|
Acremonium sp. is the fungal genus having numerous species
that are often found to be living in the structures, often
in insulation. This genus is also found in the plant debris
and soil. It thrives in almost all varieties of environments
and is found across the globe. There are several noted species
within this genus ranging from the fungi
that are capable of bring about serious infections and the
ones that are widely used for producing pharmaceuticals.
These fungi will reproduce asexually through spore production
that allows them to spread. Acremonium is among the fast growing
fungi and the colonies of this fungus can mature within a
week in the moist and warm environments. These colonies will
have a typical slightly powdered texture. The color of these
colonies can vary from pink to gray. However, several species
of these fungi is capable of producing mycotoxins that can
cause health problems in human beings and animals.
Acremonium is omni-present and is found to cause contamination
of food items and lab samples. The ability of this fungus
to thrive on a variety of substrates makes it difficult to
keep it under control. Identifying the molds can be a big
challenge as the differences between the individual species
will be subtle. This is considered to be among the most common
problems related with molds.
In human beings, A. kiliense, A. falciforme and A. recifei
causes a wide variety of problems. These species have been
found to cause infections in the human beings. One among the
most commonly found infections in human beings because of
this particular type of fungi is pulmonary infections. It
has also been found that the fungi are responsible for infections
in many other parts of the human body too. These infections
will be commonly found in the immuno-compromised individuals
who will not have the power to fight off this fungus. There
are many different anti-fungal medications that can be used
for treating the infections caused by Acremonium. However,
many among these medications will not be successful in eradicating
the fungus completely.
A. strictum is the species that is found to be the main culprit
behind the mycetoma. Mycetoma is a subcutaneous infection
that is caused by this fungus. This infection will be normally
found in the foot of human beings. The people who spent considerable
time barefoot will be ones who fall for this type of infection.
Even though medications are commonly used for fighting off
this infection, amputation may be required in the extreme
cases as it is the only way to stop the spreading of this
infection.
A. chrysogenum is a species of the fungus that is beneficial
for the mankind. It is used for producing antibiotics of cephalosporin
class. This fungal genus was called as Cephalosporium once
because of this use of the genus. The antibiotics manufactured
using this genus is used for treating a wide range of conditions.
This makes the particular species, a valuable member of Acremonium
genus. These are the common facts about Acremonium that are
worth knowing.
|
