Stachybotrys

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Stachybotrys is a genus of molds, or asexually-reproducing, filamentous fungi. Closely related to the genus Memnoniella, most Stachybotrys species inhabit materials rich in cellulose.

The most infamous species, S. chartarum (also known as S. atra) is known as "black mold" or "toxic black mold," and is frequently associated with poor indoor air quality that arises after fungal growth on water-damaged building materials. It is known to produce trichothecene mycotoxins including satratoxins.

Pathogenicity

Symptoms of Stachybotrys exposure in humans

Exposure to the mycotoxins present in Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys atra can have a wide range of effects. Depending on the length of exposure and volume of spores inhaled or ingested, symptoms can manifest as chronic fatigue or headaches, fever, irritation to the eyes, mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and throat, sneezing, rashes, and chronic coughing. In severe cases of exposure or cases exacerbated by allergic reaction, symptoms can be extreme including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

See also

• Bioaerosol
• Indoor air quality
• Mold growth, assessment, and remediation
• Mold health issues
• Sick Building Syndrome

References

Further reading

• Black Mold: Your Health and Your Home (2003) ISBN 0974394394

External links

• The Black Mold Resources Page
• Stachybotrys at Doctor Fungus

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Last updated on Wednesday July 16, 2008 at 14:55:30 PDT (GMT -0700)
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