Lichtheimia

From IDWiki
Lichtheimia


Background

  • Genus of dematiaceous molds in the order Mucorales

Microbiology

  • Macroscopic:
    • Rapid growth
    • Wooly texture
    • White to grayish-brown on surface, clear reverse
  • Microscopic:
    • Broad hyphae, aseptate
    • Branched Sporangiophores with APOPHYSIS (funnel-shaped swelling) beneath the sporangium
    • Few rhizoids
  • Temperature:
    • Grows more rapidly at 37ºC compared to 25ºC
    • L. corymbifera (the only human pathogen) is able to grow up to 52ºC but no growth at 54ºC

Clinical Manifestations

  • Most commonly implicated in opportunistic pulmonary invasions, infections of the skin, the meninges and kidneys
  • Usually in the immunocompromised host
  • Also causes mycotic abortion in cows