Organisms Library

Absidia is a Zygomycete, sharing close macro/microscopic homology with Mucor sp. and Rhizopus sp. It can be found in decaying plant material, soils, food, and often causes food spoilage, making it a saprobe.

The members of the genus Acidovorax have all been previously classified as Pseudomonas species. Although some are suspected to be opportunistic pathogens capable of causing urinary tract and wound infections as well as septicemia, the actual incidence of such disease is poorly documented.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative, oxidase-negative bacillus that is often resistant to Penicillin. It is usually found in moist environments and can indicate a water or sewage leak, but it is also widely distributed in soil. It can cause a range of diseases from pneumonia and urinary tract infections to meningitis, but it is normally considered an opportunistic pathogen.

Acinetobacter species are common environmental bacteria. They are non-fermenting, oxidase-negative, strictly aerobic bacteria and can be isolated from soil, water, and the skin of approximately 25% of the population. They are considered opportunistic pathogens and will often cause nosocomial infections and supra-infection. Acinetobacter species can cause pneumonia in hospitalized patients and will readily cause skin infections when already open wounds come into contact with soil.

This is a Gram negative bacteria associated with fresh and aquatic environments. There are 14 species, some of which have been identified as potential human pathogens. One of the most notable species is A. hydrophila which has been linked to diseases in fish as well.

Agrocybe and Coprinus are types of basidiospores. Basidiomycete is one of the major classes of fungal organisms. This class contains the mushrooms, shelf fungi, and a variety of other macrofungi. They are saprophytes, ectomycorrhizal fungi or agents of wood rot, which may destroy the structure wood of buildings. It is extremely difficult to identify a specific genera of mushrooms by using standard culture plate techniques. Some basidiomycete spores can be identified by spore morphology; however, some care should be exercised with regard to specific identification. The release of basidiospores is dependant upon moisture, and they are dispersed by wind.

Occurs in soil and water. Common inhabitant of the intestinal tract of vertibrates. Occasional opportunistic pathogen of humans.

Occurs in soil and water. Occasional opportunistic pathogen of humans.

From the Ascomycete group.

Arthrobotryum is saprophytic on wood. (Illustrated Genera of Imperfect Fungi, 1998)

This is a specialized cell that functions as a spore and breaks off from the vegetative hyphal fragment. Examples of fungal spores included in this category are Geotrichum, Arthrographis, and Trichosporon. [Referenced from "Dictionary of The Fungi, 9th Edition"]

From the fungal Subphylum Ascomycotina. Ascospores are ubiquitous in nature and are commonly found in the outdoor environment. This class contains the "sac fungi" and yeasts. Some ascospores can be identified by spore morphology, however; some care should be excercised with regard to specific identification. They are identified on tape lifts and non-viable analysis by the fact that they have no attachment scars and are sometimes enclosed in sheaths with or without sacs. Ascomycetes may develop both sexual and asexual stages. Rain and high humidity may help asci to release, and dispurse ascospores, which is why during these weather conditions there is a great increase in counts.

This species of Aspergillus has a worldwide distribution with soil as the primary habitat. It has also been isolated from indoor materials such as gypsum, wallpaper, carpets, and mattress dust. Rarely seen as an opportunistic human pathogen.

These spores are easily aerosolized. Only through the visualization of reproductive structures can the genera be distinguished. Also included in this group are the spores of the genera Acremonium, Phialophora, Verticillium, Paecilomyces, etc. Small, round spores of this group lack the necessary distinguishing characteristics when seen on non-viable examination.

A novel species of the Genus Bacillus

Member of the Genus Bacillus. Used in commmercial insecticides for the control of crop-destroying and disease carrying insects

This organism is closely related to Bacteroides fragilis and is commonly isolated from feces and other clinical samples.

From the Subphylum Basidiomycotina which contains the mushrooms, shelf fungi, and a variety of other macrofungi. They are saprophytes, ectomycorrhizal fungi or agents of wood rot, which may destroy the structure wood of buildings. It is extremely difficult to identify a specific genera of mushrooms by using standard culture plate techniques. Some basidiomycete spores can be identified by spore morphology; however, some care should be exercised with regard to specific identification. The release of basidiospores is dependant upon moisture, and they are dispersed by wind.

Species within this genus are typically saprophytes on fallen leaves and other litter. (The Deuteromycetes, 1999 edition; Microfungi on Land Plants, 1997 edition)

Found on grasses, grains, various plants, and decaying food. May grow in semi-dry environments. Some species are found in indoor environments. Because of the microscopic similarities between the two genera, they are grouped together on a non-viable analysis.

Brevibacterium are a genus of gram-positive bacilli commonly isolated from soil. They are generally considered to be commensal skin flora, and a few species have industrial uses in the production of cheeses.

Brevibacterium are a genus of gram-positive bacilli commonly isolated from soil. They are generally considered to be commensal skin flora, and a few species have industrial uses in the production of cheeses.

Brevundimonas diminuta is an aerobic, non-lactose-fermenting, gram-negative rod previously classified as Pseudomonas diminuta. It is a common organism in the soil and other moist environments, but it is not as commonly isolated from water as other members of its genus. It is generally considered non-pathogenic.

It is considered part of the ascomycete group because its spores are released from a sac called an ascus. It is found on a variety of substrates containing cellulose including paper and plant compost. It can be readily found on the damp or water damaged paper in sheetrock. Several species have been reported to play a major role in decomposition of cellulose made materials. These fungi are able to dissolve the cellulose fibers in cotton and paper, and thus cause these materials to disintegrate. The process is especially rapid under moist conditions.

Environmental mold commonly found in soil. Not known as a pathogen to humans.

A gram negative rod associated with water environments. It has been known to cause septicemia, meningitis, and wound infections in humans.

Chrysosporium is a saprobe and is common in the outdoor environment in soil, dung, plant debris, and seeds. This genus is sometimes misidentified as a dermatophyte due to its morphological similarities and its potential to infect the skin.

Member of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is found in the feces of humans and animals and can be an opportunistic pathogen. When present in the environment they are usually in the form of fecal contaminants.

Member of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is found in the feces of humans and animals and can be an opportunistic pathogen.

The most commonly identified outdoor fungus. The outdoor numbers are reduced in the winter and are often high in the summer. Often found indoors in numbers less than outdoor numbers. It is commonly found on the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts. A wide variety of plants are food sources for this fungus. It is found on dead plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint and textiles. Often found in dirty refrigerators and especially in reservoirs where condensation is collected, on moist window frames it can easily be seen covering the whole painted area with a velvety olive green layer.

This organism has been isolated from both water and hospital environments. It has been reported on clinical isolates.

Genus of Gram-positive irregular bacilli that can be isolated from the skin or mucous membranes of humans.

Commonly found as saprophyte in soil. It is a zygomycete with sporangiospores being of the Mucor type. Asexually it produces extensive white mycelium, nonseptate, sporangiophores simple or branched, with enlarged tips bearing heads of conidia.

Curvularia is found on plant material and is considered a saprobe. It has also been isolated from dust samples and from wallpaper.

This fungus tends to grow on litter and cellulosic products. (Genera of Hyphomycetes, 1980)

Widely distributed in nature, occurring in fresh water, soil and sewage. Considered an opportunistic pathogen.

Widely distributed in nature, occuring in fresh water, soil, and sewage. Opportunistic pathogen of humans.

Members of the genus Enterobacter are gram-negative, lactose-fermenting bacilli. They are opportunistic pathogens once outside of their normal intestinal environment. Human infection generally follows the fecal-oral route, although other routes are also possible. Enterobacter is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, especially urinary tract infections and peritonitis. As fecal coliforms, their presence can indicate wastewater contamination.

Group D enterococcus. CDC group I. Normal habitat is the gastrointestinal tract.

Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive, commensal bacterium inhabiting the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other mammals. It is formerly known as Group D Streptococcus.

This result indicates that a gram-negative organism that does not ferment lactose was found on culture. This is a very broad group of organisms that includes the genera Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Flavomonas, Flavobacterium, Alkaligenes, and Acinetobacter, as well as many others. The degree of pathogenicity that they possess ranges from non-existent to opportunistic pathogens, but there are very few true pathogens in the group.

It is found in plants, soil, grains, textiles, and paper products. Frequently isolated from air and occasionally occurs in house dust. Is a saprophyte and considered a weakly parasitic secondary invader of plants, moldy paper and textiles.

Eubacterium is a genus of obligately anaerobic gram-positive rod isolated primarily from human feces. Eubacterium limosum is the type species for the genus.

Widely distributed in soil and water. Isolated from human clinical specimens. Clinical significance is uncertain. Previously designated as CDC group IIb. Includes strains designated Flav. indologenes and Flav. gleum. Yellow pigment often produced.

Widely distributed in soil and water, also found in raw meats, milk and other foods. Common in hospital environments and may cause nosocomial infections.

Widely distributed in soil and water, also found in raw meats, milk and other foods. Common in hospital environments and may cause nosocomial infections.

A common soil fungus. Fusarium is frequently isolated from plants and grains. It is often found in humidifiers and requires wet conditions to grow.

Fusobacterium is a Gram-negative non-sporeforming bacterium that is widely known and studied as a human and animal pathogen. Fusobacterium's exceptional ability to adhere with both Gram-negative and Gram-positive plaque microorganisms in biofilms (specifically in soft tissue) has made it a highly invasive pathogen.

This fungus is commonly considered a parasite to other fungi and plants. It can also be isolated from house dust.

This fungus occurs in soil or decaying plant matter as parasites of other fungi.

Plant pathogen (Dematiacious Hyphomycetes, 1990)

Klebsiella species are Gram negative bacteria considered to be opportunistic pathogens. They have been isolated from the environment and in mammalian mucosal surfaces.

A species of Legionella that has been implicated in cases of Pontiac Fever and pneumonia. It is also a precurser for the potential growth of Legionella pneumophila because of environmental growth characteristics and similarities between the species.

L. pneumophila is the etiologic agent of Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia that was first widely recognized in 1976 following an outbreak in Philadelphia. Legionella pneumophila is a free-living, gram-negative bacilli that is generally motile, possessing from one to three polar flagella. It is ubiquitous in aquatic environments, but can be found outside of lakes and streams. Additionly, the bacteria can be found in cooling towers, air conditioners, spa equipment, fountains, humidifiers, and potable water systems. They grow in a range of temperatures from 5 to 63 degrees Celsius, with optimal growth in the range of 25 to 40 degrees. Legionella often forms a parasitic relationship with amoebae in its environment. The bacteria is able to resist destruction by the protozoan, and so is provided protection from a variety of biocidal treatments and other harsh environmental conditions. As the bacteria multiplies, it eventually kills the host cells and moves back into the environment. Humans become accidental hosts when contaminated water is inhaled, be it through exhaust from a cooling tower or the mist in a shower. There are at least 14 known serological groups of L. pneumophila, but serogroup 1 is the most prevalent and is considered to be the most pathological.

This genus belongs in the Ascomycete group, which is one of the major classes of fungal organisms. Ascospores are ubiquitous in nature and are commonly found in the outdoor environment. This class contains the "sac fungi" and yeasts. Some ascomycete spores can be identified by spore morphology, however; some care should be excercised with regard to specific identification. They are identified on tape lifts and non-viable analysis by the fact that they have no attachment scars and are sometimes enclosed in sheaths with or without sacs. Some fungi that belong to the ascomycete family are the sexual forms of Penicillium/Aspergillus, Chaetomium sp. and Pleospora sp. Rain and high humidity may rupture the ascus, dispursing the spores, which is why during these weather conditions there is a great increase in counts.

Cellulolytic fungus very closely related to Stachybotrys. Both fungi have a worldwide distribution and often found together, and commonly found in soil. The major difference between the two fungi is that the conidia for Memnoniella are in long persistent chains (aggregated in slimy heads in Stachybotrys). Also the aerodynamic diameter of Memnoniella is smaller and it would be expected to have an even greater potential to penetrate deep into lungs than the conidia of Stachybotrys.

Isolated from a wide range of samples such as soil, water, air, rice grain, sewage and hospital environments, but primarily from leaf surfaces of plants. Some species are occasionally isolated from clinical specimens. Rarely clinically significant, Methylobacterium species have been implicated in an outbreak of nosocomial infections.

Microbacterium are a genus of coryneform bacteria consisting of small diphtheroid, gram-positive, rod-shaped organisms. The members of the genus were previously identified as Aureobacterium. Although not normally pathogenic, they can cause endophthalmitis, urinary tract infections, endocarditis, soft tissue infections, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and meningitis. They are commonly found in dairy products and are characterized by marked resistance to heat.

Members of the genus Micrococcus are generally considered skin flora, although they are opportunistic pathogens. They are gram-positive cocci that test Catalase-positive. It is easy to differentiate them from Staphylococcus species, however, as Micrococcus species form bright yellow colonies on tryptic soy agar supplemented with 5% sheep blood.

Isolated from the respiratory tract where it is a common part of the flora. Rarely clinically significant.

A mycelium (plural = mycelia) is the "body" of a fungus. It is a collective term for hyphae ( singular = hypha), which are the tubular units of the mycelium usually composed of chitin. The terms hyphae and mycelial fragments are used interchangeably. [This information was referenced from the mycology text "The Fifth Kingdom"]

Mycosphaerella species are commonly seen as saprophytes and plant pathogens.

An Ascomycete isolated from its common habitat of soil. In an IAQ investigation it may be isolated from damp cellulose containing materials and carpeting. There are few known cases of illness associated with this fungus.

Has been isolated from air and soil samples. Usually found in plant material as a saprobe.

This bacteria has been isolated from soil and decaying plant materials. It has also been found in some clinical samples.

A Gram negative rod previously named Moraxella urethralis. Reported infections have been associated with urinary catheters.

Member of the genus Paenibacillus, which have been split off from the genus Bacillus recently. Paenibacillus alvei is motile gram positive rod and grows extremely rapidly on culture media.

Pantoea agglomerans can be found in plants and in human and animal feces. Erwinia milletiae and Enterobacter agglomerans are synonyms for Pantoea agglomerans.

Vancomycin resistant. Morphologically resembles streptococci. Associated with milk and dairy products. Rarely isolated from human clinical specimens.

Penicillium camembertii is a filamentous fungus used for the production of mold-fermented white cheese (camembert). It is a domesticated form of Penicillium commune, especially adapted to the food environment.

Penicillium spores are ubiquitous in the environment. A wide number of organisms have been placed in this genus. Identification to species is difficult. Often found in aerosol samples. Commonly found in soil, food, cellulose, and grains. It is also found in paint and compost piles. Commonly found in carpet, wallpaper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation. Both Penicillium and Aspergillus spores share similar morphology on non-viable analysis and therefore are lumped together into the same group. Only through the visualization of reproductive structures can the genera be distinguished.

Penicillium spores are ubiquitous in the environment. A wide number of organisms have been placed in this genus. Identification to species is difficult. Often found in aerosol samples. Commonly found in soil, food, cellulose, and grains. It is also found in paint and compost piles. Commonly found in carpet, wallpaper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation. Both Penicillium and Aspergillus spores share similar morphology on non-viable analysis and therefore are lumped together into the same group. Only through the visualization of reproductive structures can the genera be distinguished.

This is an obligate plant pathogen known as downy mildew.

This fungus has a wide distribution with species that are considered plant pathogens. Species are commonly associated with decomposing wood, soil, and water. There is very little information regarding toxicity and allergenicity.

Grows on dead grass in pastures and decaying plant material.

This fungus is often associated with leaves and other plant material. There are no reports of any clinical significance or allergenic properties.

Can be found in the intestines of humans and other mammals, manure, polluted water, and soil. Can be an opportunistic pathogen.

Diverse and widely distributed in the environment. Has been isolated from clinical specimens, associated with nosocomial infections. It is also a predominant slime former and denitrifying bacteria in drinking water distribution systems.

Pseudomonas are widely distributed in the environment and are especially prone to inhabit moist areas. They are also a member of the normal flora of the intestinal tract of humans. It is associated with a variety of infections and is a major cause of nosocomial infections in the hospital environment.

These gram-negative bacilli are widely found in nature. They are especially prevalent in hot tubs and swimming pools due to the fluctuations in temperature and improper sanitation procedures. Some species such as P. aeruginosa and P. flourescens can be opportunistic pathogens to plants, humans, and animals. Disease states may range from mild skin infection and swimmer’s ear to corneal ulceration and vision loss due to microbial keratitis.

Pseudomonas are widely distributed in the environment and are especially prone to inhabit moist areas. They are also a member of the normal flora of the intestinal tract of humans. It is associated with a variety of infections and is a major cause of nosocomial infections in the hospital environment.

A member of the family Enterbacteriaceae. Isolated from environmental samples, especially water samples, and rarely isolated from clinical samples.

Members of the Rhinocladiella genus are usually isolated from decaying wood and soils. This genus is a saprobe of plants.

Belongs to the Zygomycetes (mucorales). It occupies a similar biological niche to Mucor sp. Morphological characteristics of this fungus are the production of sporangiospores, which are diminute, rounded thick walled bodies resistant to heat and drought.

Rhodotorula is a genus of reddish yeasts typically found in moist environments such as carpeting, cooling coils and drain pans. It is also commonly found in air, soil, lakes, ocean water, and dairy products. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was formerly known as Rhodotorula rubra.

From the group Uredinales, called Rusts due to the color of the spores, which are known for causing disease in plants.

Isolated from soil, polluted waters, and compost material.

This is a Gram negative bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Serratia species have been isolated from clinical samples but have also been isolated from several environmental specimens such as soil, plates, and water.

The natural habitat for Spegazzinia is the soil, but it may also be found on plants.There is little information pertaining to health related risks and no studies on its allergenic properties.

This fungus is often associated with other plant parasites and can be found in plant lesions as well as in trees and other wood substrates.

Sporoschisma species are common on rotten or dead wood and bark and occasionally on dead herbaceous stems. (Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes, 1971)

Normal flora of the skin and mucous membranes. Can also be isolated from dust, water, and food products. Several species are considered as opportunistic pathogens to humans and animals.

It is usually isolated from dead materials and is either parasitic or saprophytic.

This genus is usually found in tropical and subtropical areas. It is found in soil, considered a saprobe and is considered non-pathogenic.

Talaromyces is an anamorph of both Penicillium and Paecilomyces. (the anamorph is the non-sexually reproducing stage of fungal development).

Torula is a saprophyte and therefore often found on plant material. It may be found on wood-containing products/materials.

Trichoderma is commonly isolated in soils, air and in plant materials. Often found in litter materials (polluted streams, sewage plants, and driftwoods). It is found on paper and in kitchens on many common tableware materials. In the laboratory, Trichoderma can be a contaminant due to the fact that it can produce confluent growth and take over an entire culture. Materials such as wood construction and mineral fiber panels can be very affected by this fungus. The species T. viridae is often isolated from indoor air samples and house dust.

This genus belongs in the Ascomycete group, which is one of the major classes of fungal organisms. Ascospores are ubiquitous in nature and are commonly found in the outdoor environment. This class contains the "sac fungi" and yeasts. Some ascomycete spores can be identified by spore morphology, however; some care should be excercised with regard to specific identification. They are identified on tape lifts and non-viable analysis by the fact that they have no attachment scars and are sometimes enclosed in sheaths with or without sacs. Some fungi that belong to the ascomycete family are the sexual forms of Penicillium/Aspergillus, Chaetomium sp. and Pleospora sp. Rain and high humidity may rupture the ascus, dispursing the spores, which is why during these weather conditions there is a great increase in counts.

Found in decaying vegetation, on straw, soil, and arthropods. It is known to cause decay of plant material and certain species are parasites on plants and other fungi.

Isolated from the environment and animal sources. Occasionally isolated from clinical specimens.

This fungi is known as a plant pathogen (Microfungi on Land Plants, 1997 edition).