Cyanobacteria and Human Disease

Cyanobacteria (CB) produce harmful toxins that have been associated with several acute and chronic human diseases and rapid death in domestic animals ingesting bloom material. Aerosol from waterbodies appears to be an important mechanism for human exposure, and the cyanotoxin, β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), has been implicated as an environmental risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Addresses collected from ALS patients in northern New England have indicated increased ALS incidence surrounding several waterbodies in Vermont and New Hampshire, where CB blooms may take place. Proximity to CB has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for liver disease as well. Our epidemiologic studies of waterbodies with CB blooms in northern New England suggest that inhalation of CB may be a possible mode for exposure to cyanotoxins. In our ongoing research, we are attempting to better understand CB exposure risk and its relationship to neurodegeneration.Ope