Rhizopus

Background

• Genus of large aseptate dematiaceous within the order Mucorales

Microbiology

• Macroscopic:
  • Very rapid growth
  • Texture deeply cottony
  • Colour white becoming grey brown on the surface, reverse pale
• Microscopic:
  • Broad hyphae, scarcely septate
  • Brown sporangiophores which may be simple, branched.
  • They can arise singly or in a group/cluster on the stolons called rhizoids,
  • Round sporangia
• Temperature:
  • Usually grows at 37ºC
  • DOES NOT grow at 54ºC

Clinical Manifestations

• Most common agent of mucormycosis, characterized by a rapidly-progressing, necrotizing infection that can infect the face, brain, lungs, and intestines, most commonly in patients with DKA, malnutrition, severe burns, or immunocompromising conditions