Rhizopus spp.

The zygomycete organism, Rhizopus spp. is commonly found in dusty environments inside buildings.  It is capable of rapidly overgrowing a culture plate in 2 to three days at both 25 and 37 degrees Celsius. 

The organism has been found to be the cause of opportunistic infections in immune compromised individuals.

Growth is rapid on PDA and MEA.  Growth is restricted on DG-18 agar due to the inhibiting effects of the dichloran.  The organism can be identified on an Air-O-Cell cassette sample if several are present in the sample.  The spore looks a bit like a very tiny walnut shell with ridges and an irregular assymetric shape.

Rhizopus spp. line drawing - N.Carlson

Rhizopus spp. spores at 400x - N. Carlson

Rhizopus spp. growth in culture- Dark heads on the periphery - N. Carlson

Rhizopus spp. in culture 100x - Note distintictive root like structure at the base - N. Carlson