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 ...  

Nigrospora sphaericarapidly growing fungus that produces a white to gray colony with a black reverse, within ten days, when incubated at 25°C (77°F).  Conidia solitary, black, smooth walled, provided with an equatorial germ slit.

 

 

                                             
 

It is found worldwide and is common.  It can be isolated from plants, soil, and foodstuffs. 
 

Nigrospora sphaerica decomposes cellulose. It produces the diterpene derivative aphidicolin, which has antiviral properties. It also produces triglycerides and free fatty acids which can act as attractants for the flour beetle. There have not been any reports of human infections, however, it can cause allergic disease.