Absidia
sp - A zygomycete fungus which is considered common to
the indoor environment. Reported to be allergenic. May cause mucorosis
in immune compromised individuals. The sites of infection are
the lung, nasal sinus, brain, eye, and skin. Infection may have
multiple sites. Absidia cormbifera has been an invasive infection
agent in AIDS and neutropenic patients, as well as, agents of
bovine mycotic abortions, and feline subcutaneous abscesses. Acremonium
species may be confused with Fusarium species that primarily produce
microconidia in culture. Fusarium genera are generally much more
rapid growers and produce more aerial mycelium.
Acremonium sp (Cephalosporium sp.) - Reported
to be allergenic. Can produce a trichothecene toxin which is toxic
if ingested. It was the primary fungus identified in at least
two houses where the occupant complaints were nausea, vomiting,
and diarrhea. Asexual state of Emericellopsis sp., Chaetomium
sp., and Nectripsis sp. It can produce mycetomas, infections of
the nails, onychomycosis, corneal ulcers, eumycotic mycetoma,
endophthalmitis, meningitis, and endocarditis.
Alternaria sp - Extremely widespread and ubiquitous.
Outdoors it may be isolated from samples of soil, seeds, and plants.
It is commonly found in outdoor samples. It is often found in
carpets, textiles, and on horizontal surfaces in building interiors.
Often found on window frames. The species Alternaria alternata
is capable of producing tenuazonic acid and other toxic metabolites
which may be associated with disease in humans or animals. Alternaria
produces large spores having sizes between 20 - 200 microns in
length and 7 - 18 microns in width, suggesing that the spores
from this fungi are deposited in the nose, mouth, and upper respiratory
tract. It may be related to bakers asthma. It has been associated
with hypersensitivity pneumoniti, sinusitis, deratomycosis, onychomycosis,
subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, and invasive infection. Common
cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type
I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases
may develop pulmonary emphysema.
Arthrinium phaeospermum - Widespread saprophyte
on dead plant material, particularly swampy grasses. Should be
considered an allergen. This fungus has also been documented in
various subcutaneous infections. No toxic related diseases are
of record to date.
Ascomycete - One of the major classes of fungal
organisms. This class contains the the"sac fungi" and
yeasts. Some ascomycete spores can be identified by spore morphology,
however; some care should be excersised with regard to specific
identification. Many ascomycete spores are reported to be allergenic.
Aspergillus sp - A genus of fungi containing
approximately 150 recognized species. Members of this genus have
been recovered from a variety of habitats, but are especially
common as saprophytes on decaying vegetation, soils, stored food,
feed products in tropical and subtropical regions. Some species
are parasitic on insects, plants and animals, including man. Species
within this genus have reported Aw's (water activities) between
0.75 - 0.82. All of the species contained in this genus should
be considered allergenic. Various Aspergillus species are a common
cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type
I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms. Chronic cases
may develop pulmonary emphysema. Members of this genus are reported
to cause a variety of opportunistic infections of the ears and
eyes. Sever pulmonary infections may also occur. Many species
produce mycotoxins which may be associated with disease in humans
and other animals. Toxin production is dependent on the species
or a strain within a species and on the food source for the fungus.
Some of these toxins have been found to be carcinogenic in animal
species. Several toxins are considered potential human carcinogens.
Aureobasidium pullulans - A cosmopolitan fungus
with the main habitat apparently on the aerial parts of plants.
Frequently found in moist environments. This fungus should be
considered allergenic. This species has been associated with deratitis,
peritonitis, pulmaonary infection, and invasive disease in AIDS
patients. Probably aquired by traumatic implantation. May be recovered
as a contaminant from human cutaneous sites. No toxic diseases
have been documented to date.
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Basidiomycetes - One of the major
classes of fungal organisms. This class contains the mushrooms,
shelf fungi, puffballs, and a variety of other macrofungi. It
is extremely difficult to identify a specific genera of mushrooms
by using standard culture plate techniques. Some basidiomycete
spores can be identified by spore morphology, however; some care
should be exercised with regard to specific identification. Many
basidiomycete spores are reported to be allergenic.
Bipolaris sp - A widespread fungus that is most
frequently associated with grasses, plant material, decaying food,
and soil. It is common to both indoor and outdoor environments.
Older obsolete names include Drechslera and Helminthosporium.
This fungus produces large spores which would be expected to be
deposited in the upper respiratory tract. Various species of this
fungus can produce the mycotoxin - sterigmatocystin which has
been shown to produce liver and kidney damage when ingested by
laboratory animals.
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Candida sp - This genus contains
a variety of organisms that have been isolated from the environment,
as well as human skin and mucous membranes.
Chaetomium sp. - Large ascomycetous fungus producing
perithecia. It is found on a variety of substrates containing
cellulose including paper and plant compost. It can be readily
found on the damp or water damaged paper in sheetrock.
Chrysosporium spp - Widespread, common in the
soil and on plants. Rare agents of onychomycosis, skin lesions,
endocarditis, and uncommon agents of the pulmonary mycosis adiaspiromycosis.
No toxic diseases have been documented to date.
Cladosporium sp. (Hormodendrum sp.) - Aw (water
activity) in the range of 0.84 to 0.88. Most commonly identified
outdoor fungus. The outdoor numbers are reduced in the winter.
The numbers are often high in the summer. Often found indoors
in numbers less than outdoor numbers. It is a common allergen.
Indoor Cladosporium sp. may be different than the species identified
outdoors. It is commonly found on the surface of fiberglass duct
liner in the interior of supply ducts. A wide variety of plants
are food sources for this fungus. It is found on dead plants,
woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint and textiles. It can cause
mycosis. Produces greater than 10 antigens. Antigens in commercial
extracts are of variable quality and may degrade within weeks
of preparation. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type
hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms,
chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.
Curvularia sp. - Reported to be allergenic. It
may cause corneal infections, mycetoma and infections in immune
compromised hosts.
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Dreschlera sp - Conidia (spores)
dimensions 40-120 x 17-28 microns. Found on grasses, grains and
decaying food. It can occasionally cause a corneal infection of
the eye.
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Epicoccum sp. - Conidia (spores)
dimensions 15-25 microns. A common allergen. It is found in plants,
soil, grains, textiles, and paper products.
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Fusarium sp - Aw (water activity)
0.90. A common soil fungus. It is found on a wide range of plants.
It is often found in humidifiers. Several species in this genus
can produce potent trichothecene toxins (5, 27). The trichothecene
(scirpene) toxin targets the following systems: circulatory, alimentary,
skin, and nervous. Produces vomitoxin on grains during unusually
damp growing conditions. Symptoms may occur either through ingestion
of contaminated grains or possibly inhalation of spores. The genera
can produce hemorrhagic syndrome in humans (alimentary toxic aleukia).
This is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis,
and extensive internal bleeding. Reported to be allergenic. Frequently
involved in eye, skin and nail infections.
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Geotrichum sp. - Aw (water activity)
0.90. Conidia (spores) dimensions 6-12 x 3-6 microns. Aw (water
activity) 0.90. A common contaminant of grains, fruits, dairy
products, paper, textiles, soil and water, and often present as
part of the normal human flora. The species Geotrichum candidum
can cause a secondary infection (geotrichosis) in association
with tuberculosis. This rare disease can cause lesions of the
skin, bronchi, mouth, lung, and intestine.
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Mucor sp. - Often found in soil,
dead plant material, horse dung, fruits, and fruit juice. It is
also found in leather, meat, dairy products, animal hair, and
jute. A Zygomycetes fungus which may be allergenic (skin and bronchial
tests) (7, 17). This organism and other Zygomycetes will grow
rapidly on most fungal media. May cause mucorosis in immune compromised
individuals. The sites of infection are the lung, nasal sinus,
brain, eye, and skin. Infection may have multiple sites.
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Nigrospora sp - Reported to be
allergenic.
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Paecilomyces sp - Commonly found
in soil and dust, less frequently in air. P. variotii can cause
paecilomycosis. Linked to wood-trimmers disease and humidifier
associated illnesses. They are reported to allergenic. Some members
of this genus are reported to cause pneumonia. It may produce
arsine gas if growing on arsenic substrate. This can occur on
wallpapers covered with paris green.
Papulospora sp. - This fungi is found in soil,
textiles, decaying plants, manure, and paper.
Penicillium sp - Aw (water activity) 0.78 - 0.88.
A wide number of organisms have placed in this genera. Identification
to species is difficult. Often found in aerosol samples. Commonly
found in soil, food, cellulose, and grains (17, 5). It is also
found in paint and compost piles. It may cause hypersensitivity
pneumonitis and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals.
It is reported to be allergenic (skin) (7, 17). It is commonly
found in carpet, wallpaper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation
(NC). Some species can produce mycotoxins. Common cause of extrinsic
asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms
include edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary
emphysema.
Periconia sp - No information available, more
to come.
Phoma sp. - A common indoor air allergen. It
is similar to the early stages of growth of Chaetomium sp. The
species are isolated from soil and associated plants (particularly
potatoes). Produces pink and purple spots on painted walls (3,
17). It may have antigens which cross-react with those of Alternaria
sp. It will grow on butter, paint, cement, and rubber. It may
cause phaeohyphomycosis, a systematic or subcutaneous disease.
Pithomyces sp. - Grows on dead grass in pastures.
Causes facial eczema in ruminants.
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Rhizomucor sp. - The Zygomycetous
fungus is reported to be allergenic. It may cause mucorosis in
immune compromised individuals. It occupies a biological niche
similar to Mucor sp. It is often linked to occupational allergy.
The sites of infection are the lung, nasal sinus, brain, eye,
and skin. Infection may have multiple sites.
Rhizopus sp - The Zygomycetous fungus is reported
to be allergenic. It may cause mucorosis in immune compromised
individuals. It occupies a biological niche similar to Mucor sp.
It is often linked to occupational allergy. The sites of infection
are the lung, nasal sinus, brain, eye, and skin. Infection may
have multiple sites.
Rhodotorula sp - A reddish yeast typically found
in moist environments such as carpeting, cooling coils, and drain
pans. In some countries it is the most common yeast genus identified
in indoor air. This yeast has been reported to be allergenic.
Positive skin tests have been reported. It has colonized in terminally
ill patients.
Sporotrichum sp - Reported to be allergenic. See also Sporothrix
sp. as there is some taxonomic confusion between these two genera.
This genera does not cause sporotrichosis.
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Stachybotrys sp. - Aw (water
activity) - 0.94, optimum Aw (water activity) - >0.98. Several
strains of this fungus (S. atra, S. chartarum and S. alternans
are synonymous) may produce a trichothecene mycotoxin- Satratoxin
H - which is poisonous by inhalation. The toxins are present on
the fungal spores. This is a slow growing fungus on media. It
does not compete well with other rapidly growing fungi. The dark
colored fungi grows on building material with a high cellulose
content and a low nitrogen content. Areas with relative humidity
above 55% and are subject to temperature fluctuations are ideal
for toxin production. Individuals with chronic exposure to the
toxin produced by this fungus reported cold and flu symptoms,
sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent
local hair loss, and generalized malaise. The toxins produced
by this fungus will suppress the immune system affecting the lymphoid
tissue and the bone marrow. Animals injected with the toxin from
this fungus exhibited the following symptoms: necrosis and hemorrhage
within the brain, thymus, spleen, intestine, lung, heart, lymph
node, liver, and kidney. The mycotoxin is also reported to be
a liver and kidney carcinogen. Affects by absorption of the toxin
in the human lung are known as pneumomycosis. This organism is
rarely found in outdoor samples. It is usually difficult to find
in indoor air samples unless it is physically disturbed. The spores
are in a gelatinous mass. Appropriate media for the growth of
this organism will have a high cellulose content and a low nitrogen
content. The spores will die readily after release. The dead spores
are still allergenic and toxigenic. Percutaneous absorption has
caused mild symptoms.
Stemphylium sp. - Reported to be allergenic.
Isolated from dead plants and cellulose materials.
Syncephalastrum sp. - Can cause a respiratory
infection characterized by a solid fungal ball.
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Trichoderma sp - It is commonly
found in soil, dead trees, pine needles, paper, and unglazed ceramics.
It often will grow on other fungi. It produces antibiotics which
are toxic to humans. It has been reported to be allergenic (7,
17). It readily degrades cellulose.
Trichophyton sp - Can cause ring worm, athlete's
foot, skin, nail, beard, and scalp (5, 6). Reported to be allergenic.
Found on soil and skin.
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Ulocladium sp - Has an Aw (water
activity) of 0.89. Isolated from dead plants and cellulose materials.
Found on textiles.
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Verticillium sp - Conidia (spores)
dimensions 2.3-10 x 1-2.6 microns. Found in decaying vegetation,
on straw, soil, and arthropods. A rare cause of corneal infections.
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Wallemia sp - Has an Aw (water
activity) of 0.75. Conidia (spores) dimensions 2.5-3.5 microns.
Found in sugary foods, salted meats, dairy products, textiles,
soil, hay, and fruits.
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Yeast - Various yeasts are commonly
identified on air samples. Some yeasts are reported to be allergenic.
They may cause problems if a person has had previous exposure
and developed hypersensitivity. Yeasts may be allergenic to susceptible
individuals when present in sufficient concentrations.
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This
site represents an opinion only. Inspect net, Inc. does not make
claims to be an expert in any part of environmental inspections,
sampling, and or diagnoses and does not suggest that this page
should be the final guide to environmental issues. In every event
it is highly recommended that further evaluation by certified
Micro Biologist or mycologist and or contact EPA (Environmental
Protection Agency) for actual official recommendations.
