What disease does Stachybotrys chartarum cause?

What disease does Stachybotrys chartarum cause?

Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus that has become notorious as a mycotoxin producer that can cause animal and human mycotoxicosis.

What causes Mycotoxicosis?

Mycotoxicosis is the consequence of ingestion of grains or forage containing toxic metabolites produced by certain fungi. Fungi that produce toxins often do so only under specific conditions of warmth, moisture and humidity.

What are the symptoms of Stachybotrys?

Commonly reported respiratory tract symptoms include nasal irritation, burning and congestion, cough, wheezing, chest tightness and dyspnea. Central nervous system manifestations include headache, irritability, lightheadedness, sleeping difficulty, concentration problems and mental fatigue.

What is an acceptable level of Stachybotrys?

Currently, there are no accepted guidelines when it comes to acceptable levels of fungal spores, including Stachybotrys spores. Many authors have proposed guidelines but they vary wildly and are largely unsubstantiated [1]. In our experience, anything above 50 spores per cubic metre should be cause for concern.

How do you test Stachybotrys chartarum?

At present, no test exists that proves an association between Stachybotrys chartarum and particular health symptoms. Individuals with persistent symptoms should see their physician. However, if Stachybotrys chartarum or other molds are found in a building they should be removed.

How do you treat Stachybotrys?

Options include:

1. avoiding the allergen whenever possible.
2. a nasal rinse, to flush mold spores out of the nose.
3. antihistamines, to stop a runny nose, sneezing, and itchiness.
4. decongestant nasal sprays, a short term remedy for congestion.
5. nasal corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation.
6. oral decongestants, to reduce congestion.

What is the difference between mycosis and mycotoxicosis?

Mycotoxicosis is commonly used to define the effect of mycotoxin (s), which is often facilitated through many organs, particularly kidney, liver, and lungs, and consequently endocrine and immune system, whereas mycosis refers to general infections caused by fungi in human and animals due to different environmental and …

What are the symptoms of mycotoxicosis?

The number of mycotoxins patient’s absorbed and the type of mycotoxin also play a role in symptoms (2). However, common signs are chronic fatigue, ADHD, rashes, COPD, and depression. Less common symptoms include dementia, Parkinson’s, and cancer.

What is a high Stachybotrys count?

100 cfu or less per cubic meter of air indicates low risk. 100 cfu to 1000 cfu per cubic meter of air indicates intermediate risk. 1000 or more cfu per cubic meter of air indicates a high risk. Many people believe that a count of 48 Stachybotrys or Chaetomium spores/m3 of air would be unusually high.

What is a high level of Stachybotrys?

0-50 spores – These are trace levels of mold concentration and are typically not an issue. Considered extremely clean. Stachybotrys and Memnoniella can be considered elevated at this level and any level above this point. 1501-3000 spores – Slightly elevated levels of mold concentration.

How do you check Stachybotrys?

What is a mycotoxin test?

Mycotoxin testing detects the presence of harmful mycotoxin metabolites caused by mold or fungi in the body or home with a Urine or Environmental test.

What are the signs and symptoms of Stachybotrys poisoning?

These toxins are inhibitors of protein synthesis, and can lead to a wide range of symptoms, such as dermatitis, pain and inflammation of the mucous membranes, respiratory issues, fever, headache, fatigue and many others. Stachybotrys poisoning, or stachybotryotoxicosis, was first observed in farm animals in Ukraine and Eastern Europe in the 1930s.

Is there a test for Stachybotrys chartarum in humans?

Is there a test for Stachybotrys chartarum? At present, no test exists that proves an association between Stachybotrys chartarum and particular health symptoms. Individuals with persistent symptoms should see their physician. However, if Stachybotrys chartarum or other molds are found in a building they should be removed.

What are the symptoms of stachybotryotoxicosis in horses?

This has been termed the “shocking” form of stachybotryotoxicosis. Affected horses may experience hyperesthesia, hyperirritability, blindness, stupor, a wide stance, crossed legs, difficulty swallowing, an atonic intestinal tract, diarrhea, shock, and cyanosis.

How can you tell if a Stachybotrys is in Chains?

If spores are placed on a small ridge made in the paper, the conidiophores will grow at an angle and allow a side view of conidial formation with a stereoscope. This is a convenient method to determine if spores are in chains to distinguish Stachybotrys from Memnoniella.