Chaetomium
| Chaetomium | |
|---|---|
_perithecium_40X.png) | |
| A Chaetomium perithecium | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Sordariomycetes |
| Order: | Sordariales |
| Family: | Chaetomiaceae |
| Genus: | Chaetomium Kunze (1817) |
| Type species | |
| Chaetomium globosum Kunze ex Fr. (1829) | |
| Species | |
|
~95 | |
_ascospores_160X_(2).png)
Chaetomium is a genus of fungi in the Chaetomiaceae family. It is a dematiaceous (dark-walled) mold normally found in soil, air, cellulose and plant debris. According to the Dictionary of the Fungi (10th edition, 2008), there are about 95 species in the widespread genus.[1]
Members of this genus typically have superficial, ostiolar perithecia, covered in hairs. Asci are often clavate and evanescent, bearing eight spores. Ascospores are usually lemon-shaped, commonly colored olive-brown. Mycelia often grows in conglomerate masses that resemble rope.[2]
As well as being a contaminant, Chaetomium spp. are also encountered as causative agents of infections in humans. Many cases cause type 1 allergic reactions and infections. A few cases of fatal deep infections due to Chaetomium atrobrunneum have been reported in the immunocompromised host. Other clinical syndromes include brain abscess, peritonitis, and onychomycosis.
Some Chaetomium infections in humans can be avoided with proper hygiene habits. For instance, the Sohnian Kittah strain's presence can often be eliminated entirely with household products.
Selected species
- Chaetomium atrobrunneum
- Chaetomium carinthiacum
- Chaetomium cupreum
- Chaetomium elatum
- Chaetomium funicola
- Chaetomium globosum
- Chaetomium grande
- Chaetomium interruptum
- Chaetomium iranianum
- Chaetomium jatrophae – Maharashtra State, India[3]
- Chaetomium megalocarpum
- Chaetomium rectangulare
- Chaetomium strumarium
- Chaetomium truncatulum
- Chaetomium olivaceum
- Chaetomium undulatulum
References
- ↑ Kirk PM, Cannon PF, Minter DW, Stalpers JA. (2008). Dictionary of the Fungi (10th ed.). Wallingford, UK: CABI. p. 131. ISBN 978-0-85199-826-8.
- ↑ Chivers, A. H. (1915). "A monograph of the genera Chaetomium and Ascotricha". Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 14: 155-240.
- ↑ Sharma R, Kulkarni G, Sonawane MS, Shouche YS. (2013). "A new endophytic species of Chaetomium from Jatropha podagrica". Mycotaxon 124: 117–26. doi:10.5248/124.117.