Stemphylium sp

Mitosporic fungus. Hyphomycetes.Teleomorph (sexual state): Pleospora (Ascomycete)

Characteristics

Distribution

Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 6 species.

Where Found

Soil, wood, decaying vegetation. Some species found on leaves are plant pathogens.

Mode of Dissemination

Dry spore.
Wind.

Growth Indoors

Growth indoors is rare.

Industrial Uses

Not known.

Other Comments

None.

Potential Health Effects

Allergens

Known allergen. Shares allergens with Alternaria.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen

A rare report of phaeohyphomycotic sinusitis (identification questionable).

Potential Toxin Production

Not known.

Laboratory Notes

Growth/Culture Characteristics

Grows on general fungal lab media; sporulation may be slow to absent. "Light/dark cycling" may induce sporulation.

Spore Trap Recognition

Distinctive, not easily confused with other genera, although young spores or spore fragments may be confused with other pigmented muriform spores such as Ulocladium, Alternaria or Pithomyces.

Tape Lift Recognition

Distinctive and readily identifiable on tape lifts. Although Stemphylium is rarely found growing indoors, it may be seen in dust as part of the normal influx of outdoor particles.