Aureobasidium Mold - What is it?

Where does aureobasidium grow outside?

Soil, forest soils, fresh water, aerial portion of plants, fruit, marine estuary sediments, wood.

Where does it grow inside?

Commonly found growing indoors on surfaces that are continually damp in bathrooms and kitchens such as shower curtains tile grout and window sills.

Is aureobasidium considered a “black mold”?

The term black mold (also “toxic black mold”) is not scientific but is widely used by the media to usually reference Stachybotrys molds.

Health Concerns with aureobasidium

Is aureobasidium a potential allergen?

Some of people may experience hay fever, asthma, humidifier fever or sauna taker’s lung.

Does it present any unique human risks? (as pathogen, opportunist or contaminant)*

Rare reports have shown the presence in skin lesions and keratitis.

Does aureobasidium produce toxins?**

Not known

Identification of aureobasidium

Can it be identified via Air Sampling?

It can be difficult to differentiate from other types of dematiaceous fungi due to the varying morphologies.

Can aureobasidium be identified via Direct Sampling?

Sometimes it is hard for the lab to identify if a small amount of structures have been lifted.

What are some of its industrial uses?

One species (A. pullulans) produce pullulan which is a biodegradable polysaccharide processed into fibers and used for packaging food and drug products.