Ajellomycetaceae

Ajellomycetaceae is a family of fungi that belongs to the order Onygenales. This family is known for its pathogenic species that can cause serious diseases in humans and animals. The most notable genera in this family are Ajellomyces, Blastomyces, Emmonsia, Histoplasma, and Paracoccidioides.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

The family Ajellomycetaceae was first described by the mycologist John N. Couch in 1969. It is classified under the class Eurotiomycetes, order Onygenales, and phylum Ascomycota. The family comprises five genera and several species.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Members of the Ajellomycetaceae family are thermally dimorphic fungi, meaning they can grow as yeast or mold depending on the temperature. They are also saprophytic, living on decaying organic matter in the environment. Some species are pathogenic, causing diseases such as blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis.

Pathogenicity[edit | edit source]

Several species in the Ajellomycetaceae family are pathogenic to humans and animals. Blastomyces dermatitidis and B. gilchristii cause blastomycosis, a lung disease that can spread to other parts of the body. Histoplasma capsulatum causes histoplasmosis, a disease that affects the lungs and can also spread to other organs. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii cause paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic fungal infection prevalent in Central and South America.

Treatment and Prevention[edit | edit source]

Treatment for diseases caused by Ajellomycetaceae fungi involves antifungal medications such as amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole. Prevention strategies include avoiding areas with a high concentration of fungal spores, such as bird or bat roosting sites.

File:Histoplasma capsulatum.jpg

Histoplasma capsulatum, a species in the Ajellomycetaceae family that causes histoplasmosis.