Onygenaceae: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:50, 15 February 2025

Onygenaceae[edit]

The Onygenaceae is a family of fungi within the order Onygenales. This family is notable for its members that are often associated with keratin-rich environments, such as animal hair, skin, and feathers. The Onygenaceae family includes several genera that are of medical and veterinary importance due to their ability to cause infections in humans and animals.

Characteristics[edit]

Members of the Onygenaceae family are typically characterized by their ability to degrade keratin, a tough protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This ability makes them well-suited to colonize and decompose keratinous materials. The fungi in this family are usually found in soil, particularly in areas rich in animal remains or waste.

The spores of Onygenaceae fungi are often small and can be easily dispersed by air or contact. These spores can infect hosts by penetrating the skin or being inhaled, leading to various infections.

Medical Importance[edit]

Some species within the Onygenaceae family are known to cause dermatophytosis, commonly referred to as ringworm, in humans and animals. These infections are typically superficial, affecting the skin, hair, and nails. However, certain species can cause more severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

The genus Trichophyton, for example, includes species that are common causes of athlete's foot, jock itch, and other skin infections. Another genus, Microsporum, is also known for causing similar infections.

Ecology[edit]

Onygenaceae fungi are saprophytic, meaning they feed on dead or decaying organic matter. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down keratinous materials, thus recycling nutrients back into the environment.

These fungi are commonly found in soil, especially in areas where there is an abundance of animal remains or waste. They can also be found in bird nests, where they decompose feathers and other keratin-rich materials.

Genera[edit]

The Onygenaceae family includes several genera, some of which are:

Each of these genera contains species that are adapted to specific ecological niches and have varying degrees of pathogenicity.

Related Pages[edit]

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-{{Taxobox
+== Onygenaceae ==
-| name = Onygenaceae
-| image = Onygena equina.jpg
-| image_caption = Onygena equina
-| regnum = [[Fungi]]
-| divisio = [[Ascomycota]]
-| classis = [[Eurotiomycetes]]
-| ordo = [[Onygenales]]
-| familia = Onygenaceae
-| familia_authority = [[Philippe Édouard Léon Van Tieghem|Van Tieghem]]
-}}
-'''Onygenaceae''' is a family of [[fungi]] within the order [[Onygenales]], class [[Eurotiomycetes]], and division [[Ascomycota]]. This family is notable for including several genera that are pathogenic to humans and animals, causing diseases such as [[dermatophytosis]] and [[histoplasmosis]].
+[[File:Onygena_equina.JPG|thumb|right|Onygena equina, a representative species of the Onygenaceae family]]
-== Description ==
+The '''Onygenaceae''' is a family of [[fungi]] within the order [[Onygenales]]. This family is notable for its members that are often associated with keratin-rich environments, such as animal hair, skin, and feathers. The Onygenaceae family includes several genera that are of medical and veterinary importance due to their ability to cause infections in humans and animals.
-Members of the Onygenaceae family are primarily saprophytic, meaning they feed on dead or decaying organic matter. However, some species are keratinophilic, which allows them to degrade keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This ability is particularly significant in the context of pathogenic species that infect humans and animals.
-The fungi in this family typically produce [[ascomata]], which are fruiting bodies that contain the [[asci]] and [[ascospores]]. The ascomata can vary in form, from simple structures to more complex, enclosed forms. The asci are usually cylindrical and contain eight ascospores.
+== Characteristics ==
-== Pathogenic Genera ==
+Members of the Onygenaceae family are typically characterized by their ability to degrade keratin, a tough protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This ability makes them well-suited to colonize and decompose keratinous materials. The fungi in this family are usually found in soil, particularly in areas rich in animal remains or waste.
-Several genera within the Onygenaceae family are of medical importance due to their pathogenic nature:
-* '''[[Trichophyton]]''': This genus includes species that cause dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, affecting skin, hair, and nails.
+The spores of Onygenaceae fungi are often small and can be easily dispersed by air or contact. These spores can infect hosts by penetrating the skin or being inhaled, leading to various infections.
-* '''[[Microsporum]]''': Another genus responsible for dermatophytosis, particularly in children.
-* '''[[Histoplasma]]''': Known for causing [[histoplasmosis]], a respiratory disease that can become systemic, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
+== Medical Importance ==
-* '''[[Coccidioides]]''': Causes [[coccidioidomycosis]], also known as Valley fever, which can lead to severe respiratory illness.
+Some species within the Onygenaceae family are known to cause [[dermatophytosis]], commonly referred to as ringworm, in humans and animals. These infections are typically superficial, affecting the skin, hair, and nails. However, certain species can cause more severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
+The genus [[Trichophyton]], for example, includes species that are common causes of athlete's foot, jock itch, and other skin infections. Another genus, [[Microsporum]], is also known for causing similar infections.
 == Ecology ==
-Onygenaceae fungi are found worldwide, with some species adapted to specific ecological niches. They are commonly isolated from soil, decaying organic matter, and animal remains. The keratinophilic species are often found in environments rich in keratinous material, such as animal shelters, farms, and areas with high human activity.
-== Clinical Significance ==
+Onygenaceae fungi are saprophytic, meaning they feed on dead or decaying organic matter. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down keratinous materials, thus recycling nutrients back into the environment.
-The pathogenic species within Onygenaceae are significant in clinical mycology. Dermatophytes like Trichophyton and Microsporum are responsible for superficial infections, while systemic infections caused by Histoplasma and Coccidioides can be life-threatening. Diagnosis typically involves culture, microscopy, and molecular techniques to identify the specific fungal species.
-== Treatment ==
+These fungi are commonly found in soil, especially in areas where there is an abundance of animal remains or waste. They can also be found in bird nests, where they decompose feathers and other keratin-rich materials.
-Treatment of infections caused by Onygenaceae fungi depends on the specific pathogen and the severity of the infection. Superficial infections are often treated with topical antifungal agents, while systemic infections may require oral or intravenous antifungal medications such as [[itraconazole]], [[fluconazole]], or [[amphotericin B]].
+== Genera ==
+The Onygenaceae family includes several genera, some of which are:
+* [[Onygena]]
+* [[Trichophyton]]
+* [[Microsporum]]
+* [[Arthroderma]]
+Each of these genera contains species that are adapted to specific ecological niches and have varying degrees of pathogenicity.
+== Related Pages ==
-== Also see ==
 * [[Dermatophyte]]
-* [[Ascomycota]]
 * [[Fungal infection]]
-* [[Histoplasmosis]]
+* [[Keratin]]
-* [[Coccidioidomycosis]]
+* [[Onygenales]]
-{{Fungi-stub}}
-{{Taxonbar|from=Q1350915}}
 [[Category:Onygenaceae]]
-[[Category:Ascomycota]]
+[[Category:Onygenales]]
-[[Category:Pathogenic fungi]]
+[[Category:Medical mycology]]