Bipolaris is common in our outdoor air samples. However, the genera, Bipolaris and Drechlera, are closely related and it can be difficult to distinguish between spores of the two. Therefore, we typically group them together on our reports. If grown in culture, the genera can be separated and speciated. 

 

On common laboratory media, Bipolaris colonies can be grey, brown, or blackish brown, hairy and/or velvety; though in natural habitats the colony appearance may vary. 

 

Bipolaris, commonly, is pathogenic to grasses and a saprobe on dead plant material and in soil.  In humans, it has been known to trigger bronchial asthma and allergic sinusitis.  Additionally, in immuno-compromised cattle, there have been cases of helminthosporosis which is chronic colonization of the fungi leading to lesions in the brain. 

 

 

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