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 ...   

Arthrobotrys species



Arthrobotrys species

A rapidly growing fungus that produces a white, yellow, pale pink or salmon colony within ten days, when incubated at 25oC (77oF). It is found worldwide and is frequently isolated from soil, plants, rabbit dung and other nematode infested materials. It is capable of trapping nematodes by means of adhesive loops of hyphae or a hyphal network. There have not been any reports of human infections.
 

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