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 ...   

Absidia species



Absidia species

A rapidly growing fungus that produces a coarse wooly gray colony with a white reverse within four days, when incubated at 25oC (77oF). It has worldwide distribution and is very common. It is found in air, soil, swamps, dunes, sewage, caves, plants, bird feathers, compost , foodstuffs, and rabbit dung. It is one of the fungi responsible for a human and warm-blooded animal disease called zygomycosis. It attacks the lungs, nasal sinuses, and other organs in patients, especially in diabetic patients. It is capable of causing allergic disease.