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Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
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Medical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure.
Julia Hurraß1, Birger Heinzow2, Ute Aurbach3
1Abteilung Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Gesundheitsamt der Stadt Köln, Germany.
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
|December 18, 2016
Summary
This guideline helps physicians diagnose and treat indoor mold exposure. While mold can cause respiratory issues like asthma and allergies, infections are rare in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Medicine
- Preventative Medicine
- Allergology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Indoor mold growth presents potential health risks, necessitating medical guidance for physicians.
- Existing evidence links moisture/mold damage to allergic respiratory diseases, asthma, rhinitis, alveolitis, and respiratory infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide physicians with a guideline for the medical diagnosis of indoor mold exposure.
- To aid in advising and treating patients affected by indoor mold.
- To clarify the associations between mold exposure and various health effects.
Main Methods:
- Development of a guideline by the German Society of Hygiene, Environmental Medicine and Preventative Medicine (GHUP) and other medical societies.
- Inclusion of medical history, physical examination, and allergy diagnostics in suspected cases.
- Referral to AWMF guidelines for invasive Aspergillus infections and acknowledgment of current limitations in mycotoxin diagnostics.
Main Results:
- Sufficient evidence supports associations between mold and allergic respiratory diseases, asthma, rhinitis, alveolitis, and respiratory infections.
- Limited or suspected evidence exists for associations with mucous membrane irritation and atopic eczema.
- Infections from indoor molds are low risk for healthy individuals; mycotoxin detection lacks validated clinical tests.
Conclusions:
- Indoor mold damages pose health risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals and those with asthma or cystic fibrosis.
- Physicians should consider mold exposure in diagnosis and treatment, focusing on established associations and risk groups.
- Preventive medicine emphasizes the intolerance of mold damage in indoor environments.
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