Dimorphic Fungi

Fungi can be broadly classified into two groups;  yeasts and molds. Yeasts are single celled  organisms that reproduce by budding but molds grow as filaments like structure. Many medically important fungi shows unique behaviour based on temperature of growth and habitat, which is known as dimorphism (di: both, morphism: morphological form). These dimorphic fungi exists as molds in the environment at ambient temperature (25°C– 30°C ) and as yeasts (or other structure e.g., spherules in case of Coccidioides immitis) in human tissues at body temperature (35°C -37°C).
 

Most of the dimorphic fungi causes systemic mycoses and Sporothrix (one of the dimorphic fungus) causes subcutaneous mycoses.

Dimorphic fungi causing systemic mycoses
Inhalation of spores of these dimorphic fungi causes systemic mycoses.

1. Histoplasma capsulatum: H. capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus that exists as a mold in soil and as a yeast in tissue. It causes histoplasmosis. (Note: It does not possess capsule)
2. Blastomyces dermatitidis: B. dermatitidis is a dimorphic fungus that exists as a mold in a soil and spherule in tissue. The yeast has a characteristic double refractive wall and a single broad based bud.
3. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: P. brasiliensis is a dimorphic fungus that exists as a mold in soil and yeasts in tissue. The yeast is thick walled and have multiple buds. It causes South American Blastomycosis.
4. Coccidioides immitis: It is a dimorphic fungus that exists as a mold in soil and as a yeast in a tissue. It causes coccidioidomycosis.

   

   Coccidioides immitis – arthroconidia Dr Arthur DiSalvo

Among the subcutaneous mycoses causing fungi, Sporothrix schenckii is a notable dimorphic fungus. It causes sporotrichosis.

Penicillium marneffei is a mould fungus with a yeast form in tissues. It is a opportunistic pathogen causing systemic penicilliosis in AIDS patients in Thailand, China, Hongkong, Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Mneomonics to remember Dimorphic Fungi: 

1. Mold in the Cold, Yeast in the Heat (Beast)
2. Body Heat  Probably Changes ShaPe of the dimorphic fungi
   • Blastomyces
   • Histoplasma
   • Paracoccidioides  immitis
   • Coccidioides
   • Sporothrix
   • Penicillium marneffei

 Bacteriology Notes Are here