Physiological characteristics and mycotoxins of human clinical isolates ofFusarium species

Thirty-three strains of Fusarium species from clinical sources including F, solani, F. oxysporum, F. moniliforme, F. proliferatum, F. subglutinans and F. chlamydosporum were examined for their physiological characteristics an d mycotoxin production. Of this collection 29 exhibited growth at 37 degree s C and 21 were resistant to cycloheximide. Two strains of F. moniliforme a nd two strains of F. proliferatum produced fumonisins. No strains in this c ollection produced detectable amounts of trichothecenes. All 18 strains of F. solani tested produced the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporin A. The cy closporin A-producing ability of clinical isolates of F. solani may influen ce their pathogenic potential.