Fusarium sp.

Health Effects

Symptoms may occur either through ingestion of contaminated grains or possibly inhalation of spores. The genera can produce hemorrhagic syndrome in humans (alimentary toxic aleukia). This is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding (1). Frequently involved in eye, skin, and nail infections (6).

Allergen

Reported to be allergenic (7).

Growth Media

Common soil fungus (17, 5). It is found on a wide range of plants (5). It is often found in humidifiers (17).

Potential Toxin Production

Several species in this genus can produce potent trichothecence toxins (5, 27). The trichothecene (scirpene) toxin targets, the following systems: circulatory, alimentary, skin, and nervous (27). Produces toxin on grains during unusually damp growing conditions.

Water Activity

0.90 (5)