Acremonium
Characteristics: Allergen Type I and Type III also considered to be pathogenic and toxigenic.
Description: It is often found in soil, dead organic debris, hay, and food stuffs with a white, pale pink, or salmon coloration with a thinly velvety texture. It is disseminated as a wet spore by an insect or water droplet, and as a dry spore by the wind. For indoor growth this fungus requires very wet conditions. Most species of Acremonium do not grow at 37°C. As an allergen, it has been known to cause both Type I and Type III symptoms. As a pathogen it has been known to cause mycetoma, keratitis, onychomycosis as well as other rare infections reported in immunodeficient patients, and in persons with wound injuries. As a toxigenic agent, it produces cephalosporins, an important class of antibiotics. Acremonium was formerly referred to in the science world as Cephalosporium.
Alternaria
Characteristics: Allergen Type I and Type III also considered to be pathogenic and toxigenic.
Description: Alternaria in one of the most common fungi worldwide. Its colonies are generally found in soil, dead organic debris, on food stuffs, textiles, and weakened plants with a dark olive green to brown coloration with velvety texture. It is disseminated as a dry spore through the wind. Most species of Alternaria do not grow at 37° C. As an allergen, it has been known to cause both Type I and Type III symptoms. As a pathogen it has been known to cause nasal lesions, subcutaneous lesions, and nail infections. The majority of infections occur in people with underlying disease or in those taking immunosuppressive drugs. As a toxigenic agent, it produces alternariol (an antifungal), AME (metabolite), tenuazonic acid, and altertoxins. It can be used for biocontrol to kill weeds and plants.
Amerospores
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Amerospores represents a morphological category of spores that are produced by many unrelated fungi. Instead amerospores are identified by increasing magnification to detect subtle characteristics. When no characteristics are present that allow identification of any spore, we list it as “other dark” or “other colorless”. These terms make clear the fact that we have not identified these spores and, importantly, separates these into a small group of spores, enabling better interpretation of the data when comparisons are made between locations. Generally, very few spores fall into the “other” or unidentified category.
Amphobotrys
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Amphobotrys species comprise a very small proportion of the fungal biota. This genus is most closely related to Botrytis. No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. Identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples, and in air by culturable (Andersen) sampling. Spores are not distinctive on spore trap samples and would be categorized as “other colorless.” Recorded sources of isolation are from plants (Euphorbia, Ricinus)
Annellophora/Taeniolella rudis
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Annellophora species are common, but comprise a small proportion of the fungal biota. This genus is related to Taeniolella. In particular, Taeniolella rudis has very similar morphology. The spores of both genera are dark brown and distinctive. Annellophora species have areas of successive proliferations, whereas Taeniolella rudis does not. No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. May be identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples and in air by spore trap samples. These genera do not grow on common laboratory media. Natural habitat includes leaves, and wood. They are sometimes associated with lumber, and can be found indoors on wood, and plants.
Aphanocladium
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Aphanocladium species are common, but comprise a small proportion of the fungal biota. Spores are dry and are designed for wind dissemination. This very delicate genus is somewhat related to Beauveria and Engyodontium. No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. Identified in air by culturable (Andersen) sampling. Spores are not distinctive on spore trap samples and would be categorized as “other colorless.” Recorded sources of isolation are from other fungi, spiders, dung, and litter
Athrospore Formers
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Arthrospores are a very primitive spore type, formed by the breaking up or disarticulation of fungal mycelia. Many yeast-like fungi such as the genera Geotricum and Trichosporon form arthrospores. These organisms require a series of biochemical tests for definitive identification. Many microfungi (such as the dermatophytes) form more than one kind of spore, including arthrospores, as well as spores that are morphologically distinct. Other microfungi form only arthrospores, but with mechanisms or other structural morphologies that are unique. Most of the basidiomycetes (mushrooms) form arthrospores as part of their mycelial phase; these arthrospores are not distinctive and are for the most part not an aid in identification. Colonies isolated on Andersen samples with aerial mycelia and many arthrospores are most probably the result of germinating basidiospores from mushrooms.
Arthrinium
Characteristics: Allergen (one species: Arthrinium sphaerospermum), Not considered a Pathogen or Toxigenic agent.
Description: It is often found in soil or decomposing plant material with a white coloration and has a texture of wooly tufts or long soft hairs. Over time, brown to black spore clusters develop. It is disseminated as a dry spore by wind. The only species of Arthrinium known as an allergen is Arthrinium sphaerospermum. It is not known to be a pathogen or toxigenic agent.
Arthrobotrys
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Arthrobotrys species comprise a very small proportion of the fungal aerobiota. Rarely found but may be identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples, and in air by spore trap samples. (Spores have distinctive morphology.) Arthrobotrys is found primarily in the soil and is one of those fungi capable of capturing nematodes.
Ascospores
Characteristics: Allergenic, Pathogenic, and Toxigenic dependant on genus and species.
Description: It is often found in saprophytes (an organism that grows on and derives nourishment from dead or decaying matter) and other plant pathogens. It is found everywhere in nature. It is disseminated as a wet spore through forcible discharge during periods of high humidity or rain. For indoor growth this fungus requires damp conditions. While some ascomycetes sporulate in culture (Chaetomium, Pleospora), many are parasitic plant pathogens, and sporulate (grow) only on living host plants. As an allergen, it is poorly studied. As a pathogen, it is dependent on genus and species, but the vast majority do not cause disease. As a toxigenic agent, it is dependant on the genus and species, but is known to produce many toxins. Some of the common asexual fungi such as Penicillium and Aspergillus produce sexual forms under certain conditions; these are classified in the ascomycete group and given distinct names.
Ascotricha
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Ascotricha species comprise a small proportion of the fungal biota. This genus is most closely related to Chaetomium. No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. Identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples, and in air by spore trap sampling. Spores are round, brown, and may be identified to genus if other structural elements (such as perithecial terminal hairs) are present. Otherwise, these spores may be placed in the spore category “smuts, Periconia, myxomycetes” or may be called “unknown brown.” Ascotricha is cellulolytic, and sources of isolation include damp sheet-rock paper, woody and straw materials.
Aspergillus
Characteristics: Allergen Type I and Type III also considered to be pathogenic and toxigenic.
Description: It is often found in soil, decaying plant debris, compost piles, and stored grain. It is disseminated as a dry spore by the wind. For indoor growth this fungus requires varying conditions dependant on the species. Most species of Aspergillus grow at 37°C (body temperature). As an allergen, it has been known to cause Type I (hay fever, asthma), and Type III (hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung, Malt worker’s lung, Compost lung, Wood trimmer’s disease, Straw hypersensitivity, Farmer’s lung, Oat grain hypersensitivity, fumigatus: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), and allergenic fungal sinusitis) symptoms. As a pathogen, it has been known to cause respiratory, invasive, cutaneous, ear, and corneal disease including fumigatus (fungus ball), flavus (nasal sinus lesions), and niger (“swimmer’s ear”). As a toxigenic agent, it produces flavus, fumigatus, niger, usutus, and versicolor causing agents as well as many others. Aspergillus is one of the most common fungal genera, worldwide, and Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common species found.
Aspergillus Flavus
Characteristics: an occasional agent of pulmonary or disseminated infection in the immunocompromised patient. Cases of sinusitis and onychomycosis have also been reported. In animals, it may be the agent of respiratory infections of birds.
Description: It is often found in plants and soil. It is known especially for its aflatoxins produced in certain foodstuffs such as peanuts. It is characterized by its rapid growth, powdery texture, and yellow/green color.Aspergillus flavus is distinguished from other species of Aspergillus by its brilliant yellow green colonies and bias typical rough walled conidiophores.
Aspergillus Fumigatus
Characteristics: The most frequently isolated agent of aspergillosis in humans. It may cause pulmonary, nasal, ocular, cerebral, bone, cardiovascular, and organ infections, particularly in the immunocompromised patient. Aspergillus fumigatus is also a cause of mycotic abortion in the cow and of respiratory infections in fowl.
Description: It is often found in compost, soil and plant material. It is characterized by rapid growth, with a powdery texture usually colored blue/green to gray/green on the surface. Aspergillus fumigatus is distinguished by its blue/green to gray/green colonies. Unlike most other medically important species of Aspergillus, it develops well at 48°C. In a typical form characterized by downy white colonies is occasionally isolated from cases of aspergilloma or chronic bronchopulmonary colonization. These isolates grow well at 48°C. Aspergillus is one of the most common fungal genera, worldwide, and Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common species found.
Aspergillus Niger
Characteristics: An uncommon cause of aspergillosis, but does cause ear, nose, and lung infections especially in immunocompromised people. As a pathogen, it has been found to be isolated from human external ears, a cutaneous infection of a bone marrow transplant recipient, and pulmonary infections. As a toxigenic agent, it produces metabolites of low animal toxicity.
Description: It is often found in soil and plant debris, particularly notable as a contaminant of spices and other sun-dried plant products. It is one of the most commonly reported fungi from foods. For indoor growth this fungus is often seen in indoor environments, but not generally associated with contaminated building materials. Usually it is found in floor, carpet, mattress dust, acrylic paint, polyester polyurethane foam, polyurethane footwear, leather, cosmetics, widgets, HVAC filters and fans, bakeries, cotton mills, cotton yarn, hey, cereals, cottonseed, and potted plant soil. As a toxigenic agent, it produces metabolites of low animal toxicity. Aspergillus is one of the most common fungal genera, worldwide, and Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common species found.
Aspergillus Versicolor
Characteristics: It is rarely a cause of deep infections in humans. Occasionally responsible for cases of onchychomycosis.
Description: It is often found in soil and plant material. It is characterized by moderately rapid growth, powdery texture, and white/yellow/beige to yellow/green or emerald green coloration. For indoor growth this fungus is often found in buildings with humidity and ventilation problems. As a toxigenic agent, it produces sterigmatocystin.
Aureobasidium
Characterisitics: Allergen Type I and Type III; rare pathogen and unknown toxigenic agent.
Description:
It is often found in soil, forest soil, fresh water, aerial portion of plants, fruit, marine estuary sediments, and wood with a cream to pink (young) or dark brown (old) coloration and a yeast-like texture. It is disseminated as a wet spore by water droplet and through air as a dry spore. For indoor growth this fungus requires moist conditions, commonly found in bathrooms or kitchens, on shower curtains, tile grout window sills, textiles, and liquid waste materials. As an allergen, it has been known to cause Type I (hay fever asthma) and Type III (hypersensitiy pneumonitis: Humidifier fever, Sauna taker’s lung) symptoms.
As a pathogen, it has been rarely linked to skin lesions, keratisis, spleen abscess in a lymphoma patient, and blood isolate from a leukemic patient. It is not known to be a toxigenic agent.
Characteristics: Allergen Type I and Type III also considered to be pathogenic and toxigenic.
Description: It is often found in soil, dead organic debris, hay, and food stuffs with a white, pale pink, or salmon coloration with a thinly velvety texture. It is disseminated as a wet spore by an insect or water droplet, and as a dry spore by the wind. For indoor growth this fungus requires very wet conditions. Most species of Acremonium do not grow at 37°C. As an allergen, it has been known to cause both Type I and Type III symptoms. As a pathogen it has been known to cause mycetoma, keratitis, onychomycosis as well as other rare infections reported in immunodeficient patients, and in persons with wound injuries. As a toxigenic agent, it produces cephalosporins, an important class of antibiotics. Acremonium was formerly referred to in the science world as Cephalosporium.
Alternaria
Characteristics: Allergen Type I and Type III also considered to be pathogenic and toxigenic.
Description: Alternaria in one of the most common fungi worldwide. Its colonies are generally found in soil, dead organic debris, on food stuffs, textiles, and weakened plants with a dark olive green to brown coloration with velvety texture. It is disseminated as a dry spore through the wind. Most species of Alternaria do not grow at 37° C. As an allergen, it has been known to cause both Type I and Type III symptoms. As a pathogen it has been known to cause nasal lesions, subcutaneous lesions, and nail infections. The majority of infections occur in people with underlying disease or in those taking immunosuppressive drugs. As a toxigenic agent, it produces alternariol (an antifungal), AME (metabolite), tenuazonic acid, and altertoxins. It can be used for biocontrol to kill weeds and plants.
Amerospores
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Amerospores represents a morphological category of spores that are produced by many unrelated fungi. Instead amerospores are identified by increasing magnification to detect subtle characteristics. When no characteristics are present that allow identification of any spore, we list it as “other dark” or “other colorless”. These terms make clear the fact that we have not identified these spores and, importantly, separates these into a small group of spores, enabling better interpretation of the data when comparisons are made between locations. Generally, very few spores fall into the “other” or unidentified category.
Amphobotrys
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Amphobotrys species comprise a very small proportion of the fungal biota. This genus is most closely related to Botrytis. No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. Identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples, and in air by culturable (Andersen) sampling. Spores are not distinctive on spore trap samples and would be categorized as “other colorless.” Recorded sources of isolation are from plants (Euphorbia, Ricinus)
Annellophora/Taeniolella rudis
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Annellophora species are common, but comprise a small proportion of the fungal biota. This genus is related to Taeniolella. In particular, Taeniolella rudis has very similar morphology. The spores of both genera are dark brown and distinctive. Annellophora species have areas of successive proliferations, whereas Taeniolella rudis does not. No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. May be identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples and in air by spore trap samples. These genera do not grow on common laboratory media. Natural habitat includes leaves, and wood. They are sometimes associated with lumber, and can be found indoors on wood, and plants.
Aphanocladium
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Aphanocladium species are common, but comprise a small proportion of the fungal biota. Spores are dry and are designed for wind dissemination. This very delicate genus is somewhat related to Beauveria and Engyodontium. No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. Identified in air by culturable (Andersen) sampling. Spores are not distinctive on spore trap samples and would be categorized as “other colorless.” Recorded sources of isolation are from other fungi, spiders, dung, and litter
Athrospore Formers
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Arthrospores are a very primitive spore type, formed by the breaking up or disarticulation of fungal mycelia. Many yeast-like fungi such as the genera Geotricum and Trichosporon form arthrospores. These organisms require a series of biochemical tests for definitive identification. Many microfungi (such as the dermatophytes) form more than one kind of spore, including arthrospores, as well as spores that are morphologically distinct. Other microfungi form only arthrospores, but with mechanisms or other structural morphologies that are unique. Most of the basidiomycetes (mushrooms) form arthrospores as part of their mycelial phase; these arthrospores are not distinctive and are for the most part not an aid in identification. Colonies isolated on Andersen samples with aerial mycelia and many arthrospores are most probably the result of germinating basidiospores from mushrooms.
Arthrinium
Characteristics: Allergen (one species: Arthrinium sphaerospermum), Not considered a Pathogen or Toxigenic agent.
Description: It is often found in soil or decomposing plant material with a white coloration and has a texture of wooly tufts or long soft hairs. Over time, brown to black spore clusters develop. It is disseminated as a dry spore by wind. The only species of Arthrinium known as an allergen is Arthrinium sphaerospermum. It is not known to be a pathogen or toxigenic agent.
Arthrobotrys
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Arthrobotrys species comprise a very small proportion of the fungal aerobiota. Rarely found but may be identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples, and in air by spore trap samples. (Spores have distinctive morphology.) Arthrobotrys is found primarily in the soil and is one of those fungi capable of capturing nematodes.
Ascospores
Characteristics: Allergenic, Pathogenic, and Toxigenic dependant on genus and species.
Description: It is often found in saprophytes (an organism that grows on and derives nourishment from dead or decaying matter) and other plant pathogens. It is found everywhere in nature. It is disseminated as a wet spore through forcible discharge during periods of high humidity or rain. For indoor growth this fungus requires damp conditions. While some ascomycetes sporulate in culture (Chaetomium, Pleospora), many are parasitic plant pathogens, and sporulate (grow) only on living host plants. As an allergen, it is poorly studied. As a pathogen, it is dependent on genus and species, but the vast majority do not cause disease. As a toxigenic agent, it is dependant on the genus and species, but is known to produce many toxins. Some of the common asexual fungi such as Penicillium and Aspergillus produce sexual forms under certain conditions; these are classified in the ascomycete group and given distinct names.
Ascotricha
Characteristics: No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied.
Description: Ascotricha species comprise a small proportion of the fungal biota. This genus is most closely related to Chaetomium. No information is available regarding health effects, or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. Identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples, and in air by spore trap sampling. Spores are round, brown, and may be identified to genus if other structural elements (such as perithecial terminal hairs) are present. Otherwise, these spores may be placed in the spore category “smuts, Periconia, myxomycetes” or may be called “unknown brown.” Ascotricha is cellulolytic, and sources of isolation include damp sheet-rock paper, woody and straw materials.
Aspergillus
Characteristics: Allergen Type I and Type III also considered to be pathogenic and toxigenic.
Description: It is often found in soil, decaying plant debris, compost piles, and stored grain. It is disseminated as a dry spore by the wind. For indoor growth this fungus requires varying conditions dependant on the species. Most species of Aspergillus grow at 37°C (body temperature). As an allergen, it has been known to cause Type I (hay fever, asthma), and Type III (hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung, Malt worker’s lung, Compost lung, Wood trimmer’s disease, Straw hypersensitivity, Farmer’s lung, Oat grain hypersensitivity, fumigatus: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), and allergenic fungal sinusitis) symptoms. As a pathogen, it has been known to cause respiratory, invasive, cutaneous, ear, and corneal disease including fumigatus (fungus ball), flavus (nasal sinus lesions), and niger (“swimmer’s ear”). As a toxigenic agent, it produces flavus, fumigatus, niger, usutus, and versicolor causing agents as well as many others. Aspergillus is one of the most common fungal genera, worldwide, and Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common species found.
Aspergillus Flavus
Characteristics: an occasional agent of pulmonary or disseminated infection in the immunocompromised patient. Cases of sinusitis and onychomycosis have also been reported. In animals, it may be the agent of respiratory infections of birds.
Description: It is often found in plants and soil. It is known especially for its aflatoxins produced in certain foodstuffs such as peanuts. It is characterized by its rapid growth, powdery texture, and yellow/green color.Aspergillus flavus is distinguished from other species of Aspergillus by its brilliant yellow green colonies and bias typical rough walled conidiophores.
Aspergillus Fumigatus
Characteristics: The most frequently isolated agent of aspergillosis in humans. It may cause pulmonary, nasal, ocular, cerebral, bone, cardiovascular, and organ infections, particularly in the immunocompromised patient. Aspergillus fumigatus is also a cause of mycotic abortion in the cow and of respiratory infections in fowl.
Description: It is often found in compost, soil and plant material. It is characterized by rapid growth, with a powdery texture usually colored blue/green to gray/green on the surface. Aspergillus fumigatus is distinguished by its blue/green to gray/green colonies. Unlike most other medically important species of Aspergillus, it develops well at 48°C. In a typical form characterized by downy white colonies is occasionally isolated from cases of aspergilloma or chronic bronchopulmonary colonization. These isolates grow well at 48°C. Aspergillus is one of the most common fungal genera, worldwide, and Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common species found.
Aspergillus Niger
Characteristics: An uncommon cause of aspergillosis, but does cause ear, nose, and lung infections especially in immunocompromised people. As a pathogen, it has been found to be isolated from human external ears, a cutaneous infection of a bone marrow transplant recipient, and pulmonary infections. As a toxigenic agent, it produces metabolites of low animal toxicity.
Description: It is often found in soil and plant debris, particularly notable as a contaminant of spices and other sun-dried plant products. It is one of the most commonly reported fungi from foods. For indoor growth this fungus is often seen in indoor environments, but not generally associated with contaminated building materials. Usually it is found in floor, carpet, mattress dust, acrylic paint, polyester polyurethane foam, polyurethane footwear, leather, cosmetics, widgets, HVAC filters and fans, bakeries, cotton mills, cotton yarn, hey, cereals, cottonseed, and potted plant soil. As a toxigenic agent, it produces metabolites of low animal toxicity. Aspergillus is one of the most common fungal genera, worldwide, and Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common species found.
Aspergillus Versicolor
Characteristics: It is rarely a cause of deep infections in humans. Occasionally responsible for cases of onchychomycosis.
Description: It is often found in soil and plant material. It is characterized by moderately rapid growth, powdery texture, and white/yellow/beige to yellow/green or emerald green coloration. For indoor growth this fungus is often found in buildings with humidity and ventilation problems. As a toxigenic agent, it produces sterigmatocystin.
