A mass spectrometry-based strategy for the direct detection and quantification of some mycotoxins produced by Stachybotrys and Aspergillus in indoor environments.
Author
Summary, in English
Dampness in buildings has been linked to adverse health effects, but the specific causative agents are unknown. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds and toxic to higher vertebrates. In this study, mass spectrometry was used to demonstrate the presence of mycotoxins predominantly produced by Aspergillus spp. and Stachybotrys spp. in buildings with either ongoing dampness or a history of water damage. Verrucarol and trichodermol, hydrolysis products of macrocyclic trichothecenes (including satratoxins), and trichodermin, predominately produced by Stachybotrys chartarum, were analyzed by gas chromatographytandem mass spectrometry, whereas sterigmatocystin (mainly produced by Aspergillus versicolor), satratoxin G, and satratoxin H were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. These mycotoxin analytes were demonstrated in 45 of 62 building material samples studied, in three of eight settled dust samples, and in five of eight cultures of airborne dust samples. This is the first report on the use of tandem mass spectrometry for demonstrating mycotoxins in dust settled on surfaces above floor level in damp buildings. The direct detection of the highly toxic sterigmatocystin and macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins in indoor environments is important due to their potential health impacts.
Department/s
Publishing year
2007
Language
English
Pages
4211-4217
Publication/Series
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Volume
73
Issue
13
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
American Society for Microbiology
Topic
- Microbiology in the medical area
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0099-2240