- Absidia sp.
-
A zygomycete fungus. Reported to be allergenic (7). May cause mucorosis in immune compromised
individuals (6). The sites of infection are the lung, nasal
sinus, brain, eye and skin (6). Infection may have multiple sites (6).
- Acremonium sp. (Cephalosporium sp.)
-
Reported to be allergenic (7). 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.
(3). It can produce mycetomas, infections of
the cornea and nails (6).
- Alternaria sp.
-
Aw - 0.89. Conidia dimensions 18-83 x 7-18
microns (5). A very common allergen (7) with an IgE mediated response (17). It is often found in carpets, textiles (17, 5), and on horizontal surfaces in building
interiors. Often found on window frames (17). Outdoors it may be isolated from samples
of soil (17, 5), seeds and plants (17). It is commonly found in outdoor samples.
The large spore size 20 - 200 microns in length and 7 - 18 microns in
sizes, (17) suggests that the spores from this fungi
will deposited in the nose, mouth and upper respiratory tract. It may be
related to bakers asthma (17). It has been associated with
hypersensitivity pneumonitis (E). The species Alternaria alternata is
capable of producing tenuazonic acid and other toxic metabolites which
may be associated with disease in humans or animals (5). Common cause of extrinsic asthma
(immeadiate-type hypersensitivity: type I) (26). Acute symptoms include edema and
bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema (26).
- Aspergillus caesiellus
-
This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).
- Aspergillus candidus
-
Aw 0.75 (5). Conidia dimensions 2.5-4 microns (5). Found in warm soils, grain and in the
secondary decay of vegetation (5). Associated with respiratory complaints in
a recent house investigation. (MAC) Can produce the toxin petulin which may
be associated with disease in humans and other animals (5).
- Aspergillus carneus
-
This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).
- Aspergillus clavatus
-
Conidia dimensions 3-4.5 x 2.5-4.5 microns (5). Found in soils and animal manure (5). Can produce the toxin petulin which may be
associated with disease in humans and other animals (5). This species is only occasionally
pathogenic (26).
- Aspergillus deflectus
-
This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).
- Aspergillus flavus
-
Aw 0.78 (5). Conidia dimensions 3-6 microns (5) or 3-5 microns (26). It grows on moldy corn and peanuts (5). It can be found in warm soil, foods and
dairy products (5). Some strains are capable of producing a
group of mycotoxins - in the aflatoxin group. Aflatoxins are known
animal carcinogen. There is limited evidence to suggest that this toxin
is a human carcinogen. The toxin is a poisonous to humans by ingestion.
It may also result in occupational disease via inhalation (27). Experiments have indicated that it is
teratogenic and mutagenic (20). It is toxic to the liver (1, 5, 27). It is reported to be allergenic (7). Its presence is associated with reports of
asthma. It can be found in water damaged carpets (NC). The production of the fungal toxin is
dependent on the growth conditions and on the substrate used as a food
source. This fungus is associated with aspergillosis of the lungs (5, 26) andor disseminated aspergillosis (5). This fungus is occasionally identified as
the cause of corneal, otomycotic and nasoorbital infections (26).
- Aspergillus fumigatus
-
Aw 0.82 (5); Optimum > 0.97 (22). Conidia dimensions 2-3.5 microns (5). Major cause of aspergillosis (5, 26). Both invasive and allergic aspergillosis
are caused by this organism (26). Aspergillosis affects individuals who are
immune compromised. It is considered a human pathogen. It grows well at
35 degrees C. It is commonly found outdoors in compost piles with
temperatures higher than 40 degrees C, in mild to warm soils and on
cereals (5).
- Aspergillus glaucus
-
Conidia dimensions 5-6.5 microns (5). Common outdoor fungus in the winter (NC). It is reported to be allergenic. This
species is only occasionally pathogenic (26). It can grow on leather (NC). This fungus can grow at low moisture
levels on grains, sugary food products, meat and wool (5). The ascomycetous state is Eurotium sp.
- Aspergillus nidulans
-
Aw 0.78 (5). Conidia dimensions 2-4 microns (5). Found in mild to warm soils and on slowly
decaying plants (5). Can produce the mycotoxin
sterigmatocystin. This toxin has been shown to produce liver and kidney
damage in lab animals. This fungus is associated with aspergillosis of
the lungs andor disseminated aspergillosis (5). This species is only occasionally
pathogenic (26).
- Aspergillus niger
-
Aw 0.77 (5); Optimum > 0.97 (22). Conidia dimensions 3.5 - 5 microns (5) or 4 to 5 microns (26). Less common cause of aspergillosis. It
has a musty odor. It is commonly found in the environment on textiles,
in soils, grains, fruits and vegetables (5) . It has been reported to cause skin and
pulmonary infections (26). It is a common cause of fungal related
ear infections-otomycosis (5, 26).
- Aspergillus ochraceus
-
Aw 0.77 (5). Conidia dimensions 2.5 - 3 microns (5). Found in grains, soil and salted food
products (1, 5). It is not usually associated with decaying
vegetation (5). Can produce a kidney toxin ochratoxin A
which may produce ochratoxicosis in humans (1, 5). This is also known as Balkan nephropathy (1). The toxin is produced at optimum growth
conditions at 25 degrees C and high moisture conditions. The ochratoxin
may also be produced by other Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. (1). Other toxins which can be produced by this
fungus include penicillic acid, xanthomegnin and viomellein (5). These are all reported to be kidney and
liver toxins (5).
- Aspergillus oryzae
-
This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).
- Aspergillus parasiticus
-
Some strains are capable of producing a group of mycotoxins - in the
aflatoxin group. Aflatoxins are known animal carcinogen. There is
limited evidence to suggest that this toxin is a human carcinogen. The
toxin is a poisonous to humans by ingestion. Experiments have indicated
that it is teratogenic and mutagenic. (20) It is toxic to the liver(1). The production of the fungal toxin is
dependent on the growth conditions and on the substrate used as a food
source (1).
- Aspergillus penicilloides
-
Conidia dimensions 3-3.5 x 4-5 microns (5). Can grow in areas with low water activity
(5). It is found in house dust and food (5).
- Aspergillus restrictus
-
This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).
- Aspergillus sp.
-
Aw 0.75 - 0.82 (5) Reported to be allergenic (7). Members of this genus are reported to
cause ear infections (5). Many species produce mycotoxins which may
be associated with disease in humans and other animals (5). 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 (20). Common cause of extrinsic asthma
(immeadiate-type hypersensitivity: type I) (26). Acute symptoms include edema and
bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema (26).
- Aspergillus sydowi
-
This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).
- Aspergillus terreus
-
Aw 0.78 (5). Conidia dimensions 1.8-2.4 microns (5) or 2 - 2.5 microns (26). Aleurospores 6 - 7 microns in diameter
are also produced (26). Found in warmer soil and in grains,
straw. cotton and decomposing vegetation (5). Can produce the toxin patulin and citrinin
which may be associated with disease in humans and other animals (5). This fungus is associated with
aspergillosis of the lungs and or disseminated aspergillosis (5, 26). Found as an isolate from otomycosis - ear
infection and onychomycosis - infection of finger or toe nails (26).
- Aspergillus ustus
-
This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).
- Aspergillus versicolor
-
Aw 0.78 (5). Conidia dimensions 2-3.5 microns (5). It is commonly found in soil, hay. cotton
and dairy products, It can produce a mycotoxin sterigmatocystin and
cyclopiaxonic acid (5). These toxins can cause diarrhea and upset
stomach. It is reported to be a kidney and liver carcinogen. This
species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).
- Basidiomycetes
-
Fungal spores which are from mushrooms. The specific mushroom species
can not be identified on the culture plate. Many mushroom spores are
reported to be allergenic (7).
- Bipolaris sp.
-
A fungus with large spores which would be expected to be deposited in
the upper respiratory tract. This fungus can produce the mycotoxin -
sterigmatocystin which has been shown to produce liver and kidney damage
when ingested by laboratory animals.
- Blastomyces sp.
-
Human pathogen. The fungus is commonly found in soil. It is a
dimorphic fungus which has filamentous fungus when grown at 25 degrees C
and a yeast form at 37 degrees C.
- Botrytis sp.
-
Aw 0.93 (5). Conidia dimensions 7-14 x 5-9 microns (5). Reported to be allergenic (7). It is parasitic on plants and soft fruits
(17). Found in soil and vegetables (5). Possibly associated with allergic symptoms
(skin tests) (17).
- Candida sp.
-
Part of the normal flora of mouth and other mucous membranes in the
body. Thrush and other diseases caused by Candida albicans usually occur
after prolonged treatment with antibiotics or steroids. The environment
is not a likely source of exposure for this fungus (17). Cells from the organism are usually not
airborne (17). Reported to be allergenic (7).
- Cephalosporium sp.
-
See Acremonium sp.
- Chaetomium sp.
-
Large ascomycetous fungus producing perithecia (17). It is found on a variety of substrates
containing cellulose including paper and plant compost.(17) It has been found on paper in sheetrock(NC). It is reported to be allergenic (7, 17). Can produce an Acremonium like state on
fungal media (3).
- Cladosporium fulvum (Fulvia fulva)
-
Conidia dimensions 12-47 x 4-10 microns (5).It is found on the leaves of tomatoes (5).
- Cladosporium herbarum
-
Aw 0.88 (5). Conidia dimensions 5-23 x 3-8 microns (5). It is found on dead plants, woody plants,
food, straw, soil, paint and textiles (5).
- Cladosporium macrocarpum
-
Conidia dimensions 9-29 x 5-13 microns (5). It is found on dead plants, woody plants,
food, straw, soil, paint and textiles (5).
- Cladosporium sp. (Hormodendrum sp.)
-
Aw 0.88 (5); Aw 0.84 (21). Most commonly identified outdoor fungus.
The outdoor numbers are reduced in the winter(NC). The numbers are often high in the summer
(NC). Often found indoors in numbers less than
outdoor numbers. It is a common allergen (7). 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 (5, 17). It is found on dead plants, woody plants,
food, straw, soil, paint and textiles (5). It can cause mycosis (17). Produces greater than 10 antigens (17). Antigens in commercial extracts are of
variable quality and may degrade within weeks of preparation (17). Common cause of extrinsic asthma
(immeadiate-type hypersensitivity: type I) (26). Acute symptoms include edema and
bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema (26).
- Cladosporium sphaerospermum
-
Conidia dimensions 3-4.5 microns (5). It is found as a secondary invader of
plants, food, soil, paint and textiles (5).
- Conidobolus sp.
-
Can cause a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa
(entomophthoromycosis) (6).
- Cryptostroma corticale
-
Conidia dimensions 4-6.5 x 3.5-4 microns (5). Found on the bark of maple and sycamore
trees and on stored logs (5).
- Cunninghamella sp.
-
Can cause disseminated and pulmonary infections in immune compromised
hosts (6).
- Curvularia sp.
-
Reported to be allergenic (7). It may cause corneal infections, mycetoma
and infections in immune compromised hosts (6).
- Dreschlera sp.
-
Conidia dimensions 40-120 x 17-28 microns (5). Found on grasses, grains and decaying food
(5). It can occasionally cause a corneal
infection of the eye (6).
- Epicoccum sp.
-
Conidia dimensions 15-25 microns (5). A common allergen (7). It is found in plants, soil, grains,
textiles and paper products (5).
- Epidermophyton sp.
-
Can cause infections of skin and nails (6).
- Fusarium solani
-
Aw 0.90 (5). Macroconidia dimensions 27-52 x 4.4-6.8;
Microcondia dimensions 8-16 x 2-4 microns (5). Found in plants and soils (5). Can produce trichothecene toxins which may
be associated with disease in humans and animals (5).
- Fusarium sp.
-
Aw 0.90 (5) A common soil fungus (17,5). It is found on
a wide range of plants (5). It is often found in humidifiers (17). 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 (27). 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 (1). Reported to be allergenic (7). Frequently involved in eye, skin and nail
infections (6).
- Geotrichum sp.
-
Aw 0.90 (5). Conidia dimensions 6-12 x 3-6 microns (5). Aw 0.90 (5) A common contaminant of grains, fruits,
dairy products, paper, textiles, soil and water (5), 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 (5), bronchi (5) mouth, lung and intestine (5, 6).
- Gliocladium sp.
-
A fungus which is structurally similar to Penicillium sp. It is
reported to be allergenic (7).
- Helminthosporium sp.
-
Reported to be allergenic (7).
- Histoplasma sp.
-
A fungus which has filamentous growth at 25 degrees C and yeast
growth at 37 degrees C. It is reported to be a human pathogen. It may be
associated with birds.
- Humicuola sp.
-
Grow on products with a high cellulose content (3). These fungi are also found in soil and on
plant debris (3).
- Hyaline Mycelia
-
Sterile mycelia which is white or transparent. No fruiting structures
are produced by the mycelia. Visual identification of these organism is
not possible. Often associated with allergic symptoms.
- Microsporum sp.
-
Causes ringworm in humans (6).
- Monilia sp.
-
Reported to be allergenic (7). This fungus produces soft rot of tree
fruits (3). Other members produce a red bread mold (3). It is infrequently involved in corneal eye
infections (6).
- Mucor sp.
-
Often found in soil, dead plant material, horse dung, fruits and
fruit juice. (17) It is also found in leather, meat, dairy
products, animal hair and jute (17). 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 (6). The sites of infection are the lung, nasal
sinus, brain, eye and skin (6). Infection may have multiple sites (6).
- Nigrospora sp.
-
Reported to be allergenic (7).
- Paecilomyces sp.
-
Commonly found in soil and dust, less frequently in air (17). P. variotii can cause
paecilomycosis. Linked to wood-trimmers disease and humidifier
associated illnesses(17). They are reported to allergenic (7). Some members of this genus are reported to
cause pneumonia. It may produce arsine gas if growing on arsenic
substrate. (3). This can occur on wallpapers covered with
paris green (3).
- Papulospora sp.
-
This fungi is found in soil, textiles, decaying plants, manure, and
paper (3).
- Penicillium sp.
-
Aw 0.78 - 0.88 (5) A wide number of organisms have placed in
this genera. Identification to species is difficult. Often found in
aerosol samples (17). Commonly found in soil, food, cellulose
and grains (17, 5). It is also found in paint and compost
piles. (5) It may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis,
allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals. It is reported to be
allergenic (skin) (7, 17). It is commonly found in carpet, wall
paper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation (NC). Some species can produce mycotoxins.
Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immeadiate-type hypersensitivity: type
I) (26). Acute symptoms include edema and
bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema (26).
- Periconia sp.
-
No information available, more to come.
- Phoma sp.
-
A common indoor air allergen (7). It is similar to the early stages of
growth of Chaetomium sp. The species are isolated from soil and
associated plants (particularly potatoes) (17). Produces pink an purple spots on painted
walls (3, 17). It may have antigens which cross react
with those of Alternaria sp. (17). It will grow on butter, paint cement and
rubber (3). It may cause phaeohyphomycosis a
systematic or subcutaneous disease (6).
- Pithomyces sp.
-
Grow on dead grass in pastures (3). Causes facial eczema in ruminants (1).
- Rhizomucor sp.
-
The Zygomycetous fungus is reported to be allergenic (7). It may cause mucorosis in immune
compromised individuals. It occupies a biological niche similar to Mucor
sp. (17). It is often linked to occupational
allergy (17). May cause mucorosis in immune compromised
individuals (6). The sites of infection are the lung, nasal
sinus, brain, eye and skin (6). Infection may have multiple sites (6).
- Rhizopus sp.
-
The Zygomycetous fungus is reported to be allergenic (7). It may cause mucorosis in immune
compromised individuals. It occupies a biological niche similar to Mucor
sp. (17). It is often linked to occupational
allergy (17). May cause mucorosis in immune compromised
individuals (6). The sites of infection are the lung, nasal
sinus, brain, eye and skin (6). Infection may have multiple sites (6).
- 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 (17). This yeast has been reported to be
allergenic (7). Positive skin tests have been reported (17). It has colonized terminally ill patients
(6).
- Saccharomyces sp.
-
Reported to be allergenic (7). Baker's Yeast.
- Scopulariopsis sp.
-
It may produce arsine gas if growing on arsenic substrate. (3). This can occur on wallpapers covered with
paris green (3). It has been found growing on a wide
variety of materials including house dust. It is associated with type
III allergy (17).
- Serpula lacrymans
-
Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immeadiate-type hypersensitivity:
type I) (26). Acute symptoms include edema and
bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema (26).
- Sporobolomyces sp.
-
Reported to be allergenic (7).
- Sporothrix sp.
-
Can cause sporotrichosis. Usually only in populations which are
immune compromised.
- Sporotrichum sp.
-
Reported to be allergenic (7). See also Sporothrix sp. there is some taxonomic
confusion between these two genera. This genera does not cause
sporotrichosis.
- Stachybotrys sp.
-
Aw - 0.94 , optimum Aw - >0.98 (22). Several strains of this fungus (S.
atra, S. chartarum and S. alternans are synonymous) (1) may produce a trichothecene mycotoxin-
Satratoxin H - which is a 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 humidities above 55% and are
subject to temperature fluctuations are ideal for toxin production (29).
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 (28) and generalized malaise. The toxins
produced by this fungus will suppress the immune system affecting the
lymphoid tissue and the bone marrow (1). 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. (29) Affects by absorption of the toxin in the
human lung are known as pneumomycosis (1).
This organism is rarely found in outdoor samples. It is usually
difficult to find in indoor air samples unless it is physically
disturbed or if there is (speculation- a drop in the relative humidity).
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 (6).
-
There is controversy about toxigenic effects through inhalation of
spores or mycelia. The following web sites cover both sides:
