Assessment of multi-contaminant exposure in a cancer treatment center: a 2-year monitoring of molds, mycotoxins, endotoxins, and glucans in bioaerosols

Abstract

Indoor air quality in health care facilities is a major public health concern, particularly for immunocompromised patients who may be exposed to microbiological contaminants such as molds, mycotoxins, endotoxins, and (1,3)-ß-D-glucans. Over 2 years, bioaerosols were collected on a monthly basis in a cancer treatment center (Centre F. Baclesse, Normandy, France), characterized from areas where there was no any particular air treatment. Results showed the complexity of mycoflora in bioaerosols with more than 100 fungal species identified. A list of major strains in hospital environments could be put forward due to the frequency, the concentration level, and/or the capacity to produce mycotoxins in vitro: Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus melleus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus versicolor, Cladosporium herbarum, Purpureocillium lilacinum, and Penicillium brevicompactum. The mean levels of viable airborne fungal particles were less than 30.530 CFU per m of air and were correlated to the total number of 0.30 to 20 μm particles. Seasonal variations were observed with fungal particle peaks during the summer and autumn. Statistical analysis showed that airborne fungal particle levels depended on the relative humidity level which could be a useful indicator of fungal contamination. Finally, the exposure to airborne mycotoxins was very low (only 3 positive samples), and no mutagenic activity was found in bioaerosols. Nevertheless, some fungal strains such as Aspergillus versicolor or Penicillium brevicompactum showed toxigenic potential in vitro.

Comparison Study of Mold Growth Resistance of Plastic Based Material Flooring (PBM Flooring) and Ceramic Tile Flooring

“…20 In addition to MVOCs, some molds, under certain circumstances, produce mycotoxins, which can be serious allergens potentially causing respiratory diseases. 21 In general, these compounds consist of large organic molecules that do not diffuse through the air in the same manner as MVOCs but rather are present in contaminated dust, debris or spores. Exposure to these toxins is most likely when areas with mold growth are disturbed.…”

An overview about varieties and detection methods of pathogenic microorganisms in indoor air

“…最近, 一项研究指出霉菌 毒素和β-葡聚糖的共同暴露表现出协同促炎相互作 用 [27] . 霉 菌 如 黄 曲 霉 (Aspergillus flavus) 和 烟 曲 霉 (Aspergillus fumigatus)等可在各类室内环境中大量繁 殖, 进而引发变应性支气管肺曲霉菌病、鼻窦炎、院 内感染等 [27,28] . 高浓度空气传播的烟曲霉孢子与重 症监护病房中的侵袭性曲霉病爆发有关 [28] .…”

“…霉 菌 如 黄 曲 霉 (Aspergillus flavus) 和 烟 曲 霉 (Aspergillus fumigatus)等可在各类室内环境中大量繁 殖, 进而引发变应性支气管肺曲霉菌病、鼻窦炎、院 内感染等 [27,28] . 高浓度空气传播的烟曲霉孢子与重 症监护病房中的侵袭性曲霉病爆发有关 [28] . 除了烟 [29] ; 呼吸道合胞病毒造成的流感 [30] ; 源于啮齿 类动物粪便的汉坦病毒(Hantavirus)引发的肺炎 [31] 等.…”

Bioaerosols Exposure Assessment in Mold-Damaged Houses in Normandy, France

“…A total of 40 purified isolates belonging to the Aspergillus genus (Table 1) were analyzed for their ability to produce 24 mycotoxins in vitro as described in previous study [18]. Fungal strains were cultured during 14 days on MEA medium.…”