Mucor

Background

• Genus of dematiaceous molds within the order Mucorales

Microbiology

• Macroscopic:
  • Very rapid growth
  • Wooly texture
  • Greyish-brown colour on the surface, reverse pale
• Microscopic:
  • Broad hyphae, scarcely septate
  • Branched sporangiophores
  • Sporangia with columellas
  • No apophysis (funnel-shaped swelling)
  • Sporangiospores round to ellipsoidal
  • Chlamydospores present
  • Rhizoids/stolons absent
• Temperature:
  • Grows at 37ºC
  • DOES NOT grow at 54ºC

Clinical Manifestations

• Agent of mucormycosis, usually in the severely ill