First Finding of Cladophialophora bantiana from the Indoor Environment in the United States

Cinnaminson, NJ, November 8, 2013

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is proud to announce the first finding of the human pathogenic fungus, Cladophialophora bantiana, in an indoor environment where it has been implicated in affecting the health of building occupants. Cladophialophora bantiana is a recognized agent of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis, a severe fungal infection of the brain. Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis can be fatal without the combination of anti-fungal chemotherapy, surgical debridement, and careful immunological intervention. Prior to this investigation, there have been very few occurrences where Cladophialophora bantiana has been isolated and identified from its source.

Fungi are very adaptable microorganisms that can be found in almost every ecological environment. Medical research has recently proven the increase of dangerous, invasive fungal infections caused by rare molds. These infections are especially dangerous in the immunocompromised patient.

“Invasive fungi are becoming more resistant to anti-fungal treatments, particularly with Aspergillus infections,” stated by Jason Dobranic, Ph. D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences.  “Cladophialophora bantiana is a relatively slow grower, sporulating after 14 days, and could be missed during routine analysis.” “EMSL Analytical provides testing for a variety of fungal species in our fully equipped and accredited microbiology laboratories throughout the United States,” he continued.

For more information regarding EMSL’s testing services, please call 800-220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food, and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes, and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. They include, but are not limited to AIHA IHLAP, AIHA EMLAP, AIHA ELLAP, A2LA, NVLAP, CDC Elite, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX Department of State Health Services, and multiple other state accrediting agencies.

Contact Information

Joseph frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

jfrasca@emsl.com