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 ...  

Scedosporium spp.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scedosporium prolificans can infect both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Subcutaneous infections, osteomyelitis, and arthritis are usually posttraumatic and may affect otherwise healthy individuals. Disseminated infections, on the other hand, are mostly encountered in patients who are immunosuppressed (particularly, neutropenic) due to various reasons and are often fatal Scedosporium prolificans is now recognized as the most common cause of disseminated. Cases with pneumonia, meningoencephalitis and endocarditis have been reported. Ocular infections (keratouveitis) and colonization by Scedosporium prolificans have also been reported.