MICROBIOLOGY

• Nomenclature change: Before the era of molecular phylogeny and sequencing, the nomenclature of fungi allowed for the use of names describing sexual and asexual forms. So based on their ability to develop sexual structures on culture media, Pseudoallescheria boydii and Scedosporium apiospermum were considered the same species, as Pseudallescheria is the teleomorph state of Scedosporium.
  • Phylogenetic analysis has determined that P. boydii (anamorph or asexual form: Scedosporium boydii) is different from P. apiosperma (anamorph S. apiospermum).
  • As dual nomenclature is abandoned, the preferred name to refer to P. boydii has become Scedosporium boydii, for example.
• Scedosporium species include: S. apiospermum, S. boydii, S. aurantiacum
• Filamentous fungus. Thin-walled, septate, branching hyphae; sized 2.5-5 microns.
  
  • Ubiquitous environmental mold; is typically found in soil, sewage, and brackish/polluted water.
  • Identification through fungal culture is imperative as histopathology is indistinguishable from Aspergillus.
• Acquisition through inhalation or traumatic inoculation through the skin.
• High concentrations of Scedosporium species can be found near gas stations, urban parks, industrial sites, and agricultural areas (this is related to nitrogen concentration and pH)[9].