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Greg Liebig, CIAQT
Certified Home Inspector
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
WI License #1955-106
Certified Home Inspector
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
WI License #1955-106
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
patients, as well as, agents of bovine mycotic abortions, and feline subcutaneous abscesses.
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, suggesting 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.
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.
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.
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.
Epicoccum sp. - Conidia (spores) dimensions 15-25 microns. A common allergen. It is found
in plants, soil, grains, textiles, and paper products.
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.
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.
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.
Nigrospora sp - Reported to be allergenic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ulocladium sp - Has an Aw (water activity) of 0.89. Isolated from dead plants and cellulose
materials. Found on textiles.
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.
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
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.
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
patients, as well as, agents of bovine mycotic abortions, and feline subcutaneous abscesses.
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, suggesting 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.
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.
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.
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.
Epicoccum sp. - Conidia (spores) dimensions 15-25 microns. A common allergen. It is found
in plants, soil, grains, textiles, and paper products.
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.
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.
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.
Nigrospora sp - Reported to be allergenic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ulocladium sp - Has an Aw (water activity) of 0.89. Isolated from dead plants and cellulose
materials. Found on textiles.
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.
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
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.
| Updated: 1/21/08 |
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