The Pathogenicity of Stachybotrys chartarum

Stachybotrys chartarum is a dematiaceous fungus that is ubiquitous in our living environment. This fungus has long been regarded as non-pathogenic and its inhalation effect on humans has been scarcely studied. Recently, however, epidemiologic studies on acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants suggested that the fungus might be potentially pathogenic to humans. To determine the pathogenicity of this fungus, its interaction with the host defense system was studied using polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and macrophages. Histopathological analysis of mice intratracheally injected with this fungus was also performed. The results disclosed that the conidia of S. chartarum were resistant to the antifungal activities of alveolar macrophages in terms of phagocytosis, killing and inhibition of germination. However, the conidia could not survive in the lungs of mice when injected intratracheally. Lavage fluid of mycelia that contained the dark slimy material coating the surface of conidia showed cytotoxic activity against macrophages and PMNs. Intratracheal injection of conidia in mice resulted in intraalveolar infiltration of PMNs. When using multiple injections during a 3-week period, strong eosinophilic infiltration into the proximal alveoli and perivascular tissues was observed. Our results suggest that inhalation of conidia may cause serious damage to the human lung, particularly when repeated.