Stachybotrys

pen1Stachybotrys is mainly saprophytic, thus will not infect the human body. However allergic reactions and toxic poisoning have been associated to the fungus. Growth on agar shows a colony centre brownish black with white edges.

Features

Dark pigmented spores and conidiophores (special hyphae linking spores to vegetation) can be observed of the fungus. Clusters of short slender cells can be seen at the tips of the conidiophores, termed phialides. These phialides each produce a single conidium. The conidia are 1-celled, ranging from brown to black depending on age. The shape of the conidia ranges to round to oval.

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Pigment Colour of Fungus
  • Dark-coloured (Spores and conidiophores)
Observed Spores Growth
  • At tip (Apical)
Spore Characteristics
  • 1-celled
  • Range from brown to black in colour
  • Shape from round to oval
  • Each phialide produces 1 conidia singly

 

Allergenic Diseases

Affected Areas

Forms/ Medical Terms

Descriptions

Airway to Lungs (Bronchial Tubes)

Asthma
  • Inflammation and constriction of airway to lung

Eyes

Allergic Rhinitis
  • Occurs when allergens trigger release of histamine, causing inflammation and fluid production in linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids
  • Reactions include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears

Throat

Nose

 

Pathogenic Diseases

Affected Areas Form/Medical Terms Descriptions
Lungs (Infants)

 

 Pulmonary Hemorrhage Profuse bleeding of the lungs
Pulmonary Hemosiderosis Proteins are abnormally accumulated in tissue
Others Stachybotryotoxicosis
  • Poisoning caused by mycotoxins
  • Can be caused by inhalation, digestion and even direct contact

Symptoms are:

  • Rashes
  • Skin inflammation
  • Mouth and throat inflammation
  • Burning sensation of eyes and nasal passage
  • Chest tightness
  • Fever