Identification of Hazardous Airborne Organisms

1
Identification of Hazardous Airborne Organisms

• Beth Kerr
• Brita Roy

Advisors Dr. Todd D. Giorgio and Dr. Paul H. King
2
Introduction

• Also known as sick building syndrome,
  Stachybotrys chartarum is becoming a much
  publicized problem in the United States after
  large outbreaks have been reported in Cleveland,
  OH and Chicago, IL.
• Colonies of stachybotrys release spores
  containing mycotoxins that cause pulmonary
  hemorrhaging and hemosiderosis
• These diseases are often lethal in children, and
  may be the cause of many deaths previously
  attributed to SIDS.

3
Background

• Stachybotrys is the most common form of hazardous
  mold found in up to 46 million residential homes
  and schools
• Stachybotrys grows on materials with a high
  cellulose content that are at least 94 water
  saturated
• Spores containing mycotoxins are released from
  the mold as the fungus dries up
• Mycotoxins cause pulmonary hemorrhaging and
  hemosiderosis upon inhalation into the alveoli
  and release of Satratoxin H

4
The Toxin Satratoxin H
5
History of Mold Testing

• Prior to the recent media interest in hazardous
  molds, testing did not occur until mold was
  visible or until physical symptoms of residents
  occurred
• Currently, the testing process is very slow.
  Home tests require that a sample of the visible
  mold be taken and sent to a laboratory. This is
  often difficult, since the mold usually grows
  between walls.

6
Project Description

• Designing a chemical test to rapidly identify the
  specific airborne mycotoxins produced by
  stachybotrys
• Creating an independent preventative or
  diagnostic device to test for the airborne toxic
  spores in homes that can be easily used by the
  layperson

7
Progression of Stachybotrys from Growth to
Illness
8
Ways to Detect Stachybotrys
Type of Test Pros Cons
Physical ID of mold Does not take much equipment Easy to learn Unreliable (comparatively) Could expose identifier to mycotoxin
Genetic ID of mold Very precise Could determine whether the mold is a toxin-producer Must be taken into a laboratory Time consuming Requires much training Expensive
Chemical test for mycotoxin Precise Distinguishes the specific toxin produced Expensive lab equipment Usually needs to be taken to a laboratory
Biological test for mycotoxin Very precise Can calibrate sensitivity Only senses mycotoxin producing species Expensive Difficult technology Requires training May require laboratory
9
Biological Testing Procedures
Type of Test Pros Cons
Antibody-coated refractive plate May be made into a portable device Can be calibrated Difficult technology Must create antibody Difficult sensitivity calibration
ELISA Common biological test Precise Simple positive/negative response Must create antibody Must be done in a laboratory May need fluorescence equipment
BIAcore Theres one at Vanderbilt! Precise Must create antibody Limited by material properties
Single-cell calorimeter Very small! Biologically calibrated Little toxin exposure is necessary Cannot calibrate Difficult design Expensive equipment Imprecise
10
Timeline of Progress
11
Pictures