Drechslera, Bipolaris, and Exserohilum group |
Mitosporic fungi. Hyphomycetes. Teleomorphs (sexual state): Pyrenophora, Cochliobolus, Setosphaeria (Ascomycetes). | |
| Distribution | Where Found | Mode of Dissemination |
| Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. Some species are more commonly found in tropical or subtropical areas. Drechslera: Approx. 20 species. Bipolaris: Approx. 20 species. Exserohilum: Approx. 8 species. |
Plant debris, soil. Plant pathogens of numerous plants, particularly grasses. /span> | Dry spore. Wind. |
| Allergen | Potential Opportunist or Pathogen | Potential Toxin Production |
| Common. Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma). Other: Most commonly reported cause of allergic fungal sinusitis. |
Occasionally a cause of phaeohyphomycosis, including keratitis, sinusitis, and osteomyelitis. These infections most often occur in immunocompromised persons, although infections also occur in normal hosts. One case of brain abscess reported in an immunocompromised patient. | Not known. |
| Growth Indoors | Industrial Uses | Other Comments |
| Yes, on a variety of substrates. | Not known. | None. |
| Characteristics: Growth/Culture | Notes on Spore Trap Recognition | Notes on Tape Lift Recognition |
| Grows well on general fungal media although many isolates need “light/dark cycling” for sporulation. Colonies are shades of dark gray to brown. | Group includes Drechslera, Bipolaris, Exserohilum and the rare Helminthosporium. Members of this group can best be differentiated in culture. | This group is readily identifiable on tape lifts. |
