Tricoderma

Habitat and Health Implications
It has been isolated from soil, grains, citrus fruits, tomatoes, sweet potatoes,
paper, textiles, damp wood, decaying wood, dead leaves, fallen timber,
compost heaps and activated sludge. Can be found indoors in
water-damaged buildings. It has been found on paper, tapestry, wood, in
kitchens on the outer surface of unglazed ceramics and on a variety of other
substrates. May be identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from
bulk samples, an in the air by culturable sampling. It is reported to be
allergenic causing hay fever, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Human infections include pulmonary cavity, peritonitis in a dialysis patient,
and a perihepatic infection in a liver transplant patient. Considered an
emerging opportunist in immunocompromised persons. It has been reported
that this genus produces Trichothecene and Cyclic peptides, Gliotoxin,
Isocyanides, T-2 Toxin, Trichodermin toxins. Trichoderma harzianum pellets
have been mixed with ground bark to protect trees and vegetable crops
against infections from other plant pathogens as a biological control agent.
Trichoderma viride produces cellulase and hemicellulase and is used in
commercial beer, wind and food processing. It enhances the aroma in tea and
mushroom products.
Qualtest, Inc.   2458 Alton Parkway   Irvine, CA   92606 Phone: (949) 838-0378
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