Knowledge Base Archive - Doctor Fungus

The Five Kingdoms of Life

All living things can be classified into one of these five fundamental Kingdoms of life. Each kingdom is further subdivided into progressively smaller groups. The seven layers of subgrouping are Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. If you like mnemonics, “Kindly penguins commonly order fresh green sausage” is one way to remember this list. Kingdom Monera: This kingdom includes the prokaryotes: single-celled organisms that do NOT possess a nucleus. Examples include bacteria, actinomycetes, and the blue-green algae. Kingdom Protoctista: This kingdom includes the simplest eukaryotes: single-celled organisms that DO possess a nucleus. Examples include nucleated algae and slime moulds. […]

Fungi and Mycology

Non-Technical Introduction to the World of Fungi and Mycology (Proud to Highlight Student Contributions from the Classroom) Fungi are plant-like organisms that lack chlorophyll. Fungi are one of the five kingdoms of life. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and people). There are over 100,000 species of fungi. Mycologists are the scientists who study fungus. Medical mycologists study drugs to cure fungal infections, while agricultural and research mycologists study the industrial uses of fungi. Since they do not have chlorophyll, fungi must absorb […]

Cladophialophora

Synonym and Classification Data for Cladophialophora spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. It is generally classified as a dematiaceous (dark-walled) fungus. See also the detailed description page for this genus. Notes on this Genus This genus has a complex taxonomy. See: de Hoog GS, Gueho E, Masclaux F, Gerrits van den Ende AH, Kwon-Chung KJ, McGinnis MR. Nutritional physiology and taxonomy of human-pathogenic Cladosporium- Xylohypha species [see comments]. J Med Vet Mycol 1995;33:339-47. Masclaux F, Gueho E, de Hoog GS, Christen R. Phylogenetic relationships of human-pathogenic Cladosporium […]

Zymonema

Synonym and Classification Data for Zymonema spp. This genus name is obsolete. It is considered nom. dub. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships This obsolete genus is a synonym of Blastomyces Notes on this Genus The genus Zymonema was initially poorly defined and different people have used it in different ways (taxonomy). This is why it is considered as nomen dubium (nomenclature). Therefore it is essentially impossible to determine what is a synoym of. Based upon where it as first used, we think that […]

Zygosporium

Synonym and Classification Data for Zygosporium spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships Pimina is an obsolete synonym of this genus Urobasidium is an obsolete synonym of this genus Urophiala is an obsolete synonym of this genus Species in this genus Zygosporium masonii

Zygosaccharomyces

Synonym and Classification Data for Zygosaccharomyces spp. This genus is an ascomycetous yeast. Species in this genus Zygosaccharomyces bailii Saccharomyces bailii is an obsolete synonym of this species. Saccharomyces elegans is an obsolete synonym of this species. Zygosaccharomyces bisporus Saccharomyces bisporus is an obsolete synonym of this species. Zygosaccharomyces cidri Saccharomyces cidri is an obsolete synonym of this species. Torulaspora cidrii is an obsolete synonym of this species. Zygosaccharomyces eupagycus (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Z. florentinus Zygosaccharomyces fermantati Saccharomyces amurcae is an obsolete synonym of this species. Saccharomyces malacitensis is an obsolete synonym of this species. […]

Zygomycetes Species

Fungi Descriptions

Description Zygomycetes is not the name of particular fungus, but rather the name of a Class of fungi. This Class includes three Orders (Mucorales, Mortierellales, and Entomophthorales). These Orders in turn contain a number of specific fungi (see table below). Nomenclature debate: Zygomycosis vs. mucormycosis. The diseases produced by these fungi are referred to by the label zygomycosis. Of note, some literature also refers to these diseases by the name mucormycosis, but this terminology has generally fallen from favor for two reasons. First, Mucor spp. are only rarely the cause of zygomycosis (Rhizopus spp. are the most common cause). Second, […]

Zygomycetes

Synonym and Classification Data for Zygomycetes This genus is a zygomecetous other. See also the detailed description page for this genus. Notes on this Genus This is not the name of a fungus, but is rather the name of the Order of fungi that contains the various agents of zygomycosis.

Zygoascus

Synonym and Classification Data for Zygoascus spp. This genus is an ascomycetous yeast.

Zopfia

Synonym and Classification Data for Zopfia spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Species in this genus Zopfia rosatii (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Neotestudina rosatii

Yarrowia

Synonym and Classification Data for Yarrowia spp. This genus is an ascomycetous yeast. Species in this genus Yarrowia lipolytica This species is a teleomorph of Candida lipolytica

Xylohypha

Synonym and Classification Data for Xylohypha spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. It is generally classified as a dematiaceous (dark-walled) fungus. Species in this genus Xylohypha bantiana (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Cladophialophora bantiana Cladosporium bantianum is an obsolete synonym of this obsolete species. Cladosporium trichoides is an obsolete synonym of this obsolete species. Xylohypha emmonsii (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Cladophialophora bantiana

Xylaria

Synonym and Classification Data for Xylaria spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. It is generally classified as a dematiaceous (dark-walled) fungus. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships This genus is a teleomorph of Nodulisporium

Wardomyces

Synonym and Classification Data for Wardomyces spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. It is generally classified as a dematiaceous (dark-walled) fungus. Species in this genus Wardomyces hughesii (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of W. inflatus Wardomyces inflatus W. hughesii is an obsolete synonym of this species.

Wangiella

Synonym and Classification Data for Wangiella spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. It is generally classified as a dematiaceous (dark-walled) fungus. See also the detailed description page for this genus. Species in this genus Wangiella dermatitis Notes: The genus assignment for this organism is a good example of the problems of fungal nomenclature. One places an organism in a genus based upon its principle unique, distinct, and stable features. In the case of Wangiella dermatitidis, it produces multiple conidial forms that could be used for its classification. […]

Wangiella Species

Fungi Descriptions

(described by McGinnis in 1977) Taxonomic classification Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Ascomycota Order: Chaetothyriales Genus: Wangiella Description and Natural Habitats Wangiella is a dematiaceous, cosmopolitan fungus that inhabits the soil and plant material. Wangiella may cause various infections in humans. Species The only species included in the genus Wangiella is Wangiella dermatitidis. The taxonomic position of this species is not fully consistent. While some authorities classify it in the genus Wangiella as Wangiella dermatitidis, others prefer to classify it in the genus Exophiala as Exophiala dermatitidis [531]. Synonyms See the summary of synonyms for the Wangiella spp. Pathogenicity and Clinical Significance […]

Wallemia

Synonym and Classification Data for Wallemia spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships Hemispora is an obsolete synonym of this genus Species in this genus Wallemia ichthyophage (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of W. sebi Wallemia sebi Sporendonema sebi is an obsolete synonym of this species. W. ichthyophage is an obsolete synonym of this species.

Waldermaria

Synonym and Classification Data for Waldermaria spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships This genus is a synonym of Arachniotus Species in this genus Waldermaria pernambucensis (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Gymnoascus dankaliensis

Voriconazole

Drugs

Trade & Generic Names & General Features Voriconazole (UK-109,496) is a triazole that is structurally related to fluconazole. It is developed by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals ((E):http://www.pfizer.com(E):) and its clinical use was approved by FDA in May 2002. The trade name of voriconazole is Vfend™. Mechanism(s) of Action As with all azole antifungal agents, voriconazole works principally by inhibition of cytochrome P450 14a-demethylase (P45014DM). This enzyme is in the sterol biosynthesis pathway that leads from lanosterol to ergosterol [1674, 1735]. Compared to fluconazole, voriconazole inhibits P45014DM to a greater extend. This inhibition is dose-dependent [2016]. Susceptibility Patterns Voriconazole has favorable in vitro […]

Volutella

Synonym and Classification Data for Volutella spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Species in this genus Volutella cinerescens

Verticillium

Synonym and Classification Data for Verticillium spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. See also the detailed description page for this genus. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships Acrostalagmus is an obsolete synonym of this genus Species in this genus Verticillium affinae Verticillium albo-atrum Verticillium fusisporum Verticillium luteoalbum

Verticillium Species

Fungi Descriptions

(described by Nees in 1817) Taxonomic classification The classification of various Verticillium species, such as Verticillium depauperatum, Verticillium rubrum and Verticillium serrae in the genus Verticillium remains doubtful and uncertain. Some authorities feel that they should be included in other genera [531]. Description and Natural Habitats Verticillium is a widely distributed filamentous fungus that inhabits decaying vegetation and soil. Some Verticillium species may be pathogenic to arthropods, plants, and other fungi. It is commonly considered as a contaminant. Verticillium may very rarely cause human disease. Species The genus Verticillium has four known species; Verticillium affinae, Verticillium albo-atrum, Verticillium fusisporum, and […]

Vermicularia

Synonym and Classification Data for Vermicularia spp. This genus name is obsolete. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships This obsolete genus is a synonym of Colletotrichum Species in this genus Vermicularia atramentaria (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Colletotrichum coccodes Vermicularia gleosporioides (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Usual Susceptibility Patterns for Cryptococcus

In Vitro Susceptibility Amphotericin B and other polyenes Amphotericin B exerts a fungicidal effect on Cryptococcus neoformans [343]. As with Candida spp., the NCCLS method has difficulty distinguishing amphotericin B-resistant isolates from the susceptible ones. However, modifications of this method, such as the use of Antibiotic Medium 3 supplemented to 2{64e6c1a1710838655cc965f0e1ea13052e867597ac43370498029d1bc5831201} glucose (AM3) instead of the reference RPMI 1640 medium appear useful [427, 1141, 1379, 1382, 1383, 1835]. Shaking the microplates during incubation also appears helpful [1945]. There are also data indicating that minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) may be better predictors of clinical outcome than MICs [1940]. However, these modifications […]

Usual Susceptibility Patterns for Candida

Overview Although individual isolates of any given species may become resistant to any agent, there are some broad patterns that are useful to know. Here are the patterns for the six most common Candida species. As can be seen, knowledge of the species of the isolate is almost as useful as having an actual measured MIC. For more details on both the utility and limitations of susceptibility testing, please review the paper in which many of these interpretive categories were first proposed [1910]. Polyenes Azoles Other Species AmB Fluco Itra Keto 5-FC C. albicans S S S S S C. […]

Ustilago

Synonym and Classification Data for Ustilago spp. This genus is a basidiomycetous yeast. See also the detailed description page for this genus. Species in this genus Ustilago maydis U. zeae is an obsolete synonym of this species. Ustilago zeae (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of U. maydis

Ustilago Species

Fungi Descriptions

(described by (Persoon) Roussel in 1806) Taxonomic classification Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Basidiomycota Class: Basidiomycetes Order: Ustilaginales Family: Ustilaginaceae Genus: Ustilago (Some authorities think that previous reports on Ustilago maydis in older literature were probably misidentifications [531].) Description and Natural Habitats Ustilago is a yeast that inhabits the soil and plant material. It is a pathogen of seeds and flowers of cereals, wheat, corn, and grasses. Its association with human disease is unclear and it has been isolated as the causative agent in only a very few reports. Species The genus Ustilago has one active species, Ustilago maydis. See the list […]

Urophiala

Synonym and Classification Data for Urophiala spp. This genus name is obsolete. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships This obsolete genus is a synonym of Zygosporium

Urinary Candidiasis

Mycoses

Overview Candiduria refers to the presence of Candida spp. in the urine. This finding is for the most part a benign process associated with the use of urinary catheters and antimicrobial therapy [1171]. Nevertheless, candiduria may be one of the most challenging of the candidal infections. The challenge comes from the fact that finding Candida spp. in the urine can be either completely insignificant (e.g., due to contamination or asymptomatic colonization) or be a marker of a very serious entity such as invasive renal parenchymal disease related to disseminated candidiasis or postlaparotomy peritonitis [224, 1171, 1602, 2448]. In between these […]

Uncinocarpus

Synonym and Classification Data for Uncinocarpus spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships This genus is a teleomorph of Malbranchea Species in this genus Uncinocarpus orissi This species is a teleomorph of Chrysosporium zonatum Uncinocarpus queenslandicus This species is a teleomorph of Chrysosporium queenslandicum