Absolute
levels - The total spore concentration at any given location.
(See Relative levels).
Actinomyces - A group of filamentous gram-positive bacteria.
Airborne mold - Mold spores. (See Spores).
Air Sample (Viable) - A viable air sample identifies the types
of organisms present in a location, that are capable of growing
if the optimum conditions for growth are provided. A viable air
sample is collected by impacting a known volume of air onto the
surface of a nutrient media. The nutrient media is incubated for
a period of time during which the organisms mature and then can
be identified and enumerated by the laboratory. Examples of viable
air samples include the BioCassette(TM) and the Andersen.
Air Sample (Non-Viable) - A known volume of air is impacted
onto the surface of an adhesive which captures the particulate
matter present including but not limited to fungal spores, pollen
and skin cells. The particulate matter collected can then be identified
and enumerated by the laboratory. Examples of non-viable air samples
include the Zefon Air-O-Cell (TM) and the Allergenco.(TM)
Algae - Unicellular or multicellular organisms having chlorophyll
but lacking multicellular sex organstypical of plants.
Anamorph - The asexual part of a fungi¹s life cycle. The spores
produced are asexual (mitosporic). In many fungi this is the only
type of reproduction that occurs.
Ascomycete - A large group of fungi, which produce their meiospores
(ascospores) within structures called asci. (See Meiospores).
Ascospores - The meiospore produced in the ascus of an ascomycete.
Bacteria - A group of unicellular prokaryotic organisms, some
of which are important as pathogens and for their biochemical
properties.
Basidiomycete - A large group of fungi, which produce their
meiospores (basidiospores) on the surface of a structure called
a basidia.
Basidiospores - The meiospore of a basidiomycete.
Biocide - A substance, which kills living organisms.
Biodegradable - A material capable of being broken down by
microorganisms.
Biodeteriogen - An organism capable a causing
an undesirable change by its physical or metabolic activity.
Bulk sample - A raw sample of a material suspected of being
contaminated with mold that can be sent to the laboratory for
analysis.
Cellulolytic fungi - Fungi capable of utilizing (breaking
down) cellulose-containing material. Examples include Chaetomiumspecies
and Stachybotrysspecies.
Cellulose - The principal polysaccharide of plant cell walls.
Coelomycete - Conidial anamorphs produced within a protective
structure such as a pycnidia Conidia - An asexual spore formed
by many different types of fungi.
Conidiophore - Specialized hyphae on which conidia are formed.
Dry rot - A type of brown rot decay caused by the basidiomycete
Serpula lacrimans.
Fruiting body - A general term for the spore bearing structures
in fungi.
Fungus(Fungi pl.) - Eukaryotes that produce exoenzymes and
absorb their food: usually producing, and living inside, a network
of apically extending, branched tubes, called hyphae. Genus
- Taxonomic rank below family. Examples of genus level names are
Cladosporium, Alternariaand Pithomyces. These names are always
capitalized.
Hypha (Hyphae pl.) - One of the individual filaments of a
mycelium
Hyphomycetes - Conidial anamorphs producing exposed conidiophores.
Indoor air sample - A sample taken from an indoor source.
Usually compared with an outdoor sample to determine if there
are elevated concentrations of spores present indoors.
Lichen - A duel organism composed of a fungus and an algae
or cyanobacteria.
Macrofungi - Fungi having large spore-bearing structures.
Meiospores - Spores resulting from sexual reproduction (meiosis).
Mycelium - A mass of hyphae.
Myxomycetes -The Slime molds. Although not fungi, produce
spores, which are morphologically similar to several groups of
the true fungi.
Non-Viable sample - A sample taken for the purpose of determining
what organisms are present. A non-viable sample cannot differentiate
between viable and non-viable organisms.
Non-biological particles - Particles such as geologic debris,
synthetic fibers, gypsum dust, etc.
Outdoor air sample - A sample taken from an outdoor source.
Usually compared with an indoor samples to determine if there
are elevated concentrations of spores indoors.
Pathogen - A parasite capable of causing disease in a particular
host or range of hosts.
Pycnidia - An often flask shaped conidiomata of fungal
tissue which is lined on the inside with conidiophores.
Relative levels - The spore concentration of one location
relative to that of another. An example would be comparing the
indoor concentration of spores relative to spore concentrations
outside.
Saprobe - A heterotrophic organism that derives food from
dead organisms, or from organic substances liberated by living
ones.
Scientific name - An organism¹s scientific name usually consists
of a genus designation and a species designation, together this
is called a binomial. Examples of binomials are Ulocladium atra,
Alternaria alternataand Homo sapien.
Species - The lowest-ranking common taxonomic rank. These
names are not capitalized.
Spore chains - Chains of fungal spores indicating fresh
growth. Examples of genera that produce spores in chains include
Aspergillus, Penicilliumand Cladosporium.
Spore (fungal) - A microscopic propagule acting as an agent
of dispersal capable of giving rise to a new colony. Surface sample
- A sample taken from the surface of a material suspected of being
contaminated. These types of samples include swabs samples and
tape samples.
Swab sample - A sample collected by applying a swab to an
area suspected of being contaminated with mold. The sample thus
collected can be processed and analyzed by the laboratory to detect
the mold present.
Tape sample -A sample collected by applying and pealing away
a transparent piece of tape on a surface area suspected to be
contaminated with mold. During this process, the mold present
on the surface sampled adheres to the surface of the tape. The
sample thus collected can be processed and analyzed by the laboratory.
Thermophiles - Fungi that thrive at high temperatures.
Viable sample - A sample taken for the purpose of determining
what organisms are capable of growing on specific nutrient media.
Viable spore - A spore capable of germination.
Wall cavity samples - Samples taken from inside a wall.
This is usually accomplished by sampling at the mouth of an electrical
outlet after removing its cover or from any other opening to the
inside of a wall.
Water activity - Expressed as aw; refers to the available
water or moisture in a substrate expressed as a decimal fraction
of the amount present when the substrate is in equilibrium with
a saturated atmosphere.
Wet Spore dispersal - A spore dispersal strategy. Wet spores
are often slimy and usually carried away in water or by animals.
Wind spore dispersal - A dry spore, which can be carried
away by wind currents. Xerophiles (fungal) - Fungi that thrive
at low water activities.
Zygomycete - A large group of fungi which usually produces
a structure called a zygosporangium as part of its sexual cycle.
Smuts: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. Two families, approximately
50 genera, and 950 species. Sampling information: This spore type
can be detected using direct exam or spore trap methods. Their
saprophytic yeast phase can also be detected using the Biocassette.
(TM) How they are spread: Wind disperses the powdery brown teliospores
of smut. Where it is found indoors: Smuts do not usually grow
indoors. They are parasitic plant pathogens that require a living
host for the completion of their life cycle. Where it is found
outdoors: Smuts are found on a diverse range of plant species.
Rusts: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. There are approximately
14 families, 105 genera and 5,000 species. Sampling information:
This spore type can be detected using direct exam or spore trap
methods. How they are spread: Rusts have both wet and dry spores.
Wind disperses the urediospores, teliospores, basidiospores, and
aeciospores. The basidiospores and aeciospores have an active
spore release mechanism. Where it is found indoors: Rusts do not
grow indoors unless their host plants are present. They are parasitic
plant pathogens and need a living host for growth. Where it is
found outdoors: Rusts are found on a diverse range of plant species.
Aphanocladium: Distribution: Common. There are approximately
6 species in this genus. Sampling information: Can be detected
using the BioCassette. (TM) The spores are very small and non-distinctive.
Spore trap analysis would place them in the ³other colorless²
category. How they are spread: Spores are dry and are designed
for wind dissemination. Where it is found indoors: Commonly recovered
indoors. Where it is found outdoors: Recorded sources of isolation
are from other fungi, spiders, dung, and litter.
Arthrinium: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. There
are approximately 20 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Can be detected using the BioCassette. (TM) The spores can be detected
on surface samples and spore traps. How they are spread: Spores
are wind dispersed Where it is found indoors: Not commonly recovered
indoors. Where it is found outdoors: Soil, decomposing plant material.
Arthrobotrys: Distribution: Common. There are approximately
28 species in this genus. Sampling information: Can be detected
using the BioCassette. (TM) The spores can be detected on surface
samples and spore traps. How they are spread: Can be dispersed
by wind. Where it is found indoors: Has been recovered indoors.
Where it is found outdoors: Found primarily in the soil and is
one of those fungi capable of capturing nematodes.
Ascotricha: Distribution: Relatively common. There are
approximately 10 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Recovery of Ascotrichafrom a BioCassette (TM) is possible but unlikely.
Spores detected on spore traps may be placed in the spore category
³smuts, Periconia, myxomycetes² or may be called ³other brown.²
Surface sample identification is possible due to the presence
of distinctive structural elements. How they are spread: Can be
dispersed by wind. Where it is found indoors: Damp sheet-rock
paper as well as a variety of other cellulotic building material.
Where it is found outdoors: A wide variety of woody materials.
Aureobasidium: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan.
There are approximately 15 species in this genus. Sampling information:
The identification of A. pullulanswithout using the BioCassette
(TM) is difficult because of the variety of morphologic forms it
takes. Generally, we report irregular clumps of dark brown mycelia
dividing in more than one plane as Aureobasidium pullulans. Vegetative
hyphae from other unrelated dematiaceous fungi, especially those,
which form chlamydospore-like structures, may be indistinguishable
from Aureobasidium. The morphology of Aureobasidiumis distinctive
(in a broad sense) and is identifiable if enough structures have
been lifted by tape. (A. pullulansis a yeast-like organism which,
when it is moist, may not lift well on tape.) How they are spread:
Wet spore. Wind (when dried out), water droplet. Where it is found
indoors: Widespread, where moisture accumulates, especially bathrooms
and kitchens, on shower curtains, tile grout, window sills, textiles,
liquid waste materials. Where it is found outdoors: Soil, forest
soils, fresh water, aerial portion of plants, fruit, marine estuary
sediments, wood.
Beauveria: Distribution: Worldwide. There are approximately
4-5 species in this genus. Sampling information: Can be detected
using the BioCassette. (TM) Spore trap analysis would place them
in the ³other colorless² category or as Penicillium/Aspergillus.
Occasionally found on tape lifts. Optical resolution through tape
is sometimes inadequate to identify the delicate structures of
Beauveria. How they are spread: Dry spore. Wind. Where it is found
indoors: Has been recovered indoors. Where it is found outdoors:
Soil, plant debris, dung. Parasite of insects.
Beltrania: Distribution: Not uncommon. There are approximately
10 species in this genus. Sampling information: Not detectable
using the BioCassette (TM) using standard laboratory media. Detectable
on spore traps. Spores have a very distinctive morphology. How
they are spread: Dry spore. Wind. Where it is found indoors: Spores
recovered indoors are likely from outdoor sources. Where it is
found outdoors: Leaves and plant litter of semi-tropical and tropical
plants.
Botrytis: Distribution: Ubiquitous. Primarily in temperate
and subtropical regions. There are approximately 30 species in
this genus. Sampling information: Can be detected using the BioCassette.
(TM) Can be detected on spore traps and surface samples. How they
are spread: Dry spore. Wind, also liberated by rain splash. Where
it is found indoors: May be found in conjunction with indoor plants.
Where it is found outdoors: Soil, stored and transported fruit
and vegetables. Plant pathogen and saprophyte on flowers, leaves,
stems, fruit. Leaf rot on grapes, strawberries, lettuce, cabbage,
onions. Cercospora: Distribution: Cosmopolitan. Approximately
2,000 form-species described, according to plant host. Sampling
information: Not detectable using the BioCassette. (TM) Detectable
on spore traps. How they are spread: Dry spore. Wind. Where it
is found indoors: Spores recovered indoors are likely from outdoor
sources. Where it is found outdoors: Parasite of higher plants,
causing leaf spot.
Chrysonilia: Distribution: Common and may be more common
in the eastern and southeastern areas of the United States. There
are approximately 3 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Can be detected using the BioCassette. (TM) Can be detected on spore
traps and surface samples. How they are spread: Dry spore. Wind
Where it is found indoors: Has been recovered indoors. Where it
is found outdoors: Natural habitat is said to be soil, according
to some (but not all) references.
Chrysosporium: Distribution: Chrysosporium species are
common. There are approximately 40 species in this genus. Sampling
information: Can be detected using the BioCassette. (TM) Spore trap
analysis would place them in the other colorless category. Can
be detected from surface samples. How they are spread: Can be
dispersed by wind. Where it is found indoors: Has been recovered
indoors. Where it is found outdoors: Natural habitat includes
soil, dung, children's sand boxes, seeds, birds¹ nests, and plant
remains such as leaf litter.
Coelomycetes: Distribution: Cosmopolitan. Recovered from
a wide range of ecological niches. Approximately 700 species.
Sampling information: Can be detected using the BioCassette. (TM)
Spore trap analysis would place the spores of most species of
this group in the other colorless category. Can be detected from
surface samples. How they are spread: Spore masses may be dry
or slimy. Spread by insects, water splash, and wind. Where it
is found indoors: Many substrates, including ceiling tile and
linoleum. Where it is found outdoors: Saprophytic or parasitic
on higher plants, other fungi, lichens, vertebrates.
Dicyma: Distribution: Not uncommon. There are approximately
11 species in this genus. Sampling information: Can be detected
using the BioCassette, (TM) but unlikely using standard laboratory
media. Spore trap analysis would place spores of this genus in
the ³other brown² category. Can be detected from surface samples.
How they are spread: Can be dispersed by wind. Where it is found
indoors: Paper, cardboard, cotton wool, woody materials and wallboard.
Where it is found outdoors: Dead stems and leaves as well as a
wide variety of other plant materials.
Engyodontium: Distribution: Common. There are approximately
6 species in this genus. Sampling information: Can be recovered
using the BioCassette. (TM) Spore trap analysis would place spores
of this genus in the ³other colorless² category. Fresh growth
is possibly identifiable on tape lifts, but optical resolution
through tape is sometimes inadequate for the very small structures
How they are spread: Can be dispersed by wind. Where it is found
indoors: Commonly isolated from paper, jute, textiles, and painted
walls. Where it is found outdoors: A wide variety of substrates.
Fusarium: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. There
are approximately 50-70 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Can be recovered using the BioCassette. (TM) The macroconidia are
distinctive and recognizableon spore trap slides. The microconidia
are less distinctiveand would most probably be identified as "other
colorless." Can be detected from surfacesamples. How they are
spread: Wet spore. Insects, water splash, and wind when dried
out. Where it is found indoors: Occasionally found on a variety
of substrates. Fusarium requires very wet conditions. Where it
is found outdoors: Soil, saprophytic or parasitic on plants. Many
species are important plant pathogens.
Gliomastix: Distribution: Common. There are approximately
8 species in this genus. Sampling information: Can be recovered
using the BioCassette. (TM) May be identified on spore trap samples
if the presence of this genus has already been demonstrated (for
example, on tape lifts). Can be detected from surface samples.
How they are spread: Can be dispersed by wind. Where it is found
indoors: Has been recovered indoors. Where it is found outdoors:
A wide variety of substrates. Graphium: Distribution: Common.
There are approximately 20 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Can be recovered using the BioCassette. (TM) Spore trap analysis
would place spores of this genera in the ³other colorless² category.
Can be detected from surface samples. How they are spread: Spread
by insects, water splash and wind when dried out. Where it is
found indoors: Has been recovered indoors. Where it is found outdoors:
Woody substrata, plant debris, soil, manure, and polluted water.
Mucor: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. There are
approximately 50 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Can be recovered using the BioCassette. (TM) Round colorless spores,
variable in size, sometimes angular. Very difficult to identify
in any definitive way, and most probably called ³other colorless.²
Some species of the related genus Rhizopusdo have distinctive
angular spores with striations. Counts of ³Zygomycetes² on spore
trap reports are most probably these particular Rhizopusspecies.
The presence of a zygomycete is easily noted on tape lifts, although
identification to genus may be more difficult. Recognition depends
on the condition of the sporulating structures of the particular
zygomycete present. How they are spread: Rain splash except for
M.plumbeus, which is commonly dry and disseminated by wind. Where
it is found indoors: Found on a variety of substrates, including
leftover food, soft fruits, and juices. Where it is found outdoors:
Organic matter, dung, soil.
Myxotrichum: Distribution: Not uncommon. There are approximately
7 species in this genus. Sampling information: Not detectable
using the BioCassette (TM) using standard laboratory media. If Myxotrichum
spores are isolated on culturable sampling, the Geomyces, Malbranchea,
or Oidiodendron anamorph is likely to be the identifiable result,
at least with primary growth within one week. Spore trap analysis
would place spores of this genus in the ³other colorless² category.
Can be identified from surface samples. How they are spread: Can
be dispersed by wind. Where it is found indoors: Paper substrates,
damp drywall, decomposing carpets. Where it is found outdoors:
The natural habitat is soil.
Nigrospora: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. Especially
abundant in warm climates. There are approximately 4-5 species
in this genus. Sampling information: Can be recovered using the
BioCassette. (TM) Can be detected on spore trap and surface samples.
How they are spread: Active discharge mechanism. Does not require
wind or rain. Where it is found indoors: Rarely found growing
indoors. Where it is found outdoors: Decaying plant material and
soil.
Phialophora: Distribution: Common. There are approximately
50 species in this genus. Sampling information: Can be recovered
using the BioCassette. (TM) Spore trap analysis would place spores
of this genera in the ³other colorless² category. Can be detected
from surface samples. How they are spread: Spread by insects,
water splash and wind when dried out. Where it is found indoors:
Has been recovered indoors. Where it is found outdoors: Wood,
roots, stems and leaves of plants and grasses, and soil.
Pithomyces: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. There
are approximately 15 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Can be recovered using the BioCassette. (TM) Distinctive multicelled,
brown conidia of Pithomyces chartarumare recognizable on spore
trap slides. Other species are common but more difficult. Distinctive.
Can be detected from surface samples. How they are spread: Dry
spore. Wind. Where it is found indoors: Rarely found growing indoors.
Can grow on paper. Where it is found outdoors: Common on dead
leaves of more than 50 different plants, especially leaf fodders,
soil and grasses.
Rhinocladiella: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan.
There are approximately 10 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Can be recovered using the BioCassette. (TM) Spore trap analysis
would place spores of this genus in the ³other colorless² category.
Can be detected from surface samples. How they are spread: Dry
spore. Wind. Where it is found indoors: Occasionally found on
a variety of substrates. One species is called the cellar fungus,
most commonly found on brickwork and adjacent timber in wine cellars.
Where it is found outdoors: Soil, herbaceous substrates and decaying
wood.
Rhizopus: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. There
are approximately 12 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Can be recovered using the BioCassette. (TM) Distinctive, identifiable
on spore trap slides. Some species produce spores, which are angular
and faintly pigmented with striations. The presence of zygomycetes
is easily noted on tape lifts. Rhizopus is distinctive, readily
identifiable, if rhizoids and all sporulating structures are clearly
visible. How they are spread: Dry spore. Wind. Where it is found
indoors: Found on a variety of substrates. Common on spoiling
food; less common on indoor environmental surfaces. Where it is
found outdoors: Forest and cultivated soils, decaying fruits and
vegetables, animal dung and compost; a parasitic plant pathogen
on potato, cotton and various fruits.
Spegazzinia: Distribution: Not uncommon. There are approximately
6 species in this genus Sampling information: Can be recovered
using the BioCassette (TM) if a long enough incubation period is
providedso that sporulation occurs. Can be detected on spore trap
and surface samples. How they are spread: Dry spore. Wind. Where
it is found indoors: Our laboratory has never found this organism
growing on indoor environmental surfaces. Where it is found outdoors:
Soil and many kinds of trees and plants. Sporothrix: Distribution:
Uncommon. There are approximately 40 species in this genus. Sampling
information: Can be recovered using the BioCassette. (TM) Spore trap
analysis would place spores of this genera in the ³other colorless²
category. Fresh growth is possibly identifiable on tape lifts,
but optical resolution through tape is sometimes inadequate for
the very small structures How they are spread: Can be dispersed
by wind. Where it is found indoors: Has been recovered indoors.
Where it is found outdoors: Soil, such as plant litter, bark,
straw and living plants.
Stachybotrys: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. There
are approximately 15 species is this genus. Sampling information:
Can be recovered using the BioCassette(TM) . Can be detected on spore
trap samples. Distinctive, readily identifiable on tape lift samples.
Direct microscopic observation of samples is often necessary as
Stachybotrys may be missed if only culture methods are used. How
they are spread: Wet spore. Insects, water splash. Wind when dried
out. Where it is found indoors: Commonly found indoors on wet
materials containing cellulose, such as wallboard, jute, wicker,
straw baskets, and other paper materials. Where it is found outdoors:
Soil, decaying plant substrates, decomposing cellulose (hay, straw),
leaf litter, and seeds. Growth not influenced by soil pH or copper;
growth enhanced by manure.
Stemphylium: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. There
are approximately 6 species in this genus. Sampling information:
Can be recovered using the BioCassette. (TM) Distinctive, not easily
confused with other genera, although young spores or spore fragments
may be confused with other pigmented muriform spores such as Ulocladium,
Alternariaor Pithomyces. Distinctive and readilyidentifiable on
tape lifts. Although Stemphyliumis rarely found growing indoors,
it maybe seen in dust as part of the normal influx of outdoor
particles How they are spread: Dry spore. Wind. Where it is found
indoors: Growth indoors is rare. Where it is found outdoors: Soil,
wood, decaying vegetation. Some species found on leaves are plant
pathogens.
Syncephalastrum: Distribution: Common. There is 1 species
in this genus (Syncephalastrum racemosum). Sampling information:
Can be recovered using the BioCassette. (TM) Spore trap analysis
would place spores of this genera in the ³other colorless² category.
Can be detected from surface samples. How they are spread: Dry
spore. Wind. Where it is found indoors: Has been recovered indoors.
Where it is found outdoors: A wide variety of substrates.
Trichocladium: Distribution: Not uncommon. There are approximately
15 species in this genus. Sampling information: Can be recovered
using the BioCassette, (TM) but very uncommon. Can be detected on
spore trap and surface samples. How they are spread: Dry spore.
Wind. Where it is found indoors: Has been recovered indoors. Where
it is found outdoors: Soil, wood, tubers of various plants, and
pine needles.
Trichoderma: Distribution: Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan.
There are approximately 20 species in this genus. Found in northern
alpine to tropical areas. Sampling information: Can be recovered
using the BioCassette. (TM) Conidia size and shape are similar to
Penicilliumand Aspergillusbut Trichodermaforms sticky clumps of
conidia with a distinctive green pigment rather than in chains.
Typical green spore clumps are identifiedas Trichoderma. Can be
detected from surface samples. How they are spread: Wet spore.
Rain, insects, water splash, and wind when dried out. Where it
is found indoors: Found on paper, tapestry, wood, in kitchens
on the outer surface of unglazed ceramics and on a variety of
other substrates. Strongly cellulolytic. Where it is found outdoors:
Soil, decaying wood, grains, citrus fruit, tomatoes, sweet potatoes,
paper, textiles, and damp wood.
