Under the Scope
by Dr. Rajiv Sahay
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... Neotestudina rosatii
Neotestudina rosatii causes white grain mycetoma. Mycetoma is a chronic subcutaneous infection that starts after traumatic implantation of the fungus into the subcutaneous tissue via contact with soil. The fungus produces large aggregates in the tissue composed of filaments, which eventually lead to abscess formation. These aggregates are called grains. Neotestudina rosatii produces white granules, which are non-pigmented and pale in color initially but may become dark in time. The granules are 0.5-1 mm in diameter, and oval or round in shape. They usually have angular edges. The abscess may drain onto the skin surface via sinuses or involve the surrounding bones, leading to osteomyelitis. The infection does not disseminate to distant organs or systems. However, chronic infection may gradually produce severe deformities and disabilities of the involved extremity
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