Susceptibility

The Laboratory

In its most general terms, susceptibility testing refers to the idea of mixing the fungus with a drug and seeing what happens. In general, we are interested in determining a minimal concentration of drug that appears likely to inhibit (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC, µg/ml) or kill (minimum fungicidal concentration, MFC, µg/ml) the fungus. If this level is low enough, then the drug may work against an infection. The approach to testing is different for yeasts and moulds. If you simply want to look at some susceptibility results, please see our searchable N/A(L):susceptibility database or review our summaries of usual susceptibility […]

Stysanus

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Stysanus spp. This genus name is obsolete. 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 obsolete genus is a synonym of Cephalotrichum Species in this genus Stysanus stemonitis (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Doratomyces stemonitis

Streptothrix

Synonyms

h2>Synonym and Classification Data for Streptothrix 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 Streptothrix mycetomatis (obsolete) Madurella mycetomatis is a synonym of this obsolete species.

Streptomyces Species

Fungi Descriptions

Waksman and Henrici, 1943 Description Colonies are slow growing, aerobic, Gram-positive, nonacid-fast, glabrous or chalky, heaped and folded, and white, tan, gray, brown, or black in color. Colonies often have an earthy odor. Filaments are extensively branched; aerial filaments are abundant and usually produce long chains of spores formed by fragmentation of the filaments. Salient Characteristics Isolates of Streptomyces are frequently recognized by their chalky appearance and earthy odor. Laboratory Precautions Handle with care, but special precautions are not necessary Key References Kurylowicz et aL, 1975 Shirling and Gottlieb, 1972 Diseases white grain mycetoma Sensitivity Testing Search (E):PubMed Nucleotides […]

Streptomyces

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Streptomyces 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. Notes on this Genus This is an aerobic actinomycete bacterium that causes mycetoma.

Sterigmatocystis

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Sterigmatocystis 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 Aspergillus Species in this genus Sterigmatocystis flavipes (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Aspergillus flavipes Sterigmatocystis sydowii (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Aspergillus sydowii Sterigmatocystis usta (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Aspergillus ustus Sterigmatocystis versicolor (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Aspergillus versicolor

Stemphylium

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Stemphylium 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. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships Pleospora is a teleomorph of this genus Species in this genus Stemphylium macrosporoideum

Stemphylium Species

Fungi Descriptions

(described by Wallroth in 1833) Taxonomic Classification Stemphylium macrosporoideum, the species included in the genus Stemphylium, was previously classified as Epochnium macrosporoideum. The identity of this species is treated as doubtful by some authorities [531]. Description and Natural Habitats Stemphylium is a dematiaceous filamentous fungus that is widely distributed on decaying vegetation and in the soil. It is commonly considered as a contaminant. Pleospora is the telemorph of Stemphylium. Species The only well-known species included in the genus is Stemphylium macrosporoideum. See the summary of the active species and telemorphs for the genus Stemphylium. Pathogenicity and Clinical Significance Stemphylium […]

Stachybotrys

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Stachybotrys 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 Stachybotrys alternans (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of S. chartarum Stachybotrys atra (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of S. chartarum Stachybotrys chartarum S. alternans is an obsolete synonym of this species. S. atra is an obsolete synonym of this species. Stachybotrys echinata Notes: The correct genus for this species has been a subject of some debate. Li D-W, […]

Stachybotrys

Fungi Descriptions

Description and Natural Habitats Stachybotrys is a filamentous fungus occasionally isolated as a contaminant from nature and indoor environments. The geographic distribution of Stachybotrys is wide. It has been isolated from contaminated grains, tobacco, insulator foams, indoor air, and water-damaged buildings. Stachybotrys produces trichothecene mycotoxins known as satratoxins. These toxins may lead to pathological changes in animal and human tissues [787, 1415]. Species The genus Stachybotrys has a single well-known species, Stachybotrys chartarum. Synonyms See the summary of synonyms for the Stachybotrys sp. Pathogenicity and Clinical Significance Similar to various genera of filamentous fungi, Stachybotrys produces trichothecene (A):mycotoxins, the satratoxins. […]

Sporotrichum

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Sporotrichum 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. Species in this genus Sporotrichum anglicum (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Hyphopichia burtonii Sporotrichum asteroides (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Sporothrix schenckii Sporotrichum beurmannii (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Sporothrix schenckii Sporotrichum carougeaue (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Hyphopichia burtonii Sporotrichum councilmani (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Sporothrix schenckii Sporotrichum equi […]

Sporotrichum Species

Fungi Descriptions

(described by Link ex Gray in 1821) Taxonomic Classification Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Basidiomycota Class: Hymenomycetes Order: Stereales Family: Corticiaceae Genus: Sporotrichum Description and Natural Habitats Sporotrichum is a filamentous fungus widely distributed in decaying wood and soil. It is commonly considered as a contaminant. Phanerochaete chrysosporium is the telemorph of Sporotrichum pruinosum. Species The only active species included in the genus Sporotrichum is Sporotrichum pruinosum. See the summary of telemorphs, synonyms and obselete names for the Sporotrichum sp. Pathogenicity and Clinical Significance No diseases due to Sporotrichum have so far been reported. However, Sporotrichum pruinosum has been isolated from the […]

Sporotrichosis

Mycoses

Synonyms None Definition Sporotrichosis refers to the infection caused by the dimorphic fungus N/A(L):Sporothrix schenckii. The disease has been described worldwide, however it is more common in tropical and subtropical America [1898, 2251]. Sporotrichosis is acquired through direct inoculation into the skin and rarely via inhalation of conidia. As a consequence, the majority of cases are localized lesions affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues with minimal if any systemic manifestation. Skin lesions characteristically follow lymphatic pathways, but the lymph nodes themselves are not usually involved. The initial erythematous papulonodular lesions evolve into either smooth or verrucose painless nodules of about […]

Sporotrichella

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Sporotrichella 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 Fusarium Species in this genus Sporotrichella rosea (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Fusarium sporotrichoides

Sporothrix

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Sporothrix 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. Species in this genus Sporothrix asteroides (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of S. schenckii Sporothrix beurmannii (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of S. schenckii Sporothrix catenata (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Candida ciferrii Sporothrix cyanescens (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Fugomyces cyanescens Sporothrix schenckii (dimorphic) Rhinocladium asteroides is an obsolete synonym of this species. Rhinotrichum beurmannii […]

Sporothrix Species

Fungi Descriptions

(described by Hektoen and Perkins in 1900) Taxonomic Classification Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Ascomycota Class: Euascomycetes Order: Ophiostomatales Family: Ophiostomataceae Genus: Sporothrix Description and Natural Habitats Sporothrix is a thermally dimorphic fungus which is distributed worldwide and isolated from soil, living and decomposing plants, woods, and peat moss. Sporothrix schenckii is an occasional cause of human infections. Ophiostoma stenoceras is the teleomorph of Sporothrix sp. Despite the existence of the fungus worldwide, infections due to Sporothrix schenckii are more common at certain geographical areas. Peru is an area of hyperendemicity for Sporothrix schenckii infections [1719]. Species The genus Sporothrix […]

Sporobolomyces

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Sporobolomyces spp. This genus is a basidiomycetous yeast. See also the detailed description page for this genus. Notes on this Genus All species accepted by CP Kurtzmann & JW Fell, The Yeasts, 4th Ed., Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, 1997, are listed. Species in this genus Sporobolomyces alborubescens (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Sporobolomyces elongatus Sporobolomyces falcatus Sporobolomyces foliicola Sporobolomyces gracilis Sporobolomyces grisoflavus Sporobolomyces holsaticus Notes: This species is a bit confusing. The type strain (CBS 1522) is said by Kurtzmann & Fell to be an anamorphic strain of S. johnsonii. But […]

Sporobolomyces Species

Fungi Descriptions

(described by Kluyver and van Niel in 1924) Taxonomic Classification Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Basidiomycota Class: Urediniomycetes Order: Sporidiales Family: Sporidiobolaceae Genus: Sporobolomyces Description and Natural Habitats Sporobolomyces is a yeast commonly isolated from environmental sources, such as air, tree leaves, and orange peels. The natural habitats are humans, mammals, birds, the environment, and plants. Sporobolomyces may cause infections, particularly in immunosupressed patients. Its telemorphs are included in the genus Sporidiobolus [531, 1295, 2202]. Species The genus Sporobolomyces contains about 20 species. The most common one is Sporobolomyces salmonicolor. See the summary of synonyms and telemorph-anamorph relations for the Sporobolomyces spp. […]

Sporidiobolus

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Sporidiobolus spp. This genus is a basidiomycetous yeast. Species in this genus Sporidiobolus johnsonii This species is a teleomorph of Sporobolomyces holsaticus Sporidiobolus salmonicolor This species is a teleomorph of Sporobolomyces salmonicolor Aessosporon salmonicolor is an obsolete synonym of this species. Sporobolomyces odorus is an obsolete synonym of this species.

Sporidesmium

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Sporidesmium 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 Sporidesmium bakeri (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Pithomyces chartarum Sporidesmium chartarum (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Pithomyces chartarum Sporidesmium echinulatum (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Pithomyces chartarum

Spicaria

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Spicaria spp. This genus name is obsolete. It is considered nom. conf. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Species in this genus Spicaria divaricata (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Paecilomyces variotii Spicaria violacea (obsolete) This obsolete species is a synonym of Paecilomyces lilacinus

Sphaeropsis

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Sphaeropsis spp. This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. Notes on this Genus This is a fossil fungus! Species in this genus Sphaeropsis subglobosa

Sick Building Syndrome

Environmental Assessment

Overview The indoor environment is a creation of the modern era. Previously, buildings were notable for the extent to which they were really open to the outside air, a system that could be referred to as natural ventilation. But, technological advances have permitted us to seal buildings tightly, recirculate the air within them, and fill them with a variety of particle- and chemical-emitting materials and objects. Complaints and anecdotes regarding illnesses produced by life inside such buildings have become commonplace [109, 1050, 1520, 1883]. Several categories of these illnesses have been proposed [1520]: Specific Illnesses Indoor transmission of standard infectious […]

Septobasidium

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Septobasidium spp. This genus is a basidiomycetous yeast. Synonyms and Teleomorph-Anamorph Relationships Glenospora is an obsolete synonym of this genus Notes on this Genus Septobasidium is a symbiotic basidiomycete associated with scale insects. There are no human nor animal pathogens in this genus. Species in this genus Septobasidium cokeri

Sepedonium

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Sepedonium 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. Species in this genus Sepedonium ampullosporum Sepedonium chrysospermum

Sepedonium Species

Fungi Descriptions

(described by Link ex Greville in 1924) Description and Natural Habitats Sepedonium is a filamentous fungus that inhabits the soil and plant material. It is commonly considered as a contaminant. Sepedonium ampullosporum is known to produce ampullosporin, a 15-membered peptaibol-type antibiotic. Species The most common species of Sepedonium are Sepedonium ampullosporum and Sepedonium chrysospermum. See also our genus & species database for the synonyms and obsolete names associated with the Sepedonium spp. Pathogenicity and Clinical Significance No diseases due to Sepedonium spp. have so far been reported. Macroscopic Features Colonies of Sepedonium grow moderately rapidly and mature in 7 days. […]

Secondary Costs of Antifungal Therapy

Drugs

All drugs have two costs. In addition to their acquisition costs, cost of monitoring and treatment of side effects must also be considered. These secondary costs are especially important with antifungal agents. Invasive fungal infections are often difficult to diagnose, resistant to treatment, and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality [1980]. It is not surprising, then, that invasive fungal infections are also one of the most expensive complications that can be encountered in hospitalized patients. Until recently, studies examining the pharmacoeconomics of antifungal therapy were a low priority, as few antifungal therapies were available and costs related to […]

Scytalidium

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Scytalidium 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 Scytalidium dimidiatumHendersonula toruloidea is an obsolete synonym of this species. Scytalidium hyalinum Scytalidium infestans Scytalidium japonicum Scytalidium lignicola

Scopulariopsis

Synonyms

Synonym and Classification Data for Scopulariopsis 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 Masoniella is an obsolete synonym of this genus Species in this genus Scopulariopsis acremonium S. brevicaulis var. glabra is an obsolete synonym of this species. S. danica is an obsolete synonym of this species. Scopulariopsis asperula Scopulariopsis brevicaulis Acaulium anomalum is an obsolete synonym of this species. Acaulium insectivorum is an obsolete synonym of this species. Microascus brevicaulis is a teleomorph of […]

Scopulariopsis Species

Fungi Descriptions

Bainier, 1907 Taxonomic Classification Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Ascomycota Class: Euascomycetes Order: Microascales Family: Microascaceae Genus: Scopulariopsis Description and Natural Habitats Scopulariopsis is a filamentous fungus that inhabits soil, plant material, feathers, and insects. It is distributed worldwide. Several species of Scopulariopsis have teleomorphs which are classified in the genus Microascus. While Scopulariopsis is commonly considered as a contaminant, it may cause infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients. It is a weakly keratinolytic fungus which is highly resistant to benomyl [531, 1295, 2192, 2202]. Species The genus Scopulariopsis is unique in that it contains both moniliaceous (hyaline) and dematiaceous species, […]