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Molds are one of the two largest groupings of fungi (the
other is yeasts). Molds are parasitic and saprobic (they obtain
food directly from decaying organic material) and most exist
as multicellular filamentous colonies. The cell walls of all
fungi contain substances that can be immunosuppressive, mitogenic
and pro-inflammatory in humans. Mold cell wall components
can act synergistically with bacterial endotoxins to produce
airway inflammation following inhalation exposure. Under certain
metabolic conditions, many fungi produce particular mycotoxins,
natural organic compounds that initiate a toxic response in
humans. The primary modes of human exposure to mycotoxins
are inhalation of spores from mold contaminated materials.
2006 September Update: THE MOLD ANTIBODY
TESTING IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD
The BHD #807 Mold Antibodies Profile measures combined IgG,
IgM and IgA antibodies to Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus
fumigatus, Alternaria tenuis, Cladosporium herbarum and Penicillium
notatum. This profile qualifies exposure to a particular mold
and can be used to rule in/out mold exposure as a potential
causative factor with regard to chronic fatigue, depression,
inability to concentrate (brain fog), Fibromyalgia, etc. In
contrast to serum IgE and skin testing, this test reveals
nothing about whether an allergic response to a particular
mold exists. It is primarily meant to document toxic mold
exposure. Elevated antibodies generally persist for up to
one year after exposure (after moving out of a moldy house
for example). It is important also to note that molds can
destroy B-cells, hence lowering our humoral immunity.
Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria
tenuis, Cladosporium herbarum and Penicillium notatum are
all molds that are common in buildings and homes and will
grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. In water damaged
or "problem" structures, mold levels in indoor air
greatly exceed levels outdoors. Inhaled molds as well as molds,
fungus and yeasts ingested in foods can colonize the gastrointestinal
tract, the sinuses, Eustachian tubes and the oral cavity.
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