Cladosporium

Cladosporium is a genus of fungi including some of the most common indoor and outdoor moulds. It produces olive-green to brown or black colonies, and its dark-pigmented conidia are formed in simple or branching chains.

The many species of Cladosporium are commonly found on living and dead plant material. Some species are plant pathogens; others parasitise other fungi. Cladosporium spores are wind-dispersed and they are often extremely abundant in outdoor air. Indoors Cladosporium species may grow on surfaces when moisture is present.

Cladosporium fulvum, cause of tomato leaf mould, has been an important genetic model, in that the genetics of host resistance are understood. ^[1]

Health Effects

Cladosporium species are rarely pathogenic to humans, but have been reported to cause infections of the skin and toenails, as well as sinusitis and pulmonary infections. If left untreated, these infections could turn into respiratory infections like pneumonia.

The airborne spores of Cladosporium species are significant allergens, and in large amounts they can severely affect asthmatics and people with respiratory diseases. Prolonged exposure may weaken the immune system. Cladosporium species produce no major mycotoxins of concern, but do produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with odours.

References

External links

• Cladosporium at Doctor Fungus
• Cladosporium at D. Malloch's site
• Cladosporium at EMLab

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