Cladophialophora Carrionii

Cladophialophora carrionii (C. carrionii) is one of the most common etiologic agents of human chromoblastomycosis, a chronic cutaneous disease characterized by verrucose skin lesions and even cauliflower-like eruptions. Deep studies of C. carrionii will support the therapeutic applications of chromoblastomycosis. With advanced techniques and a team of skilled and dedicated scientists, Creative Biolabs has developed a set of platforms for antifungal drug discovery. We can provide best-quality products and valuable services in the nosogenesis and therapeutic applications of chromoblastomycosis. We focus on the introduction of C. carrionii here.

Background of Cladophialophora Carrionii

C. carrionii belongs to the genus Cladophialophora. As a melanized fungus, it is one of the most common species implicated in human diseases. The genus Cladophialophora has several representative characteristics:

• The absence of conidiophores and prominent hila (attachment points);
• The ability to grow on media containing cycloheximide;
• Having dry, non-fragile chains of conidia.

At present, it has identified a series of species in this genus, including C. carrionii, C. samoensis, C. bantiana, C. arxii, C. boppii, C. devriesii, C. emmonsii, C. modesta, C. saturnica, and C. yegresii (closely related to C. carrionii, but is not pathogenic). C. carrionii and C. samoensis are the main agents of chromoblastomycosis.

Fig.1 Scientific classification of C. carrionii.

Distribution of Cladophialophora Carrionii

C. carrionii is mainly distributed on the decaying plant material like cacti and wood, where it produces enzymes and utilizes lignin as a nutrient source. C. carrionii caused chromoblastomycosis is commonly found in Australia, Venezuela, Madagascar, and South America, especially in the dry rural agricultural areas. Additionally, C. carrionii is also found in pine trees, eucalyptus fence posts, soil, and dead cactus spines.

Morphological Features of Cladophialophora Carrionii

As a kind of melanized fungi (also known as “black yeasts”), C. carrionii mycelial presents a dark green color due to melanin deposition and its conidia have brown pigment. In microscopy, C. carrionii conidia are characterized by unicellular oval-shaped and two lightly pigmented scars. Its long conidiophores exhibit loosely branched and the muriform cells have thick cell walls. It is notable that C. carrionii will change states from a mycelial form to a muriform, yeast-like state once it invades its host.

Fig.2 Micromorphology of C. carrionii. (De-Hoog, 2007)

Pathogenesis of Cladophialophora Carrionii

C. carrionii is one of the most common agents of human chromoblastomycosis, usually presenting typical dermal lesions, such as Cauliflower-like nodules. Once invading the organism, C. carrionii changes state from the mycelial state to muriform cells, which increase their cell numbers by septum formation within the hyphae. It is documented that the dimorphism of C. carrionii can increase the tolerance to extreme conditions, such as the high temperature and acidity in the human body. When infected in the subcutaneous tissues, the propagules germinate to establish an invasive mycelium associated with sclerotic cells. C. carrionii infection may cause inflammation of the leg or foot tissue, resulting in granulomas.

With several years of experience in antifungal drug discovery, Creative Biolabs offers valuable suggestions and reliable services for our worldwide clients to support your study of C. carrionii. We are dedicated to partnering with you to address your research requirements and working side-by-side with you through your research projects. We can also offer custom services to meet your particular research needs. Please feel free to contact us for more details.

Reference

1. De-Hoog, G.S.; et al. Molecular analysis and pathogenicity of the Cladophialophora carrionii complex, with the description of a novel species. Studies in Mycology. 2007, 58: 219-234.

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