Case Study: Mother tested positive for mycotoxins, constant strep infections

A Hendersonville mother contacted Claro after testing positive for mycotoxins in her body. She needed to identify where mold was in her home—she didn't breathe well at home and had more respiratory issues indoors than elsewhere. Both she and her son constantly suffered from strep infections, which can indicate mold exposure.

The connection between her symptoms and her home environment was clear: she felt worse at home. Professional testing would reveal whether contamination was creating the mycotoxins appearing in her body and the recurring strep infections affecting both mother and son.

Claro's inspection found multiple moisture problems creating conditions for mold growth. The kitchen cupboard under the sink had a leak from the bathroom above—water dripping with a visible ceiling stain. The main bathroom had a spa bath where the mother took extended baths, but extraction was useless with lots of moisture buildup and a smell in the main bedroom. The hardwood floor was warping from moisture. Vents needed resealing, plumbing needed repair, and cupboards required fixing.

Testing the main bed/bath revealed contamination: Overall Mold Source Assessment of 119 with 590 spores per cubic meter indoors compared to 7,100 outside. While total outdoor counts were higher, the indoor species distribution was concerning. Penicillium/Aspergillus showed MoldSCORE 117 with 110 spores indoors versus 53 outside—indoor amplification despite lower totals. Cladosporium registered 160 spores indoors matching 160 outside. Basidiospores showed 270 spores indoors versus 6,700 outside.

The Penicillium/Aspergillus amplification explained the mycotoxins in the mother's body and the constant strep infections. The bathroom moisture from extended spa baths with useless extraction, combined with the kitchen leak above, had created conditions for mold producing toxins she was breathing daily. Her respiratory issues at home weren't coincidental—they were direct effects of contamination in her sleeping and bathing environment.

Understanding that mycotoxin exposure and constant strep infections required comprehensive intervention, Claro performed whole-home treatment using Claro's patented two-step process with results guaranteed for one year. Additional work included drywall repair and painting to address water damage from the leaks.

The treatment eliminated the Penicillium/Aspergillus amplification creating mycotoxins. The plumbing was repaired, stopping the kitchen leak. The cupboards were fixed. The vents were resealed. The mother could begin recovering from mycotoxin exposure, and both she and her son could escape the cycle of constant strep infections.

This case demonstrates how mycotoxin testing reveals home contamination even when spore counts appear moderate. The 110 Penicillium/Aspergillus spores represented indoor amplification—active growth producing toxins that appeared in the mother's body. The constant strep infections affecting both mother and son were immune system effects of chronic mold exposure. Extended spa baths with useless extraction had created perfect conditions for contamination in the space where she slept. Proper remediation meant treating the contamination, fixing the moisture sources, and providing guaranteed results so the family could recover.