Epicoccum genius as a source of potential mould’s allergens
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Abstract
Epicoccum is a mould that may play a more predominant role in allergy than previously thought. The spores have a distinctive warty appearance and are dark to golden brown. They are multi-septate spores. The cells are irregularly arranged to form a ball averaging 20 micrometers (microns) diameter. It is saprophytic and mainly found on decayed wood. Spore densities of Epicoccum peaked toward summer and autumn. It have subsequently been reported as having allergenic properties and have been implicated in the elicitation of respiratory allergic diseases.
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