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Mites in fungal cultures
L Duek1, G Kaufman, E Palevsky
1Department of Microbiology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
Abstract:
Recently all existing Trichophyton mentagrophytes colonies within our laboratory, which had originally appeared normal, rapidly and at an early stage became perforated. Therefore the aims of this study were to expose the cause of these major morphological changes and to find out if this phenomenon may occur in other fungal cultures. Microscopic examination of specimens taken from the damaged colonies showed many mites at different developmental stages, which were subsequently identified as the acarus, Tyrophagus putrescentiae. The laboratory experiments demonstrated that mites feed on the spores and hyphae of all the dermatophytes, moulds and yeasts tested. For the time being Tyrophagus putrescentiae is an unpleasant pest which damages fungal cultures but future use of the acari in biological control may be considered.
Insights
Mites, identified as Tyrophagus putrescentiae, were discovered to be the cause of perforations in fungal cultures. These mites consume spores and hyphae of various fungi, posing a pest problem but offering potential for biological control.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Entomology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Unexplained perforations observed in Trichophyton mentagrophytes cultures.
- Morphological changes in fungal colonies prompted investigation into the cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify the cause of fungal culture damage.
- Determine if this phenomenon affects other fungal species.
- Assess the potential of mites in biological control.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of damaged fungal colonies.
- Identification of mites found within the cultures.
- Laboratory experiments to test mite feeding behavior on various fungi.
Main Results:
- Mites, identified as Tyrophagus putrescentiae, were found in damaged colonies.
- Tyrophagus putrescentiae feeds on spores and hyphae of dermatophytes, molds, and yeasts.
- The mite infestation caused significant morphological changes in fungal cultures.
Conclusions:
- Tyrophagus putrescentiae is identified as the causal agent of fungal culture damage.
- The mite poses a current challenge for maintaining fungal cultures.
- Future applications of Tyrophagus putrescentiae in biological control are a possibility.
