Thermothelomyces thermophilus

Steffen Ibrom

Thermothelomyces thermophilus and Thermothelomyces thermophilus HC as well as production strains derived from them are classified by the ZKBS

The assessed fungus is characterized by a high tolerance range to the prevailing temperature and is found worldwide. A total of twelve cases of illness in humans, some of which are fatal, have been reported. Two immunosuppressed patients and one patient died after surgery. The fungus has already been classified in Risk Group 1 according to TRBA 460. The ZKBS does not follow this classification, but classifies Thermothelomyces thermophilus, as a donor and recipient organism for genetic engineering work, in Risk Group 2. The reason for this higher classification is that the pathogen can also cause illness in immunocompetent individuals. In addition, the ZKBS classifies derived production strains of the Thermothelomyces thermophilus HC strain in Risk Group 1. This is based on the fact that these substances have been used in industrial production for a long time without any known infections among employees. Furthermore, an animal study on mice suggests that strains derived from Thermothelomyces thermophilus HC are non-pathogenic.

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