Dimorphic fungi are fungi that can reproduce as either a mycelial or a yeast-like state. Generally the mycelial saprotrophic form grows at 25° C, and the yeast-like pathogenic form at 37° C. Dimorphism is extremely important in the identification of mycoses, as it makes rapid identification of many pathogenic organisms possible.
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Dimorphic fungi are fungi that can reproduce as either a mycelial or a yeast-like state. Generally the mycelial saprotrophic form grows at 25° C, and the yeast-like pathogenic form at 37° C. Dimorphism is extremely important in the identification of mycoses, as it makes rapid identification of many pathogenic organisms possible.
Some diseases caused by dimorphic fungi are
- sporotrichosis
Sporotrichosis is a disease caused by the infection of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. This fungal disease usually affects the skin, although other rare forms can affect the lungs, joints, bones, and even the brain. Because roses can spread the disease, it is one of a few diseases referred to as...
- blastomycosis
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis...
- histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis, also known as Darling's disease,is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Symptoms of this infection vary greatly, but the disease primarily affects the lungs. Occasionally, other organs are affected; this is called disseminated histoplasmosis, and it can be fatal if...
- coccidioidomycosis
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii. It is endemic in certain parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and northwestern Mexico.C...
- paracoccidioidomycosis
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a mycosis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis...
- penicillosis
Penicillium species are usually regarded as unimportant in terms of causing human disease. Penicillium marneffei, discovered in 1956, is different...
External links
- http://microbiology.mtsinai.on.ca/mig/difungi/index.shtml
- http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/mycology/mycology-6.htm
- http://www.gsbs.utmb.edu/microbook/intomyco.htm