Pure Air Control Services and the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory are pleased to introduce "Under the Scope", a new section of the IEQ REVIEW. 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 ...   

Wangiella dermatitidis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wangiella dermatitidis is an occasional causative agent of phaeohyphomycosis. Subcutaneous phaehypomycosis is the most common clinical picture. The infection develops after traumatic implantation of the fungus through the skin. Wangiella dermatitidis is a neurotropic fungus. Central nervous system infections have been reported . It may also cause keratitis, otitis, pneumonia, and endocarditis. Disseminated infections may develop particularly in immunocompromised patients. Colonies of Wangiella dermatitidis grow slowly. On potato dextrose agar and after incubation at 25°C, the colonies are initially moist, yeast-like, and shiny. Aerial hyphae develop after 3 to 4 weeks of incubation. The color is black from the front and the reverse. The monoclonal antibody used in "Pastorex" Aspergillus antigen test for detection of Aspergillus galactomannan antigen may cross-react with Wangiella dermatitidis