Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Evaluating Leaf Responses to Microbial Secondary Metabolites Using A High-Throughput Format
05:51

Evaluating Leaf Responses to Microbial Secondary Metabolites Using A High-Throughput Format

Published on: December 5, 2025

639

Microbial secondary metabolites in homes in association with moisture damage and asthma

P V Kirjavainen1,2, M Täubel1, A M Karvonen1

  • 1Department of Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland.

Indoor Air
|April 28, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Microbial secondary metabolites are common in homes. While moisture and mold increase these compounds, they did not explain the link between home dampness and childhood asthma development.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Allergy

Background:

  • Microbial secondary metabolites (MSMs) are produced by microorganisms and can impact human health.
  • Home dampness, mold, and associated MSMs are potential risk factors for asthma development in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of MSMs in household dust.
  • To examine the association between MSMs, moisture damage, mold, and asthma development in children.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 333 MSMs in floor dust from 93 homes using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
  • Assessment of moisture damage and mold presence in homes.
  • Tracking doctor-diagnosed asthma in children up to 6 years of age.

Main Results:

  • 42 different MSMs were detected, with higher numbers and loads in homes with moisture damage or mold odor.
  • Higher MSM loads and diversity were associated with a lower prevalence of active asthma at age 6.
  • No specific MSMs linked to moisture or mold were associated with an increased asthma risk.

Conclusions:

  • MSMs are ubiquitous in home dust, and their levels increase with moisture and mold.
  • The studied MSMs do not appear to mediate the association between home dampness and asthma development.
  • Further research is needed to understand the complex relationship between the indoor environment and childhood asthma.
Keywords:
AsthmaMoisture damageMoldsMycotoxinsSecondary metabolites

More Related Videos

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways10:06

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways

Published on: December 13, 2024

1.0K
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA12:02

Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA

Published on: May 2, 2018

13.2K

Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
40
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
5.0K
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.7K
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.7K
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
3.7K
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
2.4K