Myxotrichum sp

Ascomycetes. Anamorph (asexual state): Geomyces, Malbranchea, Oidiodendron.

Myxotrichum species comprise a small proportion of the fungal biota. This genus is most closely related to other gymnothecial forming ascomycetes such as Gymnoascus and Ctenomyces. Heath effects are very rare with only one report of onychomycosis in 1976. No information is available regarding toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. May be identified on surfaces by tape lifts, and tease mounts from bulk samples. If Myxotrichum spores are isolated on culturable (Andersen) sampling, the Geomyces, Malbranchea, or Oidiodendron anamorph is likely to be the identifiable result, at least with primary growth within one week. (Spores do not have distinctive morphology and would be categorized as "other colorless" on spore trap samples.) This organism is keratinophilic and cellulolytic. Natural habitat is soil. Isolated regularly from paper substrates, damp drywall, decomposing carpets.