Basidiobolus

Basidiobolus is a genus of fungus that belongs to the family Basidiobolaceae. It is known for causing a rare fungal infection called Basidiobolomycosis, which primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Taxonomy

The genus Basidiobolus was first described by the Dutch mycologist Johannes Hendrikus Kern in 1957. It is classified under the order Entomophthorales of the class Zygomycetes. The family Basidiobolaceae consists of two genera, Basidiobolus and Conidiobolus.

Characteristics

Basidiobolus species are saprophytic fungi that are commonly found in the soil, decaying organic matter, and the gastrointestinal tract of amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insectivorous bats. They are characterized by the production of large, broad, and irregularly shaped zygospores.

Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

The pathogenic species, Basidiobolus ranarum, causes Basidiobolomycosis, a rare fungal infection that primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The infection usually presents as a painless, firm, and indurated swelling, often mistaken for a soft tissue tumor. It can also involve the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain, weight loss, and intestinal obstruction.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Basidiobolus infection is based on the histopathological examination of the affected tissues, showing the presence of broad, non-septate hyphae and eosinophilic material known as Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon. Treatment involves surgical debridement of the affected tissues and long-term antifungal therapy with Itraconazole or Amphotericin B.

See Also

• Zygomycosis
• Mucormycosis
• Entomophthoramycosis

References

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