LEPTOSPHAERULINA CHARTARUM (=PITHOMYCES CHARTARUM) AND ITS INVOLVIMENT ON THE FACIAL ECZEMA

ABSTRACT

Facial eczema is a induced photosensitivity caused by Pithomyces chartarum. This fungus, which is a saprophyte on certain pasture grasses and legumes, produces a hepatoxic micotoxin named sporidesmin responsible for damage to the skin of sheep, goats and cattle in some areas of Brazil. This present paper is a review, which describes various issues concerning the problem and related research done in Brazil. The paper also includes a description of the teleomorphic state of the fungus found on Lolium perene L. in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The presence of the sexual phase of the fungus sugsests the possibility of a greater genetic variation and the appearance of new sporulating strains producing sporidesmin.

KEY WORDS:
Pithomyces chartarum; sporidesmin; facial eczema; photosensitivity.