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(Hormodendrum sp.) - Aw (water activity)
in the range of 0.84 to 0.88. Most commonly identified
outdoor fungus. The outdoor numbers are reduced in the
winter. The numbers are often high in the summer. Often
found indoors in numbers less than outdoor numbers.
It is a common allergen. Indoor Cladosporium sp. may
be different than the species identified outdoors. It
is commonly found on the surface of fiberglass duct
liner in the interior of supply ducts. A wide variety
of plants are food sources for this fungus. It is found
on dead plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint
and textiles. It can cause mycosis. Produces greater
than 10 antigens. Antigens in commercial extracts are
of variable quality and may degrade within weeks of
preparation. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type
hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema
and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary
emphysema.
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