Moulds are used to produce some antibiotics. Penicillin was originally discovered as a by-product of a chance mould growth that had the ability to prevent bacteria multiplying. Penicillin is produced by growing a strain of the Penicillium fungus. Other moulds, for instance Cephalosporium, are also used to produce antibiotics. If you are sensitive to moulds, you may be sensitive to mould-produced antibiotics, through cross-reaction.
Antibiotics are produced from sources other than moulds, however; bacteria and other micro-organisms can be used to produce them. Tetracycline and Streptomycin, for instance, are not mould-based antibiotics. Mould allergy does not therefore mean that you are allergic to all antibiotics. If antibiotics are prescribed for you, and you are concerned, ask your doctor.
Athlete’s Foot is caused by a fungal infection. Some of the sym-toms can be excacerbated if you are allergic to moulds and react to the fungus itself.
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