Absidia spp.

The zygomycete, Absidia spp. is another infrequent cause of mucormycosis.  The organisms produces a smaller sporangiophore than both Mucor spp. and Rhizopus spp.  The colony growth is not as rapid as Rhizopus spp.

At 25 degrees C.  Absidia spp. grows better on PDA and MEA and slower on DG-18 due to the inhibition of Dichloran.   Some species of Absidia spp. are capable of growing at body temperature 37 degrees C.  These opportunistic pathogens may cause mucormycosis.

Absidia spp. growth in culture at 400x lactophenol cotton blue stain - N. Carlson

Absidia spp. growth in culture at 400x Acid Fuchsin stain - N. Carlson

Absidia spp. growth in culture using 85% lactic acid stain.  Notice the off center root like structure. - N. Carlson