Alternaria

Alternaria                Print PDF

Natural Habitat

• Common saprobe and pathogen of plants. Typically found on plant tissue, decaying wood, and foods.
• Soil
• Air outdoors

Suitable Substrates in the Indoor Environment

• Indoors near condensation (window frames, showers)
• House dust (in carpets, and air)

Water Activity

• Aw =0.85-0.88

Mode of Dissemination

• Wind

Allergenic Potential

• Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma)
• Type III (hypersensitivity pneumonitis)

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen

• Phaeohyphomycosis {causing cystic granulomas in the skin and subcutaneous tissue}

Industrial Uses

• Biocontrol of weed plants
• Biocontrol fungal plant pathogens

Potential Toxins Produced

• Alternariol (AOH)

Other Comments

• Alternaria spores are one of the most common and potent indoor and outdoor airborne allergens. Additionally, Alternaria sensitization has been determined to be one of the most important factors in the onset of childhood asthma. Synergy with Cladosporium or Ulocladium may increase the severity of symptoms