Distribution
Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 9 to 30 species, depending on taxonomic system.
Where Found
Soil and decaying plant material, composting processes, legumes, cottonseeds; some species parasitize insects.
Mode of Dissemination
Dry spore.
Wind.
Growth Indoors
Has been isolated from jute fibers, paper, PVC, timber (oak wood), optical lenses, leather, photographic paper, cigar tobacco, harvested grapes, bottled fruit, and fruit juice undergoing pasteurization.
Aw=0.79
P. variotii: Aw=0.84
Industrial Uses
Not known.
Other Comments
Paecilomyces is closely related to Penicillium.
Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Humidifier lung.
Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Although Paecilomyces grows at 37°C, human disease is relatively rare. Mycotic keratitis in conjunction with corneal implants, nosocomial infections, endocarditis, infections in immunocompromised patients are reported.
Potential Toxin Production
Paecilotoxins, byssochlamic acid, variotin, ferrirubin, viriditoxin, indole-3-acetic acid, fusigen and patulin.
Growth/Culture Characteristics
Grows well on general fungal media. Some species produce distinctive pigments such as ocher and lilac. Paecilomyces does not produce blue or green colonies. Paecilomyces variotii is thermophilic (grows up to 55°C).
Spore Trap Recognition
Free spores are similar to Penicillium/Aspergillus.
Tape Lift Recognition
Recognizable if all sporulation structures are present. Conidia are produced in long chains from slender tapering divergent phialides.