Apophysomyces is agenus of filamentousfungi that are commonly found in soil and decaying vegetation. Species normally grow intropical tosubtropical regions.[1]
The genusApophysomyces historically wasmonospecific, containing only thetype speciesApophysomyces elegans. In 2010, three new species were described:variabilis,trapeziformis, andossiformis.[2]
Among the other members of zygomycetes,Apophysomyces elegans mostly resembles those from genusAbsidia. However, its bell-shaped (although not conical) apophyses (outgrowth), the existence of its foot-cell likehyphal segment,rhizoids produced opposite to the sporangiophores upon cultivation on plainagar, the darker and thickersubapical segment, and inability tosporulate on routine culture media help in distinguishingApophysomyces elegans.[3]
Apophysomyces elegans is a thermotolerant fungus: it has been found to grow favourably at temperatures of 26 °C and 37 °C, and it grows rapidly at 42 °C. Its colonies are fluffy and cottony in appearance. The surface of the colony is white initially and turns to a brownish-grey or yellowish-cream as the culture ages, while the underside is white to pale yellow in colour.[3][4]
Normally, no special precautions are needed with regard to thisfungus.
However,Apophysomyces elegans andApophysomyces trapeziformis are able to causemucormycosis, in humans, which is often fatal but very rare.[5][6][7] Reports of other mammals being infected are mostly restricted to captive species, but in 2021 a femalelesser long-nosed bat was found withmucormycosis in the wild.[8]
Infection is usually acquired via traumatic implantations associated with soil or decaying vegetable matter (such as from accidental injuries or insect bites). Invasive soft tissue infections can develop on burns or wounds which are contaminated by soil. Unlike otherzygomycosis, the affected host is usually otherwiseimmunocompetent.Apophysomyces elegans infections present most commonly asnecrotizing fasciitis and/orosteomyelitis.[6][9][10] Systemic[11] and secondary renal andbladder infections[12] have also been reported.
^L. Collier, A. Balows, and M. Sussman, "Topley & Wilson's Microbiology and Microbial Infections", 9th ed. (1998), vol. 4. (London, Sydney, Auckland, New York).ISBN0-340-80912-4 (ISBN is for 10th ed.)[page needed]
^Alvarez, Eduardo; Stchigel, Alberto M.; Cano, Josep; Sutton, Deanna A.; Fothergill, Annette W.; Chander, Jagdish; Salas, Valentina; Rinaldi, Michael G.; Guarro, Josep (2010). "Molecular phylogenetic diversity of the emerging mucoralean fungusApophysomyces: Proposal of three new species".Revista Iberoamericana de Micología.27 (2):80–9.doi:10.1016/j.riam.2010.01.006.PMID20199897.
^abDavise H. Larone, "Medically Important Fungi - A Guide to Identification", 3rd ed. (1995). (ASM Press, Washington, D.C.).ISBN1-55581-172-8 (ISBN is for 4th ed.)[page needed]
^L. Collier, A. Balows, and M. Sussman, "Topley & Wilson's Microbiology and Microbial Infections", 9th ed. (1998), vol. 4, p. 463. (London, Sydney, Auckland, New York).ISBN0-340-80912-4 (ISBN is for 10th ed.)
^Okhuysen, P. C.; Rex, J. H.; Kapusta, M.; Fife, C. (1994). "Successful Treatment of Extensive Posttraumatic Soft-Tissue and Renal Infections Due to Apophysomyces elegans".Clinical Infectious Diseases.19 (2):329–31.doi:10.1093/clinids/19.2.329.PMID7986910.
