Garden Grove, CA, November 13th, 2014
Last month, the Los Angeles Daily News published an article about a potentially deadly fungal infection that UCLA defensive back Marcus Rios has overcome. According to the article, it all started several years ago with three sinus surgeries before doctors knew what the otherwise young and healthy football star was up against.
It turned out Mr. Rios had aspergillosis, a fungal infection caused by a common fungus known as Aspergillus. The fungal infection was found behind his eyes and at the base of his brain. Fortunately, doctors were able to treat the infection and after spending almost a month in the hospital last year, Mr. Rios was finally released and began the long road to recovery.
There are several different types of aspergillosis. One is known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a condition where the fungus causes allergic respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing, but does not actually invade and destroy tissue. Invasive aspergillosis usually affects people with immune system problems that allow the fungus to invade and damage tissues in the body. Although invasive aspergillosis most commonly affects the lungs, it can also cause infections in other organs and can spread throughout the body.
“Aspergillus is commonly found in the environment and can sometimes be present in soils, plants, decaying plant matter, household dust, building materials, and even in spices and some food items,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It is frequently found in homes and buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels that have caused subsequent mold growth. Healthcare facilities, nursing homes and other locations that have people with a weakened immune system need to be especially vigilant of this fungal pathogen.”
LA Testing offers analytical services to identify Aspergillus and other types of mold from indoor environments. The company has also sponsored an educational video about Aspergillus and aspergillosis that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/_de4qZpwP8Q.
To learn more about testing for fungal pathogens or other IAQ issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.
About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.