The fungus Aphanoascus fulvescens is quite common and is usually found, rather extensively, in environments that are exposed to or covered in soil. Aphanoascus fulvescens is also known as Anixiopsis stercoraria and Anixiopsis fulvescens. However, these are now rarely used terms and are considered obsolete references to the organism. The species is a known teleomorph, the sexual reproductive stage of Chrysosporium keratinophilum. In medical literature, the fungus is classified as a human allergen.

Aphanoascus fulvescens belongs to the family Onygenaceae, phylum Ascomycota. As an ascomycete of the class Eurotiomycete, the organism is known to deliver its spores by a non-ostiolate ascocarp referred to as cleistothecium. This is a structure which, in the case of Aphanoascus fulvescens, features tiny coiled outgrowths. These appendages allow the organism to spread by attaching itself to feathers and hairs of animals as well as in humans.

Its keratinophilic characteristic - the ability to attach and grow on hair, nails, skin, feathers, horns and the like - causes it to be tagged as a dermatophyte. Aphanoascus fulvescens is believed to induce dermatomycosis in humans and animals. Different kinds of animals such as rodents, wild ducks and other bird species, sheep, dogs and even sea lions have all been documented as having suffered dermatophytic infections due to the presence of Aphanoascus fulvescens.

On humans, the symptoms associated with skin disorders influenced by Aphanoascus fulvescens include red scaly patches or lesions on the skin. It will start out in an isolated and frequently covered area. Then eventually the infection will spread since colonies of Aphanoascus fulvescens grow rather rapidly given the right circumstances.

There are cases where dermatomycoses related to Aphanoascus fulvescens are described as similar to tinea. In either case, more often than not, treatment with anti-fungal medication such as tolnaftate and griseofulvin will resolve the condition in a span of several weeks.

People who are most at risk of dermatological infection caused by fungi such as Aphanoascus fulvescens are those whose activities are associated or have direct contact with soil and environmental waste. The organism is known to thrive in soil, rice fields, river sediments, dung, and sewage. One study in India has confirmed the presence of the fungus in the dust and dirt found in homes and hospitals. It is therefore imperative to always keep our surroundings clean and sanitized to avoid mycoses.

Farmers, animal handlers, gardeners, waste disposal workers and similar other trades and occupations should always wear protective coverings as they go about their duties handling potentially contaminated materials. This is to minimize the possibility of infection. An estimated 20% of farmers suffer from mycoses due to keratinophilic fungi. Sewer workers in particular would be most affected since Aphanoascus fulvescens thrive in abundance in such environments.

Similarly, members of the population that possess immunodeficiency conditions are at risk of infection from this prolific potential pathogen. Those with autoimmune disorders and HIV/AIDS patients can suffer complications from dermatomycosis due to Aphanoascus fulvescens.

The eradication of keratinophilic organisms like Aphanoascus fulvescens is usually coursed through liming. In certain cases, the use of nitric acid and sulfuric acid in containing the growth of Aphanoascus fulvescens are implemented. However, there are safety and environmental issues associated with these methods.