Aureobasidi pullulans

It is a commonly encountered species in wet buildings. It is both a soil and leaf fungus. In indoor environments, it is very common on wet wood and window frames, in floor, carpet, and mattress dust, damp walls, and in humidifier water. It is occasionally found on a wide range of stored foods.

Synonyms:

• Aureobasidium oleae
• Aureobasidium pullulans
• Azymocandida malicola
• Candida malicola
• Cladosporium pullulans
• Dematium pullulans
• Exobasidium vitis
• Hormonema oleae
• Hormonema pullulans
• Pullularia fermentans
• Pullularia fermentans var. schoenii
• Pullularia pullulans
• Torula oleae
• Torula schoenii

Exposure to Aureobasidium pullulans can result from working with contaminated water in humidification and forced air conditioning systems. The resulting hypersensitivity pneumonitis conditions (inflammation in the lungs) have been referred to as:

• Humidifier lung
• Sauna worker’s lung
• Sequoiosis

Treatment:

The best treatment is to avoid the provoking allergen, as continuous exposure can cause longterm damage. Corticosteroids may help to control symptoms, but can have side-effects.

It is a commonly encountered species in wet buildings. It is both a soil and leaf fungus.

Abnormal levels of Aureobasidi Pullulans may indicate an allergic sensitivity or hypersensitivity reaction to the fungus Aureobasidi pullulans, which is commonly found in environments such as damp areas, moldy buildings, and agricultural settings. Elevated levels suggest an overactive immune response to this fungal allergen, which may contribute to symptoms like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or other respiratory issues. Testing for this marker can help in diagnosing mold-related allergies and guide treatment strategies to manage allergic reactions.

Treatment for an allergy to Aureobasidi pullulans typically involves avoiding exposure to environments where the fungus is prevalent, such as damp or moldy areas. Medications such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or leukotriene modifiers can help manage symptoms like nasal congestion or sneezing. For more severe reactions, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended to desensitize the immune system to the allergen over time. In some cases, if asthma is present, bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage respiratory symptoms.