Paecilomyces species
Paecilomyces species are common environmental molds.
They are widespread in soils, composts, and food products. In indoor environment, Paecilomyces have been isolated from air, damp walls, wet plaster work, carpet dust and HVAC fans.
Paecilomyces species are rarely associated with human infections but some species such as P. variotii, P. marquandii and P. lilacinus are emerging as causative agents of mycoses in immuno-compromised patients.
Several species of Paecilomyces are important as agents of biological control. These include:
- Paecilomyces carneus
P. carneus is found on a wide range of material, and especially in soil. It is sometimes isolated from insects, though it appears to be a weak insect pathogen. Some isolates produce several metabolites of the antibiotic group cephalosporins. - Paecilomyces farinosuss
P. farinosus is also commonly isolated from soil. It is a well-known insect pathogen, and there has been interest in its use as an agent of biological control. - Paecilomyces fumosoroseus
P. fumosoroseus has been isolated from soil, butter and gelatine. It is an insect parasite, causing economic damage to silkwork production in eastern Asia. - Paecilomyces lilacinus
P. lilacinus is most commonly encountered in isolations from soil but has been found on insects on numerous occasions. It has also been found on various organic substrates including plastic contact lenses, synthetic rubber and polyurethane, and is used in fungus resistance testing. P. lilacinus has been implicated as a human and animal pathogen.
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Dr. Jackson Kung’u is a Microbiologist who has specialized in the field of mycology (the study of moulds and yeasts). He is a member of the Mycological Society of America. He graduated from the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK, with a Masters degree in Fungal Technology and a PhD in Microbiology. He has published several research papers in international scientific journals. Jackson has analyzed thousands of mould samples from across Canada. He also regularly teaches a course on how to recognize mould, perform effective sampling and interpret laboratory results. Jackson provides how-to advice on mould and bacteria issues. Get more information about indoor mould and bacteria at www.drjacksonkungu.com.
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