Strains. P. simile sp. nov. strains 414T, 415 and 416 were isolated
from the air in three different places in a cultural heritage restoration
laboratory at Castel Gandolfo (Rome, Italy) in May 2006. P. raistrickii
G Smith strains A2a–8 and 3Ba–AP–1 were isolated from the
bioaerosol in the crypt of the Capuchin friars in Rome (Italy) in May
2007. All microfungal strains were isolated using a volumetric air
sampling surface air sampler, with 5.5 cm RODAC plates containing
Sabouraud dextrose agar plus chloramphenicol.