Are mycotoxins relevant to be studied in health care environments?

Abstract

Mycotoxins are fungi metabolites produced by specific fungal genera and although the reported evidence about the health effects there is still a gap about data in health care enviroments. This study aimed to investigate if mycotoxins presence should be monitored in health care facilities by searching studies that reported fungal contamination by toxigenic fungi in different health care environments. The study involved a systematic search of available information/data published on PubMed during the period of 2010 until 31st December 2018. Among the 26 papers analysed, only in two the Aspergillus genera was not reported as the most prevalent. Additionally, other genera also with toxigenic potential were observed, namely Fusarium and Penicillium. The information gathered with this review allowed to conclude about the importance to assess mycotoxins in health care environments. Moreover, the analytical methods used should allow to detect low concentrations and multiple mycotoxins.