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 ... 
  
Gliocladium species



Gliocladium species

A rapidly growing fungus that produces a pale to olive-green, white, pink or salmon colony within ten days, when incubated at 25oC (77oF). It is very common worldwide. It can be isolated from soil, salt marshes, desert soil, mangrove swamp, sewage sludge, foodstuffs, bird feathers, wood pulp, animal dung, cotton fabric, leather, and frescoes of a monastery. It produces a mycotoxin (gliotoxin) which is toxic to animals, shrimp, fish, and plants. There have not been any substantiated reports of human infections, however, it can cause allergic disease.
 

 

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Pure Air Control Services

800-422-7873, ext. 802