Dimorphic fungi

Dimorphic fungi

Dimorphic fungi are fungi that can exist in form of both mold and Yeast.

Dimorphic fungi

Have two form;

1. Yeast phase

(Yeast-like) at 37 degree Celsius 

2. Mold phase

(Filamentous) at 25 degree Celsius

One of characteristics common to most dimorphic fungi ability to convert mold forms to yeast forms by incubating subcultures in enriched media at 35-37 degree Celsius and mycelial form in vitro at 25 degree Celsius.

Mycelial form is vegetative part of fungus.

Blastomyces dermatitidis (25 degree Celsius) - at 37 opportunistic fungi (budding yeast)

Coccidioides immitis.           - candida albicans; pseudo hyphae, germ tube

Emergomyces -.                        Parent Yeast cell; hyphae

Dimorphism is important identification of mycoses.

Disease caused by Dimorphic fungi

Sporotrichosis; nodules in skin, lymph nodes

Blastomycosis; Buccal and nasal mucosa, lung, skin, for example;blastomyces dermatitis

Histoplasmosis; respiratory system, pulmonary system, histoplasma capsulatum

Penicilliosis; lung lesion in HIV- infected patient (opportunistic infection)

Most fungi causing systemic infections are Dimorphic

1. Histoplasma capsulatum

2. Blastomyces dermatitidis

3. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

4. Coccidioides immitis

5. Penicillium marneffei

6. Sporotherix schenkii