A zygomycete, which is considered common to the indoor environment. This organism is ubiquitous and therefore may be a contaminant in cultures. May cause Zygomycosis (mucormycosis) in immune compromised individuals. Absidia conidia can be an invasive infection agent.
Reported to be fairly common airborne fungus and is considered 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. It can produce mycetomas, infections of the nails, onychomycosis, corneal ulcers, eumycotic [...]
Formally Cephalosporium. It can produce mycetomas, infections of the nails, onchyomycosis, corneal ulers, eumycotic mycetoma, endophthalmitis, meningitis, and endocarditis. Type I (hay fever & asthma) and Type III (hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung) allergens. Commonly found in soil and on dead plant material. Acremonium may be a pathogen for immunocompromised individuals. Reported to be allergenic and [...]
Commonly found in outdoor air. One of the most important of the fungal allergen sources. Type I (hay fever & asthma) and Type III (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) allergens. Occasionally causes phaeohyphomycosis most commonly in subcutaneous tissue. Majority of infections reported from persons with underlying disease or in those taking immunosuppressive drugs. Although Alternaria is a notable [...]
Extremely widespread in soil, animal skin scrapings, and dung. Is often associated with birds nests and feathers. Should be considered an allergen. This fungus has also been documented in skin infections. No toxic related diseases are of record to date.
Extremely widespread in soil and decaying vegetation. Should be considered an allergen. This fungus has also been documented in various zygomycosis including necrotizing fascitis, osteomyelitis, and angioinvasion. Most cases are acquired through the tramatic implantation of the fungus. No toxic related diseases are of record to date.
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.
Extremely widespread in soil and decaying vegetation. Arthrographis cub idea and A. karee should be considered to be allergens. Akalrae has been documented in onychomycosis and has been recovered from the skin, nails and respiratory sites but has not been established as an etiological agent. No toxic related diseases are of record to date.
One of the major classes of fungal organisms. This class contains the “sac fungi” and yeasts. Some ascomycete spores can be identified by spore morphology, however; some care should be exercised with regard to specific identification. Many ascomycete spores are reported to be allergenic.
These especially opportunistic pathogens may cause respiratory infections. Some varieties produce mycotoxins and aflatoxins. Below are just a few species, some frequently found in buildings after a water loss.