Paecilomyces is a fungus found in soil, food, and dead plant material. It resembles Penicillium but does not develop greenish colonies. It can cause mycosis and eye infections in people with weakened immune systems. Some species are used for natural pest control and in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Paecilomyces is a fungal genus that can be found widely distributed around the world in soil, food, and dead plant material. Many environments, including homes, naturally have some species of Paecilomyces, and this fungus generally does not cause deleterious health effects, except in people with compromised immune systems. Superficially, Paecilomyces fungi may resemble Penicillium molds, but these two genera are quite different.
These fungi form filament-like structures, spreading to create a colony of powdery mildew that can have a texture similar to suede or velvet in some species. The colony usually starts out creamy in color and can develop red, yellow, brown, pink, and purple hues, among others. Unlike the physically similar Penicillium, Paecilomyces does not develop greenish colonies. Some species may develop a sweetish odour, especially in the case of mature colonies.
Mushrooms of this genus reproduce asexually by budding and producing spores which spread to the surrounding area. Several species are thermophilic, meaning they thrive in high temperatures. This can be problematic for people trying to get rid of them, as heat is often used in managing mold and mildew. However, many are vulnerable to fungicides, which can be used in situations where Paecilomyces species are causing a problem such as moldy walls.
These mushrooms are of interest to humans for a number of reasons. The first is that many prey on nematodes, which means Paecilomyces can be used as a form of natural pest control. The fungi colonize the bodies of the nematodes, eventually killing them with an overload of toxins. Some species also attack insects such as flies, gaining entry into the body through one of the orifices such as the mouth.
In humans, Paecilomyces can sometimes cause mycosis, fungal infections of the body, usually in the case of people with weakened immune systems. These fungi are also known to cause eye infections and ulcerations, especially in the case of contact lens wearers. A Paecilomyces infection can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching and uncomfortable discharge. P. lilacinus is the species most likely to cause disease in humans.
One species, P. hepiali, is sold as Jinshuibao capsules in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The mushroom is grown as an alternative to wild Cordyceps mushrooms. Another common species is P. variotii, commonly grown in the laboratory as an example of the Paecilomyces fungus. In microscopic views, these fungi form colonies that are actually quite beautiful.
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