Microscopic fungi in dwellings and their health implications in humans

Ann Agric Environ Med. 1999;6(1):1-11.

Abstract

The article reviews the quantitative and qualitative incidence of microscopic filamentous fungi in dwellings, methods for their detection, mycotoxins, glucans and volatile organic compounds produced by microscopic fungi in the indoor air of homes. Characteristics and properties of the most important species of fungi in dwellings (Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Stachybotrys spp., and Wallemia spp.) and the health problems of occupants of the "moldy homes are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Air Microbiology*
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Ergosterol / chemistry
  • Fungi / immunology*
  • Fungi / isolation & purification
  • Glucans / adverse effects
  • Housing*
  • Humans
  • Mycoses / etiology
  • Mycoses / immunology*
  • Mycoses / microbiology
  • Mycotoxins / adverse effects
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / etiology
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / immunology*
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / microbiology

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Glucans
  • Mycotoxins
  • Ergosterol