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Curvularia fungi are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions and can cause severe damage to crops. They grow on cellulose and can cause infections in humans and animals. Antifungal treatments may not always work, and infections can be deadly in those with compromised immune systems.
Curvularia is a fungal genus native mainly to tropical and subtropical regions, although some species live in temperate zones. These fungi are primarily of interest in their role as plant pathogens, as they can cause severe damage to a variety of crops. In some cases, Curvularia can also cause disease in humans or animals.
These fungi particularly appreciate cellulose as a substrate and can be found growing on wood, decaying plant matter, and living plants. Some colonize grasses and grains, others can live in soil. As a Curvularia colony develops, the fungi crowd together to create a carpet with a slightly woolly texture. These fungi are gray to black in color, typically darkening with age, and the underside of the colony will be a paler white or gray.
In the tropics and subtropics, Curvularia are endemic to soil and crops and can be difficult to eradicate. Some antifungal applications appear to be effective, but because fungi can lie dormant in the soil, they may reappear in the future. In temperate zones, mushrooms are often found indoors, where they like to grow on wooden walls, and near hot springs, where they enjoy the warm temperatures. In fact, in some cases Curvularia can form a symbiotic relationship with plants, allowing plants to grow closer to hot springs than they would be able to on their own.
In a person with a compromised immune system, Curvularia can cause mycoses, otherwise known as fungal infections. The infection can simply be under the skin or reach an organ such as the heart or eye. Eye infections are particularly common, usually caused by C. lunata. These fungi are also known to infect wounds opportunistically. Infection causes characteristic lesions and discoloration as the dark-colored fungus grows.
It can be difficult to treat a Curvularia infection. Antifungal drugs sometimes work, but not always, and may not be able to control the spread of the infection to other parts of the body. In someone with a compromised immune system, the infection can be deadly, as the body may not be able to fight off the fungus and deal with the damage caused by the infection. Aggressive debridement of infected areas can help, and in some cases a patient may be a candidate for organ transplant if the infection is severe.
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