Scedosporium and Lomentospora spp.

MICROBIOLOGY

  • Filamentous fungus. Thin-walled, septate, branching hyphae; sized 2.5-5 microns.
    • Ubiquitous; typically found in soil, sewage, and brackish/polluted water.
  • Scedosporium/Lomentospora species:
    • Scedosporium boydii, S. apiospermum,S. aurantiacum, L. prolificans (previously called S. prolificans, Fig 1).
    • The term Pseudallescheria is no longer part of the nomenclature.
  • Geographic and ecological associations
    • S. apiospermum: Worldwide; sewage and polluted environments of high human activity
    • S. auranticum: Austalia, Europe; sewage and polluted environments of high human activity
    • L. prolificans: Australia, Europe (especially Spain), southern U.S.; soil and decaying matter
    • High concentrations of Scedosporium species can be found in temperate climates (Australia, South America) and are seen in industrial areas near gas stations, urban parks, and agricultural areas (this is related to nitrogen concentration and pH)[1].

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Last updated: January 23, 2023