Mucor is a genus of fungi found worldwide in various environments. Some species cause allergies and lung disorders, while others are plant pathogens. They grow rapidly and spread through spores, making them difficult to eliminate. Some species can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Only a few species can survive in the human body, and some produce enzymes used in cheese making.
Mucor is a fungal genus within the Zygomycetes class of fungi which contains about 40 species. Members of the genus are found all over the world, in a wide variety of environments, from the forest to the carpets of homes and businesses. Especially in Northern Europe, these species are ubiquitous indoors and can contribute to mold allergies in sensitive individuals. Some species cause disease in humans, while others are known plant pathogens.
Mushrooms of this genus grow as white to gray molds that develop into a fluffy mass. Mold can grow on live and dead plants and in the soil. Mucor species are very aggressive and will quickly invade an environment and dominate other fungi. Mold grows and spreads rapidly, making it difficult for the slower growing fungi to compete. Like other members of the class Zygomycetes, these fungi can reproduce asexually with spores or sexually by fusing to create zygospores which contain a mixture of genetic material.
Upon magnification, fungi of this genus appear as very thin threads topped with ball-shaped clusters of spores. When the pellets dry, they break apart, allowing the spores to spread in the natural environment. The spores can also spread through running water and seepage, which is one reason why these species can be such a problem in structures, as the spores will ride along leaks and infiltrate walls. To eliminate the fungus it is necessary to use soap, followed by a rinse with bleach, to remove it and dry the environment thoroughly to inhibit the spread of the spores and the growth of the mold.
Some species have been linked to allergies and sensitivities to molds. In some cases, they can cause serious lung disorders, including difficulty breathing, and in immunocompromised individuals, the fungi can cause opportunistic infections. These occur when spores are ingested or inhaled, and mold can spread rapidly through the body, causing a variety of health problems. Antifungal medications can be used to treat Mucor infection, although some species can be very stubborn.
Many species cannot tolerate human body temperature. Only a handful of species are heat resistant enough to survive in the human body, which may explain why the genus no longer causes infections. One species, M. piriformis, is famous for causing Mucor rot, a disease in plants, and several species produce enzymes that can be used in cheese making, illustrating the diversity of this fungal genus.
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