Distribution
Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 56 species, both genera.
Where Found
Commercial lumber, tree and plant pathogen.
Mode of Dissemination
Wet spore.
Insects.
Growth Indoors
Most homes built with lumber have areas of growth on wood framing inside walls.
Industrial Uses
None known.
Other Comments
Ophiostoma ulmi is the cause of Dutch Elm Disease.
Allergens
Not studied.
Persons most likely to be affected would be lumber-yard workers or carpenters.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Not reported to infect humans or animals. A connection between Ophiostoma and the human pathogen Sporothrix schenckii has been proposed but not confirmed.
Potential Toxin Production
None listed.
Growth/Culture Characterisics
Some species may grow on specialized laboratory media. Asexual forms grow on general fungal media.
Spore Trap Recognition
Not identifiable on spore trap slides. On rare occasions the spores of Gonatobotryum, which grows parasitically on Ceratocystis, are seen on spore trap samples (an indirect indication of the presence of this group of fungi).
Tape Lift Recognition
Distinctive fruiting bodies with long necks are identifiable on tape lifts.