Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:58
Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer
Published on: September 29, 2023
Paecilomyces lilacinus eumycetoma
Hendrick M Motswaledi1, Keneiloe Mathekga, Pyu Pyu Sein
1Department of Dermatology, National Health Laboratory Services, Medunsa Campus, University of Limpopo, South Africa. motswaledi1@webmail.co.za
International Journal of Dermatology
|August 8, 2009
Summary
Eumycetoma, a fungal infection, typically affects the foot or hand. This case study details the first instance of Paecilomyces lilacinus causing eumycetoma on the foot, expanding the known fungal culprits.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Eumycetoma is a chronic fungal infection affecting skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and bone, commonly impacting the foot or hand.
- Known causative agents include Madurella mycetomatis, Madurella grisea, and Phialophora jeanselmei.
- Paecilomyces lilacinus has been previously implicated in various human invasive infections.
Observation:
- A case of eumycetoma was observed.
- The infection was localized to the foot.
- The causative agent identified was Paecilomyces lilacinus.
Findings:
- This report documents the first known case of eumycetoma of the foot caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus in the English literature.
- This finding expands the spectrum of clinical manifestations attributed to Paecilomyces lilacinus.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Paecilomyces lilacinus in the differential diagnosis of eumycetoma, particularly in endemic regions.
- Suggests a need for further research into the epidemiology and pathogenicity of Paecilomyces lilacinus in causing eumycetoma.
- May influence diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for eumycetoma cases attributed to this fungus.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal 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...
01:29Fungal 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...
01:28Fungal 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...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...