Penicillium chrysogen

Penicillium Chrysogenum can most often be found in indoor environments, particularly in those with high humidity, dampness, or previous water damage.

Penicillium Chrysogenum colonies are blue-green in colour with a yellowish pigment often appearing as well. However, identifying Penicillium Chrysogenum based on colour alone is not possible.

Penicillium Chrysogenum is well-known both as an allergen and as a pathogen, although it is rarely reported as a cause of human disease. However, it has been known to cause a variety of opportunistic infections, mostly in people whose immune systems are weakened due to already suffering from another disease.

Where does Penicillium Chrysogenum grow?

Penicillium Chrysogenum grows well in indoor environments, and water damaged or damp areas of buildings are considered to be a good environment for the growth of this fungus. It can also develop on fruits and vegetables, cereal grains, cured meat products, margarine, cheese and other dairy products which have a tendency to decompose and decay after a period of time.

Outdoors it is mostly found in the soil and on decaying vegetation.

Possible treatment options:

- Treatment is by surgical removal of the foci of the infection

- Use of oral antifungals such as amphotericin B and itraconazole.

- For systemic endophthalmitis, use of topical amphotericin B or itraconazole

Control and prevention:

- Using water to spray off areas where the fungus is growing, to reduce spore spread into the air.

- Use bleaches and warm water to clean the walls.

Penicillium Chrysogenum is a widely studied species of Penicillium that is most famous for being a source of penicillin and several other antibiotics.