During winter or in dry periods, the fungus survives in the soil and on plant debris.

Allergen Exposure

F. moniliforme is widely distributed on numerous grasses and other plants and is a common soil fungus. It often causes plant diseases and is a major parasite of rice, sugar cane, and sorghum and is especially common on maize grains. It occurs regularly on banana roots and other fruits and vegetables, e.g. tomato and watermelon.

Potential Cross-Reactivity

Fusarium shares some of the same allergenic determinants as Penicillium and Aspergillus.

Clinical Experience

Collins-Williams and coworkers reported on nasal provocation testing with molds in 150 children with perennial rhinitis where 13.3 % reacted to Fusarium (Reviewed in 3, Kozak & Hoffman, p 170). Frankland found that skin prick test in some patients clinically allergic to Alternaria, gave immediate positive response to Fusarium extract (2).

 

Review
F. moniliforme is a universal dominant found in aerobiologic surveys worldwide. It is widely distributed on numerous grasses and other plants and is a common soil fungus. It often causes plant diseases and is a major parasite of rice, sugar cane, and sorghum and is especially common on maize grains. It occurs regularly on banana roots and other fruits and vegetables, e.g. tomato and watermelon. It sporulates in warm, wet weather. During winter or in dry periods, the fungus survives in the soil and on plant debris. Collins-Williams and coworkers reported on nasal provocation testing with molds in 150 children with perennial rhinitis where 13.3 % reacted to Fusarium (Reviewed in 3, Kozak & Hoffman, p 170). Frankland found that skin prick test in some patients clinically allergic to Alternaria, gave immediate positive response to Fusarium extract (2). Fusarium shares some of the same allergenic determinants as Penicillium and Aspergillus.