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 ...  
 
Rhodococcus species


Pictured above: Rhodococcus rhodochorus

Rhodococcus species
An aerobic, gram-positive, branching filamentous bacterium that fragments into bacilli and cocci. They produce white, cream, yellow, coral, pink, orange or red colonies. Some organisms produce large amounts of slime resulting in a mucoid looking colony. They have been isolated from soil, fresh water, marine water, the gut of arthropods, and the gastrointestinal tract and feces of farm animals (herbivores and swine). It is an animal and human pathogen, especially those patients that are immunocompromised.

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For additional information, contact:

Pure Air Control Services

800-422-7873, ext. 802