Time related fungal contamination of animal cage beddings.

The purpose of the study was to measure the extent of fungal contamination in laboratory animal cage beddings  over time. The material was analysed for the content of fungal enzyme N-acetylhexosaminidase and  the fungal cell wall agent 1,3-AŸ-glucan at 0-7 days after use. In some cages the values were increased above  baseline already at 3 days and at 7 days practically all beddings showed a fungal contamination. It is suggested  that the fungal enzyme test can be used for bedding quality control purposes and to monitor fungal  contamination in animal cages to prevent pulmonary and other pathologies.Â