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Zygomycetes are the causative agents of zygomycosis
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Zygomycoses (ficomycoses) are caused by zygomycetes belonging to lower fungi with unsepted hyphae (mushrooms of the genera Rhizopus, Absidia, Rhizoinucor, Basidiobolus, Conidioboius, Canninghameila, Saksenaea, etc.).
Morphology and physiology of zygomycetes
Zygomycetes consist of hyphae without partitions. Reproduction is asexual with the formation of sporangiospores and sex with the formation of zygospores. Sporogenous sporangia, containing spore pus from the pores, depart from the sporophagous sphirangiophores. Zygospores are formed during the sexual process and the result of the fusion of two cells that are not differentiated into gametes. The aerial mycelium of some zygomycetes (Rhizopus) has arched-bent hyphae - "whiskers", or stolons. The mycelium is attached to the substrate by special branches.
Zygomycete antigens
Antigens of fungi are different: Mucor mucedu forms large (up to 200 μm) yellow-brown sporangia with oval spores; Rhizopus nigricans forms a dark brown mycelium with blackish sporangia (diameter up to 150 μm), containing rough spores; Absidia cotymbifera forms sporangia with a diameter of 40-60 microns, containing colorless ellipsoid, smooth, less often rough spores. Zigomitsety - aerobes. They grow on simple nutrient media, Saburo's medium; optimum growth at 22-37 ° C.
Pathogenesis and symptoms of zygomycosis
Fungi cause mycosis in immunocompromised individuals. They produce lipases and proteases that promote the spread of fungi in the tissues. In immunodeficient individuals fungi penetrate into the blood vessels, causing thrombosis. A lightning-fast form of infection is known - rhinocerebral zygomycosis. Ischemic necrosis of tissues and the formation of polymorphonuclear infiltrate occur. There are invasive pulmonary zygomycosis, as well as gastrointestinal and cutaneous forms of the disease. The brain, eyes and other organs and tissues are also affected . In patients, cellular immunity develops, accompanied by HRT.
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