Types of Toxic Fungus

Fungi can be found throughout nature in many shapes and forms. Some forms are relatively harmless (like bread mold), and other types are quite tasty (edible mushrooms). However, there are some fungi, whether in mold or mushroom form, that have the ability to cause health problems in humans and animals. These are known as toxic fungi.

Amanitas

• Amanitas are a variety of mushrooms that reside under the blanket category of the genus Amanita. Within this genus are some of the most deadly mushrooms known to man, containing the deadly toxin amanitin. Well-known mushrooms in this genus include death caps, North American Caesars and the supremely treacherous "destroying angels." Common characteristics of amanitas include white gills, ringed stems and white spore prints.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

• Called "stachy" for short, this greenish-black mold can sometimes develop in damp areas of a home or building. The term "toxic fungus" has been applied to stachy, but this label is technically inaccurate. Metabolites produced by the mold are what actually contain the harmful chemicals known as mycotoxins. When spores containing mycotoxins are inhaled into the lungs, they can cause a series of allergic and/or respiratory reactions. Studies have been conducted to determine if there is a correlation between stachy and serious conditions like pulmonary hemorrhage. To date, the CDC has not found such a link.

Chaetomium Globosum

• C. globosum is another "toxic mold" that can sometimes be found in homes where conditions are favorable. Like stachybotrys chartarum, this mold isn't actually toxic; the problems stem from the metabolically produced mycotoxins. C. globosum is identified by the presence of large, dark spores. When breathed in, the mycotoxins of this mold have allergenic properties that can be a factor in nasal infections and peritonitis.

Cryptococcus Gattii

• Typically found in tropical and sub-tropical regions, this yeastlike fungus has begun an unusual migration. In 1999, it began to emerge in the Pacific Northwest in places like Vancouver Island and the forests of Oregon. In 2007, the CDC listed C. gattii as an emerging infectious disease. When inhaled, the spores of this fungus can lead to serious illness in humans and animals. Infection commonly presents itself as a persistent cough. Untreated, the infection can lead to weight loss, chest pain and masses in the lungs. A C. gattii infection can be potentially fatal and requires long courses of intravenous antibiotic treatments.