Mucor circinelloides was identified by molecular methods as a cause of primary cutaneous zygomycosis

Abstract

A case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Mucor circinelloides is described. Histopathology showed typical hyphae along with chlamydospores. The isolate was identified by molecular and phenotypic methods. The utility of sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region is highlighted; however, further studies are needed to assess species genetic heterogeneity.

FIG. 1.

Methenamine silver stain of skin tissue shows broad nonseptate hyphae typical of a zygomycete. Note the presence of intercalary oval to subglobose chlamydospores in one hyphal segment (arrow). Magnification, ×580.

FIG. 2.

Microscopic morphology of Mucor circinelloides on PDA after 6 days at 30°C, showing sporangium (white arrow), sporangiospores (black arrowhead), and chlamydospores produced singly and in short chains (black arrows). Nomarski optics were used. Bar, 5 μm.