Journal Top Ten, COLUMNS-Mold, April 2005

ARTICLE: "Antibodies against Stachybotrys chartarum extract and its antigenic components,Stachyhemolysin and Stachyrase-A: A new clinical biomarker"

SUMMARY: The authors measured IgG and IgE antibodies against Stachybotrys hemolysin and proteinase-Stachyrase-A by ELISA and ELISA-inhibition techniques. Results: Of 50 reference sera with IgE greater than 500 IU ml and positive against different mold extracts used in this study, significant elevation in IgG or IgE antibodies against S. chartarum extract was present in 25 and 21 specimens. Detection of IgG as well as IgE antibodies against Stachybotrys hemolysin and Stachyrase-A and inhibition of anti-Stachybotrys …