Apophysomyces elegans

Background

• Species of dematiaceous mold within the order Mucorales

Microbiology

• Macroscopic:
  • Similar in appearance to L.corymbifera but has white colonies
  • Fluffy and cottony
  • Does not sporulate on routine media
• Microscopic:
  • Bell-shaped apophysis
  • Foot-cell like hyphal segment
  • Rhizoids
• Temperature:
  • Grows at 37ºC
  • Grows rapidly at 42ºC and up to 50ºC

Clinical Manifestations

• Causes mucormycosis in immunocompetent hosts
• Often via trauma involving inoculation of soil or vegetative matter
• Most commonly presents as necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis and angioinvasion