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