Genus
Aureobasidium
Common in soils; A. pullulans often found indoors with damp materials in kitchens, bathrooms, and on wet frames.
Definition & Characteristics
Saprophytic or weakly parasitic, common in soils. Indoors A. pullulans is often found in connection with dampness e.g. damp materials in kitchens, bathrooms and on wet frames. This fungus is a problem in weathered wood, as it may grow under paint and discolor the wood. Also it may be reported to cause fungicides used in paint. A. pullulans has been reported to cause chromoblastomycosis (in an immune compromised patient), which is a chronic cutaneous infection of the skin caused by species of dematiaceous fungi. Allergy to Aureobasidium is frequently recorded among atopic patients as a positive skin prick test, but its clinical significance is unknown. Morphology is characterized by producing black and shiny colonies when old. This fungus produces abundant spores (conidia), 1-celled, ovoid, and 5–7 microns in size.
Source: Information presented here is excerpted from public-domain mycological sources and is furnished as a courtesy at the genus level. Qualified health professionals should be consulted for related health effects.
Baxter, D.M. "Airborne Mold Spore Concentrations in Commercial & Residential Buildings". Environmental Testing Associates, San Diego, CA, 1995.
Approved by Adam Jahnsen, Lab Director, AdamLabs, Inc.