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 ...


Bipolaris Species


Bipolaris is a cosmopolitan fungus however, some of the species are mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas. It is saprophytic and parasitic in nature. Under laboratory condition it is a rapidly growing fungus that produces a grayish-brown to black colony, within seven days when incubated at 25°C (77°F). 
 

 
It can produce the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin, which can cause liver and kidney damage in humans and animals.  It is found worldwide and is commonly isolated from soil, sand, plants, birds, and cotton fabrics.  Rarely it is an opportunistic human pathogen.