Distribution
Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 20 species.
Where Found
Soil, decomposing plant material.
Mode of Dissemination
Wind.
Growth Indoors
Arthrinium is cellulolytic, but it is rarely reported.
Industrial Uses
None known.
Other Comments
None.
Allergens
One species, Arthrinium sphaerospermum, reported as an allergen.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Not known.
Potential Toxin Production
Not known.
Growth/Culture Characterisics
Grows well on general fungal media. White, floccose, spreading. Develops brown to black spore clusters with time.
Spore Trap Recognition
Small, round brown spores. An equatorial germ slit may be seen with skill. Because spores land in "face" view on spore trap slides this slit is not as obvious as when spores are viewed from a culture.
Tape Lift Recognition
Distinctive and identifiable on tape lift samples.