Dematiaceous Molds, continued

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Fungal Infections in Humans. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Dematiaceous Molds, continued

The rapidly growing dematiaceous molds may be differentiated by the way the conidia:
  • demonstrate transverse septa, or
  • demonstrate transverse and longitudinal septa.
Several examples of rapid growers are:
  • Bipolaris species are characterized by oval, transversely septate conidia that arise from bent (geniculate) conidiophores. The name Bipolaris is derived from the fact that these organisms produce germ tubes on both ends of their conidia in saline mounts that are incubated for 12-24 hours. Each conidium contains 3-5 septations.
  • Curvularia species have transversely septate conidia that curve distinctly when they mature.
  • Alternaria species produce chains of transverse and longitudinally septate (often described as muriform, which resembles a brick wall) conidia that have alternating blunt and pointed ends.
41. CDC/Hardin. Image #16308. Under a magnification of 970X, this photomicrograph revealed a conidiophore, topped by four multicellular, septate conidia, as well as two free-floating conidia, of a fungal organism of the genus, Curvularia. PHIL public domain. Created 1965. Accessed January 14, 2023. https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=16308
42. CDC/Ajello. Image #11997. Under a magnification of 500X, this photomicrograph of a murine brain tissue sample revealed some of the histopathologic changes associated with a tissue reaction, due to the presence of the fungus, Bipolaris hawaiiensis, formerly known as Drechslera hawaiiensis. In this particular view, you will note the presence of numerous dark-walled, filamentous, septate hyphae. PHIL public domain. Created 1971. Accessed January 14, 2023. https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=11997

41. Curvularia conidiophore, topped by four multicellular, septate conidia, as well as two free-floating conidia. Note the cigar- or banana-shaped conidia.
42. Microscopic view of Bipolaris in tissue, demonstrating numerous dark-walled, filamentous septate hyphae.