Mould Identification: A Virtual Self Assessment
Excellent you have really done well.
Please find additional information below
Unknown 18 = Exophiala dermatitidis
Case History: A 60 year-old male presented with a subcutaneous lesion on the sole of his right foot. A single draining sinus was present which yielded several black grains.Cultures grew the fungus shown below.
Culture: note good growth at 40C.
Microscopy:
An initial yeast-like phase is characterized by unicellular, ovoid to elliptical, budding yeast-like cells. With the development of mycelium, flask-shaped to cylindrical annellides are produced. Spherical phialiees with large, fragile collaretts may also be present (not seen in this strain). Conidia are hyaline to pale brown, one-celled, round to obovoid, 2.0-4.0 x 2.5-6.0 um, smooth-walled and accumulate in slimy balls (glioconidia) at the apices of the phialides or down their sides.
Comment:
Exophiala dermatitidis (= Wangiella dermatitidis) has been isolated from plant debris and soil and is a recognized causative agent of mycetoma and phaeohyphomycosis in humans. Clinical manifestations include subcutaneous cystic lesions, endocarditis and brain abscesses. E. dermatitidis is neurotropic and cerebral infections are frequently seen.
For further information on Mycetoma and Phaeohyphomycosis.
