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Penicillium - Common Species of Mold
Penicillium spp
- These fungi are commonly found in soil, food, cellulose, grains, paint,
carpet, wallpaper, interior fiberglass duct insulation, and decaying
vegetation. Penicillium may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma,
and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals.
- The genus Penicillium has several species. The most common ones include
Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium janthinellum,
Penicillium marneffei, and Penicillium purpurogenum.
- This fungi has been isolated from patients with keratitis, ear infections,
pneumonia, endocarditis, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections.
Penicillium infections are most commonly exhibited in immunosuppressed
individuals. For example, P. marneffei is a fungus abundant in Southeast
Asia that typically infects patients with AIDS in this area. Infection
with P.marneffei is acquired via inhalation and initially results in
a pulmonary infection and then spreads to other areas of the body (lymphatic
system, liver, spleen, and bones), and is often fatal. An indication
of infection is the appearance of papules that resemble acne on the
face, trunk, and extremities.
- Penicillim spp. do have the ability to produce mycotoxins. The mycotoxin
known as Ochratoxin A, which is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic, may be
produced by Penicillium verrucosum. Verrucosidin is another mycotoxin
produced by this fungus that exhibits neurotoxity. Penicillic acid is
another mycotoxin that is nephrotoxic (causes kidney and liver damage).
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