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 ...   
Geotrichum candidum


Geotrichum candidum is a yeast that reproduces by the formation of arthrospores. Colonies are white and yeast-like but later produce white cottony aerial mycelium. It has worldwide distribution and is very common because it is part of the normal fungal flora of humans and animals. It can be isolated from contaminated grains, fruits, dairy products, paper, textiles, soil, and water. It can be an opportunistic human pathogen causing skin, pulmonary, mouth, and intestinal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
 

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