| Chaetomium atrobrunneum is
one of the most common Chaetomium species. It is isolated
from a wide range of substrates which has cellulose. This
is why it is usually found in paper, plant compost and
drywall. These fungi are helpful in the the decomposition
of materials with cellulose: it can break down cellulose
fibers in cotton and paper, causing these to disintegrate.
It is also mostly present in soil, seeds and dung. The
spores of this fungi are scattered by either wind, water
or insects.
The presence of Chaetomium atrobrunneum indoors is
a sign that there is a water problem that needs to be
addressed immediately. In an indoor environment, this
species is often found in water-damaged drywall, wallboard
and other construction products. Chaetomium atrobrunneum
is a threat indoors because it produces mycotoxins.
This allergenic fungi is implicated for phaeohyphomycosis,
but is most linked to fatal deep mycoses in immunocompromised
patients.
|
