Species-specific fungal DNA in airborne dust as surrogate for occupational mycotoxin exposure?
Possible health risks associated with occupational inhalation of mycotoxin-containing dust remain largely unknown, partly because methods for mycotoxin detection are not sensitive enough for the small dust masses obtained by personal sampling, which is needed for inhalable exposure measurements. Specific and sensitive PCR detection of fungi with mycotoxin-producing potential seem to be a good surrogate for occupational exposure measurements that include all fungal structures independent of morphology and cultivability. Results should, however, be interpreted with caution due to variable correlations with mycotoxin concentrations.
Halstensen
Anne Straumfors
AS
National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Working Environment, Gydasvei 8, Pb. 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway.