Opportunistic Infections from Mold
What you may have read about the worst-case scenarios involving mold-related
diseases may be pretty scary, but the truth is that a lot of us don’t have
that much to fear from mold infections.
Humans are built with fairly tough constitutions to endure the
millions of tiny organisms with whom we share the environment on a daily
basis. Moreover, compared to
some of the deadlier species of bacteria and virus strains that exist out
there, mold fungi and their by-products rank relatively low in terms of
their ability to harm people. As
such, the most difficult encounter that many individuals have with mold is
in the form of some irritating but ultimately temporary skin affliction.
Redness, inflammation and flaking skin are certainly annoying, but
ultimately not life-threatening.
At least, not for most people.
However, this is because most people have working immune systems, the only
thing that stands between us and the most horrific effects of many diseases.
Unfortunately, sometimes, our immune systems don’t work as well as
they should, often because of weakness or defects caused by malnutrition,
recurring infections or antibiotic treatment.
There are certain conditions, such as AIDS and diabetes, which
compromise the immune system, keeping it from performing its very important
function. In other instances,
treatment for certain types of illnesses, or maintenance for organ
transplant recipients, involves deliberate suppression of the immune system.
In these cases, mold fungi suddenly becomes a much more serious
concern. One might say that, in
your weakened state, mold can take advantage of the opportunity to strike,
and do more damage than it could possibly have normally.
This situation is known as opportunistic infection.
Opportunistic infection with regard to mold can occur in several forms.
Aspergillus fumigatus is a
particular mold strain whose spores attach themselves to the lungs of
persons with compromised immune systems, causing pervasive mold growth in
one’s lungs, which eats away at the lung tissue and eventually tears holes
in it, spreading outwards into one’s blood vessels and through the
bloodstream. The disease is
known as invasive aspergillosis, and it is usually fatal, only becoming
apparent after the victim’s death when his body is examined.
One it sets in, invasive aspergillosis has a high rate of mortality,
as the treatment through various antibiotics has not met with much success.
Another terrible mold species that is infamous for opportunistic infection
is the penicillium marneffei mold,
which has cemented itself as the cause of one of the most virulent
opportunistic infections among HIV-positive communities in
The best way to avoid opportunistic infection is to try to remain in clean
surroundings while you are more susceptible, trying to stay away from
obvious or possible sites of mold infestation.
Avoid locations with poor ventilation, or that have a tendency to
retain moisture. For those with
permanently collapsed immune systems, be religious with your preventive
medication, and be certain to see your doctor as soon as you experience
anything even mildly out of the ordinary.
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