Alternaria sp Scientific Information

Aw - 0.89. Conidia dimensions 18-83 x 7-18 microns .

Where is Alternaria sp found?

It is often found in carpets, textiles, and on horizontal surfaces in building interiors. Often found on window frames. Outdoors it may be isolated from samples of soil, seeds and plants. It is commonly found in outdoor samples.

Is Alternaria sp Allergenic?

A very common allergen with an IgE mediated response .

Toxins Produced by Alternaria sp

The species Alternaria alternata is capable of producing tenuazonic acid and other toxic metabolites which may be associated with disease in humans or animals

Alternaria sp Health Effects

The large spore size 20 - 200 microns in length and 7 - 18 microns in sizes, suggests that the spores from this fungi will deposited in the nose, mouth and upper respiratory tract. It may be related to bakers asthma. It has been associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immeadiate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.

Is Alternaria sp a "black mold"