Distribution
Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 81 species.
Where Found
Soil, seeds, cellulose substrates, dung, woody and straw materials.
Mode of Dissemination
Spores are formed inside fruiting bodies. Spores are forced out an opening and spread by wind, insects, water splash.
Growth Indoors
Widespread, cellulolytic, very commonly found on damp sheetrock paper.
Industrial Uses
Used in textile testing and the production of cellulase.
Other Comments
None.
Allergens
Not well studied.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Uncommon agent of onychomycosis (nail infection).
Potential Toxin Production
Chaetomin. Chaetomium globosum produces chaetoglobosins. Sterigmatocystin is produced by rare species. Other compounds produced (which may not be mycotoxins in the strict sense) include a variety of mutagens.
Growth/Culture Characterisics
Grows and sporulates on general fungal media, may need 8-20 days for fruiting body production and sporulation.
Spore Trap Recognition
Distinctive. Chaetomium globosum has small brown "lemon" or "football-shaped" ascospores.
Tape Lift Recognition
Distinctive and readily identifiable on tape lifts.