Endotoxins, Glucans and Other Microbial Cell Wall Agents

Abstract

During the last decades an increasing interest in microbial cell wall agents has been established, since exposure to these agents has been linked to a wide range of adverse and beneficial health effects. The term microbial cell wall agents refers to a group of molecules of different composition that are integral structural components of microorganisms like gram-negative and gram positive bacteria and fungi. The available information on exposure characteristics for these cell wall agents within indoor environments and their associated health effects is summarized in this chapter.