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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ's
General Questions
General Questions
Mold & Health Questions
Mold & Health Questions
Black Mold & Toxic Mold
Black Mold & Toxic Mold
Mold Qs
Mold Questions
Mold Inspection Questions
Mold Inspection Qs
ERMI Inspection Questions
ERMI Inspection Qs
Allergen Inspection Questions
Allergen Inspection Qs
Water Test Questions
Water Test Questions
Infrared Themography Qs
Infrared Thermography Questions
MOLD GLOSSARY
Molds species are simple, microscopic organisms that can grow virtually anywhere, both inside buildings and outdoors. Mold colonies can grow inside damp or wet building structures and are a common component of household and workplace dust.
Health effects from exposure to mold can vary greatly depending on the person and the amount and type of mold present, some toxic and some allergenic.
Regardless of the type of mold, it should be treated as potentially a health hazard and should be removed from homes and workplaces.
As there are thousands of species this cannot be a conclusive list, however, we are listing the most common spores found indoors in the Central Florida area.
Mold Glossary
Agrocybe/Coprinus
Agrocybe and Coprinus are types of basidiospores. Basidiomycete is one of the major classes of fungal organisms. This class contains the mushrooms, shelf fungi, and a variety of other macrofungi. They are saprophytes, ectomycorrhizal fungi or agents of wood rot, which may destroy the structure wood of buildings. 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. The release of basidiospores is dependant upon moisture, and they are dispersed by wind.
Alternaria
With about 50 known species, Alternaria molds are extremely common and widespread. The spores are found in high concentrations during dry, windy conditions, which make them extremely airborne. As such, susceptible individuals can develop allergies upon exposure to the mold spores.
Alternaria is a plant pathogen, and some species are also parasitic on living plants. In fact, statistics show that at least 20% of lost agricultural yields are due to various Alternaria species, and sometimes, these losses can reach up to 80%.
Many species of Alternaria have been known to cause health problems in humans. They produce mycotoxins that affect the respiratory system, skin and nails. Other species are common allergens that may lead to asthma, hay fever, etc., but they rarely cause serious infections. They are of particular risk to immuno-suppressed and wounded individuals.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Commonly recognized.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Woodworker's lung, Apple store hypersensitivity.
May cross react with Ulocladium, Stemphylium, Phoma, others.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Nasal lesions, subcutaneous lesions, nail infections; the majority of infections reported from persons with underlying disease or in those taking immunosuppressive drugs. Most species of Alternaria do not grow at 37°C.
Potential Toxin Production
A. alternata produces the antifungal alternariol. Other metabolites include AME (alternariol monomethylether), tenuazonic acid, and altertoxins (mutagenic).
Alternaria is a plant pathogen, and some species are also parasitic on living plants. In fact, statistics show that at least 20% of lost agricultural yields are due to various Alternaria species, and sometimes, these losses can reach up to 80%.
Many species of Alternaria have been known to cause health problems in humans. They produce mycotoxins that affect the respiratory system, skin and nails. Other species are common allergens that may lead to asthma, hay fever, etc., but they rarely cause serious infections. They are of particular risk to immuno-suppressed and wounded individuals.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Commonly recognized.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Woodworker's lung, Apple store hypersensitivity.
May cross react with Ulocladium, Stemphylium, Phoma, others.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Nasal lesions, subcutaneous lesions, nail infections; the majority of infections reported from persons with underlying disease or in those taking immunosuppressive drugs. Most species of Alternaria do not grow at 37°C.
Potential Toxin Production
A. alternata produces the antifungal alternariol. Other metabolites include AME (alternariol monomethylether), tenuazonic acid, and altertoxins (mutagenic).
Arthrinium
Widespread saprophyte on dead plant material, soil, and particularly swampy grasses. Isolated from air near grassy areas in the fall.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
One species, Arthrinium sphaerospermum, reported as an allergen.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Not known.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
One species, Arthrinium sphaerospermum, reported as an allergen.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Not known.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known
Aspergillus Penicillium
A genus of fungi containing over 180 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, and feed products in tropical and subtropical regions. Some species are xerophilic. Some species are parasitic on insects, plants and animals, including man. Some species are reported mycotoxin producers. Both Penicillium and Aspergillus spores share similar morphology on non-viable analysis and therefore are lumped together into the same group. Only through the visualization of reproductive structures can the genera be distinguished.These spores are easily aerosolized. Only through the visualization of reproductive structures can the genera be distinguished. Also included in this group are the spores of the genera Acremonium, Phialophora, Verticillium, Paecilomyces, etc. Small, round spores of this group lack the necessary distinguishing characteristics when seen on non-viable examination.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung, Malt worker's lung, Compost lung, Wood trimmer's disease, Straw hypersensitivity, Farmer's lung, Oat grain hypersensitivity, others.
Other: A. fumigatus: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), allergic fungal sinusitis.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Respiratory, invasive, cutaneous, ear, and corneal disease. Severe, invasive disease is usually associated with immunosuppressed hosts. Many species grow at 37°C (body temperature).
A. fumigatus: fungus ball and invasive disease.
A. flavus: nasal sinus lesions, invasive disease.
A. niger: "Swimmer's ear," and invasive disease.
Potential Toxin Production
Partial list:
A. flavus: aflatoxin B1 & B2, cyclopiazonic acid, kojic acid
A. fumigatus: ergot alkaloids, fumigaclavines, gliotoxin, fumigatoxin, fumigillin, fumitremorgens, helvolic acid, tryptoquivaline tremorgens, verruculogen.
A. niger: malformin C, oxalic acid.
A. ustus: austocystins.
A. versicolor: aspercolorin, averufin, cyclopiazonic acid, sterigmatocystin, versicolorin.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung, Malt worker's lung, Compost lung, Wood trimmer's disease, Straw hypersensitivity, Farmer's lung, Oat grain hypersensitivity, others.
Other: A. fumigatus: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), allergic fungal sinusitis.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Respiratory, invasive, cutaneous, ear, and corneal disease. Severe, invasive disease is usually associated with immunosuppressed hosts. Many species grow at 37°C (body temperature).
A. fumigatus: fungus ball and invasive disease.
A. flavus: nasal sinus lesions, invasive disease.
A. niger: "Swimmer's ear," and invasive disease.
Potential Toxin Production
Partial list:
A. flavus: aflatoxin B1 & B2, cyclopiazonic acid, kojic acid
A. fumigatus: ergot alkaloids, fumigaclavines, gliotoxin, fumigatoxin, fumigillin, fumitremorgens, helvolic acid, tryptoquivaline tremorgens, verruculogen.
A. niger: malformin C, oxalic acid.
A. ustus: austocystins.
A. versicolor: aspercolorin, averufin, cyclopiazonic acid, sterigmatocystin, versicolorin.
Ascospores
From the fungal Subphylum Ascomycotina. Ascospores are ubiquitous in nature and are commonly found in the outdoor environment. This class contains the "sac fungi" and yeasts. Some ascospores can be identified by spore morphology, however; some care should be excercised with regard to specific identification. They are identified on tape lifts and non-viable analysis by the fact that they have no attachment scars and are sometimes enclosed in sheaths with or without sacs. Ascomycetes may develop both sexual and asexual stages. Rain and high humidity may help asci to release, and dispurse ascospores, which is why during these weather conditions there is a great increase in counts.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Highly variable, dependent on genus and species. Poorly studied.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Dependent on genus and species, but the vast majority do not cause disease.
Potential Toxin Production
Very many, dependent on genus and species.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Highly variable, dependent on genus and species. Poorly studied.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Dependent on genus and species, but the vast majority do not cause disease.
Potential Toxin Production
Very many, dependent on genus and species.
Basidiospores
From the Subphylum Basidiomycotina which contains the mushrooms, shelf fungi, and a variety of other macrofungi. They are saprophytes, ectomycorrhizal fungi or agents of wood rot, which may destroy the structure wood of buildings. 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. The release of basidiospores is dependant upon moisture, and they are dispersed by wind.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Probably common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Lycoperdonosis (puffball spores), Mushroom culture hypersensitivity.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Asexual forms may cause rare opportunistic infections.
The yeast Cryptococcus neoformans is a basidiomycete.
Potential Toxin Production
Mushroom toxicosis (poisoning) is usually a result of ingestion of the following toxins: amanitins, monomethyl-hydrazine, muscarine, ibotenic acid, psilocybin
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Probably common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Lycoperdonosis (puffball spores), Mushroom culture hypersensitivity.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Asexual forms may cause rare opportunistic infections.
The yeast Cryptococcus neoformans is a basidiomycete.
Potential Toxin Production
Mushroom toxicosis (poisoning) is usually a result of ingestion of the following toxins: amanitins, monomethyl-hydrazine, muscarine, ibotenic acid, psilocybin
Bipolaris
Found on grasses, grains, various plants, and decaying food. May grow in semi-dry environments. Some species are found in indoor environments. Because of the microscopic similarities between the two genera, they are grouped together on a non-viable analysis.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Other: Most commonly reported cause of allergic fungal sinusitis.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Occasionally a cause of phaeohyphomycosis, including keratitis, sinusitis, and osteomyelitis. These infections most often occur in immunocompromised persons, although infections also occur in normal hosts. One case of brain abscess reported in an immunocompromised patient.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Other: Most commonly reported cause of allergic fungal sinusitis.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Occasionally a cause of phaeohyphomycosis, including keratitis, sinusitis, and osteomyelitis. These infections most often occur in immunocompromised persons, although infections also occur in normal hosts. One case of brain abscess reported in an immunocompromised patient.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known.
Botrytis
Very common. It is parasitic on over 200 plants, vegetables, and soft fruits causing gray mold, but may also be found in soil. Is commonly found in tropical and temperate climates growing on vegetative matter or as a plant parasite.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Winegrower's lung.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Very rare agent of keratomycosis. No recorded human cases of infection.
Potential Toxin Production
None known.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Winegrower's lung.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Very rare agent of keratomycosis. No recorded human cases of infection.
Potential Toxin Production
None known.
Chaetomium
It is considered part of the ascomycete group because its spores are released from a sac called an ascus. 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. Several species have been reported to play a major role in decomposition of cellulose made materials. These fungi are able to dissolve the cellulose fibers in cotton and paper, and thus cause these materials to disintegrate. The process is especially rapid under moist conditions.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Not well studied.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Uncommon agent of onychomycosis (nail infection).
Potential Toxin Production
Chaetomin. Chaetomium globosum produces chaetoglobosins. Sterigmatocystin is produced by rare species. Other compounds produced (which may not be mycotoxins in the strict sense) include a variety of mutagens.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Not well studied.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Uncommon agent of onychomycosis (nail infection).
Potential Toxin Production
Chaetomin. Chaetomium globosum produces chaetoglobosins. Sterigmatocystin is produced by rare species. Other compounds produced (which may not be mycotoxins in the strict sense) include a variety of mutagens.
Cladosporium
The most commonly identified outdoor fungus. The outdoor numbers are reduced in the winter and are often high in the summer. Often found indoors in numbers less than outdoor numbers. 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. Often found in dirty refrigerators and especially in reservoirs where condensation is collected, on moist window frames it can easily be seen covering the whole painted area with a velvety olive green layer.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common and important allergen.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Hot tub lung, Moldy wall hypersensitivity.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Generally, non-pathogenic. One species, Cladosporium carrionii, is an agent of chromoblastomycosis in subtropical and tropical regions (grows at 35-37°C).
Potential Toxin Production
Cladosporin, emodin.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common and important allergen.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Hot tub lung, Moldy wall hypersensitivity.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Generally, non-pathogenic. One species, Cladosporium carrionii, is an agent of chromoblastomycosis in subtropical and tropical regions (grows at 35-37°C).
Potential Toxin Production
Cladosporin, emodin.
Curvularia
Curvularia is found on plant material and is considered a saprobe. It has also been isolated from dust samples and from wallpaper.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Other: A relatively common cause of allergic fungal sinusitis.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Occasionally a cause of onychomycosis, ocular keratitis, sinusitis, mycetoma, pneumonia, endocarditis, cerebral abscess, and disseminated infection. Most cases are from immunocompromised patients.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Other: A relatively common cause of allergic fungal sinusitis.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Occasionally a cause of onychomycosis, ocular keratitis, sinusitis, mycetoma, pneumonia, endocarditis, cerebral abscess, and disseminated infection. Most cases are from immunocompromised patients.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known.
Epicoccum
It is found in plants, soil, grains, textiles, and paper products. Frequently isolated from air and occasionally occurs in house dust. Is a saprophyte and considered a weakly parasitic secondary invader of plants, moldy paper and textiles. Epicoccum is usually isolated with either Cladosporium species or Aureobasidium species.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No cases of infection have been reported in humans or animals.
Potential Toxin Production
Antibiotic substances produced: flavipin, epicorazine A & B, indole-3-acetonitrile.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No cases of infection have been reported in humans or animals.
Potential Toxin Production
Antibiotic substances produced: flavipin, epicorazine A & B, indole-3-acetonitrile.
Fusarium
A common soil fungus. Fusarium is frequently isolated from plants and grains. It is often found in humidifiers and requires wet conditions to grow.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Causes keratitis, endophthalmitis, onychomycosis, mycetoma, and disseminated infection in immunocompromised patients; infections in burn victims, and systemic opportunistic infections in severely disabled hosts.
Potential Toxin Production
Trichothecenes (type B); T-2 toxin; zearalenone (F-2 toxin), vomitoxin, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisin. Zearalenone is not acutely toxic, and actually may have positive effects with controlled ingestion.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Causes keratitis, endophthalmitis, onychomycosis, mycetoma, and disseminated infection in immunocompromised patients; infections in burn victims, and systemic opportunistic infections in severely disabled hosts.
Potential Toxin Production
Trichothecenes (type B); T-2 toxin; zearalenone (F-2 toxin), vomitoxin, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisin. Zearalenone is not acutely toxic, and actually may have positive effects with controlled ingestion.
Ganoderma
Basidiospores of Ganoderma are common in the air outdoors. Some basidiospores can be identified by spore morphology; however, some care should be exercised with regard to specific identification. The release of basidiospores is dependant upon moisture, and they are dispersed by wind.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Probably common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Lycoperdonosis (puffball spores), Mushroom culture hypersensitivity.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Asexual forms may cause rare opportunistic infections.
The yeast Cryptococcus neoformans is a basidiomycete.
Potential Toxin Production
Mushroom toxicosis (poisoning) is usually a result of ingestion of the following toxins: amanitins, monomethyl-hydrazine, muscarine, ibotenic acid, psilocybin
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Probably common.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Lycoperdonosis (puffball spores), Mushroom culture hypersensitivity.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Asexual forms may cause rare opportunistic infections.
The yeast Cryptococcus neoformans is a basidiomycete.
Potential Toxin Production
Mushroom toxicosis (poisoning) is usually a result of ingestion of the following toxins: amanitins, monomethyl-hydrazine, muscarine, ibotenic acid, psilocybin
Memnoniella
Cellulolytic fungus very closely related to Stachybotrys. Both fungi have a worldwide distribution and often found together, and commonly found in soil. The major difference between the two fungi is that the conidia for Memnoniella are in long persistent chains (aggregated in slimy heads in Stachybotrys). Also the aerodynamic diameter of Memnoniella is smaller and it would be expected to have an even greater potential to penetrate deep into lungs than the conidia of Stachybotrys.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Not studied.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Not known.
Potential Toxin Production
Trichothecenes (trichodermol and trichodermin) and griseofulvins. Trichothecene toxicity is due to the ability to bind ribosomal protein. Griseofulvin has been made commercially available as an anti-dermatophyte drug.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Not studied.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Not known.
Potential Toxin Production
Trichothecenes (trichodermol and trichodermin) and griseofulvins. Trichothecene toxicity is due to the ability to bind ribosomal protein. Griseofulvin has been made commercially available as an anti-dermatophyte drug.
Monodictys
Some species of Monodictys are associated with rotten wood and decaying plant matter.
Monodictys is a genus of mold that is assigned to the form classification (i.e. based on morphology) of “hyphomycetes”. Hyphomycetes molds lack a closed fruiting body and are anamorphic (having an asexual reproductive stage).
Monodictys sp. are dematiaceous, a term that refers to its colonies’ dark appearance that results from the melanization of its cell walls. Colonies appear dark gray, brown, or black. Even the mycelium of this mold has a dark yellow or brown color. [1]
As of this writing, this genus of mold is not known to be listed in clinical medical references.
In nature, Monodictys sp. are found on twigs, apple trees, oak, seeds, other plants and plant matter (either alive or dead), dung, bones, and soil composites. They are often found growing with the aleuriosporous (i.e. its spores are releasing) form of the fungus Neta quadriguttata.
Also of interest is one species that is lichenicolous (Monodictys anaptychia) [2], meaning it is a parasitic fungus that only lives on lichen as the host.
In the indoor environment, Monodictys sp. have been identified on paper, cloth, and water-damaged wood, so home and building furnishings and some structural components can be at risk when wet or when the indoor humidity is too high.
Monodictys is a genus of mold that is assigned to the form classification (i.e. based on morphology) of “hyphomycetes”. Hyphomycetes molds lack a closed fruiting body and are anamorphic (having an asexual reproductive stage).
Monodictys sp. are dematiaceous, a term that refers to its colonies’ dark appearance that results from the melanization of its cell walls. Colonies appear dark gray, brown, or black. Even the mycelium of this mold has a dark yellow or brown color. [1]
As of this writing, this genus of mold is not known to be listed in clinical medical references.
In nature, Monodictys sp. are found on twigs, apple trees, oak, seeds, other plants and plant matter (either alive or dead), dung, bones, and soil composites. They are often found growing with the aleuriosporous (i.e. its spores are releasing) form of the fungus Neta quadriguttata.
Also of interest is one species that is lichenicolous (Monodictys anaptychia) [2], meaning it is a parasitic fungus that only lives on lichen as the host.
In the indoor environment, Monodictys sp. have been identified on paper, cloth, and water-damaged wood, so home and building furnishings and some structural components can be at risk when wet or when the indoor humidity is too high.
Myxomycetes
Ubiquitous in nature. Myxomycetes are parasitic plant pathogens, often found on decaying plant material, however occasionally found indoors. Dispersed by wind in the dry phase, while the wet amoebic phase is motile. Myxomycetes exhibit characteristics of protozoans and fungi.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
(Lycogala used in one skin test survey.)
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No reports of human infection.
Potential Toxin Production
None.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
(Lycogala used in one skin test survey.)
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No reports of human infection.
Potential Toxin Production
None.
Nigrospora.
Has been isolated from air and soil samples. Usually found in plant material as a saprobe.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Very rare report of human infection.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Very rare report of human infection.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known.
Paecilomyces
Paecilomyces is commonly found in soil and dust, less frequently in air.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Although Paecilomyces grows at 37°C, human disease is relatively rare. Mycotic keratitis in conjunction with corneal implants, nosocomial infections, endocarditis, infections in immunocompromised patients are reported.
Potential Toxin Production
Paecilotoxins, byssochlamic acid, variotin, ferrirubin, viriditoxin, indole-3-acetic acid, fusigen and patulin.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Although Paecilomyces grows at 37°C, human disease is relatively rare. Mycotic keratitis in conjunction with corneal implants, nosocomial infections, endocarditis, infections in immunocompromised patients are reported.
Potential Toxin Production
Paecilotoxins, byssochlamic acid, variotin, ferrirubin, viriditoxin, indole-3-acetic acid, fusigen and patulin.
Pithomyces
Grows on dead grass in pastures and decaying plant material.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Not studied.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No reports of infections.
Potential Toxin Production
Sporidesmin.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Not studied.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No reports of infections.
Potential Toxin Production
Sporidesmin.
Scopulariopsis
Ubiquitous soil organism that can be found on a wide variety of materials including old carpets and water damaged materials such as drywall and wallpaper. It has also been isolated from dust.
Scopulariopsis is a large genus comprising mainly soil species. Species are frequently isolated from food and building materials such as drywall paper and wood. This fungus has relatively high water activity similar to Stachybotrys. Very little is known about the health effects of this fungus. Certain species may be involved in human onychomycoses or pulmonary mycoses. Scopulariopsis has been recovered from culturable air, spore trap, and dust samples. Its Teleomorph, Microascus, has also been recovered from indoor building material.
Scopulariopsis is a large genus comprising mainly soil species. Species are frequently isolated from food and building materials such as drywall paper and wood. This fungus has relatively high water activity similar to Stachybotrys. Very little is known about the health effects of this fungus. Certain species may be involved in human onychomycoses or pulmonary mycoses. Scopulariopsis has been recovered from culturable air, spore trap, and dust samples. Its Teleomorph, Microascus, has also been recovered from indoor building material.
Stachybotrys
Common name is also black mold.
This organism is rarely found in outdoor samples. Grows well on wet media, preferably containing cellulose. It proliferates in the indoor environment with long term water damage, growing on wallpaper, gypsum board, and textiles. As a general rule, air cultures for Stachybotrys yields unpredictable results, mainly due to the fact that this fungus is usually accompanied by other fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium that normally are better aerosolized than Stachybotrys. This is a slow growing fungus on media. It does not compete well with other rapidly growing fungi. The black fungi grow on building material with high cellulose content and low nitrogen content. Appropriate media for the growth of this organism will have high cellulose content and low nitrogen content.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Not well studied.
Type I allergies reported.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No reports of human infection. (No species grow well at 37°C.)
Potential Toxin Production
Macrocyclic trichothecenes: verrucarin J, roridin E, satratoxin F, G & H, sporidesmin G, trichoverrol; cyclosporins, stachybotryolactone.
Stachybotrys mycotoxicosis: human toxicosis has been described; may be characterized by dermatitis, cough, rhinitis, itching or burning sensation in mouth, throat, nasal passages and eyes. The best described toxicoses are from domestic animals that have eaten contaminated hay and straw or inhaled infected material from contaminated bedding.
This organism is rarely found in outdoor samples. Grows well on wet media, preferably containing cellulose. It proliferates in the indoor environment with long term water damage, growing on wallpaper, gypsum board, and textiles. As a general rule, air cultures for Stachybotrys yields unpredictable results, mainly due to the fact that this fungus is usually accompanied by other fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium that normally are better aerosolized than Stachybotrys. This is a slow growing fungus on media. It does not compete well with other rapidly growing fungi. The black fungi grow on building material with high cellulose content and low nitrogen content. Appropriate media for the growth of this organism will have high cellulose content and low nitrogen content.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Not well studied.
Type I allergies reported.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No reports of human infection. (No species grow well at 37°C.)
Potential Toxin Production
Macrocyclic trichothecenes: verrucarin J, roridin E, satratoxin F, G & H, sporidesmin G, trichoverrol; cyclosporins, stachybotryolactone.
Stachybotrys mycotoxicosis: human toxicosis has been described; may be characterized by dermatitis, cough, rhinitis, itching or burning sensation in mouth, throat, nasal passages and eyes. The best described toxicoses are from domestic animals that have eaten contaminated hay and straw or inhaled infected material from contaminated bedding.
Torula
Torula is a saprophyte and therefore often found on plant material. It may be found on wood-containing products/materials.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No reports of human infection.
Potential Toxin Production
Torula herbarum was cytotoxic in screening tests performed by our laboratory. The nature of the toxin(s) is unknown.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
No reports of human infection.
Potential Toxin Production
Torula herbarum was cytotoxic in screening tests performed by our laboratory. The nature of the toxin(s) is unknown.
Ulocladium
Isolated from soil, dead plants and cellulose materials. Found on textiles. It can be found on many types of materials, but mostly found on decaying materials. Has a greater water activity need for growth and is therefore considered a water indicator organism.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Major.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Ulocladium cross-reacts with Alternaria, adding to the allergenic burden of Alternaria-sensitive patients.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Rare subcutaneous tissue infection.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known.
Potential Health Effects
Allergens
Major.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Ulocladium cross-reacts with Alternaria, adding to the allergenic burden of Alternaria-sensitive patients.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Rare subcutaneous tissue infection.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known.
Zygomycete
A class of fungi in the Phylum Zygomycota. Rhizopus and Mucor are the two most common genera in this group. Most spores are similar in appearance; therefore, structures are necessary for identification on direct identification samples.
Zygomycetes are one of the four major groups of fungi, the others being the Oomycetes, the Ascomycetes, and the Basidiomycetes. Zygomycetes are common, fast growing, and often overgrow and/or inhibit other fungi nearby. Rhizopus and Mucor are two of the most common Zygomycetes seen in the indoor environment. However, others are seen as well, including Syncephalastrum, Circinella, Mortierella, Mycotypha, Cunninghamella, and Choanephora. For further information, please see descriptions of these individual genera.
Zygomycetes are one of the four major groups of fungi, the others being the Oomycetes, the Ascomycetes, and the Basidiomycetes. Zygomycetes are common, fast growing, and often overgrow and/or inhibit other fungi nearby. Rhizopus and Mucor are two of the most common Zygomycetes seen in the indoor environment. However, others are seen as well, including Syncephalastrum, Circinella, Mortierella, Mycotypha, Cunninghamella, and Choanephora. For further information, please see descriptions of these individual genera.
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