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