We have analized available literature on the capability of micro-
scopic fungi (micromycetes) to exist and reproduce in the water
(i.e. tap water) that is provided to consumers. The following mi-
cromycetes, most typically present in tap water, were identified,
namely: Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Alternaria, Clad-
osporium and Candida. The average number of micromycetes
ranges from 8 to 18 CFU/100 cm3
, with yeast fungi dominantly
present. Toxic substances (mycotoxins) that produce microscop-
ic fungi are described, as well as their effects on the human body.
It is noted that most mycotoxins stimulate formation of excessive
free radicals and oxidative stress, which leads to impaired func-
tion of the body’s antioxidant system, namely the production of
a prooxidant enzyme in liver cells, immune organs and in the
gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, , the presence of processes of
apoptosis that lead to little sorption syndrome, immunosuppres-
sion. The potential water routes of mycotoxins into the human
body have been identified. The ability of mycotoxins, which form
micromycetes – most often found in tap water, to cause cancer,
have been analyzed in detail, using available literature on the
subject. Mainly the effect of aflatoxins, trichothecenes, ochratox-
ins and gliotoxins was examined. The presence of microscopic
fungi in water supplied to the consumer, as well as their ability to
form toxins necessitates systematic studies of water samples for
the detection of micromycetes and the toxins present in it. And,
finally, an important avenue for further research is outlined,
which is to develop a simple and affordable method for the de-
tection of mycotoxins in the water, based on the use of a sensitive
test objects.
Key words: drinking water‚ micromycetes‚ mycotoxins‚ human
health
For citation: Zabolotnyi DI, Rudenko AV, Honcharuk VV,
Saprykina MM, Bolgova OS. Drinking water. Microscopic fungi.
Mycotoxins (literature review). Journal of the National Academy of
Medical Sciences of Ukraine. 2019;25(3):253–59
Drinking water. Microscopic fungi.
Mycotoxins (literature review)