Alternaria

Alternaria spp. from sect. Alternaria are frequently associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma and allergic fungal rhinitis and sinusitis. Alternaria alternata has been identified as the most prevalent indoor Alternaria species in the United States by a group of scientists including Dr. Željko Jurjevic, Senior Mycologist at EMSL Analytical, Inc. Other key members to the discovery included J.H.C. Woudenberg, N.A. van der Merwe, J.Z. Groenewald and P.W. Crous.

According to the study, Alternaria alternate has a high genotypic diversity and displayed the maximum level of uniqueness as well as gene flow. In the United States, A. alternate showed random mating following observation from indoor samples collected from homes throughout the country.

“We are very proud of Dr. Jurjevic’s continuous involvement in new discoveries within the microbiology field, while still delivering high-quality results to our clients on a daily basis,” said Dr. Jason Dobranic, Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The article provides pertinent information to our overall understanding of indoor molds specifically to Alternaria.”

The article, “Diversity and movement of indoor Alternaria alternata across the mainland USA,” was published in Fungal Genetics and Biology. To read the full online that includes methods and results, please visit the link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087184515000997.

For more information about EMSL’s microbiology division, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.