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Acremonium sp.

Mitosporic fungus. Hyphomycetes.

Acremonium microphoto

Characteristics

Distribution

Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 80-90 species.

Where Found

Soil, dead organic debris, hay, food stuffs.

Mode of Dissemination

Wet spore.
Insect/water droplet. Wind (old growth).

Growth Indoors

Widespread. 
Requires very wet conditions.

Industrial Uses

Produces cephalosporins, an important class of antibiotics.

Other Comments

Formerly called Cephalosporium.

Potential Health Effects

Allergens

Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung.

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen

Mycetoma, keratitis, onychomycosis. Other rare infections reported in immunodeficient patients, and in persons with wound injuries. Most species of Acremonium do not grow at 37°C.

Potential Toxin Production

None other than cephalosporin (see industrial uses).

Laboratory Notes

Growth/Culture Characterisics

Grows well on all general fungal media. Small white or pale shades of pink, salmon colonies. Membranous or thinly velvety.

Spore Trap Recognition

Not distinctive. Small one-celled, colorless spores. May be counted as "other colorless." Some spores are so small they may be missed.

Tape Lift Recognition

Forms chains or slimy heads of conidia. Readily identifiable on tape lift samples. Often found growing with Stachybotrys.