Nannizziopsis vriesii

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Nannizziopsis vriesii
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Division:
Ascomycota
Class:
Eurotiomycetes
Order:
Onygenales
Family:
Onygenaceae
Genus:
Nannizziopsis
Species:
N. vriesii
Binomial name
Nannizziopsis vriesii
Synonyms
  • Rollandina vriesii, A.E Apinis (1970)
  • Arachnotheca vriesii, A.E Apinis (1981)

Nannizziopsis vreisii is a keratinophilic microfungus in the Family Onygenaceae of the order Onygenales. Also included in this family are dematophytes and saprophytic species. [1] While the ecology of N. vriessi is not well known, there has been several studies which identifies the Chrysosporium anamorph of N. vriesii as a causal agent of skin lesions in reptiles across several regions. [2] This species is usually identified under a microscope by its white ascomata, and hyaline and globose ascospores . [3] Like many other fungi, N. vreisii has a sexual and asexual state, the asexual states are classified as the genus Chryososporium, Malbranchea or Sporendonema. [1]

Contents

Taxonomy and naming

Nannizziopsis vreisii was first described under the genus Rollandina by Patouillard in 1905. [4] In 1970, further studies by Benjamin and Apinis lead to the addition of several new species, including R. vriesii to the genus Rollandina. [4] Rollandina vreissi was placed under family Rollanda because the results of morphological studies demonstrated that its hyphae was similar to species previously described by Patouillard's. [1] Rollandina vriesii was classified in the family Onygenaceae because of its ability to degrade keratin as demonstrated by hair perforation, and the presence of spheroidal ascospores with punctate walls. [1] This was later classified under the genus Nannizziopsis which was first believed to be synonymous to the genus Arachnotheca, however, further examination provided enough evidence that the species were in fact different. Hence this species was identified as N. veriesii in the genus Nannizziopsis. [3]

Cultural characteristics

Nannizziopsis vriesii in culture produces dense colonies of diameter ranging from 25–30 mm within 14 days. [4] The culture appears white and powdery with the reverse side having a yellowish color. [4] Isolates are shown to have strong urease activity and are mesophilic with optimum growth observed at 30 °C. [5] The growth of N. vreisii is inhibited at temperatures below 20 °C and above 37 °C. [4] Unlike some closely related fungi, N. vriesii does not require an exogenous source of the vitamins thiamine or inositol for growth. [5]

Morphology

The sexual stage of N. vriesii consists of a whitish tumble-weed like fruiting body which is approximately 1 mm in diameter and a central cluster of asci containing ascospores. [1] The hyphae which consist of exterior fruiting bodies, are characteristically rough-walled with septal constrictions. [1] The lens shaped ascospores are brown in color and range in size from 2-3 μm. [3] Like other members in the family Onygenacae, N. vriesii produces rhexolytically dehiscing conidia [1] which can be either teardrop shaped or club-shaped, and form directly on the sides of the hyphae. [5]

Pathogenicity in reptiles

Several studies have shown that the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) causes dermatitis and cellulitis in reptiles for example; CANV was isolated from the skin of chameleons, [5] geckos [6] and more recently coastal bearded dragons which had nodular lesions and crusty debris on the skin. [7] Skin lesions have also been associated with poor nutrition which make reptiles more prone to infections as a whole. Once the skin becomes infected, there is an increased risk of developing a fatal condition called yellow fungus disease. [7] Unlike other fungi which infect reptiles, infections with N. vreisii are contagious and often fatal if not properly treated. [7] A recent review described a series of cases of infections which are resistant treatment, however certain agents may have some limited effectiveness, including: triamcinolone acetonide, neomycin, thiostrepton, nystatin. [7] Usually infections are successfully treated with thiabendazole or ketoconazole, [8] however, other suggested treatment options might include the removal of infected skin regions followed by the use of itaconazole as a maintenance drug. [7] A related fungus, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola , is responsible for an important disease of snakes.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eurotiomycetes</span> Class of fungi

Eurotiomycetes is a large class of ascomycetes with cleistothecial ascocarps within the subphylum Pezizomycotina, currently containing around 3810 species according to the Catalogue of Life. It is the third largest lichenized class, with more than 1200 lichen species that are mostly bitunicate in the formation of asci. It contains most of the fungi previously known morphologically as "Plectomycetes".

Chrysosporium is a genus of hyaline hyphomycetes fungi in the family Onygenaceae.

<i>Microsporum gypseum</i> Species of fungus

Microsporum gypseum is a soil-associated dermatophyte that occasionally is known to colonise and infect the upper dead layers of the skin of mammals. The name refers to an asexual "form-taxon" that has been associated with four related biological species of fungi: the pathogenic taxa Arthroderma incurvatum, A. gypsea, A. fulva and the non-pathogenic saprotroph A. corniculata. More recent studies have restricted M. gypseum to two teleomorphic species A. gypseum and A. incurvatum. The conidial states of A. fulva and A. corniculata have been assigned to M. fulvum and M. boullardii. Because the anamorphic states of these fungi are so similar, they can be identified reliably only by mating. Two mating strains have been discovered, "+" and "–". The classification of this species has been based on the characteristically rough-walled, blunt, club-shaped, multicelled macroconidia. Synonyms include Achorion gypseum, Microsporum flavescens, M. scorteum, and M. xanthodes. There has been past nomenclatural confusion in the usage of the generic names Microsporum and Microsporon.

<i>Chlamydosauromyces</i> Genus of fungi

Chlamydosauromyces punctatus is the sole species in the monotypic genus of fungi, Chlamydosauromyces in the family, Onygenaceae. It was found in the skin shed from frilled lizard. This fungus is mesophilic and digests hair. It reproduces both sexually and asexually. The fungus has so far not been reported to be pathogenic.

Polytolypa is a monotypic genus of fungus containing the single species Polytolypa hystricis. First classified in the Onygenaceae family, as of 2008 it is considered to be in the Ajellomycetaceae, although there is still uncertainty as to its phylogenetic relationships with other similar genera. This species is only known from a single specimen derived in the laboratory from a specimen of dung of the North American porcupine, Erethizon dorsatum, collected in Ontario, Canada. Polytolypa hystricis contains bioactive compounds that have antifungal activity.

<i>Uncinocarpus</i> Genus of fungi

Uncinocarpus is a genus of fungi within the Onygenaceae family. The name is derived from the Latin word uncinus, meaning "hook" and the Greek word karpos (καρπός), meaning "fruit". It was distinguished from the genus Gymnoascus based on keratinolytic capacity, ascospore morphology and the development of hooked, occasionally spiraling appendages. Alternatively, Uncinocarpus species may possess helically coiled or smooth, wavy appendages, or lack appendages altogether, an example of such species being U. orissi.

<i>Arachnomyces</i> Genus of fungi

Arachnomyces is a genus of cleistothecial ascomycete fungi described in 1902, of which the anamorph (asexual) stage is the genus Onychocola. Although morphologically similar to members of other families, the fungus now belongs to its own monotypic family Arachnomycetaceae, which is the only family in the monotypic order Arachnomycetales.

<i>Aphanoascus fulvescens</i> Species of fungus

Aphanoascus fulvescens is a mould fungus that behaves as a keratinophilic saprotroph and belongs to the Ascomycota. It is readily isolated from soil and dung containing keratin-rich tissues that have been separated from their animal hosts. This organism, distributed worldwide, is most commonly found in areas of temperate climate, in keeping with its optimal growth temperature of 28 °C (82 °F). While A. fulvescens is recognized as a geophilic fungal species, it is also a facultative opportunistic pathogen. Although it is not a dermatophyte, A. fulvescens has occasionally been shown to cause onychomycosis infections in humans. Its recognition in the laboratory is clinically important for correct diagnosis and treatment of human dermal infections.

Chrysosporium longisporum is a keratinophilic microfungus in the family Onygenaceae that causes skin infections in reptiles, producing hyaline, thin-walled, small, sessile conidia and colonies with a strong skunk-like odour.

Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides is a keratinophilic microfungus in the family Onygenaceae that causes skin infections in reptiles, producing hyaline, thin-walled, small, sessile conidia and colonies with a strong skunk-like odour. It is distinguished by the production of long arthroconidia.

Nannizziopsis draconii is a keratinophilic microfungus in the family Onygenaceae that causes skin infections in reptiles, producing hyaline, thin-walled, small, sessile conidia and colonies with a strong skunk-like odour.

Nannizziopsis chlamydospora is a keratinophilic microfungus in the family Onygenaceae that causes skin infections in reptiles, producing hyaline, thin-walled, small, sessile conidia and colonies with a strong skunk-like odour. This species is distinguished by producing chlamydospores and its ability to grow at 5 °C.

<i>Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola</i> Species of fungus

Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola is the cause of ophidiomycosis also known as snake fungal disease or SFD in some species of snakes. It is a keratinophilic fungus from the family Onygenaceae of the order Onygenales. O. ophiodiicola is an emerging pathogen of captive and wild snakes in North America and Europe. Clinical signs include skin swelling, crusts, and nodules of the skin. The mode of transmission is unknown, but is speculated to occur with direct contact between snakes or with the contaminated environment. Currently no treatment for O. ophiodiicola is available. O. ophiodiicola was identified by Sigler, Hambleton & Paré in 2013. O. ophiodiicola is the only species in the genus Ophidiomyces. It was previously known as Chrysosporium ophiodiicola and is closely related to Chrysosporium anamorph Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV).

Nannizziopsis guarroi was first documented in 2006 on a variety of lizards then described in Spain in 2010 and was classified as Chrysosporium guarroi, a member of the anamorphic genus Chrysosporium in the family Onygenaceae. Etymologically, the species epithet "guarroi" honours Professor Josep Guarro in recognition of his extensive mycological work including on the genus Chrysosporium. Skin samples taken from pet green iguanas suffering from dermatomycosis were sent to a laboratory for analysis. Five species were isolated and morphologic studies identified the fungus causing the mycoses as a member of the anamorphic species of Chrysosporium. Further investigation of these species using a combination of morphological, cultural and molecular studies showed that they were not identical to any previously described species within the genus Chrysosporium so they were classified as a new species Chrysosporium guarroisp. nov. The delineation of species in the genus Chrysosporium and their assignment to higher taxonomic levels can be challenging due to the marked morphological simplicity of these fungi. Increased scrutiny of strains of these fungi using molecular genetic tools has revealed numerous hidden species and unexpected relationships.

Amauroascus kuehnii is a fungus in the phylum Ascomycota, class Eurotiomycetes. It is keratinophilic but not known to cause any human disease. It has been isolated from animal dungs, soil, and keratinous surfaces of live or deceased animals.

<i>Ctenomyces serratus</i> Species of fungus

Ctenomyces serratus is a keratinophilic fungal soil saprotroph classified by the German mycologist, Michael Emil Eduard Eidam in 1880, who found it growing on an old decayed feather. Many accounts have shown that it has a global distribution, having been isolated in select soils as well as on feathers and other substrates with high keratin content. It has also been found in indoor dust of hospitals and houses in Kanpur, Northern India and as a common keratinophilic soil fungus in urban Berlin. This species has been associated with nail infections in humans as well as skin lesions and slower hair growth in guinea pigs.

<i>Uncinocarpus reesii</i> Species of fungus

Uncinocarpus reesii is a species of saprotrophic microfungi that grows in soil and on keratinous materials such as hair, feathers and skin. It was the first species to be designated as part of the genus Uncinocarpus, owing in part to its characteristic development of hooked (uncinate) appendages. As the closest non-pathogenic relative of Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii, it has become a subject of research interest.

Uncinocarpus orissi is a species of microfungus that grows on dung and other keratinous materials, such as hair. It was the third species to be designated as part of the genus Uncinocarpus by Canadian mycologists Lynne Sigler, Arlene Flis and J.W. Carmichael in 1998 as a synonym for Pseudoarachniotus orissi and Aphanoascus orissi.

Uncinocarpus queenslandicus is a species of microfungi that grows in soil and keratinous materials, such as hair. It was the fourth species to be designated as part of the genus Uncinocarpus. Its name is derived from the Australian state of Queensland, where it was first isolated.

Auxarthron californiense is a fungus within the family Onygenaceae family and one of the type species of the genus Auxarthron. A. californiense is generally distributed around the world and it is frequently found on dung and in soil near the entrances of animal burrows.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Currah, R.S (October–December 1985). "Taxonomy of the Onygenales: Arthodermatacae, Gymnoasceae, Myxotrichaceae and Onygenaceae". Mycotaxon. 24: 1–216.
  2. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-19. Retrieved 2013-10-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. 1 2 3 Guarro, J; Cano, J; Vroey, C (October–December 1991). "Nannizziopsis (Ascomycotina) and Related Genera". Mycotaxon. 42: 193–200.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Apinis, A.E (December 1970). "Concerning Rollandina". Transactions of the British Mycological Society. 55 (3): 499–502. doi:10.1016/s0007-1536(70)80075-4.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Paré, J.A.; Sigler, L; Hunter, B; Summerbell, R; Smith, D; Machin, K (1997). "Cutaneous Mycoses in Chameleons Caused by the Chrysosporium Anamorph of Nannizziosis Vreissi (Apinis) Currah". Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 28: 443–453.
  6. ↑ Toplon, D. E.; Terrell, S; Sigler, L; Jacobson, E (16 November 2012). "Dermatitis and Cellulitis in Leopard (Eublepharis) Caused by the Chrysosporium Anamorph of Nannizziopsis vreissi". Veterinary Pathology. 50 (4): 585–589. doi: 10.1177/0300985812465324 . PMID   23160542. S2CID   46592963.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Johnson, R; Sigler, C; Sangster, C; Paré, J (December 2011). "Deep fungal dermatitis caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii in captive coastal bearded dragons (Pogona barbata)". Australian Veterinary Journal. 89 (12): 515–519. doi:10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00851.x. PMID   22103953.
  8. ↑ "Mycotic Diseases of Reptiles - Exotic and Laboratory Animals". Merck Veterinary Manual. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
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