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 ...   
Curvularia lunata

Curvularia lunata: A rapidly-growing fungus that produces a gray, brown, or black colony with a dark reverse, within five days, when incubated at 25oC (77oF). The hyphae, conidiophores, and conidia are pigmented olivaceous-brown (dematiaceous). It is found worldwide and is very common. It can be isolated from the air, plants (especially grasses), sand dune soil, and soil. Rarely, it can be an opportunistic human pathogen causing allergic reactions, eye (corneal) infections, mycetoma, and infections in immunocompromised patients.

For additional information, contact:

Pure Air Control Services

800-422-7873, ext. 802