An Extract of Stachybotrys chartarum Causes Allergic Asthma-like Responses in a BALB/c Mouse Model

[Guest guest]

Full text online at:

http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/70/1/98

RESPIRATORY TOXICOLOGY An Extract of *Stachybotrys chartarum* Causes

Allergic Asthma-like Responses in a BALB/c Mouse Model

* " We have shown responses in mice exposed to S. chartarum extract that are

consistent with human allergic airway disease. Therefore, we conclude there

are proteins in this aqueous extract capable of inducing allergy in a

susceptible population. Future studies to isolate and characterize the

specific allergens are planned, as are studies to determine if nonallergenic

components of the extract function as an adjuvant. The BALB/c mouse model

provides the means to address these issues and should also be useful in

assessing the potential allergic responses and relative potencies of other

fungal organisms found to contaminate the indoor environment. " *