Species/common name:

Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Mycocladus ramosus, Absidia ramosa)

Natural habitat

Most common in soil and decaying plant debris and foodstuffs.

Geography

Worldwide distribution.

Frequency

Like other Zygomycetes, frequency of infection is more common with immunocompromised hosts. However, it is becoming increasingly common in individuals without predisposing factors (e.g. in traumatic injuries).

Diseases

This fungus is one of only a few Mucormycotina that can cause disease in humans and animals.

Humans: Associated with cutaneous, pulmonary, rhinocerebral, central nervous system and disseminated infections.

Animals: Often associated with mycotic abortion.

Culture peculiarities

Great expertise required to differentiate from L. corymbifera. It is advisable to identify by means of sequencing ITS fragment. Fast growing; pale white turning grey with age. Microscopically, sporangiospores ellipsoidal to cylindrical or subspherica. Higer growth rate than L. corymbifera especially at higher temperatures.

Antifungal resistance (intrinsic and acquired)

All isolates are intrinsically resistant to fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole and the echinocandins. Usually susceptible to amphotericin B and posaconazole. Variably susceptible to itraconazole. Some studies indicate that this species shows in vitro higher MICs than L. corymbifera.

Biosafety level 2

This organism can be handled in a biosafety level 2 laboratory.