Scopulariopsis brevicaulis/fusca

S. brevicaulis is the most common species of its genus and occurs worldwide and occurs in soils, floor dust, mattress dust, aquatic environments, compost, seawater, paper mill waste, wood pulp, textiles, paintings and uranium mines. S. fusca is also commonly isolated from soil, straw, paper and food. S. brevicaulis is regarded as moderately xerophilic, and it can produce toxic by-products of arsenic and mercury, becoming exceptionally dangerous when growing indoors on paints containing arsenic. S. brevicaulis is said to produce garlic- or ammonialike odors when growing indoors. S. brevicaulis attacks hairs and keratin, often leading to infections of the toenails and fingernails. However, it can also cause skin, lung and soft tissue infections. S. fusca is less frequently pathogenic than S. brevicaulis, this species produces infections of the skin and fingernails and toenails.