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A fungus which is structurally similar
to Penicillium sp. It is reported to be allergenic.
Gliocladium sp is described as an equivalent
of penicillium because of its slimy conidia. Its colonies
are growing very fast and are suede-like in texture.
At first, they look whitish but after sometimes they
appear pink to salmon and once they are fully-grown
they are pale and dark green with sporulation. One o
the major characteristic of Gliocladium sp is its distinctive
erect feature and it has phialides, which bear slimy
and have smooth wall conidia in columns or head. Gliocladium
species also produces conidiophores and this may be
confused with the Trichoderma or Verticillium organisms.
The picture below shows the conidia and conidiophores
of Gliocladium sp.
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Gliocladium sp can affect the body in
different ways and one of the health risks of this mould
is in the respiratory system. The respiratory system
is one of the most important systems in the human body
because the air enters into the body through the nose
and mouth which have mucous membranes for protection.
The work of these mucous membranes is to heat and moisturize
the incoming air as well as catch dust, mold spores
and bacteria before they can enter the lungs. The membrane
of the noise contains cilia (tiny hair) whose work is
to move mucous and trap any particle that might want
to enter the body through the nose.
When mold enters the body through the
respiratory system, they can cause swelling, constriction
of air passage and production of extra mucus. Over time
spores can even grow in the lungs and the sinuses of
a person. There are certain types of molds which can
damage the alveoli wall thereby causing the bleeding
of the nose and lungs.
Another health risk of mold is in the
nervous system. The nervous system of a human being
contains the spinal cord, the brain and the nerves and
the main organ here being the brain. The brain interprets
all our senses like touch, smell, hearing and the rest.
This is also the place where thoughts and memories are
processed. When mold is eaten or breathed in, it can
affect the nervous system. Some molds contain mycotoxins
which have negative effect to the nervous system. When
mold affects the nervous system it can result in memory
loss, numbness, mood changes and tremors (shakes).
The vascular system is another area which
can be damage if mold enter into our bodies. This comprises
of the blood vessels, blood and the heart. If a person
is exposed to mold, it can injure blood capillaries
and thus will result in nosebleeds and the bleeding
in the lungs. Since blood comprises of antibodies, plasma,
trace elements, white and red blood cells, and platelets
it means that if mold comes in contact with it, the
result may be fatal. The other area where mold can affect
very easily is the skin. It is the largest organ of
the body and it help in preventing the body from entry
of bacteria or any microorganism. When the skin is exposed
to molds, irritation and rashes are result.
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