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 ...   
 
Ustilago
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ustilago is a yeast that inhabits the soil and plant material. It is a pathogen of seeds and flowers of cereals, wheat, corn, and grasses. Its association with human disease is unclear and it has been isolated as the causative agent in only a very few reports. The pathogenic role of Ustilago is unclear. It has been isolated from sputum samples. This may indicate the inhalation of the fungus rather than an infection. Central venous catheter infection due to Ustilago has been reported. Blastoconidia are observed. Pseudohyphae and hyphae may occasionally be present. Blastoconidia are spindle-shaped, elongate, and irregular. Pseudohyphae consist of spindle-shaped cells. Hyphae, when formed, are short and have clamp connections.