Characteristics

Distribution
Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 80-90 species.

Where Found
Soil, dead organic debris, hay, food stuffs.

Mode of Dissemination
Wet spore.
Insect/water droplet. Wind (old growth).

Growth Indoors
Widespread. 
Requires very wet conditions.

Industrial Uses
Produces cephalosporins, an important class of antibiotics.

Other Comments
Formerly called Cephalosporium.

Potential Health Effects

Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung.

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Mycetoma, keratitis, onychomycosis. Other rare infections reported in immunodeficient patients, and in persons with wound injuries. Most species of Acremonium do not grow at 37°C.

Potential Toxin Production
None other than cephalosporin (see industrial uses).

Laboratory Notes

Growth/Culture Characterisics
Grows well on all general fungal media. Small white or pale shades of pink, salmon colonies. Membranous or thinly velvety.

Spore Trap Recognition
Not distinctive. Small one-celled, colorless spores. May be counted as "other colorless." Some spores are so small they may be missed.

Tape Lift Recognition
Forms chains or slimy heads of conidia. Readily identifiable on tape lift samples. Often found growing with Stachybotrys.