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MICROBIAL GLOSSARY     

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 Absidia sp.(Ab-syd’-ee-uh)

An allergen, Absidia is commonly found in decaying plant debris, soils, foods, and can often cause food spoilage. The genus contains approximately 21 species, a common isolate being A. corymbifera (the only recognized pathogen of Absidia species). A. corymbifera is a principal cause of zygomycosis or mucormycosis. Zygomycosis can involve the rhino-facial-cranial area, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin, especially in the immunocompromised. The disease is associated with acidotic diabetes, malnourished children, severely burned patients, immunosuppressive therapy, use of cytotoxins and corticosteroids, and diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. These fungi show an inclination for vessel invasion resulting in embolism and subsequent necrosis. This fungus is a zygomycete and its identification is based on its asexual reproduction, which is similar to Rhizopus and Mucor. Morphological characteristics are the production of sporangiospores, which are diminutive, round, thick walled bodies resistant to heat and drought, causing the fungi to be thermophilic. They are produced in large numbers in globular envelopes (sporangia) at the tip of special hyphae (sporangiophores). Identification is based on the way the sporangia are formed. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 37°C, 7 – 10 days for A. corymbifera; most other Absibia sp. are unable to grow at 37°C, but do grow at 20 - 25°C.

 Acremonium sp. (Ack-ruh-moan’-ee-um) (Cephalosporium sp.)

Acremonium (a.k.a. Cephalosporium) is a common type I & III allergen. Naturally found in soils, decaying organic matter, and plant debris, it is also an agricultural contaminant. This genus can be parasitic or saprophytic to plants and other living fungi, and some species cause vascular wilts in trees. Acremonium is the asexual state of Emericellopsis, Chaetomium, and Nectripsis. It has been known to produce a toxin from the trichothecene group and may also give off an unpleasant odor due to the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This fungus is associated with occupant complaints such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Acremonium has been isolated from cases of mycetoma, onychomycosis, mycotic keratitis, infection of the cornea, and infections of artificial implants. Morphological characteristics are the production of conidiophores and long, slender phialides; conidia are hyaline, 1-celled, and are collected in a slime drop. Colonies grow fast and are compact and moist, becoming overgrown with loose, cottony hyphae which are white, gray or rose in color. Indoor growth requires extremely wet conditions, and does not grow very well at 37°C. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Alternaria sp. (All-tur-nair’-ee-uh)

Alternaria is a large and widespread genus, the conidia of which are easily carried by the wind, with peak concentrations in the summer and early fall. Alternaria is commonly found in house dust, carpets, textiles, on horizontal surfaces in building interiors, and window frames. It is one of the main fungal causes of allergy, being a common type I & III allergen. Outdoors, it may be isolated from samples of soil, seeds and plants, and is frequently reported in air. The large spore size suggests that this fungus will deposit in the nose, mouth and upper respiratory tract causing nasal septum infections. It has also been associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It is a common cause of extrinsic asthma. Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms; chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. Baker’s asthma is associated with inhalation of Alternaria conidia present in flour. Other diseases caused by Alternaria include: Farmer’s lung, mycotic keratitis, skin infections, and osteomyelitis. Also, the species A. alternata is capable of producing tenuazonic acid and other toxic metabolites that may be associated with disease in humans or animals. Several species are pathogenic to plants and contribute to the spoilage of agricultural products. Alternaria has been isolated from substrates such as sewage, leather, stone monuments, optical instruments, cosmetics, computer disks, and jet fuel. Morphological characteristics include abundant production of conidia that are large (18-83 x 7-18 microns) and multicellular with both transverse and longitudinal septa; conidiophores are dark, mostly simple. Colonies grow fast, are suede-like to floccose, and black to olivaceous-black or grayish in color. (Aw–0.85-0.89) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Amblyosporium sp. (Am-bly-oh-spor-ee-um)

Amblyosporium is a saprobe commonly found on decaying animals and feces because it grows well on ammonium and amino acids. It is considered a mitosporic (it lacks a known sexual state and belongs the Fungi Imperfecti) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (lives on the surface of the roots and forms a Hartig net). Amblyosporium has been isolated from Sitophilus oryzae L., an important insect pest of stored grain and processed foods. It has even been isolated from fabric. One species, A. botrytis forms effused orange-red tufts on decaying fungi. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Amerospores (Am-er-oh-spore)

Amerospores are small, round, non-septate asexual spores or spore-like particles, indistinguishable from each other at 600X magnification using light microscopy. They include Trichoderma and unchained spores of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Amerospores can also include Acremonium, Verticillium, Paecilomyces, Scytalidium, Cunninghamella, Monocillium, Gliocladium, and some yeasts.

 Anixiella sp. (An-ick-sella)

Anixiella is a synonym for the genus Gelasinospora, an ascomycete. Anixiella is a decomposer that thrives on feces or decaying plant material. It can be found even in artic regions. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Arthrinium sp. (Arth-rin-ee-um)

Arthrinium is a widespread saprobe. It is found on plants including sugarcane and especially swamp grasses & sedges. This genus is often isolated from air near grassy places in the autumn. Only one species is considered to be allergenic. There have been no reported cases of infections or toxin related diseases in humans or animals. Conidiophores are simple, mostly hyaline except for thick dark septa. Conidia are dark, 1-celled, broadly fusoid, ovoid with an equatorial germ slit, and are attached on the side and apex of conidiophore. They usually occur in grape-like masses on white wooly colonies. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Arthrobotrys sp.(Arth-roh-bot-rys)

Arthrobotrys is commonly found in soils and decaying plant debris. This fungus is capable of capturing nematodes (including those causing damage to agricultural crops) with a complex network of constricting rings and sticky loops. After the fungus has obtained sufficient nutrients from its prey it will reproduce by producing clusters of conidia at the tops of long conidiophores. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Arthrographis sp. (Arth-roh-graf-ys)

Arthrographis is a widespread allergen commonly found in soils, compost, and decaying plants. Only two species have been identified: A. cuboidea and A. kalrae. A. kalrae is a known causative agent of onychomycosis and has been recovered from the skin, nails, and respiratory secretions of patients with chronic pulmonary disease. The fungi’s growth is variable, but it has the ability to grow at 45°C, which is significant for its identification. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20 - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Ascospore (Ask-oh-spore)

Ascospores are a general category of spores that have been produced by means of sexual reproduction (in a sack-like structure called an ascus). These are ubiquitous saprobes and plant pathogens, many of which are easily identifiable (i.e. Chaetomium). This group contains potential opportunistic pathogens, toxin producers, and allergens depending on the genus and species. A rupture in the top portion of the ascus disperses the spores during rain or in times of high humidity. Some asexual fungi, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium can become sexual under specific conditions, these are then considered ascomycetes and are given distinct names.

 Aspergillus sp. (Ass-pur-jill-us)

Aspergillus is a common type I & III allergen. They are frequently isolated from forest products, soils, grains, nuts, cotton, organic debris, and water damaged building materials. Spores can also be found in moist ventilation systems and house dust. There are more than 160 different species of Aspergillus, sixteen of which have been documented as etiological agents of human disease but rarely occur in individuals with normally functioning immune systems. However, due to the substantial increase in populations of individuals with HIV, chemotherapy patients and those on corticosteroid treatment, contamination of building substrates with fungi, particularly Aspergillus is of concern. Aspergillosis is now the second most common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the United States. Many Aspergillus species produce mycotoxins that may be associated with diseases in humans and other animals. Toxin production is dependent on the species or strain within the species and on the food source for the fungus. Some of these toxins are carcinogenic including aflatoxins and ochratoxin. Aspergillus is a common cause of extrinsic asthma with symptoms including edema and bronchiospasms, and chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. These fungi are frequently secondary opportunistic pathogens in patients with bronchiectasis, carcinoma, other mycosis, sarcoid, and tuberculosis. Some species can also cause onychomycosis (infection of the nail). (Aw – 0.71 – 0.94). Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days. Speciation of Aspergillus requires the culture of the fungus under different conditions of media, humidity, and temperature.

 Aspergillus flavus (Ass-pur-jill-us flay-vus)

Aspergillus flavus is a widespread saprobe found outdoors in soil, seeds, dry fruits, and on decaying plants. It is also found indoors on water damaged carpets and building materials. A. flavus has been reported to be allergenic and its presence is associated with asthma. This fungus is also associated with aspergillosis of the lungs and/or disseminated aspergillosis, as well as ear and eye infections. Occasionally, infections of lung, heart, and bladder have been reported. Some strains are capable of producing a group of mycotoxins in the aflatoxin group. Aflatoxins are animal carcinogens and are toxic to humans if ingested, and if inhaled can inflict occupationally related diseases. Toxin production is dependent on the substrate and growth conditions. (Aw - 0.78) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C.

 Aspergillus fumigatus (Ass-pur-jill-us fume-uh-got’-us)

Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprobe with worldwide distribution. It is common in house dust, occurs in both outdoor and indoor air, in different types of soil, and on decaying plant material, compost, wood chips, bird feathers and droppings, and also hay and crops. It is also an important causal agent of systemic mycosis in domestic animals and in humans, especially the immunocompromised. Aspergillus fumigatus has also been reported to cause allergies, asthma, and rhinitis. This fungus produces a large number of mycotoxins and tremorgenic metabolites. It is an important human pathogen, being the most common cause of aspergillosis. A. fumigatus is a thermotolerant fungi and can grow at temperatures up to 50°C. This species is typically fast growing and is blue-green in color. (Aw-0.82 - >0.97) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25 or 37°C.

 Aspergillus niger (Ass-pur-jill-us nigh-jhur)

Aspergillus niger is the third most common Aspergillus species associated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. It is a very common environmental isolate found in a great variety of substrates including textiles, grains, fruits and vegetables, and soil. It is commonly associated with "fungus ball", a condition where the fungus actively grows in the human lung forming a ball, without invading lung tissue. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus have been reported to cause skin diseases and are a common cause of fungal related ear infections (otomycosis). Aspergillus niger generates many types of secondary metabolites including malformin C and some of the naptho-y-quinones. (Aw 0.77 - >0.97) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C.

 Aspergillus terreus (Ass-pur-jill-us tare-us)

Aspergillus terreus occurs in the tropics and subtropics with a worldwide distribution among soils, grains, straw, cotton, stored foods, and decaying vegetation, and has been isolated from air and house dust. Also found in patients with cystic fibrosis, this species has grown in the human ear causing otomycosis, and can damage human nails (onychomycosis) and skin. It can produce mycotoxins including itaconic acid, patulin, mevinolin, and citrinin, which may be associated with disease in humans and animals. Mevinolin has the ability to lower blood cholesterol in humans; the compound has been manufactured & approved for use by the USDA under the trade name Mevacor. (Aw-0.78) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C.

 Aspergillus versicolor (Ass-pur-jill-us ver-see-color)

Aspergillus versicolor can be found mostly in temperate areas in air, house dust, foods, soils, hay, cotton, and dairy products. Its presence in indoor air often indicates signs of moisture problems in buildings, as it is readily found in water damaged building materials. This species produces the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin, which is reported to be carcinogenic to the liver and kidney, and it can cause such symptoms as diarrhea and upset stomach. It also produces the volatile organic compound (VOC) geosmin, this compound causes irritation of the mucus membranes of humans and pets; also causing the characteristic musty, earthy odor often connected with moldy houses. A. versicolor may be in various colors, as the name implies, and is very common and displays great variety in colony pattern and size. (Aw-0.78) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C.

Aureobasidium sp. (Are-ee-oh-buh-syd’-ee-um)

Aureobasidium is a saprobe, or weak parasite, type I & III allergen, and common in a variety of soils outdoors. It is widespread in the indoor environment and is common in places that moisture accumulates like bathrooms, kitchens, shower curtains, tile grout, and windowsills. This genus has 14 species, A. pullulans being the most common. Indoors A. pullulans is often found as a black stain on damp materials in homes such as painted wood. This species has also been reported to cause chromoblastomycosis (in an immunocompromised patient), which is a chronic cutaneous infection of the skin. Morphology is characterized by producing black, shiny colonies. This fungus produces abundant spores, that are 1-celled, ovoid, and 5-7 microns in size. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Basidiospore (Buh-cyd-ee-oh-spore)

Basidiospores are a general category of sexual spores that have been released from the basidium of a fungus. A ubiquitous type I & III allergen, saprobe and plant pathogen, mainly found in gardens, forests, and woodlands. Spores disseminate during rain or in times of high humidity. Rarely opportunistic pathogens, Basidiospores may produce toxins, including amanitins, monomethyl-hydrazine, muscarine, ibotenic acid, and psilocybin. Basidiospores are an agent of dry wood rot, which may destroy the structure wood of buildings.

 Basipetospora (Base-uh-pet-oh-spora)

Basipetospora is the anamorphic state of the genus Monascus. It is a widespread saprobe found on substrates with high water tension, such as dried foods. Monascus is a yeast known as the “red yeast rice”. It contains Mavinolins, which includes Monacolin-K, this is found on M. ruber or B. ruber. This species contains the highest natural Monacolin-K, therefore known as Ruby Monascus. (Aw - 0.75 - 0.78) Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days

 Beauveria sp. (Boh-ver-ee-ah)

Beauveria is a type I allergen and saprobe reported as mainly an aggressive parasite of insects (may attack at larval or adult stages), and was first recognized as the agent of muscardine disease of the silkworm. B. bassiana is the best known member of this genus and is under research for biocontrol of insects. It is also a rare human pathogen, associated with keratitis and pneumonia in the immunocompromised. B. alba commonly occurs in indoor environments and appears to be less strongly associated with insects. Beauveria is commonly found in plant debris, soils, dung, and foods. Mycelium is white or slightly colored with a white fluffy to powdery appearance; conidiophores are single or irregularly grouped; conidia are hyaline, rounded to ovoid, 1-celled, dry and borne along a thin filament. The conidia are produced on short spikes or denticles, giving the conidiogenous cells a spiny appearance. Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Beltrania (Bell-tran-ee-ah)

Beltrania is a mitosporic fungus that is very widespread and commonly found in dead leaves and plant debris in subtropical to tropical areas. It is known as an ascomycete, which is one of the major classes of fungal organisms. This class contains the "sac fungi" and the yeasts. Many are reported to be allergenic. Note: see Ascospore. Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days. 

Bipolaris sp. (By-pole-air’-us)

Bipolaris is a plant parasite mostly on subtropical and tropical plants, particularly to Graminae. Some species are pathogenic to grasses and animals such as the dog, and may cause nasal mycotic granuloma in cattle. This fungus can grow in semi-dry environments. Bipolaris is commonly found in dead or dying plant debris, soils, and grasses. It has been reported to produce the mycotoxin, sterigmatocystin that has been shown to cause liver and kidney damage when ingested by laboratory animals. This fungus is associated with phaeohyphomycosis, a disease consisting of a group of mycotic infections characterized by the presence of demataceous septate hyphae. Infections of the eyes and skin by black fungi could also be classified as phaeohyphomycosis. This fungus causes allergic fungal sinusitis, characterized by the presence of Bipolaris in the sinuses. In certain people with severe allergies, the large spores of this fungus can travel to the sinuses or upper respiratory tract, where they attach to the mucus and grow; producing an unrelenting allergic reaction that progressively and permanently damages the sinuses. Morphological characteristics of this genus are the production of brown conidia that are multi-celled, elliptical, straight or curved. Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20 - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Bispora (By-spore-uh)

Bispora is a widespread mitosporic fungus. It has been isolated from dead wood in temperate areas in the northern hemisphere. Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20 - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Blastomyces (Blast-oh-mice-ees)

Blastomyces is a thermally dimorphic fungus, and is rarely isolated from the environment but has been found in acidic, organic soil around waterways and beaver dams. The species B. dermatitidis can cause blastomycosis (Chicago disease, Gilchrist’s disease, North American Blastomycosis). Blastomycosis is generally acquired by inhalation and initially presents with a respiratory infection, which may spread and cause disease to other organs and systems such as the central nervous system (CNS), eyes, skin, sinuses, tongue, reproductive tract, gastrointestinal tract, liver, spleen, and bones. This is a very serious disease that can be fatal, and a compromised immune system is the primary risk factor. This disease is most prevalent in males’ ages 40-60 years and in children. Blastomycosis can also infect dogs, which are infected by inhaling the infectious particles. There is no evidence of animal to human transmission. B. dermatitidis is found predominantly in the Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi river valleys. When grown at 25°C, Blastomyces is a filamentous fungus, and when grown at 37°C it has a yeast-like form. Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Sabouraud glucose agar, 20 - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Blastoschizomyces (Blast-oh-skiz-oh-mice-ees)

Blastoschizomyces has a single species, B. capitatus, which is a yeast commonly found in soils, beach sand, poultry feces, and wood pulp. As well as being a saprobe to the environment, it is found in the normal microbial flora of human skin, and digestive and respiratory tracts. An opportunistic fungi that is potentially pathogenic in cases of human immuno-supression. Disseminated infections of the lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, and brain may occur and are likely in neutropenic patients with leukemia or those undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Development of endocarditis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, encephalitis, urinary tract infection, mycetoma, and pneumothorax may result. Colonies grow rapidly and mature in about 5 days; the colony is yeast-like and becomes mold-like with age. B. capitatus may be wrongly identified as Trichosporon, Geotrichum candidum, or Candida krusei; but because of its ability to grow at 45°C, its resistance to cycloheximide and biochemical characteristics helps to accurately identify the species. Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Botryoderma (Boh-try-oh-derm-uh)

Botryoderma is a mitosporic hyphomycete fungus, which has been isolated from roots of fumigated and nonfumigated Douglas-fir stumps in Oregon. It has also been seen in South Africa and Brazil. Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Botryosporium (Boh-try-oh-spore-ee-um)

Botryosporium is a plant pathogen and resembles gray mold, and can often be found on greenhouse tomatoes, and has also been found in hydrilla and/or soil. Botryosporium has been detected in moldy buildings along with Acremonium, Oedocephalum, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys. A laboratory study shows hygrosporic growth in the human respiratory system. Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Botryotrichum (Boh-try-oh-trick-um)

Botryotrichum forms dense white colonies, and have been found in raw compost, plaster, wallpaper, and cellophane in sand. Some species have been found to be parasitic on nematode eggs. Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Botrytis sp.(Boh-try-tis)

Botrytis sp. is a Type I & III allergen, not a known toxin producer or opportunistic pathogen. Mostly reported to be found in tropical and temperate areas. This fungus is a parasite of plants, soft fruits and vegetables. The cause of leaf/root rot on fruits and vegetables such as, strawberries and onions. It is also known as "gray mold" or “noble rot” on wine grapes. Botrytis is known to cause allergies and induce asthma attacks, and is also a rare agent of keratomycosis. In some types of agricultural settings, such as greenhouses, the concentration of aerosolized spores may be greatly enhanced. Botrytis is also used in some types of wine production. Conidia are hyaline or gray in mass, 1-celled, ovoid, and 7-14 x 5-9 microns in size. (Aw – 0.93-0.95) Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

 Byssochlamys (By-so-clam-ys)

Byssochlamys is a widespread ascomycete fungus, and is also the anamorph of Paecilomyces. Byssochlamys is commonly found in soil, dust, canned or bottled fruit, barley grain, silage, and wood in temperate areas. This is an extremely thermo-tolerant (heat-resistant) fungus, and may cause spoilage in acidic foods, such as fruits. The optimal growth for this fungus is 30°-37°C, but may grow up to 98° – 100°C. Byssochlamys may also produce the mycotoxins, patulin and mannitol. The teleomorph form, Paecilomyces is the most commonly found in viable cultures, and also has ascospores that can survive in temperatures up to 80°C. (Aw - 0.84 - 0.92). Culture – Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Chaetomium sp.

Chaetomium sp. is found on a variety of substrates containing cellulose including paper and plant compost. 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 the materials to disintegrate. The process is especially rapid under moist conditions. During the Second World War countries lost a great deal of equipment to these species. It is reported to be allergenic, although recent research has indicted that it may be more toxic then Stachybotrus. It is an ascomycete, in most species, the spores are lemon-shaped, with a single germ pore. The spore column results from the breakdown of the asci within the body of the perithecium. The perithecia of Chaetomium are superficial and barrel-shaped, and they are clothed with dark, stiff hairs. It can produce an Acremonium-like state (imperfect stage) on fungal media. Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar, 24° to 26°C.

 Chrysosporium sp.

Chrysosporium sp. - This fungus is a saprophyte and is commonly found in soil, dung, plant debris, and seeds. Conidiophores poorly differentiated, mostly erect and branching irregularly, hyaline. Conidia are 1-celled, globose to pyriform, single or in short chains, and usually with a broad basal scar. Cultivation - Malt extract agar, 24° to 26°C.

 Cladosporium sp.

Cladosporium sp. - (Aw – 0.84 – 0.88). C. herbarum is the most frequently found species in outdoor air in temperate climates. It is often found indoors, usually in lesser numbers than outdoors. The dry conidia become easily airborne and are transported over long distances. This fungus is often encountered in dirty refrigerators, 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. Cladosporium often discolors interior paint, paper, or textiles stored under humid conditions. Houses with poor ventilation, houses with thatched straw roofs and houses situated in low damp environments may have heavy concentrations of Cladosporium, which will be easily expressed when domestic mold is analyzed. It is commonly found on the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts. It is also found on dead plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint, and textiles. The ability to sporulate heavily, ease of dispersal, and buoyant spores makes this fungus the most important fungal airway allergen; and together with Alternaria, it commonly causes asthma and hay fever in the Western hemisphere. A few species of this genus cause disease, which range from phaeohyphomycosis, a group of mycotic infections characterized by the presence of demataceous septate hyphae. Infections of the eyes and skin by black fungi (also classified as phaeohyphomycosis), and chromoblastomycosis, chronic localized infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that follows the traumatic implantation of the etiologic agent are also caused by this fungus. Chromoblastomycosis lesions are verrucoid, ulcerated, and crusted. Skin abscesses, mycotic keratitis and pulmonary fungus ball have been recorded in immuno- compromised patients. It may also cause corneal infections and mycetoma, characterized by localized infections that involve cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and bone consisting of abscesses, granulomata, and draining sinuses, usually in immuno-compromised hosts. Fungal colonies are powdery or velvety olive-green to olive-brown. Other characteristics include dark conidia 1- or 2-celled, variable in shape and size, ovoid to cylindrical and irregular, typically lemon-shaped. Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar, 24°C.

Cunninghamella sp.

Cunninghamella sp. Commonly found as saprophyte in soil. Can cause disseminated and pulmonary infections in immune compromised hosts. It is a zygomycete with zygospores being of the Mucor type. Asexually it produces extensive white mycelium, nonseptate, conidiophores (sporangiosphores) simple or branched, with enlarged tips bearing heads of conidia; conidia are colorless, 1-celled, globose, conidia may be spiny or smooth. Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar, 24°C.

 Curvularia sp.

Curvularia sp. - Reported to be allergenic. It may cause corneal infections, mycetoma and infections in immune compromised hosts. This fungus can be parasitic or saprophytic. Conidiophores brown, mostly simple, bearing conidia apically; dark conidia, end cells lighter, 3- to 5-celled, more or less fusiform, typically bent, with one of the central cells enlarged. Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar, 24°C.

 Epicoccum sp.

Epicoccum sp. - It is commonly found as a secondary invader in plants, soil, grains, textiles and paper products where Cladosporium and Aureobasidium are present. It is mostly saprophytic, or weakly parasitic. Epicoccum is frequently isolated from air and occasionally occurs in house dust. Reported to be an allergen but not in a high frequency. Due to the ability of this fungus to grow at 37°C, it can cause infection of skin in humans. Morphological characteristics are production of dark conidia, several-celled (15-celled), globose, verrucose, 15-25 microns in diameter, and in a fruiting body (sporodochium). Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar, 24°C.

 Fusarium sp.

Fusarium sp. - (Aw 0.90). Commonly found in soil, plants, grains, and often times it is found in humidifiers. This fungus is the most common cause of mycotic keratitis. This mold has been isolated from skin lesions on burn patients, nail infections, ear infections, varicose ulcer, mycetoma , osteomyelitis following trauma, and disseminated infection. This fungus produces very harmful toxins, especially in storage of infected. crops. These toxins, known as trichothecene (scierpene) toxins target the circulatory, alimentary, skin, and nervous systems. Fusarium can also produce 1). Vomotoxin on grains which has been associated with outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illness in humans. 2). T-2 Toxin and related trichothecenes are some of the deadliest known toxins. If ingested in sufficient quantity, T-2 toxin can severally damage the entire digestive tract and cause rapid death due to internal hemorrhage. 3). Fumosin, commonly found in corn and corn based products, with recently outbreaks of veterinary mycotoxicosis causing "crazy horse disease". 4). Zearalenone toxin which is similar in chemical structure to the female sex hormone estrogen and targets the reproductive organs. Morphological characteristics of this fungus include extensive cotton-like mycelium in culture, often with some tinge of pink, purple or yellow. Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar, 24°C.

 Geotrichum sp.

Geotrichum sp. This fungus is commonly found in dairy products and also in soils. This genus can sometimes be pathogenic to man. It is characterized by the formation of chains of colorless, slimy spores (conidia) through the fermentation of vegetative filaments. Some species of Geotrichum have strong odors.

 Gliocladium sp.

Gliocladium sp. This fungus occurs in soil or decaying plant matter as parasites of other fungi. Reported to be allergenic. Fungus that is structurally similar to Penicillium sp. but with conidia collecting in wet rather than dry masses. Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar, 24°C.

 Graphium sp.

Graphium sp. It is parasitic and commonly found as plant pathogen causing vascular diseases (wilts). Conidiophores are simple, colorless, produced in abundance, bearing oblong conidia that reproduce by budding. Mode of conidial development is variable in different species. Some species are imperfect stage of Ceratocystis. Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar, 24°C.

 Helminthosporium sp.

Helminthosporium sp. Found as saprophytic or parasitic. Mycelium dark, often in substrate; conidiophores single or clustered, tall, erect, brown, simple; conidia develop laterally through pores beneath septa while conidiophore still growing, single, sub-hyaline to brown, obclavate. Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar, 24°C.

 Leptosphaerulina sp.

Leptosphaerulina sp. Ascomycete found on leaves and herbaceous stems. Its asexual state is Pithomyces. Ascoma an ostiolate, immersed in host tissue, apez erupent at maturity. Asci few, bitunicate, thick-walled, 8-spored. Ascospores are colorless, variable in shape from oblong to ellipsoid or short cylindric, transverse and longitudinal septa, sometimes longitudinal septa lacking in some spores, with a thin gelatinous sheath, sometimes becoming brownish with age. Cultivation - Corn meal agar, 24°C.

 ALL molds reproduce by making "spores." Mold spores are microscopic and only become visible when individual spores accumulate. According to the United States EPA, these microscopic particles continuously move through indoor and outdoor air. When mold spores find moisture indoors, they may "begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive." 

Molds gradually destroy whatever they are growing on.

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