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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Scopulariopsis spp.



The organism, Scopulariopsis spp. looks microsopically similar to Penicillium spp. and Paecilomyces spp. The tan colony color differentiates the organism from most Penicillium spp.  The Paecilomyces spp. colonies are typically spreading and not as heaped as the Scopulariopsis spp. colonies. The Paecilomyces spp. spores are often comma shaped.

The mature spores of Scopulariopsis spp. are often rough.  The spores are produced in chains from a conidiophore (Fungi Online).  The base of the spore producing structure forms a ring as each spore is produces.  One end of the spore is flat with the other end round.
 
The spores can occasionally be distinguished between Asp/Pen spores on an Air-o-cell cassette sample if the spores are in chains.  The rough spore plus the flat point of attachment help in identification.  The spores are approximately 3 to 8 microns in diameter and will deposit in all areas of the respiratory tract.

Special note: The organism is capable of converting the arsenic found wallpaper covered with Paris Green into arsine gas.  In Italy during the 1890's over 1,000 children's deaths were linked to a combination of Paris Green wallpaper and mildew.  (History Magazine)  The deaths stopped once the wallpaper was removed.  Mildew in this sense was used as a term to describe mold in general and not a particular type of fungus also known as mildew.



Scopulariopsis spp. - N. Carlson



Scopulariopsis spp. line drawing - N. Carlson




What does Scopulariopsis mean - 30 sec.

Scopulariopsis spp. - 2 min.  Health Homes Inc.

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