(1 → 3)-β-D-Glucan in Some Indoor Air Fungi

Abstract

The amount of (1→3)-β- D-glucan in three species of fungi was measured dur ing different phases of growth and after death. The amounts were the same in living and dead spores, but not related to growing time or medium. The amount of (1→3)-β- D-glucan was significantly higher in Stachybotrus than in Penicillium and Aspergillus. In view of the well known effects of (1→3)-β- D- glucan on the immune system, the results suggest that this agent may be a better indicator of risk in indoor environments than airborne viable or dead spores.