Ulocladium sp

Mitosporic fungus. Hyphomycetes.

Characteristics

Distribution

Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 9 species.

Where Found

Soil, dung, paint, grasses, fibers, wood, decaying plant material, paper, and textiles.

Mode of Dissemination

Dry spore.
Wind.

Growth Indoors

Widespread. Found on gypsum board, paper, paint, tapestries, jute, other straw materials. Ulocladium has a high water requirement.

Industrial Uses

Not known.

Other Comments

None.

Potential Health Effects

Allergens

Major.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Ulocladium cross-reacts with Alternaria, adding to the allergenic burden of Alternaria-sensitive patients.

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen

Rare subcutaneous tissue infection.

Potential Toxin Production

Not known.

Laboratory Notes

Growth/Culture Characteristics

Grows well on all general fungal media. Colonies are dark brown to rusty brown, granular to velvety. Geniculate sporulating structures can be observed with the stereoscope.

Spore Trap Recognition

Distinctive brown spores. Young spores or spore fragments may be confused with Alternaria, Pithomyces, and others, although Alternaria usually has shades of olive green pigment.

Tape Lift Recognition

Distinctive, readily identifiable on direct observation. Certain species may form rudimentary beaks and short chains which may be confused with Alternaria.