Evaluation of media for
detection of Stachybotrys and Chaetomium species associated with
water-damaged buildings
Andersen, B. and Nissen, A. T.
International Biodeterioration &
Biodegradation, 46(2), 111-116 2000
Citation:
Andersen, B. and Nissen, A. T., (2000), "Evaluation of media for
detection of Stachybotrys and Chaetomium species associated with
water-damaged buildings", International Biodeterioration &
Biodegradation, 46(2), 111-116.
Abstract
Stachybotrys chartarum and
Chaetomium globosum are two important species colonising wet
building materials containing cellulose. Both species produce toxic
metabolites in pure cultures as well as on artificially inoculated
building materials, so detection is important. However, the media
recommended for detection of fungi in buildings, DG18 (dichloran 18%
glycerol agar), MEA (malt extract agar) and Water agar, are
ineffective. Furthermore, contact plates should be used instead of
air sampling, because the spores of S. chartarum and C. globosum do
not readily become air-borne. Therefore, 22 mycological media were
tested and evaluated according to colony size, colony density and
sporulation density of 14 test isolates. Amongst the 14 isolates
(nine Stachybotrys, four Chaetomium and one Memnoniella) used in
this study, eight came from Danish water-damaged buildings. The
results showed that none of the 14 isolates sporulated on DG18 and
that growth was very restricted. On MEA the fungi were inhibited in
their growth and only one-third of the isolates sporulated. Only
media containing some kind of plant-based ingredient resulted in
good growth and sporulation. At present V8, with antibiotics in the
form of contact plates, seems to be the best choice of medium out of
the 22 tested for detection of S. chartarum and C. globosum species
found in water-damaged buildings |
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