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So what is Scopulariopsis sp? This
is a fungus found in soil, insects, plant material and
feathers. This is a contaminant that is considered lethal
to humans especially those that are immunocompromised
or ill. Its colonies are fast growing and vary in colors
like white, cream, grey, black and mostly light brown.
It is granular to powdery in texture and takes a quick
5 days to mature. A variation of this fungus known as
Microascus has been found in a number of building materials.
It has also been found to decompose paper, textiles
and paper products as seen in the Paris dyed wallpaper
situations. As lethal and toxic as it may be, it is
not a black mold but it is considered responsible for
a number of type 3 allergies. Common species of this
include Scopulariopsis acremonium, Scopulariopsis halophilica,
and Scopulariopsis fimicola each with their level of
destruction to foods and materials alike.
Other conditions that have been associated
with Scopulariopsis Sp include fatal pneumonia in a
bone marrow transplant recipient. It has also caused
sinus infections, human nail infection and also affects
those with chronic granulomatous disease. Other conditions
include human onychomycoses, pulmonary mycoses, skin
lesions, keratitis, brain abscess as well as links to
what is known as Infant Cot Death infection. It is considered
to be a 'secondary invader' meaning it will attack the
human immune system after a primary factor has already
attacked. When one suffers nail infections due to Scopulariopsis
sp will have their nails cultured once the species is
known and then therapy will begin and could last about
12 months for full recovery using antifungal therapy.
Scopulariopsis sp has been known to
cause spoilage of fatty acids found in stored barley
as well as concentrations of it found in foods high
in protein like fatty meat and maturing cheese. It is
said to be resistant to high salt concentrations and
has been known to cause spoilage of salt fish in some
countries. Aside from affecting these regular home items,
it can be found in mattress dust, cellulose boards,
carpets, hospital floors, swimming pools, wooden packaging
for foods, shoes wood pulp and certain species have
been found in meat storage spaces.
It is for these reasons that one
should have mold found in their space tested and this
can be done using tape strip samples collected with
sticky tape. It can also be collected using swabs and
air samples using settle plates. These samples should
be forwarded to the local laboratory and could help
to protect ones home and its inhabitants from infections,
diseases and even death.
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