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 species

Rhizopus species
A very rapidly-growing fungi that produce either brownish-gray or reddish gray-brown colonies within four days, when incubated at 25oC (77oF). It has worldwide distribution but is found primarily in the tropical and subtropical areas. It has been isolated from soil, desert soil, children=s sandpits, sand dunes, salt marshes, mines, bat caves, fresh and salt water, plants, and foodstuffs. Rarely, certain species can be opportunistic human pathogens causing zygomycosis.
 

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