A water-damaged home and health of occupants: a case study

Abstract

A family of five and pet dog who rented a water-damaged home and developed multiple health problems. The home was analyzed for species of mold and bacteria. The diagnostics included MRI for chronic sinusitis with ENT and sinus surgery, and neurological testing for neurocognitive deficits. Bulk samples from the home, tissue from the sinuses, urine, nasal secretions, placenta, umbilical cord, and breast milk were tested for the presence of trichothecenes, aflatoxins, and Ochratoxin A. The family had the following diagnosed conditions: chronic sinusitis, neurological deficits, coughing with wheeze, nose bleeds, and fatigue among other symptoms. An infant was born with a total body flare, developed multiple Cafe-au-Lait pigmented skin spots and diagnoses with NF1 at age 2. The mycotoxins were detected in bulk samples, urine and nasal secretions, breast milk, placenta, and umbilical cord. Pseudomonas aueroginosa, Acinetobacter, Penicillium, and Aspergillus fumigatus were cultured from nasal secretions (father and daughter). RT-PCR revealed A. fumigatus DNA in sinus tissues of the daughter. The dog had 72 skin lesions (sebaceous glands and lipomas) from which trichothecenes and ochratoxin A. were detected. The health of the family is discussed in relation to the most recent published literature regarding microbial contamination and toxic by-products present in water-damaged buildings.

Figure 1

The upper two photos are of the newborn girl demonstrating the total body flare and the impression of the Father's hand on her back. The bottom two photos show the pigmented sports that appear to be Cafe-au-Lait skin pigmentation that were apparent at birth and are still present. The flare reaction was present at birth, began to subside at 10–12 weeks, and occurred periodically through 55 weeks of age. The multiple pigmented spots has been diagnosed as NF1 at U.S. San Francisco, Department of Dermatology.

Figure 2

This figure demonstrates the sites of the subcutaneous and lipoma tumors that were removed from the pet dog. The Veterinarian stated that the presence of 72 such lesions on an animal is a very rare observation.