Pure Air Control Services and the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory are pleased to introduce "Under the Scope", a new section of the IEQ REVIEW. There are over 100,000 species of fungi. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and humans). Every week the IEQ Review will describe a specific microorganism, its morphological origin and potential health effects.  If you would like to know about a specific organism and/or would like it published in The IEQ Review please email Dr. Rajiv Sahay with the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDL) at Pure Air Control Services laboratory@pureaircontrols.com

This week we will cover ...   
Rhizopus rhizopodiformis (Rhizopus microsporus variety rhizopodiformis): A very rapidly growing fungus that produces a gray to dark brownish-gray colony within four days, when incubated at 25C (77F).  It has worldwide distribution but is found primarily in the tropical and subtropical areas.  It has been isolated from soil, salt marshes, mines, caves, bat guano, bird feathers, fresh and salt water, plants, and foodstuffs. 
 
Clinical Relevance:
 
R. rhizopodiformis is an opportunistic human pathogen causing cutaneous infections (zygomycosis) following the use of Elastoplast bandages to cover surgical wounds. Although the term mucormycosis has often been used for this syndrome, zygomycosis is now the preferred term for this angio-invasive disease. Rhizopus arrhizus is the most common cause of zygomycosis and is followed by Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis.
 
 
     

 For additional information, contact:
Pure Air Control Services
800-422-7873, ext. 802