Paecilomyces
Paecilomyces species are common environmental
molds. They are widespread in soils, composts, and food
products. In an indoor environment, Paecilomyces
species have been isolated from air, damp walls, wet plaster
work, carpet dust and HVAC fans.
Paecilomyces species are rarely associated with
human infections but some species such as Paecilomyces
variotii, Paecilomyces marquandii and
Paecilomyces lilacinus are emerging as causative
agents of mycoses in immuno-compromised patients.
Several species of Paecilomyces are important as
agents of biological control. These include:
- Paecilomyces carneus
Paecilomyces carneus is found on a wide range of
material, and especially in soil. It is sometimes isolated
from insects, though it appears to be a weak insect
pathogen. Some isolates produce several metabolites of the
antibiotic group cephalosporins.
- Paecilomyces farinosuss
Paecilomyces farinosus is also commonly isolated
from soil. It is a well-known insect pathogen, and there
has been interest in its use as an agent of biological
control.
- Paecilomyces fumosoroseus
Paecilomyces fumosoroseus has been isolated from
soil, butter and gelatine. It is an insect parasite,
causing economic damage to silkwork production in eastern
Asia.
- Paecilomyces lilacinus
Paecilomyces lilacinus is most commonly encountered
in isolations from soil but has been found on insects on
numerous occasions. It has also been found on various
organic substrates including plastic contact lenses,
synthetic rubber and polyurethane, and is used in fungus
resistance testing. Paecilomyces lilacinus has been
implicated as a human and animal pathogen.
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