What is Cladosporium?
Cladosporium is a common fungal genus found both indoors and outdoors in a wide variety of climates all over the world. It is one of the most commonly identified fungi in the field, and it may appear in a variety of guises. Some species colonize substrates, while others develop a parasitic relationship with organisms such as plants. People are most familiar with Cladosporium in the form of the “black mold” which often lines the walls of homes in damp environments. These fungi are olive green to black in color, depending of the species, forming colonies with a slightly powdery texture. They propagate themselves with spores, which typically link in long, dry chains. The links are easily broken, allowing an airborne chain to break apart to distribute the spores across a wide distance. Like many other molds, when the colony is disturbed, it can break apart to release a cloud of fungal material. Indoors, Cladosporium species commonly cause problems because prolonged exposure appears to weak
Cladosporium is one of the most common airborne molds in both indoor and outdoor environments. The spores of this fungus, termed an aeroallergen, are one of several fungi responsible for chronic allergy and asthma conditions. Recurrent upper or lower respiratory infections need to be documented as such and the causative agent(s) sought. In this manner one can determine if indeed you are actually experiencing “infections” vs other respiratory conditions misdiagnosed as an infection. Certain fungi, specifically Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis and Aspergillosis are the most common causes of recurrent and/or chronic fungal pulmonary infections. These have specific radiographic, serum and bronchial washing identifiers. Your best course of action is evaluation by a pulmonologist. If you are suffering from recurrent pulmonary infections he/she will be able to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. If you are suffering from an upper respiratory or allergic condition(s) the pulm
