Wallemiomycetes

The Wallemiomycetes are a class of fungi that includes molds known to be pathogenic in humans. These fungi are osmophilic, meaning they can thrive in environments with high solute concentrations, such as those found with high salt or sugar content. The class contains one order, Wallemiales, which includes known allergens and is found in soil, hay, and textiles. The spores of these fungi are typically brown and form in chains, with Wallemia being the primary example genus. The term "deuteromycetes" is sometimes used for fungi where a sexual reproductive state is uncommon or unknown, and some of these fungi may show affinities to the Basidiomycota phylum.12