mold glossary A

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Mold Glossary A - Au

Absidia sp.(Ab-syd’-ee-uh) - An allergen, Absidia is commonly found in decaying plant debris, soils, foods, and can often cause
food spoilage. The genus contains approximately 21 species, a common isolate being A. corymbifera (the only recognized
pathogen of Absidia species). A. corymbifera is a principal cause of zygomycosis or mucormycosis. Zygomycosis can involve the
rhino-facial-cranial area, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin, especially in the immunocompromised. The disease is associated
with acidotic diabetes, malnourished children, severely burned patients, immunosuppressive therapy, use of cytotoxins and
corticosteroids, and diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. These fungi show an inclination for vessel invasion resulting in
embolism and subsequent necrosis. This fungus is a zygomycete and its identification is based on its asexual reproduction, which is
similar to Rhizopus and Mucor. Morphological characteristics are the production of sporangiospores, which are diminutive, round,
thick walled bodies resistant to heat and drought, causing the fungi to be thermophilic. They are produced in large numbers in
globular envelopes (sporangia) at the tip of special hyphae (sporangiophores). Identification is based on the way the sporangia are
formed. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 37°C, 7 – 10 days for A. corymbifera; most other Absibia sp. are
unable to grow at 37°C, but do grow at 20 - 25°C.

Acremonium sp. (Ack-ruh-moan’-ee-um)
Acremonium (a.k.a. Cephalosporium) is a common type I & III allergen. Naturally found in soils, decaying organic matter, and plant
debris, it is also an agricultural contaminant. This genus can be parasitic or saprophytic to plants and other living fungi, and some
species cause vascular wilts in trees. Acremonium is the asexual state of Emericellopsis, Chaetomium, and Nectripsis. It has been
known to produce a toxin from the trichothecene group and may also give off an unpleasant odor due to the production of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs). This fungus is associated with occupant complaints such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Acremonium has been isolated from cases of mycetoma, onychomycosis, mycotic keratitis, infection of the cornea, and infections of
artificial implants. Morphological characteristics are the production of conidiophores and long, slender phialides; conidia are
hyaline, 1-celled, and are collected in a slime drop. Colonies grow fast and are compact and moist, becoming overgrown with loose,
cottony hyphae which are white, gray or rose in color. Indoor growth requires extremely wet conditions, and does not grow very well
at 37°C. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Aflatoxin - a potent carcinogen from the fungus Aspergillus; can be produced and stored for use as a bioweapon, which is any
weapon usable in biological warfare - "they feared use of the smallpox virus as a bioweapon".
The term BIOWEAPON includes these common terms :::

Bioarm - Biological Weapon - Bioweapon - Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD)
Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) - a weapon that kills or injures civilian as well as military personnel (nuclear and chemical and
biological weapons)

Alternaria sp. (All-tur-nair’-ee-uh)
Alternaria is a large and widespread genus, the conidia of which are easily carried by the wind, with peak concentrations in the
summer and early fall. Alternaria is commonly found in house dust, carpets, textiles, on horizontal surfaces in building interiors, and
window frames. It is one of the main fungal causes of allergy, being a common type I & III allergen. Outdoors, it may be isolated from
samples of soil, seeds and plants, and is frequently reported in air. The large spore size suggests that this fungus will deposit in the
nose, mouth and upper respiratory tract causing nasal septum infections. It has also been associated with hypersensitivity
pneumonitis. It is a common cause of extrinsic asthma. Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms; chronic cases may
develop pulmonary emphysema. Baker’s asthma is associated with inhalation of Alternaria conidia present in flour. Other diseases
caused by Alternaria include: Farmer’s lung, mycotic keratitis, skin infections, and osteomyelitis. Also, the species A. alternata is
capable of producing tenuazonic acid and other toxic metabolites that may be associated with disease in humans or animals.
Several species are pathogenic to plants and contribute to the spoilage of agricultural products. Alternaria has been isolated from
substrates such as sewage, leather, stone monuments, optical instruments, cosmetics, computer disks, and jet fuel. Morphological
characteristics include abundant production of conidia that are large (18-83 x 7-18 microns) and multicellular with both transverse
and longitudinal septa; conidiophores are dark, mostly simple. Colonies grow fast, are suede-like to floccose, and black to
olivaceous-black or grayish in color. (Aw–0.85-0.89) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Amblyosporium sp. (Am-bly-oh-spor-ee-um) - is a saprobe commonly found on decaying animals and feces because it grows
well on ammonium and amino acids. It is considered a mitosporic (it lacks a known sexual state and belongs the Fungi Imperfecti)
and ectomycorrhizal fungi (lives on the surface of the roots and forms a Hartig net). Amblyosporium has been isolated from
Sitophilus oryzae L., an important insect pest of stored grain and processed foods. It has even been isolated from fabric. One
species, A. botrytis forms effused orange-red tufts on decaying fungi. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°
C, 7 – 10 days.

Amerospores (Am-er-oh-spore) are small, round, non-septate asexual spores or spore-like particles, indistinguishable from
each other at 600X magnification using light microscopy. They include Trichoderma and unchained spores of Aspergillus and
Penicillium. Amerospores can also include Acremonium, Verticillium, Paecilomyces, Scytalidium, Cunninghamella, Monocillium,
Gliocladium, and some yeasts.

Anixiella sp. (An-ick-sella)

Anixiella is a synonym for the genus Gelasinospora, an ascomycete. Anixiella is a decomposer that thrives on feces or decaying
plant material. It can be found even in artic regions. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Arthrinium sp. (Arth-rin-ee-um) is a widespread saprobe. It is found on plants including sugarcane and especially swamp
grasses & sedges. This genus is often isolated from air near grassy places in the autumn. Only one species is considered to be
allergenic. There have been no reported cases of infections or toxin related diseases in humans or animals. Conidiophores are
simple, mostly hyaline except for thick dark septa. Conidia are dark, 1-celled, broadly fusoid, ovoid with an equatorial germ slit, and
are attached on the side and apex of conidiophore. They usually occur in grape-like masses on white wooly colonies. Culture -
Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Arthrobotrys sp.(Arth-roh-bot-rys) is commonly found in soils and decaying plant debris. This fungus is capable of capturing
nematodes (including those causing damage to agricultural crops) with a complex network of constricting rings and sticky loops.
After the fungus has obtained sufficient nutrients from its prey it will reproduce by producing clusters of conidia at the tops of long
conidiophores. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Arthrographis sp. (Arth-roh-graf-ys) is a widespread allergen commonly found in soils, compost, and decaying plants. Only two
species have been identified: A. cuboidea and A. kalrae. A. kalrae is a known causative agent of onychomycosis and has been
recovered from the skin, nails, and respiratory secretions of patients with chronic pulmonary disease. The fungi’s growth is
variable, but it has the ability to grow at 45°C, which is significant for its identification. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract
agar, 20 - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

Ascospore (Ask-oh-spore) are a general category of spores that have been produced by means of sexual reproduction (in a
sack-like structure called an ascus). These are ubiquitous saprobes and plant pathogens, many of which are easily identifiable (i.e.
Chaetomium). This group contains potential opportunistic pathogens, toxin producers, and allergens depending on the genus and
species. A rupture in the top portion of the ascus disperses the spores during rain or in times of high humidity. Some asexual fungi,
such as Aspergillus and Penicillium can become sexual under specific conditions, these are then considered ascomycetes and are
given distinct names.

Aspergillus sp. (Ass-pur-jill-us) is a common type I & III allergen. They are frequently isolated from forest products, soils, grains,
nuts, cotton, organic debris, and water damaged building materials. Spores can also be found in moist ventilation systems and
house dust. There are more than 160 different species of Aspergillus, sixteen of which have been documented as etiological
agents of human disease but rarely occur in individuals with normally functioning immune systems. However, due to the substantial
increase in populations of individuals with HIV, chemotherapy patients and those on corticosteroid treatment, contamination of
building substrates with fungi, particularly Aspergillus is of concern. Aspergillosis is now the second most common fungal infection
requiring hospitalization in the United States. Many Aspergillus species produce mycotoxins that may be associated with diseases in
humans and other animals. Toxin production is dependent on the species or strain within the species and on the food source for
the fungus. Some of these toxins are carcinogenic including aflatoxins and ochratoxin. Aspergillus is a common cause of extrinsic
asthma with symptoms including edema and bronchiospasms, and chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. These fungi
are frequently secondary opportunistic pathogens in patients with bronchiectasis, carcinoma, other mycosis, sarcoid, and
tuberculosis. Some species can also cause onychomycosis (infection of the nail). (Aw – 0.71 – 0.94). Culture - Potato dextrose
agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days. Speciation of Aspergillus requires the culture of the fungus under different
conditions of media, humidity, and temperature.

Aspergillus flavus (Ass-pur-jill-us flay-vus) is a widespread saprobe found outdoors in soil, seeds, dry fruits, and on decaying
plants. It is also found indoors on water damaged carpets and building materials. A. flavus has been reported to be allergenic and
its presence is associated with asthma. This fungus is also associated with aspergillosis of the lungs and/or disseminated
aspergillosis, as well as ear and eye infections. Occasionally, infections of lung, heart, and bladder have been reported. Some
strains are capable of producing a group of mycotoxins in the aflatoxin group. Aflatoxins are animal carcinogens and are toxic to
humans if ingested, and if inhaled can inflict occupationally related diseases. Toxin production is dependent on the substrate and
growth conditions. (Aw - 0.78) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C.

Aspergillus fumigatus (Ass-pur-jill-us fume-uh-got’-us) is a saprobe with worldwide distribution. It is common in house dust,
occurs in both outdoor and indoor air, in different types of soil, and on decaying plant material, compost, wood chips, bird feathers
and droppings, and also hay and crops. It is also an important causal agent of systemic mycosis in domestic animals and in
humans, especially the immunocompromised. Aspergillus fumigatus has also been reported to cause allergies, asthma, and rhinitis.
This fungus produces a large number of mycotoxins and tremorgenic metabolites. It is an important human pathogen, being the
most common cause of aspergillosis. A. fumigatus is a thermotolerant fungi and can grow at temperatures up to 50°C. This species
is typically fast growing and is blue-green in color. (Aw-0.82 - >0.97) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25 or
37°C.

Aspergillus niger (Ass-pur-jill-us nigh-jhur) is the third most common Aspergillus species associated with invasive pulmonary
aspergillosis. It is a very common environmental isolate found in a great variety of substrates including textiles, grains, fruits and
vegetables, and soil. It is commonly associated with "fungus ball", a condition where the fungus actively grows in the human lung
forming a ball, without invading lung tissue. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus have been reported to cause skin diseases
and are a common cause of fungal related ear infections (otomycosis). Aspergillus niger generates many types of secondary
metabolites including malformin C and some of the naptho-y-quinones. (Aw 0.77 - >0.97) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt
extract agar, 20° - 25°C.

Aspergillus terreus (Ass-pur-jill-us tare-us) occurs in the tropics and subtropics with a worldwide distribution among soils,
grains, straw, cotton, stored foods, and decaying vegetation, and has been isolated from air and house dust. Also found in patients
with cystic fibrosis, this species has grown in the human ear causing otomycosis, and can damage human nails (onychomycosis)
and skin. It can produce mycotoxins including itaconic acid, patulin, mevinolin, and citrinin, which may be associated with disease in
humans and animals. Mevinolin has the ability to lower blood cholesterol in humans; the compound has been manufactured &
approved for use by the USDA under the trade name Mevacor. (Aw-0.78) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° -
25°C.

Aspergillus versicolor (Ass-pur-jill-us ver-see-color) can be found mostly in temperate areas in air, house dust, foods, soils,
hay, cotton, and dairy products. Its presence in indoor air often indicates signs of moisture problems in buildings, as it is readily
found in water damaged building materials. This species produces the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin, which is reported to be
carcinogenic to the liver and kidney, and it can cause such symptoms as diarrhea and upset stomach. It also produces the volatile
organic compound (VOC) geosmin, this compound causes irritation of the mucus membranes of humans and pets; also causing the
characteristic musty, earthy odor often connected with moldy houses. A. versicolor may be in various colors, as the name implies,
and is very common and displays great variety in colony pattern and size. (Aw-0.78) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract
agar, 20° - 25°C.

Aureobasidium sp. (Are-ee-oh-buh-syd’-ee-um) is a saprobe, or weak parasite, type I & III allergen, and common in a variety of
soils outdoors. It is widespread in the indoor environment and is common in places that moisture accumulates like bathrooms,
kitchens, shower curtains, tile grout, and windowsills. This genus has 14 species, A. pullulans being the most common. Indoors A.
pullulans is often found as a black stain on damp materials in homes such as painted wood. This species has also been reported to
cause chromoblastomycosis (in an immunocompromised patient), which is a chronic cutaneous infection of the skin. Morphology is
characterized by producing black, shiny colonies. This fungus produces abundant spores, that are 1-celled, ovoid, and 5-7 microns
in size. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° - 25°C, 7 – 10 days.

ALL molds reproduce
by making "spores."
Mold spores are
microscopic and only
become visible when
individual spores
accumulate. According
to the United States
EPA, these microscopic
particles continuously
move through indoor
and outdoor air. When
mold spores find
moisture indoors, they
may "begin growing
and digesting whatever
they are growing on in
order to survive."

Molds gradually
destroy whatever they
are growing on.

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