Cladosporium spp. (Hormodendrum spp.)

Health Effects

Can cause mycosis (17). Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I) (26). Acute sypmtoms included edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema (26).

Seasonal Notes

The numbers are often high in the summer, the outdoor numbers are reduced in the winter.

Allergen

A common allergen (7).

Growth Indoors

The numbers found indoors are often less than outdoors numbers. Indoor Cladosporium sp. may be different than the species identified outdoors.

Growth Media

Commonly found on the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts. It is found on dead plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint, and textiles (5).

Outdoor Location

Most commonly identified outdoor fungus.

Potential Toxin Production

Produces greater than 10 antigens (17). Antigens in commercial extracts are variable quality and may degraded within weeks of preparation (17).

Water Activity

0.88 (5); 0.84 (21)