What are the different species of Chaetomium?
The genus Chaetomium contains a number of species. The most widespread ones are Chaetomium atrobrunneum,
Chaetomium funicola, Chaetomium globosum, and Chaetomium strumarium. Due to their strong ability to destroy material,
Chaetomium species are often used in testing materials for resistance to mould growth. The most widespread and common
species is Chaetomium globosum. This species causes many problems of bio deterioration of paper and other cellulose
containing material. It is considered a “weed” of mushroom beds, where it inhibits the growth of cultivated mushrooms.
Chaetomium globosum is of particular interest because it appears to produce mycotoxins, compounds which are detrimental to
human health. These fungi have been definitively linked with allergies in people who are sensitive to molds, and they appear to
produce mutagenic mycotoxins which interfere with DNA damage in humans and other animals. Mycotoxins are any
substances, produced by a mold or fungus, that is injurious to vertebrates upon ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. Mutagens
can cause long-term damage, especially if they end up in the reproductive tract, where they can cause serious problems for
future generations; if not infertility. Fatal deep mycoses due to Chaetomium atrobrunneum have also been documented.