Species Directory

Exophiala is a black yeast that survives in jet fuel, nuclear reactor cooling water, and dishwasher rubber seals — and causes fatal brain infections in certain populations. Learn the biology of this remarkable extremophile and its clinical significance.

Sporothrix schenckii causes rose thorn disease — a subcutaneous fungal infection acquired through plant material or, in an ongoing Brazilian epidemic, domestic cat scratches. Learn the biology, distinctive lymphocutaneous spread pattern, and treatment.

Acremonium chrysogenum is the source of cephalosporin antibiotics — among the most widely used drugs in medicine. Learn the biology of this versatile genus, its role as an indoor building contaminant, grass endophyte, and opportunistic pathogen.

Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is the leading non-dermatophyte cause of nail infections and the organism responsible for converting arsenic wallpaper pigments into toxic gases — possibly contributing to Napoleon's death. Learn its biology, treatment challenges, and building relevance.

Wallemia sebi is a xerophilic extremophile that grows at water activities too low for virtually all other molds — thriving in sugar, salt, and even the Dead Sea. Learn why it colonizes dried food and house dust rather than water-damaged materials.

Rhizopus stolonifer is the familiar black bread mold — but it is also a member of the Mucorales capable of causing mucormycosis, and a significant agricultural post-harvest pathogen. Learn its biology, why it grows so fast on bread, and its medical significance.

Serpula lacrymans — dry rot — is uniquely capable of transporting water through its mycelium across masonry to colonize dry timber throughout an entire building. Learn why this makes it the most destructive wood-rotting fungus in temperate buildings.

Blastomyces dermatitidis causes blastomycosis in the Great Lakes region and river valleys of North America — and unlike most invasive fungi, it regularly causes serious disease in healthy individuals. Learn its biology, characteristic skin lesions, and why it is so often misdiagnosed.

Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii cause Valley Fever — 150,000 U.S. cases per year, most misdiagnosed. Learn the desert soil biology, expanding endemic range due to climate change, and why certain populations face dramatically higher risk of severe disease.