| Chaetomium sp. is a cellulolytic
and dematiaceous filamentous fungus isolated from soil,
air, decaying plant material and herbivore dung. Its colonies
are known to be fast growing, and has a cottony texture.
Initially, the surface color is white, then turns grey
to olive in maturity. The reverse can be as light as tan
or as dark as black. It is a contaminant as well as a
cause of infections in humans. Some Chaetomium species
are neurotropic and thermophilic, which can make them
a problematic pathogen. The most common of the Chaetomium
sp. in indoor environments is the Chaetomium globosum.
The presence of any Chaetomium type indoors is an indicator
of a serious water problem.
Chaetomium sp. is identified as a causative agent for
infections, particularly phaeohyphomycosis. It is said
to cause hay fever, asthma and onychomycosis. Medical
literature reveals that some Chaetomium species put
immunocompromised individuals at risk for disease.
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