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...   
 
 Apophysomyces spp.
 
 
 
Apophysomyces is a filamentous fungus that is widely distributed in soil and decaying vegetation as a common environmental contaminant. It is found most commonly in tropical to subtropical regions.Apophysomyces elegans is a rare cause of human zygomycosis. The infection is usually acquired via traumatic implantations, such as accidental injuries, insect bites, surgery, and contamination of burn wounds. Invasive soft tissue infections develop on burns or wounds contaminated by soil. Unlike other zygomycosis, the affected host is usually otherwise immunocompetent. Apophysomyces elegans infections present most commonly as necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, and angioinvasion. Systemic and secondary renal and bladder infections have also been reported.