Monoclonal Antibodies for Detection of Stachybotrys chartarum (a Fungus)

CDC NIOSH researchers have developed a simple and rapid detection technique for Stachybotrys chartarum (a type of mold that commonly grows on wet building materials) by producing monoclonal antibodies which reacts with proteins in Stachybotrys chartarum. These antibodies can be used in immunologic detection assays to detect and possibly quantify Stachybotrys chartarum in environmental samples, and to our knowledge, they do not cross react with other fungi. The presence of mold in indoor environments has been associated with adverse health effects such as infections (in immunocompromised people) or allergies. Individuals with asthma or those with weaker immune systems can be affected more by mold exposure. Accurate detection methods are needed to measure mold contamination. Traditional methods for monitoring of molds are based on sample cultivation and microscopic analysis which can be time and labor intensive, and require expert classification skills. Immunoassays can potentially overcome these limitations and have been successfully developed for numerous biological aerosols. For more information on Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds, visit CDC’s fact page: www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm.