Eurotium (Asp.) amstelodami

Eurotium (Aspergillus) amstelodami / chevalieri / herbariorum / rubrum / repens This assay identifies a group of closely related Eurotium species. Most molds isolated from indoor environments are asexual species, however some also reproduce sexually. To discern these two modes or reproductive states, mycologists have devised a unique terminology. The term “anamorph” describes those molds that reproduce asexually; whereas, the term “teleomorph” describes molds that reproduce sexually. Anamorphic or asexual molds do not need a partner to reproduce, they produce their spores similar to budding yeast cells and do so on a grand scale; millions if not billions of spores are produced in a short period of time (24-48 hrs). Anamorphic reproduction is an evolutionary strategy that fires the conflict between humans and molds in homes and buildings; just add water to building materials, and mold will seem to appear out of nowhere and rapidly colonize the damp substrates. Teleomorphic molds, however, must find and fuse with a compatible partner or strain in order to produce spores sexually. Hence, teleomorphic molds are rare relative to anamorphic molds because the paring of compatible strains in the environment is governed by the laws of probability, and the probability of two microscopic strains meeting at any given location is remote. However, some teleomorphic species tend to commonly occur indoors. The most common teleomorphic genus is Eurotium. Eurotium species are perhaps the most abundant sexually reproducing molds found indoors. The key to Eurotium's success lies in genetics, for Eurotium's asexual counterpart is Aspergillus. Aspergillus species produce enormous flushes of spores. Hence, Aspergillus spores are extremely common, especially in a water compromised building. The relative abundance of Aspergillus spores dramatically increases the probability that two compatible aspergilli strains will meet and fuse to form a teleomorphic Eurotium species. Thus, Eurotium has become an important mold genus, one that should not be ignored during indoor air quality assessments. This genus is xerophilic and has the ability to germinate and colonize substrates having minimal water activity. Eurotium is also a common food spoilage organism. Eurotium has been implicated in several health maladies. Anamorphic forms of Eurotium produce various mycotoxins. Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is caused mainly by repeated exposure to moldy hay colonized by Eurotium species. Eurotium may be a respiratory allergic in susceptible individuals and can cause adverse health effects in children who attend school in buildings damaged by moisture.