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
- ^ Rivas, S. & Thomas C.M., 2005. Molecular interactions between tomato
and the leaf mold pathogen: Cladosporium fulvum. Annual Review of Phytopathology 43: 395-436.
External links
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