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Related Concept Videos

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota01:26

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Overview of Fungi01:29

Overview of Fungi

Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Biodeterioration01:28

Biodeterioration

Biodeterioration refers to the unwanted alteration of materials caused by microorganisms—especially fungi—which damage both organic substrates (paper, wood, textiles) and inorganic ones (stone, plaster, glass). Unlike abiotic decay, biodeterioration results from biological activity that produces physical disruption and chemical degradation.Physical deterioration occurs as fungal hyphae penetrate pores, cracks, and surface irregularities. Hyphal turgor pressure, thigmotropic growth along...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer
06:58

Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer

Published on: September 29, 2023

Dematiaceous fungi.

Sanjay G Revankar1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. srevankar@med.wayne.edu

Mycoses
|February 20, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Dematiaceous fungi, common in soil, cause diverse infections like sinusitis and brain abscess. Their unique melanin cell walls contribute to pathogenesis, requiring careful diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Dematiaceous fungi are ubiquitous environmental molds.
  • They are increasingly recognized as significant human pathogens.
  • Exposure occurs commonly through inhalation or trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the spectrum of diseases caused by dematiaceous fungi.
  • To discuss their pathogenic mechanisms and diagnostic challenges.
  • To outline current therapeutic approaches and future research needs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on dematiaceous fungal infections.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes.
  • Discussion of fungal cell wall composition and its role in pathogenicity.

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Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus
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Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus

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Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests
09:42

Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests

Published on: September 28, 2021

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Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer
06:58

Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer

Published on: September 29, 2023

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus
05:34

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Published on: June 6, 2025

Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests
09:42

Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests

Published on: September 28, 2021

Main Results:

  • Dematiaceous fungi cause a broad range of infections, from superficial to disseminated disease.
  • They are common causes of allergic fungal sinusitis and brain abscess in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Melanin in fungal cell walls may play a role in virulence.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis relies on microscopy and pathology due to lack of simple tests.
  • Treatment varies by clinical syndrome; systemic infections are often challenging.
  • Antifungal agents like itraconazole and voriconazole show in vitro activity, but further research on pathogenesis and optimal therapy is essential.