Moulds / mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are poisons produced by moulds (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys). They can enter the body through contaminated food or damp indoor air; depending on the toxin and the amount, effects on the liver, kidneys and immune system, among others, have been described. How strongly mycotoxins from indoor air have an effect is scientifically disputed. The cytokine release test measures the cellular immune response to 12 moulds and 13 mycotoxins. Available only as a practice test.

What mycotoxins do in the body

Mycotoxins are metabolic products of moulds that the fungus does not need for growth but uses, among other things, against competing microorganisms. Each group acts in its own way: aflatoxin B1 from Aspergillus is converted in the liver by cytochrome enzymes into a reactive form that binds to DNA. Ochratoxin A from Aspergillus and Penicillium attaches to albumin, therefore stays in the blood for a long time and accumulates in the kidneys. Trichothecenes, for example from Stachybotrys or Fusarium, block the ribosomes and thereby inhibit protein synthesis, especially in rapidly dividing cells such as the gut lining and immune cells. Intake through contaminated food is the best-studied route.

How the immune system responds to moulds

Mould spores and fungal fragments are mainly inhaled. In the airways, phagocytes recognise typical components of the fungal cell wall, such as β-glucans, via their own receptors and release messengers that attract further immune cells. Different reactions can develop from this: an allergy, in which IgE antibodies cause mast cells to release histamine; inflammation of the air sacs from repeatedly inhaling large quantities of spores; or a memory response by T lymphocytes, which produce inflammatory messengers on renewed contact. How strongly mycotoxins from damp indoor spaces act in the body via the air we breathe is scientifically disputed; it is well established, by contrast, that damp, mouldy rooms go hand in hand with respiratory complaints.

What detecting a cytokine response to moulds shows

In the cytokine release test, immune cells from the blood are brought together in the laboratory with components of individual moulds and mycotoxins. If T lymphocytes have encountered these substances before and formed a memory, they react and release inflammatory messengers, which are measured. A reaction therefore shows that the cellular immune system is sensitised to this mould or toxin – not how much of it is currently in the body or where contact took place. If there is no reaction, the immune cells have not formed a memory of the substances tested; an allergy via IgE antibodies or contact with other mould species is not captured by this method.

The interpretation is given in your report.