Fusarium sp Species Information

70+ species. Ubiquitous, cosmopolitan

Fusarium sp Scientific Information

Aw 0.90. A common soil fungus.

Fusarium sp Growth Characteristics

Grows well on general fungal media although sporulation in many species requires specialized media.

Where is Fusarium sp found?

It is found on a wide range of plants. It is often found in humidifiers. Often found growing outside on soil, also acts in a saprophytic or parasitic manner on plants. Many species are important plant pathogens. Occasionally found inside on a variety of substrates. Fusarium requires very wet conditions.

Is Fusarium sp Allergenic?

Yes, this mold is a potential allergen. Some people may experience hay fever and or asthma.

Toxins Produced by Fusarium sp

Several species in this genus can produce potent trichothecene toxins. Fusarium can produce trichothecenes (type B); T-2 toxin; zearalenone (F-2 toxin), vomitoxin, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisin. Zearalenone is not acutely toxic, and actually may have positive effects with controlled ingestion.

Fusarium sp Health Effects

The trichothecene (scirpene) toxin targets, the following systems: circulatory, alimentary, skin and nervous. Produces vomitoxin on grains during unusually damp growing conditions. Symptoms may occur either through ingestion of contaminated grains or possibly inhalation of spores. The genera can produce hemorrhagic syndrome in humans (alimentary toxic aleukia). This is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding. Reported to be allergenic. Frequently involved in eye, skin and nail infections.

This mold can cause keratitis, endophthalmitis, onychomycosis, mycetoma, and disseminated infection in immunocompromised patients; infections in burn victims, and systemic opportunistic infections in severely disabled hosts.

Fusarium sp Uses

No known industrial uses at this time.

How to test for / identify the presence of Fusarium sp

Fusarium can be identified via air and direct sampling methods. The macroconidia are distinctive and recognizable on spore trap slides. The microconidia are less distinctive and would most probably be identified as "other colorless."

In direct sampling, the macroconidia are distinctive and often are readily identifiable on tape lifts. However, microconidia of Fusarium may be confused with Acremonium.

Is Fusarium sp a "black mold"