Cladosporium cladosporioides 2

Cladosporium cladosporioides svar. 1 and Cladosporium cladosporioides svar. 2 These two organisms are not currently recognized as individual species, and they cannot be differentiated using standard microscopic techniques. DNA sequencing projects seeking to devise rapid identification methods for fungal pathogens detected distinct DNA sequences in this species, and each is now recognized as a “sequevar.” In essence, they cannot be identified correctly without the use of DNA based technology, such as this quantitative PCR technique. Both sequevars represent the most common saprobe in the environment. This species generates many more spores under moist conditions than in dry conditions. C. cladosporioides is distributed worldwide in soils, air, house dust, mattress dust, on dairy products, textiles, food, plants, many aquatic environments, wood pulp and feathers. This species is allergenic and can form fungal balls in lungs, skin infections, keratitis, sinusitis, and infections of spinal fluid, fingernails and toenails.