Zygomycetes (Mucorales) – Aseptate Molds

Microscopy: Sporangiophores between rhizoids, pear-shaped sporangia.

Absidia spp. (now Lichtheimia )

Absidia spp. (now Lichtheimia )

clinically relevant in mucormycosis.

Lichtheimia corymbifera

Microscopy: Branching sporangiophores; no rhizoids.

Mucor spp.

Pathogenicity: Can cause rhinocerebral mucormycosis.

Mucor spp.

Mucor spp.

Microscopy: Unbranched sporangiophores directly opposite rhizoids.

Rhizopus spp.

Clinical Relevance: Most common cause of mucormycosis.

Rhizopus spp.

Rhizopus spp.

Microscopy: Flask-shaped sporangia, opposite rhizoids.

Saksenaea spp.

Relevance: May cause necrotizing skin infections and rhino-orbital disease.

Saksenaea spp.

Saksenaea spp.

Microscopy: Vesicles with denticles bearing single sporangiola.

Cunninghamella spp.

Clinical Significance: Rare cause of disseminated mucormycosis.

Cunninghamella spp.

Cunninghamella spp.

.Microscopy: Cylindrical merosporangia radiating around vesicles.

Syncephalastrum spp

Relevance: Rarely pathogenic; may resemble Aspergillus in culture.

Syncephalastrum spp

Syncephalastrum spp

Microscopy: Produces pseudohyphae, chlamydospores, and blastoconidia.

Candida albicans

Germ Tube Test: Positive

Sugar Assimilation: Sucrose-positive.

Candida albicans

Clinical Role: Major cause of mucocutaneous and systemic candidiasis.

Candida albicans

Candida albicans

Microscopy: Small, oval yeasts, no pseudohyphae.

Candida glabrata (formerly Torulopsis glabrata)

Clinical Role: UTI, vaginal infections, and systemic disease; azoles resistant.

Candida glabrata (formerly Torulopsis glabrata)

Candida glabrata (formerly Torulopsis glabrata)

Common in neutropenic patients.

C. tropicalis:

Found in catheters and prosthetic devices.

C. parapsilosis:

Intrinsically resistant to fluconazole.

C. krusei