubiquitous in all environments and play a critical ecologic role by decomposing organic matter. “Mold” is the common term for multicellular fungi that grow as a mat of intertwined microscopic filaments (hyphae). Molds are pervasive in the outdoor environment but may also be present indoors under certain conditions, primarily in the presence of excessive moisture from leaks in roofs or walls, plant pots, or pet urine. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Other molds that can grow indoors include Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Stachybotrys; the presence of these molds often indicates a long-standing problem with water leakage or damage.
Mechanism of toxicity. Molds and other fungi may affect human health adversely through three processes: allergy, infection, and toxicity.
Allergy. Outdoor molds are generally more abundant and important in allergic disease than indoor molds. The most important indoor allergenic molds are Penicillium and Aspergillus species. Outdoor molds, such as Cladosporium and Alternaria, often can be found at high levels indoors if there is abundant access for outdoor air (eg, open windows). Excessive moisture or water damage in homes and buildings can lead to enhanced growth of allergenic fungi.
Infection. Several fungi cause superficial infections involving the skin or nails. A very limited number of pathogenic fungi (eg, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Cryptococcus, and Histoplasma) can infect nonimmunocompromised individuals. Persons with severe immune dysfunction (eg, cancer patients on chemotherapy, organ transplant patients on immunosuppressive drugs, patients with HIV infection) are at increased risk for both the pathogenic fungal infections listed above and more severe opportunistic fungal infections (eg, with Candida and Aspergillus).
Mycotoxins and glucans.
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