Prototheca

Background

Microbiology

• A nonphotosynthetic algae
• Closely related to Chlorella, a genus of green algae
• Achlorophyllous obligate heterotrophs
• Found in rivers, ponds, mud, and sewage
• Species of importance to human health include:
  • Prototheca wickerhamii (most common cause of infections in humans)
  • Prototheca zopfii
  • Prototheca cutis
  • Prototheca miyajii