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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.
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