Stachybotrys.
Stachybotrys is a toxin-producing fungus that grows indoors when both water and cellulose are available. Epidemiologic evidence has demonstrated an association between acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants and exposure to Stachybotrys and other fungi in water-damaged home environments. In recent years, advances in understanding of this association have occurred in six major areas: animal models, biologic mechanism of lung injury, dose-response relationship, isolation from diseased patients, detection methods, and intervention. The association demonstrates strength, consistency, coherence, and specificity. While additional data are gathered, a preventive approach to reducing the exposure of infants with pulmonary hemorrhage is suggested.
Etzel
Ruth A
RA
Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC USA. retzel@earthlink.net
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D051379:Mice; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D051381:Rats; D013191:Stachybotrys / Q000472:pathogenicity*