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Updated: Feb 9, 2026
Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
Published on: April 23, 2012
Effects of Mycotoxins on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Immune Processes
Aarane M Ratnaseelan1, Irene Tsilioni2, Theoharis C Theoharides3
1Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
Purpose:
The effects of air pollutants have been receiving increased attention both clinically and in the media. One such pollutant is mold, fungal growth in the form of multicellular filaments known as hyphae. The growth of molds is omnipresent not only in outdoor settings but also in indoor environments containing excessive amounts of moisture.
Methods:
PubMed was searched for relevant articles using terms such as mold, mycotoxins, fungi, immunity, inflammation, neurodevelopment, cognition, Alzheimer's, and autism.
Findings:
Exposure to molds is most commonly associated with allergies and asthma. However, it is now thought to be associated with many complex health problems, since some molds, especially Trichoderma, Fusarium and Stachybotrys spp, produce mycotoxins that are absorbed from the skin, airways, and intestinal lining. People exposed to molds and mycotoxins present with symptoms affecting multiple organs, including the lungs, musculoskeletal system, as well as the central and peripheral nervous systems. Furthermore, evidence has recently implicated exposure to mycotoxins in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. The effects of mycotoxins can be mediated via different pathways that include the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially from mast cells.
Implications:
The information reviewed indicates that exposure to mold and mycotoxins can affect the nervous system, directly or through immune cell activation, thus contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
Insights
Mold and mycotoxin exposure can impact the nervous system, potentially contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This highlights a link between environmental fungi and neurological health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Mold is a common indoor and outdoor pollutant, growing in moist environments.
- While often linked to allergies and asthma, certain molds produce mycotoxins with broader health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mold and mycotoxin exposure and health outcomes.
- To explore the potential role of mycotoxins in neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically autism spectrum disorder.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using PubMed.
- Keywords included mold, mycotoxins, fungi, immunity, inflammation, neurodevelopment, cognition, Alzheimer's, and autism.
Main Results:
- Mold and mycotoxin exposure can affect multiple organ systems, including the nervous system.
- Mycotoxins can be absorbed through the skin, airways, and intestinal lining, triggering inflammatory responses.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between mycotoxin exposure and the development of autism spectrum disorder.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to mold and mycotoxins can impact the nervous system, either directly or via immune activation.
- This exposure pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.
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