Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys is a toxin-producing fungus that grows indoors when both water and cellulose are available. Epidemiologic evidence has demonstrated an association between acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants and exposure to Stachybotrys and other fungi in water-damaged home environments. In recent years, advances in understanding of this association have occurred in six major areas: animal models, biologic mechanism of lung injury, dose-response relationship, isolation from diseased patients, detection methods, and intervention. The association demonstrates strength, consistency, coherence, and specificity. While additional data are gathered, a preventive approach to reducing the exposure of infants with pulmonary hemorrhage is suggested. Curr Opin Pediatr 2003,15:103-106 (C) 2003 Lippincott Williams Wilkins, Inc.