Trichosporon species are widely distributed in nature. Species have been isolated from a wide range of substrates including: human hair (shown in photo), soil, cabbages, cheese, scarab beetles, parrot droppings, and sea water. Trichosporon is also a commensal (normally found) in the human gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Recognized as the cause of superficial infections such as white piedra (a distal infection of the hair shaft), the genus is now the second most commonly reported cause of disseminated yeast infections in humans. Trichosporon species are increasingly recognized as a cause of...
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There are twenty two species under the genus Trichophyton. Within the total number of species, eleven are commonly associated with tinea (ringworm) of the scalp, the nails, and the skin in humans while only four are isolated from animals. Trichophyton is a dermatophyte fungus which is primarily isolated from the soil, humans, or animals. Trichophyton is a keratinophilic filamentous fungus which has the ability to invade keratinized tissues. It is considered one of the leading causes of hair, skin, and nail infections in humans. Possession of several enzymes, such as...
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Stachybotrys is a cellulose-degrading fungus (mold) commonly found in soil and on materials rich in cellulose such as hay, straw, cereal grains, plant debris, wood pulp, paper, and cotton. Although it mainly survives as a saprophyte (i.e., by feeding on dead material), it has also been found to cause lesions on the roots of soybean plants. Presence of this mold in a building is an indication of an existing or previous water problem. The Stachybotrys mold produces a powerful mycotoxin and just touching it can give you a rash. Despite...
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Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic infection caused by the soil fungus Sporothrix. It is often referred to as "rose handler's disease". Infection with the dimorphic soil fungus is usually acquired through skin penetration due to injury. A person can be otherwise healthy, but if this fungus enters the wound, it can cause severe infection. The most common extracutaneous infection sites are in the bones, joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. Hematogenous dissemination (originated from the blood), particularly in immunocompromised hosts, results in widely disseminated cutaneous and visceral infection, including meningitis....
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Rhodotorula is a common environmental inhabitant. It can be cultured from soil, water, and air samples. It is able to scavenge nitrogenous compounds from its environment remarkably well, growing even in air which has been carefully cleaned of any fixed nitrogen contaminants.
Rhodotorula is an emerging opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Many cases of fungemia associated with catheters, endocarditis, peritonitis, meningitis, and endophthalmitis are infections incited by this yeast. The great majority of these infections were catheter-related and diagnosed in patients with cancer.
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Fungi in the Rhizopus genus are often responsible for zygomycosis, an infection caused by colonization with fungi in the Zygomycetes class. These fungi also have some practical functions, and they can appear in the form of plant pathogens in some regions of the world. This makes them a rather diverse group. The fungus needs a warm, moist environment to thrive. People can prevent or stave off Rhizopus infection by keeping food refrigerated or in the freezer so that the spores never get a chance to grow. In the case of...
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Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) or pneumocystosis is a form of pneumonia, caused by the yeast-like fungus found in the respiratory tracts of many mammals and humans. Studies suggest that Pneumocystis organisms are communicable; airborne transmission has been reported. Pneumocystis organisms are commonly found in the lungs of healthy individuals. Most children are believed to have been exposed to the organism by age 3 or 4 years, and its occurrence is worldwide. It does not cause disease unless the immune system ceases to function properly. PCP is the most common opportunistic infection...
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Piedra, which means "stone" in Spanish, is an asymptomatic superficial fungal infection of the hair shaft. Piedra is classified into 2 types, black piedra and white piedra. The source of infection in black piedra appears to be Piedra Hortae, found in the soil and has also has been traced to organisms in stagnant water and crops. The source of infection for white piedra is Trichosporon and that remedy should be used. Black piedra is most common in tropical regions such as South America, Far East, and the Pacific Islands. White...
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Penicillium species are very common molds. About 200 species have been described. Spores of Penicillium are found everywhere in the air and soil. Penicillium species are some of the most common causes of spoilage of fruits and vegetables. For example, Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum are common causes of rotting citrus fruits, while Penicillium expansum is known to spoil apples. Most Penicillium species are active producers of toxins. Penicillium chrysogenum is the most common Penicillium species in indoor environment. It is widespread and has a wide range of habitats. In...
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Paecilomyces is a fungal genus which can be found widely distributed around the world in dirt, food, and dead plant material. Many environments, including homes, naturally have some Paecilomyces species. Superficially, Paecilomyces fungi can resemble Penicillium molds, but these two genera are quite different. These fungi form filament-like structures, spreading to create a colony of powdery mold which can have a texture similar to that of suede or velvet in some species. The colony usually starts out creamy in color, and can develop red, yellow, brown, pink, and violet hues,...
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Mycotoxins are toxic, secondary metabolites produced by fungi commonly known as mold. They are neither infectious nor contagious. Inhalation of mycotoxin producing fungi in contaminated buildings is the most significant exposure. However, dermal contact from handling contaminated materials and the chance of ingesting toxin containing spores through eating, drinking and smoking is likely to increase exposure in a contaminated environment. Mycotoxins are nearly all cytotoxic, disrupting various cellular structures such as membranes, and interfering with vital cellular processes such as protein, RNA and DNA synthesis. Of course they are also...
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Mucormycosis is a rare and opportunistic infection caused by fungi belonging to the order Mucorales. These molds are widespread in nature, as they exist on soil, decaying vegetation, fruits, and seeds and are air dispersed. Until now these organisms had been rarely seen in clinical practice and were paid very little attention. However, recent reports have demonstrated an increasing incidence of these opportunistic molds causing rapidly evolving infections in severely immunocompromised patients. The fungi invade blood vessels and cause mucormycosis, an acute, rapidly spreading and fulminant systemic mycosis (fungal disease)....
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