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Absidia

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Natural Habitat
  • Soil
  • Decaying vegetation
  • Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Often found in stored grains
  • Other foods
Water Activity Unknown
Mode of Dissemination Air/ wind
Allergenic Potential Recognized as an allergen
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen In immunocompromised patients pulmonary invasions, the meninges (brain or spinal chord), and kidney infections can result from Absidia exposure Absidia may also cause zygomycosis in immunocompromised patients (AIDS)
Industrial Uses Unknown
Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
Other Comments Absidia often causes food spoilage
References Mohammed S, Sahoo TP, Jayshree RS, Bapsy PP, Hema S. Sino-oral zygomycosis due to Absidia corymbifera in a patient with acute leukemia. 2004. Med. Mycol. 42(5): 475-478.

 

Acremonium

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Natural Habitat
  • Found in decaying or dead plant materials Soils
  • Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
  • Food
  • Commonly encountered in wet, cellulose-based building materials
Water Activity Grows well indoors when there is high water content (>0.90 Aw).
Mode of Dissemination
  • Insect/water droplet
    • Older spores can be dislodged by wind
Allergenic Potential
  • Type I (hay fever, asthma)
  • Type III (hypersensitivity pneumonitis)
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
  • Known to cause hyalohyphomycosis, keratitis, mycetoma, and onychomycosis
  • Also known to cause infections in immunodeficient patients
  • Causes infections in persons with wound injuries
Industrial Uses Cephalosporins
Potential Toxins Produced Trichothecene mycotoxins
Other Comments There are 100 known species

 

Agrocybe

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Natural Habitat
  • Bark mulch
  • Wood chips
  • Iceplant
  • Grass
Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
Water Activity Unknown
Mode of Dissemination Wind
Allergenic Potential Unknown
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
Industrial Uses Agrocybe aegerita is a delicious edible mushroom cultivated commercially as "Louisiana Roman Mushroom"
Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
Other Comments
  • Thought to cause white rot
  • No Agrocybe species should be considered edible since they are hard to identify, and could be confused with several poisonous mushrooms

 

Alternaria

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Natural Habitat
  • Common saprobe and pathogen of plants. Typically found on plant tissue, decaying wood, and foods.
  • Soil
  • Air outdoors
Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
  • Indoors near condensation (window frames, showers)
  • House dust (in carpets, and air)
  • Also colonizes building supplies, computer disks, cosmetics, leather, optical instruments, paper, sewage, stone monuments, textiles, wood pulp, and jet fuel
Water Activity Aw =0.85-0.88
Mode of Dissemination Wind
Allergenic Potential
  • Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma)
  • Type III (hypersensitivity pneumonitis)
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Phaeohyphomycosis {causing cystic granulomas in the skin and subcutaneous tissue} In immunocompetent patients, Alternaria colonizes the paranasal sinuses, leading to chronic hypertrophic sinusitis
Industrial Uses
  • Biocontrol of weed plants
  • Biocontrol fungal plant pathogens
  • Potential Toxins Produced
  • Alternariol (AOH)
  • Alternariol monomethylether (AME)
  • Tenuazonic acid (TeA)
  • Altenuene (ALT)
  • Altertoxins (ATX)
Other Comments Alternaria spores are one of the most common and potent indoor and outdoor airborne allergens. Additionally, Alternaria sensitization has been determined to be one of the most important factors in the onset of childhood asthma. Synergy with Cladosporium or Ulocladium may increase the severity of symptoms

Amphobotrys

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Natural Habitat Causal agent of flower blight and stem rot on Poinsettia plants.
Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Poinsettia
Allergenic Potential Unknown
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
Industrial Uses Unknown
Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

Aphanocladium

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Natural Habitat album parasitizes Puccinia graminis (Wheat Rust)
  • Cereal based poultry feed
  • Soils
  • Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
  • Edible mushrooms
    • Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Can cause crop loss in mushroom growing crop houses with high humidity

     

    Arthrinium

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    Natural Habitat Decaying plant material and soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Cellulose containing materials
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Arthrinium sphaerospermum is recognized as an allergen
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Not known as a pathogen
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA)
    References Xingjie L, Xueyun L, Wenjuan H. 1992. Studies on the epidemiology and etiology of moldy sugarcane poisoning in China. Biomed Environ Sci. 5 (2): 161-177. Ming L. 1995. Moldy sugarcane poisoning--a case report with a brief review. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 33(4): 363-367. Oka M, Iimura S, Tenmyo O, Sawada Y, Sugawara M, Ohkusa N, Yamamoto H, Kawano K, Hu SL, Fukagawa Y. 1993. Terpestacin, a new syncytium formation inhibitor from Arthrinium sp. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 46(3):367-373.

     

    Arthrospore formers

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    Natural Habitat Many Basidiomycetes form arthrospores during their mycelial stage. Geotrichum and Oidiodendron are typical ascomycete arthrospore formers. Arthrospores are formed by microfungi, and yeast-like fungi. Please refer to individual descriptions of these fungi for more information.
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Paper / Soil / Textiles
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Depends on genera and species
    Potential Toxins Produced Depends on genera and species
    Additional Comments Arthrospores are disarticulated cells of a formerly vegetative filament that function as spores.

     

    Arthrobotrys

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    Natural Habitat Decaying plant debris / Dung /Moss /Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Biological control agent against plant pathogenic nematodes
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Additional Comments Predacious fungi: Captures nematodes in a network of sticky and constricting rings.

    Ascospores

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    Natural Habitat Everywhere in nature
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Depends on genus and species
    Water Activity Depends on genus and species
    Mode of Dissemination Forcible ejection or passive release and dissemination by wind or insects
    Allergenic Potential Depends on genus and species
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Depends on genus and species
    Industrial Uses Depends on genus and species

     

    Ascotricha

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    Natural Habitat Decaying timber / Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Wet sheetrock / Straw / Wood
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses amphitricha produces the antifungal ascosteroside
    Potential Toxins Produced Anamorphic/asexual state of Dicyma (see below)

     

    Aspergillus

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    Natural Habitat Soil / Plant debris
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Grows on a wide range of substrates indoors
    Water Activity Aw=0.75-0.94
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) which is common in asthmatic and cystic fibrosis patients
    Aspergillus sinusitis Invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Aspergilloma and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in people with lung disease
    Industrial Uses
      A. sojae is used for fermented food and beverages in Asia
    • A. oryzae is used in soy sauce production
    • A. terreus produces mevinolin which is able reduce blood cholesterol
    • A. niger produces enzymes used to make some breads and beers and is also used in plastic decomposition
    Potential Toxins Produced 3-Nitropropionic acid, 5-metoxystermatocystin, Aflatoxin B1, B2, Aflatoxin G1, G2, Aflatoxin M1, M2, Aflatoxin P1, Aflatoxin Q1, Aflatoxins, Aflatrem (alkaloid), Aflatrem (indole alkaloid), Aflavinin, Ascalidol, Aspergillic acid, Aspergillomarasmin, Aspertoxin, Asteltoxin, Austamid, Austdiol, Austins, Austocystins, Avenaciolide, Brevianamide A, Candidulin, Citreoviridin,, Citrinin, Clavatol, Cyclopiazonic acid, Cyclopiazonic acid, Cytochalasin E, Emodin, Fumagillin, Fumigaclavine A, Fumigatin, Fumitremorgens, Fumitremorgin A, Gliotoxin, Griseofulvin, Helvolic acid, Kojic acid, Kotanin, Malformins, Naphtopyrones, Neoaspergillic acid, Nidulin, Nidulotoxin, Nigragillin, Ochratoxin A, Ochratoxin B, Ochratoxin C, Ochratoxins ß, Ochratoxins a, Ochratoxins (A,B,C.a, ß.), Orlandin, Oryzacidin, Paspaline, Patulin, Penicillic acid, Phthioic acid, Secalonic acid A, B, D and F, Sphingofungins, Spinulosin, Sterigmatocystin, Terphenyllin, Terredional, Terreic acid, Terrein, Terretonin, Terretonin, Territrem A, Trypt oquivalines, Verruculogen, Versicolorin A, Viomellein, Viriditoxin, Xanthocillin, Xanthomegnin, ß-nitropropionic acid
    Other Comments It is the second most common opportunistic pathogen following Candida

    Aureobasidium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Soils
    • Plant leaf and stem tissue
    • Wood
    • Fresh Water
    • Plant Debris
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Damp areas including kitchens, bathrooms, grout, and shower curtains
    • Painted interior surfaces and textiles
    • Skin and nails of people
    Water Activity Grows well where moisture accumulates (88.5 RH on woodchip wallpaper)
    Mode of Dissemination Water droplets, rain / Wind when spores become dry

     

    Beauveria

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    Natural Habitat Entomopathogen that lives in soil and detritus before colonizing an insect host
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Insects
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type I (asthma and hay fever)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Hyalohyphomycosis
    Industrial Uses Biocontrol agent of insects

     

    Beltrania

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    Natural Habitat Leaf litter of tropical plants Also found in temperate regions on natural flora e.g. it was found on a PAAA nature hike in San Diego last year, therefore "Widespread"
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Houseplants
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Bipolaris

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    Natural Habitat
    • Plant saprophyte
    • Plant pathogen of many plants, causing leaf rot, crown rot, and root rot on warm season turf grasses. `
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • House plants
    • Indoor building materials
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Allergic and chronic invasive sinusitis
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Sterigmatocystin

    Botryodiplodia theobromae

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    Natural Habitat Plant pathogen causing many tropical fruit diseases including mango twig blight and mango stem rot.
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Corneal Ulcer
    • keratitis
    • Onychomycosis
    • Phaeohyphomycosis
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Synonym of Lasiodiplodia theobromae

    Botrytis

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    Natural Habitat Plant pathogen responsible for causing gray mold (B. cinerea) on grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries , low bush blueberries, lettuce, cabbage, and onions
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Houseplants / Fruits / Vegetables
    Water Activity Aw 0.93-0.95
    Mode of Dissemination Wind and Rain
    Allergenic Potential
    • Type I (asthma and hay fever)
    • Type III (hypersensitivity pneumonitis)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Calcarisporium

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    Natural Habitat Endophyte of stargrass (Cynodon dactylon)
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Can be used as an anti-fungal agent in animal feed
    Potential Toxins Produced 15-azahomosterols

    Candida

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    Natural Habitat
    • Normal inhabitant of the skin, mouth, and vagina
    • Leaves
    • Flowers
    • oil
    • Water
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Can be passed from newborns from their mothers. It is also sometimes passed from catheters or prosthetic devices to patients
    Allergenic Potential Candida has been reported as an allergen
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Candidiasis (infections cased by Candida spp.), typically occurs in people with some predisposing factor such as pregnancy, disease (diabetes, AIDS, cancer) Occurs often in patients taking drugs such as oral contraceptives and antibiotics

    Cephaloascus

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    Natural Habitat Ambrosia beetle tunnels on trees
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown

    Cercospora

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    Natural Habitat Plant parasite causing leaf spot
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Moderate -High humidity
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Irrigation water
    • Insects
    • Rain
    • Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Chaetomium

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    Natural Habitat Dung / Seeds / Soil / Straw
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Paper / Sheetrock / Wallpaper
    Water Activity Aw=0.84-0.89
    Mode of Dissemination Wind / Insects / Water splash

    Choanephora

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    Natural Habitat Causal agent of soft rot on a variety of vegetable crops (especially cucurbits)
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Rotting vegetables
    Mode of Dissemination Insects / Water Splash /Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Chromelosporium

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    Natural Habitat Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Soil or vermiculite from house plants / Damp wood
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Additional Comments Contaminant of crop mushroom

    Chrysonilia

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    Natural Habitat Fruit / Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Bread / Fruit /Coffee grounds
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Air currents
    Allergenic Potential Found to induce asthma in loggers
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Related to (mitosporic state) Neurospora, a genetic model organism
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Commonly referred to as red bread mold
    References Tarlo SM, Wai Y, Dolovich J, and Summerbell R. 1996. Occupational Asthma induced by Chrysonilia sitophila in the logging industry. J. Allergy Clin Immunol. 97(6): 1409-1413.

    Circinella

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    Natural Habitat Dung / Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Cladosporium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Dead plant matter
    • Straw
    • Soil
    • Woody plants/li>
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Fiberglass duct liner
    • Paint
    • Textiles
    • Found in high concentration in water-damaged building materials
    Water Activity Aw 0.84-0.88

    Coprinus

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    Natural Habitat
    • Wood
    • Dung
    • Leaf litter
    • Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Popular experimental organism in genetic research
    Potential Toxins Produced Coprine

    Cryptococcus

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    Natural Habitat Soil contaminated with pigeon droppings or chicken droppings / Decaying wood & slime fluxes
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Air (wind)
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcosis (also known as meningoencephalitis) in immunocompromised people The disease also occurs in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Cunninghamella

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    Natural Habitat Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Cheese
    • Brazil Nuts
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Cunninghamella bertholletiae is known to cause rhinocerebral, pulmonary, cutaneoarticular, and disseminated forms of zygomycosis in immunocompromised or trauma patients.
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Dactylaria

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    Natural Habitat
    • Bamboo
    • Decaying plant matter
    • Nematodes
    • Soils
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Phaeohyphomycosis
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Dicyma

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    Natural Habitat Plant materials
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Cardboard
    • Wallboard
    • Wood
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen The teleomorph of Dicyma ampullifera (Ascotricha chartarum) is associated with maxillary sinusitis
    Potential Toxins Produced Ergot alkaloid
    Industrial uses Biocontrol for Cercosporidium peronatum leaf spot on peanuts

    Doratomyces

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    Natural Habitat
    • Decaying plant matter
    • Dung
    • Seeds
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Dreschlera

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    Natural Habitat Plant pathogen causing leaf spot, crown rot, and root rot of various turf grass species
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Most destructive during rainy weather
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Air currents
    • Dead grass clippings
    • Feet
    • Lawn mowers
    • Splashing water
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Rare occurrences causing corneal infections in eyes
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Emericella

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    Natural Habitat
    • Plant material
    • Seeds
    • Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Building materials
    • Dust
    • Food
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type I (asthma and hay fever)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Onchomycosis
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Asperthecin
    • Asperugin
    • Aspergiline
    • Corycepin
    • Echinocandin B
    • Emerin
    • Emericellin
    • Nidurufin
    • Sterigmatocystin
    • Penicillin
    • Pentostatin
    Other Comments Genetically related to (meiosporic state) some Aspergillus species
    References Gugnani, H.C., Vijayan, V.K., Tyagi P., Sharma, S., Stchigel, A.M., and Guarro, J. 2004. Onychomycosis due to Emericella quadrilineata. J. Clin Microbiol. 42 (2): 914-916

    Engyodontium

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    Natural Habitat Plant Debris / Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Building materials
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Engyodontium album causes:
    • Brain abscess
    • Keratitis
    • Native valve endocarditis
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Epicoccum

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    Natural Habitat Plant debris / Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Paper / Textiles
    Water Activity Aw=0.86-0.90
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type I (asthma and hay fever)
    Potential Toxins Produced Epicorazine A&B / Flavipin / Indole-3-acetonitrile

    Erisyphe

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    Natural Habitat Plant pathogen that cause "powdery mildew" on many plants. Is an obligate parasite that grows on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits
    suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Indoor plants
    Water Activity Some species can germinate in 0% humidity
    Mode of Dissemination Wind

    Eurotium

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    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Furniture /Walls /One of several teleomorphs

    Exophiala

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    Natural Habitat
    • Soil
    • Water
    • Saprobe of plants
    • Decaying Wood
    Mode of Dissemination Water Splash
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Mycetomas
    • Endocardititis
    • Subcutaneous lesions
    • Subcutaneous cysts
    • Phaeohyphomycosis
    Industrial Uses Potential Antibiotic
    Potential Toxins Produced Exophilin A
    Other Comments Known as one of the black yeasts
    References Doshida J, Hasegawa H, Onuki H, Shimidzu N. 1996. Exophilin A, a new antibiotic from a marine microorganism Exophiala pisciphila. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 49(11):1105-1109

    Exserohilum

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    Natural Habitat Pathogen to Grasses, causes root rot of corn and in Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Indoor building materials
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Causes allergic sinusitis
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Endocarditis
    • Mycotic keratitis
    • Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis
    • Osteomyelitis and sinusitis in both normal and immunocompromised patients

    Exserohilum

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    Natural Habitat Pathogen to Grasses, causes root rot of corn and Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Indoor building materials
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Causes allergic sinusitis
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Endocarditis
    • Mycotic keratitis
    • Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis
    • Osteomyelitis and sinusitis in both normal and immunocompromised patients
    Industrial Uses
    • Potential biocontrol of weeds
    • Potential Toxins Produced
    • Monocerin
    • Phytotoxin
    References Zhang, W., and Watson, A.K. 2000. Isolation and partial characterization of phytotoxins produced by Exserohilum monoceras, a potential bioherbicide for control of Echinochloa species. Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Biological Control of weeds 4-14 July 1999, Montana State University, Boseman, Monatana USA. Neal R. Spencer [ed.] pp.125-130

    Fusariella

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    Natural Habitat Plant matter / leaf litter

    Fusarium

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    `
    Natural Habitat Soil, Plant pathogen causing root rot, stem rot, and wilt of many ornamental and crop plants.
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Often found in humidifiers and wet, cellulose-based building materials
    Water Activity Aw=0.86-0.91
    Mode of Dissemination Insects, water droplets, rain, Wind when spores become dry
    Allergenic Potential Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Esophageal cancer is believed to happen after consumption of F. moniliforme infected corn
    Industrial Uses Biological Weapon
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Trichothecenes
    • Zearalenone
    • Fumonisins
    Other Comments Major plant pathogen
    References Atlas of Moulds in Europe causing respiratory Allergy, Foundation for Allergy Research in Europe, Edited by Knud Wilken-Jensen and Suzanne Gravesen, ASK Publishing, Denmark, 1984

    Ganoderma

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    Natural Habitat Grows on conifers and hardwoods worldwide, causing white rot, root rot, and stem rot
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Ganoderma species are known to cause allergies in people on a worldwide scale
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Biopulping of wood for the paper industry Potential medicinal use due to: 1. Inhibition of Ras dependent cell transformation, 2. antifibrotic activity, 3. immunomodulating activity, 4. free-radicle scavenging
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Used in traditional Chinese medicine as an herbal supplement. It is also known as a "shelf fungus" because the fruiting body forms a stalk-less shelf on the sides of trees and logs It is sometimes called "artists conk" because when you scratch the white pores of the fruiting body, the white rubs away and exposes the brown hyphae underneath. Thus, pictures can be produced on the fruiting body
    References References: Craig, R.L., Levetin, E. 2000. Multi-year study of Ganoderma aerobiology. Aerobiologia 16: 75-81. http://www.pfc.forestry.ca/diseases/CTD/Group/Heart/heart6_e.html

    Gliocladium

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    Natural Habitat Soil/ Decaying plant tissue
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Water droplets/Insects
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Gliocladium virens GL-21 is used as a biological control against plant pathogenic fungi
    Potential Toxins Produced Gliotoxin is a metabolite of Gliocladium deliquescens
    References http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_129000.htm

    Gliomastix

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    Natural Habitat
    • Causes rot on potatoes
    • Plant litter
    • Soil
    • Wood
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Textiles Water damaged areas
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments G. macrocylindrica is a mycoparasite of Beltrania rhombica

    Gonatobotrys

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    Natural Habitat Decaying plant matter (fungicolous)
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Gonatobotrys

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    Natural Habitat Decaying plant matter (fungicolous)
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Graphium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Dung
    • Seeds
    • Soils
    • Woody plant tissue
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Beetles when mitosporic state of Ophiostoma ulmi
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses GR135402, a compound with antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, has been isolated from a fermentation broth of Graphium putredinis
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments There have not been any reports of human infections with Graphium species, however, it is a mitosporic state of Pseudoallescheria boydii which causes subcutaneous mycoses in man

    Helminthosporium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Pathogen of turfgrass causing crown rot and leaf spot diseases
    • Pathogen of maize causing Northern leaf blight
    • Pathogen of potatoes causing silver scurf disease
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Water Splash
    • Foot traffic
    • Lawn mowers
    • Grass Clippings
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Helminthosporoside
    • Helminthosporal
    Other Comments This name is no longer in use. The genus Helminthosporium is now Bipolaris
    References
    • Steiner GW, Strobel GA. 1971. J Biol Chem. 246(13):4350-4357
    • Sommereyns G, Closset JL. 1977. Arch Int Physiol Biochim. 85(2):431-433

    Hyalodendron

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    Natural Habitat Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses
    • Hyalodendrin is an antibiotic produced by Hyalodendron
    • Hyalodendrosides A and B are anti-fungal products
    Potential Toxins Produced Triterpenoid glycoside, hyalodendroside A (1),Triterpenoid glycoside, hyalodendroside B (2)

    Leptosphaeria

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    Natural Habitat
    • Pathogen of brassica plants
    • Pathogen of oilseed rape
    • Pathogen of wheat
    • Dead plant materials
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Seed borne transmission
    Allergenic Potential
    • Type I
    • Type III
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Mycetoma
    • Phaeohyphomycosis
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Memnoniella

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    Natural Habitat
    • Plant materials
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Paper
    • Sheetrock
    • Wood
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Dechlorogriseofulvin
    • Epidechlorogriseofulvin
    • Griseofulvins
    • Memnopeptide A
    • Trichodermol
    • Trichodermin.
    Other Comments Griseofulvin used an anti-dermatophyte drug and is commercially available. DNA evidence demonstrated that all Memnoniella fungi are Stachybotrys.

    Microascus

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    Natural Habitat
    • Soil
    • Soybeans
    • Sunflower seeds
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Drywall
    • Wood
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Brain abscess in immunocompromised patients
    • Cutaneous lesions
    • Mycetomas
    • Onychomycosis
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Microascus is the sexual state (teleomorph) of Scopulariopsis

    Micstromaro

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    Natural Habitat Plant pathogen on hickory and walnut trees causing downy leafspot.
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Water splash
    • Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Monilia

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    Natural Habitat This is an obsolete name. Most Monilia

    Mortierella

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    Natural Habitat
    • Dung
    • Seeds
    • Soil
    • Sugar cane
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Water splash
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown at this time
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments M. wolfii is an important casual agent of bovine mycotic abortion, pneumonia and systemic mycosis

    Mucor

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    Natural Habitat
    • Decaying fruits and vegetables
    • Dung
    • Plants
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Fruit
    • Leftover foods
    • Building Materials
    • Carpet Dust
    Water Activity Aw=0.90-0.94
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Water Splash
    • Wind disseminated
    Allergenic Potential
    • Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    • Type III (hypersensitivity)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Zygomycosis in immunocompromised patients
    Industrial Uses Proteases from M. pusillus and M. mehei are used in cheese fermentation
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Produces zygomycete sporangiospores

    Mycotypha

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    Natural Habitat Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Myrothecium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Dead agaric mushrooms
    • Grasses
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Rarely found indoors
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Insects
    • Water splash
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Trichothecene mycotoxins

    Myxomycetes

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    Natural Habitat
    • Decaying logs
    • Dead leaves
    • Dung
    • Lawns
    • Mulched flower beds
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Rotting lumber
    Water Activity Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Insects
    • Water
    • Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type I
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown

    Myxotrichum

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    Natural Habitat Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Decomposing carpets
    • Paper
    • Wet drywall
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Myxotrichum stipitatum produces:
    • Clavatoic acid
    • Myxostiolide
    • Myxostiol
    Other Comments The toxins produced by M. stipitatum are all plant growth regulators

    Neosartorya

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    Natural Habitat Fruits
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Fruits
    • Heat processed fruit products
    Alergenic Potential Similar to Aspergillus spp.
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Mycotic keratitis
    • N. pseudofischeri is known to cause Osteomyelitis
    Potential Toxins Produced Azaspirene
    Other Comments Neosartorya is a teleomorphic (sexual) state of Aspergillus. There are multiple teleomorphs for Aspergillus.
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Young sporophores of one genera (Enteridium lycoperdon) are fried and eaten in Mexico, and the dish is called caca de luna Myxomycetes are not members of the Kingdom Fungi. This is due to morphological differences and DNA evidence

    Nigrospora

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    Natural Habitat
    • Common on live or dead grass
    • Seeds/li>
    • Soil/li>
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Forcibly ejected
    Allergenic Potential Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Keratitis
    • Skin lesions
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown metabolite reported with some toxic properties

    Nodulisporium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Endophytic in some trees causing wood rot disease
    • Dead stems of trees
    • Herbaceous plants
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Allergic sinusitis
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Nodulisporic acid (a indole terpene)
    Other Comments Nodulisporic acid has insecticidal properties and could potentially be used as an insecticide

    Ochroconis

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    Natural Habitat
    • Decaying plant matter
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Causes systemic infections
    • Causes lung abscesses
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Oedocephalum

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    Natural Habitat
    • Dung
    • Soils
    • Wood
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Wood structures
    • Mode of Dissemination
    • Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Contaminant of edible mushroom cultures. Asexual state of Peziza

    Oidiodendron

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    Natural Habitat
    • Leaf litter
    • Peat
    • Wood
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Paper
    • Textiles
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Forms mycorrhizae on Ericaceae

    Oidium

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    Natural Habitat It is an obligate parasite on many plant varieties causing powdery mildew disease.
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Houseplants
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced
    Other Comments Asexual state of Erysiphe

    Paecilomyces

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    Natural Habitat
    • Decaying plant matter
    • Insects
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Optical Lenses
    • Leather
    • Paper
    • Jute Fibers
    • Tobacco
    Water Activity Aw=0.79
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential
    • Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    • Type III (hypersensitivity)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • P. variotii causes paecilomycosis (symptoms include keratitis, cellulitis, and alveolitis).
    • Corneal ulcers, keratitis, and endophthalmitis can occur after extended contact lense use or eye surgery due to Paecilomyces infection
    Industrial Uses Paecilomyces fumosoroseus is currently marketed as a biocontrol insecticide
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Byssochlamic acid
    • Ferrirubin
    • Fusigen
    • Indole-3-acetic acid
    • Paecilotoxins
    • Patulin.variotin
    • Viriditoxin
    OtherComments P. crustaceus and P. variotii can grow well at temperatures as high as 50°C

    Penicillium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Soil
    • Seed
    • Cereal crops
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Foods (blue mold on cereals, fruits, vegetables, dried foods)
    • House dust
    • Fabrics
    • Leather
    • Wallpaper
    • Wallpaper glue
    Water Activity Aw=0.78-0.86
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Wind
    • Insects
    Allergenic Potential
    • Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    • Type III (hypersensitivity)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Penicilliosis
    Industrial Uses
    • P. chrysogenum for the antibiotic penicillin
    • P. griseofulvum for the antibiotic griseofulvin a
    • P. roquefortii for Roquefort cheese
    • P. camemberti for Camembert cheese
    • Brie, Gorgonzola, and Danish Blue cheese are also the products of Penicillium
    • Used to cure ham and salami
    • Production of organic acids such as fumaric, oxalic, gluconic, and gallic
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Citrinin
    • Citreoviridin
    • Cyclopiazonic acid
    • Fumitremorgen B
    • Grisiofulvin
    • Janthitrems
    • Mycophenolic acid
    • Paxilline
    • Penitrem A
    • Penicillic acid
    • Ochratoxins
    • Roquefortine C
    • Secalonic acid D
    • Verruculogen
    • Verrucosidin
    • Viomellein
    • Viridicatumtoxin
    • Xanthomegnin
    Other Comments Penicillium is one of the most common genera of fungi
    References Alexopoulos, C.J., Mims, C.W., Blackwell, M. 1996. John Wiley and Sons

    Periconia

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    Natural Habitat
    • Grasses
    • Sedges
    • Rushes
    • Dead herbaceous plant material
      • li>Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Periconia circinata produces Periconin A and Periconin B (both are biologically inactive)
    • P. circinata also produces Peritoxins A and B
    References V Macko, M B Stimmel, T J Wolpert, L D Dunkle, W Acklin, R Bänteli, B Jaun, and D Arigoni. 1992.Structure of the host-specific toxins produced by the fungal pathogen Periconia circinata. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 89(20): 9574-9578

    Peronospora

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    Natural Habitat Obligate pathogen causing Downy Mildew on many types of plants. May be seen on outdoor samples.
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Houseplants
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Peziza

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    Natural Habitat
    • Plant litter
    • Rotting wood
    • Damp Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Often found in basements and in wet carpets
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown Asexual state of Oedocephalum/Chromelosporium

    Phialocephala

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    Natural Habitat
    • Bark from many types of trees
    • Orchids
    • Wood
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Phoma

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    Natural Habitat
    • Cucurbits (causing foliar disease)
    • Conifers (resulting in blight)
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Butter
    • Ceiling tiles
    • Cement
    • Floor tiles
    • Paint
    • Rice
    • Rubber
    • Wood
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Splash when wet
    • Insect and wind when dry
    Allergenic Potential
    • Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    • Type III (hypersensitivity)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Phaeohyphomycosis in immunocompromised patients
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Pithomyces

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    Natural Habitat
    • Leaf litter
    • Soils
    • Tree bark
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor
    • Environment
    • Paper
    Water Activity Requires high moisture level for spore germination
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Etiologic agent in immunocompromised patients
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Cyclodepsipeptides
    • Sporidesmin
    • Sporidesmolides

    Polythrincium

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    Natural Habitat Leaves
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Allergenic potential in this genus is not well understood, and is currently being studied.
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Poria

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    Natural Habitat Wood
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Decays structural timber in buildings
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Red Poria (P. cocos) is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Resupinate Polyporaceae

    Pyrenochaeta

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    Natural Habitat
    • Plant pathogen to a variety of plants including tomatoes and some cucurbits.
    • Plant debris
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Water splash
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Pyrenochaeta romeroi has been associated with mycetoma
    • Pyrenochaeta unguis-hominis infects nails
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Rhizopus

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    Natural Habitat
    • Dung
    • Fruits- causing rhizopus rot on stone fruits and strawberries
    • Soils
    • Vegetables
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Stored fruits and vegetables
    Water Activity Aw=0.93
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential
    • Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    • Type III (hypersensitivity)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Causal agent of zygomycosis in immunocompromised, malnourished or severely burned people
    Industrial Uses
    • Used to ferment rice into miso
    • Used to ferment soybeans to tempeh and sufu
    Potential Toxins Produced Rhizopus oryzae produces agroclavine (an ergot alkaloid toxic to mammals)

    Rhodotorula

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    Natural Habitat
    • Air
    • dairy products
    • fruit juice
    • soil
    • water
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Carpeting
    • cooling coils
    • humidifiers
    • water tanks
    Allergenic Potential Reported to be allergenic
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Meningitis endocarditis, Ventriculitis, Peritonitis, Endophthalmitis Central venous catheter-infections, Fungemia, and Sepsis have been reported in immunocompromised patients
    • Rhodotorula rubra is a common airborne contaminant of skin, lungs, urine and feces
    Industrial Uses
    • Mannan produced by Rhodotorula is useful for serological diagnosis for leptospirosis (a bacterial disease)
    • Carotenoid production for the food industry
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    References Matsuo K., Isogai, E., Araki, Y. 2000. Utilization of Exocellular Mannan from Rhodotorula glutinis as an Immunoreactive Antigen in Diagnosis of Leptospirosis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 38(10): 3750-3754

    Rusts

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    Natural Habitat Rusts are parasitic to many types of plants
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown- rust fungi require a living plant host for growth
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Wind
    • Forcible Ejection
    Allergenic Potential Type I. (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments
    • There are 5000 known species of rusts belonging to at least 150 different genera
    • Rusts are the cause of great economic losses on many cultivated plants
    • Ancient Romans believed the god Robigus was responsible for rust disease on crops and attempted to ward off rust disease by celebrating Robigus in an annual festival
    References Alexopoulos, C.J., Mims, C.W., Blackwell, M. 1996. John Wiley and Sons

    Scedosporium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Decaying plant matter
    • Dung
    • Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Subcutaneous infections
    • Osteomyelitis
    • S. prolificans causes phaeohyphomycosis
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Natural Habitat
    • Decaying deciduous trees
    • Logs
    • Stumps
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Plaster
    • Wood
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Chronic lung disease
    • Meningitis
    • Onychomycosis
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments This fungus goes dormant in dry weather and revives itself when it rains. It can remain dormant for as many as 50 years and will unroll their gills and release spores when moistened.

    Scolecobasidium

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    Natural Habitat Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Scolecobasidium constrictum is a biocontrol agent of clover cyst nematode
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Scolecobasidium humicola, causes phaeohyphomycosis in fish, and cutaneous lesions in tortoises

    Scopulariopsis

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    Natural Habitat Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Dairy products
    • Fruit>/li>
    • Grain
    • Meat
    • Paper
    • Wood
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type III (hypersensitivity),Potential Opportunist or Pathogen, Onychomycosis in toe nails, Skin lesions, Mycetoma, Keratitis, Endophthalmitis, invasive sinusitis, pulmonary infections, endocarditis, and brain abscess typically only afflict immunocompromised patients.
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Scopulariopsis brevicaulis produces arsine gas from arsenate dyes found in wallpaper covered with Paris Green

    Sepedonium

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    Natural Habitat Mycoparasitic on Agaric and Bolete mushrooms, Plant tissue, Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Potential Toxins Produced S. ampullosporum produces Ampullosporin A

    Septonema

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    Natural Habitat Tree bark and Mycoparasite of various other fungi
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Serpula lacrymans

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    Natural Habitat Trees, causing dry rot of many types and Syn. Merulius lacrymans
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Lumber structures
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Smuts

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    Natural Habitat Pathogens of cereals crops, corn, grasses, onion, and sorghum
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment nknown- smut fungi require a living plant host for growth
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Wind
    • Rain
    • Shoes
    • Mowers
    Allergenic Potential Type I. (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Galls of Ustilago maydis are considered a delicacy and are known in Mexico as "Huitlacoche" and in the U.S.A. as "maize mushroom", "Mexican truffles" or "caviar azteca"
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Smut fungi belong to the order Ustilaginales and there are about 4000 known species

    Sordaria

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    Natural Habitat Dung, seeds and soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Mode of Dissemination Forcible ejection and Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Commonly used in genetic studies
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Spadicoides

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    Natural Habitat Bark of a variety of trees and dead wood
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Spegazzinia

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    Natural Habitat Plants and Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Sporobolomyces

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    Natural Habitat Diseased plant tissue, leaves, rolling fruit and soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    Water Activity Requires extremely high humidity for growth
    Mode of Dissemination Forcible Ejection
    Allergenic Potential Type I (hay fever, asthma) and Type III (hypersensitivity)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Dermatitis
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Can be differentiated from Rhodotorula in that ballistoconidia form a mirror-image on an inverted agar plate

    Sporormiella

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    Natural Habitat Dung
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Fiberglass insulation
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Sporothrix

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    Natural Habitat Plant matter and soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen S. schenckii causes cutaneous infections, ocular mycosis, and sporotrichosis in immunocompromised patients.
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Sporotrichum

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    Natural Habitat Decaying wood and soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen S. pruinosum has been isolated from the respiratory secretions of some patients
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Stachybotrys

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    Natural Habitat Decaying plant materials and Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Water damaged building materials such as: ceiling tiles, gypsum board, insulation backing, sheet rock, and wall pape, paper, and textiles
    Water Activity Aw=0.94
    Mode of Dissemination Insects, Water and Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Cyclosporins Macrocyclic trichothecenes: roridin E, satratoxin F, G & H, sporidesmin G, trichoverrol, verrucarin J Stachybotryolactone
    Other Comments Stachybotrys may play a role in the development of sick building syndrome. The presence of this fungus can be significant due to its ability to produce mycotoxins. Exposure to the toxins can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin exposure

    Stemphylium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Dead plant material
    • Spinach (causing a leaf spot disease)
    • Wood
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Paper
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen May cause phaeohyphomycosis
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Stemphol

    Stephanosporium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Bark
    • Soil
    • Wood
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Paper, soil and textiles
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Syncephalastrum

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    Natural Habitat Dung and Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Taeniolella

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    Natural Habitat Leaves and wood
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment House Plants
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Tetraploa

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    Natural Habitat Various plants
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Keratitis
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Thysanophora

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    Natural Habitat Decaying plant matter and soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Torula

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    Natural Habitat Leaves, plant roots, plant litter, wood, and soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Baskets, Paper , Wicker Furniture, Wood
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Some species cause stains in hardwoods

    Trichocladium

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    Natural Habitat Pine needles, soils and wood
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Wood materials
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Keratitis
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Trichoderma

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    Natural Habitat Decaying wood
    Dead leaves and soil Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Paper, textiles and wood
    Mode of Dissemination Insects
    Water splash Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma) and Type III (hypersensitivity)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Has occasionally been associated with disease in immunocompromised individuals
    Industrial Uses Biocontrol agent against a variety of plant pathogens. Biproducts of T. viride is used to make beer and wine
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Gliotoxin
    • Isocyanides
    • Trichothecene
    • Trichodermin
    • T-2 toxin

    Trichosporon

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    Natural Habitat
    • Compost piles
    • Normal flora of mouth, skin and nails of humans
    • Soils
    • Water
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
    • Fungemia in immunocompromised patients
    • Invasive trichosporonosis
    • Superficial infections
    • White piedra
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Trichothecium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Corn seeds
    • Decaying plant matter
    • Plant roots
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Food products (flour products, hazelnuts)
    Water Activity Aw=0.90
    Allergenic Potential Reported to be allergenic
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Trichothecene mycotoxins

    Tritirachium

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    Natural Habitat Decaying plant matter
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Jute
    • Paper
    • Textiles
    Allergenic Potential Reported to be allergenic
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Corneal ulcers
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown

    Ulocladium

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    Natural Habitat Soil, Plant materials, Soil, dung, paint, grasses, fibers, wood, decaying plant material, paper, and textiles
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Gypsum board
    • Jute
    • Paper
    • Rotten wood
    • Textiles
    • Wood
    Water Activity Aw=0.89
    Mode of Dissemination Wind
    Allergenic Potential Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Alternaria sensitive allergy sufferers have a multiplied reaction when Ulocladium and Alternaria are present together

    Ustilago

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    Natural Habitat
    • Cereal crops
    • Grasses
    • Mycoparasite of some other fungi
    • These spores are often seen in outdoor samples.
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment Unknown
    Allergenic Potential Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Ustilago spp. are smut fungi

    Verticillium

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    Natural Habitat
    • Root pathogenic fungi that cause vascular wilt and other diseases on a variety of plants
    • Entomopathogenic
    • Mycopathogenic
    • Soils
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Paper
    • Textiles
    • Wool
    Mode of Dissemination
    • Propagative plant parts
    • Seeds
    • Water splash
    • Wind
    Allergenic Potential Unknown
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Keratitis
    Industrial Uses Produces an antibiotic / Produces an antifungal substance
    Potential Toxins Produced Unknown
    Other Comments Verticillium is a major plant disease agent

    Wallemia

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    Natural Habitat Hay and Soil
    Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Jam
    • Salted Fish
    • Mattresses
    • Textiles
    • Wood in crawl spaces
    Water Activity Considered xerophillic Aw=0.69-0.75
    Mode of Dissemination Windz
    Allergenic Potential Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Unknown
    Industrial Uses Unknown
    Potential Toxins Produced
    • Ttryptophol
    • UCA 1064-beta
    • Walleminol

    Zygomycetes

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    Natural Habitat
    • Decaying plant matter
    • Decaying animal matter
    • Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment
    • Fruits
    • Vegetables
    Water Activity Aw=0.90-0.95
    Mode of Dissemination Water splash and Wind
    Allergenic Potential
    • Type I (hay fever, asthma)
    • Type III (hypersensitivity)
    Potential Opportunist or Pathogen Some Zygomycetes can cause zygomycosis in immonocompromised patients. Zygomycosis can occur in the lungs, nasal sinus, brain, eye, skin, and mucous membranes.
    Industrial Uses Depends on genus
    Potential Toxins Produced Depends on genus
    Other Comments
    • The Zygomycetes represent a class of fungi that includes the genera Rhizopus, Rhizomucor, Mucor, and Absidia Many are extremely fast growing and can inhibit other fungi when competing for food or space


    aiaqc council