Oidiodendron sp

Mitosporic fungus. Hyphomycetes. Teleomorph (sexual state): Myxotrichum, Byssoascus.

Oidiodendron species are common but comprise a small proportion of the fungal biota. This genus is most closely related to Geomyces and Arthrographis. Oidiodendron cerealis is quite distinct from other Oidiodendron species and is placed in a separate genus Stephanosporium by some taxonomists. As to health effects, one isolation from a case of neurodermitis nuchae in 1969 exists for Oidiodendron cerealis/Stephanosporium cereale, with no reports for other Oidiodendron species. No information is available regarding toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. May be identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples, and in air by culturable (Andersen) sampling. Stephanosporium has distinctive spores and can also be recognized on spore trap samples. (Spores of other Oidiodendron species are arthrospores without distinctive morphology and would be categorized as such on spore trap samples.) Natural habitat includes soil, litter, wood, and bark. Stephanosporium cereale has been isolated from air, paper, soil, and textiles.