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Stachybotrys sp. - Aw (water activity) 0.94, optimum Aw (water activity) > 0.98. several strains of this fungus (S. Atra, S. chartarum and S. alternans are synonymous) may produce a trichothecene mycotoxin, Satratoxin H, which is poisonous by inhalation. The toxins are present on the fungal spores. This is a slow growing fungus on media. It does not compete well with other rapidly growing fungi. The dark colored fungi grows on building material with a high cellulose content and a low nitrogen content. Areas with relative humidity about 55% and are subject to temperature durations are ideal for toxin production. Individuals with chronic exposure to the toxin produced by this fungus reported cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent local hair loss and generalized malaise. The toxins produced by this fungus |11 suppress the immune system affecting the lymphoid tissue and the bone marrow. animals injected with the toxin from this fungus exhibited the following symptoms: necrosis and hemorrhage thin the brains thymus, spleen, intestines lung, heart: lymph node, liver and kidney. The mycotoxin is also reposed to be a liver and kidney carcinogen. Affects by absorption of the toxin in the human lung are known as pneumomycosis. This organism is rarely found in outdoor samples. It is usually difficultly find in indoor air samples unless it is physically disturbed. The spores are in a gelatinous mass. Appropriate media for the growth of this organism will have a high cellulose content and a low nitrogen content. The spores will die readily after release. The dead spores are still allergenic and toxigenic. Percutaneous absorption has caused mild symptoms.
Cladosporium sp. (Hormodendrum so.) - Aw (water active) in the range of 0.84 to 0.88. Most commonly idealized outdoor funds. The outdoor numbers are reduced in the inlet. The numbers axe often high in the summer. Often found indoors in numbers less than outdoor numbers. 11 is a common allergen. Indoor Cladosporium sp. May be deepest than the species identified outdoors. It is commonly found on the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts. A wide variety of plants are food sources for this fungus. It is found on dead plants woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint and textiles. It can cause meiosis. Produces greater than 10 antigens. Antigens in commercial extracts are of variable quality and may degrade within weeds of preparation. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type 1). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasams, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.
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