Abstract
Objective Stachybotrys chartarum is a toxigenic mould that could be responsible for severe illness. Detection and quantitative measurement of S. chartarum conidia in environmental samples using direct microscopic examination or culture methods were labour intensive and time consuming, and have a low sensibility. The aim of our study was to evalue the real-time PCR for S. chartarum detection in indoor building, agricultural and hospital environments. Methods Detection of S. chartarum using real-time PCR was performed in 76 samples: 1) air samples ( N = 15) and hay samples ( N = 30) from farmer environment; 2) air samples ( N = 3) and surface samples ( N = 5) from indoor buildings; 3) air samples ( N = 2) and surface samples ( N = 13) from a hematology unit. Results S. chartatum was detected in 4/76 samples using culture method and in 6 additional samples (i.e. 10/76) using real-time PCR. Detection limit in air samples was about 40 spores/m 3 using real-time PCR. S. chartarum was not detected in farmer environment. In indoor building samples, culture data were confirmed by real-time PCR results. In the hematology unit, real-time PCR results help to identify the source of contamination of a patient room from a water damaged technical local. Conclusion Real-time PCR was a rapid method for S. chartarum quantitative measurement in environmental samples. Real-time PCR detection of other indoor moulds ( Aspergillus, mucorales, Penicillium, Cladosporium) could be useful for fungal environmental control in indoor buildings and in hospital units.
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