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Stachybotrys

Ruth A Etzel1

  • 1Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC USA. retzel@earthlink.net

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|January 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to Stachybotrys, a toxin-producing indoor fungus, is linked to acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants. Reducing infant exposure to this mold in water-damaged homes is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Pediatric toxicology
  • Pulmonary medicine

Background:

  • Stachybotrys is a toxin-producing fungus found indoors.
  • Epidemiologic studies link Stachybotrys and other fungi in water-damaged homes to infant pulmonary hemorrhage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding the association between Stachybotrys exposure and infant pulmonary hemorrhage.
  • To evaluate the strength and validity of this association.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on Stachybotrys and infant lung injury.
  • Analysis of evidence from animal models, biologic mechanisms, dose-response studies, patient isolations, detection methods, and interventions.

Main Results:

  • Advances have been made in understanding the biologic mechanisms and detection of Stachybotrys.
  • The association between Stachybotrys exposure and infant pulmonary hemorrhage is supported by consistent and specific evidence.
  • The association demonstrates strength, consistency, coherence, and specificity.

Conclusions:

  • A strong association exists between Stachybotrys exposure and acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants.
  • A preventive approach to reduce infant exposure in contaminated environments is advised.
  • Further research is ongoing to gather additional data.

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