Category: Microbiology

Microbe of the month: Corynebacterium

Classification: BacteriaCultured from / Found in: HVAC Coils, Filters, Grilles and DiffusersAssociated Health Risks: Fever and Swelling of Nose and Throat, Pseudomembrane Diphtheria, Skin Lesions/Infections, Paralysis, Heart Failure Corynebacteria (from the Greek words koryne, meaning club, and bacterion, meaning little rod) are gram-positive, catalase-positive, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, generally nonmotile rods. The genus contains the species […]

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Microbe of the month: Basidiomycota

Classification: FunghiCultured from / Found in: HVAC Coils and FiltersAssociated Health Risks: Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Cryptococcal Meningitis, Allergic Alveolitis. About the FunghiBasidiospores develop into many sorts of commonly found mould. These moulds are identifiable by their MVOC (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds) releases that have a unique musty and condensed smell. As small as 100-120 picometers […]

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Microbe of the month: Ulocladium

Classification: FunghiCultured from / Found in: HVAC Coils and FiltersAssociated Health Risks: Subcutaneous, Cutaneous, and Nail Infections. Allergy Exacerbation. About the FunghiUlocladium is an asexually reproducing saprophytic fungi, belonging to the family Pleosporaceae. These fungi mainly dissolve plant organic matter, and can often be found on substrates such as plant debris, lumber, paper, and water-damaged building […]

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Microbe of the Month: Stachybotrys chartarum

Microbe of the Month: Stachybotrys chartarumClassification Type: FungiCultured from / Found in HVAC: Coiling Coils, Diffusers, Grilles, Filters, Drain Pans, HumidifiersNoted Health Risks: Nasal Irritation, Burning and Congestion, Cough, Wheezing, Chest Tightness and DyspneaAbout Stachybotrys chartarumTwo black moulds commonly found in buildings are Cladosporium and Alternaria fungi. Another black mould is Stachybotrys chartarum, which can release specific toxins […]

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Microbe of the Month: Alternaria

Microbe of the Month: AlternariaClassification Type: FungiCultured from / Found in HVAC: Coiling Coils, Diffusers, Grilles, Filters, Drain Pans, HumidifiersNoted Health Risks:Pulmonary Diseases, Asthma, Allergies About AlternariaThere are over 250 known species of Alternaria. Alternaria is a genus of Deuteromycetes fungi. Alternaria species are known as major plant pathogens. They are also common allergens in humans, growing indoors […]

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Microbe of the Month: Staphylococcus

Classification Type: BacteriaCultured from / Found in HVAC: Coiling Coils, Diffusers, Grilles, Filters, Drain Pans, HumidifiersNoted Health Risks: Bloodstream Infections, Pneumonia, Bone and Joint Infections.Staphylococcus aureus is a round-shaped bacterium, a usual member of the microbiota of the body, frequently found in the upper respiratory tract and on the skin. Infections caused by this pathogen […]

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Microbe of the Month: Pseudomonas

Classification Type: BacteriaCultured from / Found in HVAC: Coiling Coils, Diffusers, Grilles, Filters, Drain Pans, HumidifiersNoted Health Risks:Respiratory Infections, UTIs, Tissue Infections, Sepsis About PseudomonasThe bacteria are found widely in the environment, such as in soil, water, and plants. Pseudomonas infections are diseases caused by a bacterium from the genus Pseudomonas. More severe infections occur in people who […]

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Microbe of the Month: Candida

Microbe of the Month: CandidaClassification Type: FungiCultured from / Found in HVAC: Coiling Coils, Diffusers, Grilles, Filters, Drain Pans, HumidifiersNoted Health Risks:Mucosal Infections, Skin infections, Bloodstream Infections, Urinary Tract Infections About the Candida FungiA new species of the Genus, Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungus that has been identified as a public health threat due to […]

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