Mold in Water Bottles: Health Risks and Precautions - Family Medicine

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

---

Dear Mr.
JAM:
1.
Fungi are ubiquitous in our subtropical and tropical climate; fungi, also known as mycetes, are diverse, but only a few species can cause diseases in humans.
Diseases caused by these pathogens are collectively referred to as fungal infections, mycotic infections, or mycoses.
2.
Among them, dermatophytes can cause infections of the skin's keratin layer, hair, and nails, known as dermatophytosis.
The lesions are commonly referred to as tinea or ringworm, with the ring-shaped form being the most prevalent.
Candida albicans is part of the normal flora of the skin, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina but can cause localized or systemic opportunistic infections, such as intertrigo, diaper rash, thrush, angular cheilitis, and infections of the external genitalia, esophagus, stomach, and anus, collectively known as candidiasis or moniliasis.
Sporotrichosis is caused by Sporothrix schenckii, primarily infecting through skin wounds, leading to localized inflammation of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and lymph nodes.
Patients are typically those who work in farming, gardening, or forestry.
3.
Common systemic fungal diseases include aspergillosis, primarily caused by Aspergillus, which can trigger allergic reactions and cause infections in the upper respiratory tract and lungs.
Cavities may sometimes form within the lesions, containing fungal masses known as fungus balls.
Opportunistic infections from Aspergillus mainly lead to necrotizing pneumonia and can cause localized bleeding after invading blood vessels.
Aflatoxin, produced by Aspergillus flavus, is a carcinogenic substance for the liver.
Aflatoxin, also known as aflatoxins, is a highly toxic compound often produced by several fungi, including Aspergillus and Penicillium species, in moldy grains such as rice, legumes, and peanuts, and is currently the most potent carcinogen known.
It begins to decompose only at temperatures above 280°C, making it resistant to typical heating processes.
Once inside the body, aflatoxin is primarily metabolized in the liver, producing active epoxy intermediates or hydroxylated forms, ultimately resulting in less toxic aflatoxins.
4.
Cryptococcosis is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a yeast with a capsule found in soil and pigeon droppings, leading to respiratory infections.
It can result in granulomatous pneumonia, meningitis, and encephalitis, often causing opportunistic infections in cancer and HIV patients.
5.
Histoplasmosis is primarily caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, typically contracted by inhaling fungal spores from soil contaminated with bird droppings.
If it invades the lungs, it can cause granulomatous inflammation or cavitary lung disease.
In immunocompromised patients, disseminated lesions may occur.
6.
Systemic candidiasis can lead to endocarditis, meningitis, or affect the kidneys and lungs.
Mucormycosis is an opportunistic infection caused by Mucor or other similar fungi, primarily affecting the nasal cavity, orbit, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.
7.
In summary, most fungal diseases are limited to the skin's keratin layer; however, if the immune system is compromised or weakened, opportunistic infections may occur, invading the body and causing severe systemic infections.
Additionally, aflatoxin is indeed a carcinogen, primarily found in rice, legumes, and peanuts; its long-term presence at the bottom of a water bottle is debatable.
8.
Personally, I believe that your adult family member should not have significant issues in the short term; however, in the long term, it is still advisable to maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration, and a normal lifestyle, along with regular health check-ups and follow-ups.
If there are still concerns, please have your family member discuss them directly with their family physician or seek care from an infectious disease specialist at a regional hospital.

---

Reply Date: 2021/11/12