Emerging

Inflammatory response in mice after instillation of Streptomyces spores from a moldy building

Mice given intratracheal Streptomyces californicus spores isolated from indoor air of a moldy building showed dose-dependent lung inflammation.

How to read this

This library reports what studies found. An entry describes a study's design, its findings in its own terms, and its limits. Nothing here is a claim about what a Sage Co. home does, delivers, or prevents.

Last reviewed August 30, 2026.

What they studied

  • An animal experiment using Streptomyces californicus spores isolated from the indoor air of a moisture-damaged building.
  • Spores were instilled intratracheally into mice at graded doses.
  • Cytokine levels, inflammatory cell recruitment, and lung histopathology were measured.

What they found

  • The authors reported dose-dependent elevations of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the exposed mice.
  • Inflammatory cell recruitment and acute histopathological lung changes were reported.
  • Responses were reported for the bacterial spores alone, without fungal co-exposure.

What this study does not establish

  • An animal study using intratracheal instillation, not inhalation of ambient building air.
  • Doses were experimental and are not equivalent to occupant exposure levels.
  • Findings in mice do not establish human health outcomes.
  • This entry reports the study. It is not a statement about any building Sage Co. designs or constructs.

Source

Jussila J, Komulainen H, Huttunen K, Roponen M, Hälinen A, Hyvärinen A, Kosma V-M, Pelkonen J, Hirvonen M-R (2001). Inflammatory responses in mice after intratracheal instillation of spores of Streptomyces californicus isolated from indoor air of a moldy building. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 171(1):61–69.

actinomycetesanimal modelinflammationrespiratory

Elsewhere under Moisture & Mold

Moisture & Mold domain page