FUNGUS AMONG US: AVAILABLE TESTS FOR MOLD-PRODUCED MYCOTOXINS IN THE USA AND THEIR CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Abstract

Introduction Mycotoxins are the toxic secondary metabolite produced by fungi which can evoke a toxic response when introduced in low concentration. Several commercial laboratories have developed tests to measure mycotoxin exposure, but the methodologies underlying these tests are not well known. Methods A literature review was conducted via PubMed with key words mycotoxin and mycotoxins, commercial test for mycotoxins. Web search was conducted for laboratories who perform mycotoxin testing, detailed information was obtained via company websites and direct contact in attempt to identify their validation and reference standards. Results Three laboratories have developed tests to measure mycotoxins in urine: RealTime Laboratories, Great Plains Laboratory, BioSign Laboratory. None of them were FDA-validated tests. The methodologies and detection limits varied among laboratories, but all considered any detectable level of mycotoxins in urine abnormal. Reference ranges were developed in-house. Controls methods included calibration with mycotoxins of known concentration. Any detectable amount if mycotoxin was considered positive. Projected cost of a single test was determined by contacting the labs directly (table 1). Only one of the companies (Real Time Labs) has published their validation data on their website. Conclusion Urine mycotoxin levels suggest exposure but have not been correlated to specific disease states according to medical literature. Such testing is not currently recommended as part of any published diagnostic protocol. Currently, there are no Federal, State or Local Standards that specifically quantify what the acceptable, or unsafe levels for mold spore concentrations within any indoor environment that would cause adverse health effects in human beings. Table 1. List of laboratories which text for mycotoxins in the U.S., sample source, method and projected cost of a single test in USD.