|
A |
| |
Absidia sp - A zygomycete fungus which is considered common to the indoor environment.
Reported to be allergenic. May cause mucorosis in immune compromised individuals. The sites of infection
are the lung, nasal sinus, brain, eye, and skin. Infection may have multiple sites. Absidia cormbifera has been an
invasive infection agent in AIDS and neutropenic patients, as well as, agents of bovine mycotic
abortions, and feline subcutaneous abscesses. Acremonium species may be confused with Fusarium species that
primarily produce microconidia in culture. Fusarium genera are generally much more rapid growers and
produce more aerial mycelium.
Acremonium sp (Cephalosporium sp.) - Reported to be allergenic. Can produce a trichothecene toxin
which is toxic if ingested. It was the primary fungus identified in at least 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 metabolite 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.
Aspergillus is another common mould. It can look grey, brown, yellow, green, white or black. There are many species in the genus, and they generally fall into
Hazard Classes A or B. Some can cause infection in people with weak immune systems, and some of them can make toxins in certain
circumstances. Others will only cause allergic reactions. Aspergillus can grow on walls, insulation, paper products, soil, clothing, and many other
places.
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.
|
| |
B
[Top]
|
| |
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.
Botrytis - Is known to be plant's worst fungal enemy. It is also capable of producing
mycotoxins. In contrast to widely held images of urban pollution and blight the persistence
of an "agrarian myth" that associates life on the farm with healthful, bucolic joys ignores a
fundamental reality: agriculture can be a dangerous occupation. It may act as a facultative
pathogen in plants and is commonly considered as a contaminant. It grows rapidly, reaching
a colony size of 3 to 9 cm in diameter, following incubation at 25C for 7 days on potato glucose agar. The
texture is woolly. The surface color is white at the beginning and becomes grey to brown in
time. Dark spots may be observed on the surface of the colony. Reverse is dark. It
has septate, hyaline to brown hyphae and septate, brown, large conidiophores. Conidiophores branch at
their apices. These branches terminate in vesicles which bear blastoconidia on their surfaces. The
blastoconidia are located on short denticles, are hyaline to brown, one-celled, and round to oval in
shape.
|
C
[Top]
|
| |
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.
Cladosporium is a very common mould. It can appear green, brown, grey or black on surfaces. It is classified as either Hazard Class B or C,
depending on the species - i.e., allergic reactions are generally the only concern with Cladosporium. It can grow in many places, including walls, wood,
dust, and insulation.
Curvularia sp. - Reported to be allergenic. It may cause corneal infections, mycetoma and infections in immune compromised hosts.
|
D
[Top]
|
| |
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.
|
E
[Top]
|
| |
Epicoccum sp. - Conidia (spores) dimensions 15-25 microns. A common allergen. It is found in plants, soil, grains, textiles, and paper products.
|
F
[Top]
|
| |
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.
|
G
[Top]
|
| |
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.
|
M
[Top]
|
| |
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.
|
N
[Top]
|
| |
Nigrospora sp - Reported to be allergenic.
|
P
[Top]
|
| |
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.
Penicillium is a name that often strikes people as familiar, and that is because modern antibiotics were discovered thanks to a species of
Penicillium long ago. However, that doesn't mean that the genus can't be hazardous. It can look blue, green, or white, and its species are generally classified as B or C. It can be found on foods, such as cheese and
fruit, or in the walls, the insulation, and other places.
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.
|
R
[Top]
|
| |
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.
|
S
[Top]
|
| |
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.
Stachybotrys is the infamous black mould that made the news in association with ill health effects many years ago. It needs a very damp area to grow,
and is considered a Hazard Class A mould, as it can create toxins. It looks black on surfaces.
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.
|
T
[Top]
|
| |
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.
|
U
[Top]
|
| |
Ulocladium sp - Has an Aw (water activity) of 0.89. Isolated from dead plants and cellulose materials. Found on textiles.
Ulocladium usually looks black or grey . It falls into hazard classes B and C, and tends to grow in damp areas. It can be found on walls, around windows, in dusty areas, and other places.
|
V
[Top]
|
| |
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.
|
W
[Top]
|
| |
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
|
Y
[Top]
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|