The soil fungusChaetomium in the human paranasal sinuses

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Abstract
Chaetomium is a soil fungus of which more than 180 species are now known. Most species cause degradation of cellulose-rich substrates, such as components in soil, straw or wood. Growth ofChaetomium globosum is often stimulated in the presence ofAspergillus fumigatus, which excretes such compounds as sugar phosphates and phospho-glyceric acid. A 73-year-old woman, with longstanding pain and secretion from her left maxillary sinus, was admitted to hospital where an infundibulectomy was performed. Histological examination showed necrotic material with hyphae ofA. fumigatus and perithecia ofChaetomium sp. The latter fungus is rarely pathogenic to man.