The strains of mold evaluated can produce many different mycotoxins. This test provides extensive coverage, allowing us to detect most mold exposures.

Markers tested in the MycoTOX profile:

1. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1)

2. Ochratoxin A (OTA)

3. Sterigmatocystin (STG)

4. Roridin E

5. Verrucarin A

6. Enniatin B

7. Zearalenone (ZEA)

8. Gliotoxin (GTX)

9. Mycophenolic Acid (MPA)

10. Dihydrocitrinone (DHC) - a metabolite of Citrinin (CTN)

11. Chaetoglobosin A (CHA)

Aspergillus -The most prevalent mold group in the environment and there are hundreds of different species.

• Common Aspergillus mycotoxins that are tested in the MycoTOX Profile include aflatoxin, ochratoxin, sterigmatocystin, gliotoxin, and citrinin.
• The main target of these toxins is the liver.
• These toxins have been found in all major cereal crops including peanuts, coffee, corn, cotton, millet, rice, sorghum, sunflower seeds, wheat, and a variety of spices. They are also found in eggs, milk, and meat from animals fed contaminated grains.
• The most common route of infection is through the respiratory system (breathing them in).
• Aspergillus can cause severe asthma when the mold colonizes the lung, cough, night sweats, fever, and a general feeling of malaise.

Penicillium -There are over 200 species of the genus Penicillium that have been discovered.

• Penicillium chrysogenum is the most common of these species.
• It is often found in indoor environments and is responsible for many allergic reactions.
• Penicillium is also a known contaminant in many different food items. Many different types of citrus fruits can become contaminated with Penicillium, but it can also contaminate seeds and grains.
• One reason that Penicillium is such a common infestation is because of its ability to thrive in low humidity. In the home, Penicillium can be found in wallpaper, carpet, furniture, and fiberglass insulation.
• The most common mycotoxin produced by Penicillium is ochratoxin. Ochratoxin is nephrotoxic, which means that it damages the kidneys. It is also carcinogenic.

Stachybotrys -A greenish-black mold known for its production of the highly toxic mycotoxins.

• This mold can grow on materials with high cellulose and low nitrogen content such as gypsum board, paper, fiberboard, and ceiling tiles.
• Two of the more common mycotoxins produced by Stachybotrys are roridin E and verrucarin.
• In addition to these mycotoxins, the fungus produces nine phenyl spirodrimanes, as well as cyclosporine, which are potent immunosuppressors.
• These immunosuppressors, along with the mycotoxin trichothecenes may be responsible for the high toxicity of Stachybotrys.

Fusarium -Grows worldwide on many different types of grains including corn and wheat.

• Fusarium's major mycotoxins are zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisin.
• Fusarium fungi grow best in temperate climate conditions.
• They require lower temperatures for growth than Aspergillus.
• Symptoms can include abdominal distress, malaise, diarrhea, emesis, and death.
• ZEN possesses estrogenic effects and has been implicated in reproductive disorders.
• Exposure to mycotoxins from Fusarium can lead to both acute and chronic effects.