Emmonsia

Emmonsia is a genus of fungi in the family Ajellomycetaceae. The genus contains two species that are known to cause disease in humans and animals, namely Emmonsia crescens and Emmonsia parva. These species cause a disease known as adiaspiromycosis, which primarily affects the lungs.

Taxonomy

The genus Emmonsia was first described by the American mycologist Chester Emmons in 1942. The genus is named in his honor. The two species, E. crescens and E. parva, were initially thought to be variants of the same species, but were later recognized as distinct species based on differences in their growth characteristics and genetic sequences.

Description

Species in the genus Emmonsia are dimorphic fungi, meaning they can exist in two different forms depending on the environmental conditions. In the environment, they exist as a mold form, producing spores that can be inhaled by humans and animals. Once inhaled, the spores convert to a yeast form in the body, causing infection.

Disease

Emmonsia species cause a disease known as adiaspiromycosis, which primarily affects the lungs. The disease is typically asymptomatic, but can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms can include cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Diagnosis is typically made by identifying the characteristic spores in a lung biopsy or sputum sample. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications.

Epidemiology

Adiaspiromycosis is a rare disease, with cases reported in various parts of the world. The disease is most commonly reported in individuals who have been exposed to soil or dust contaminated with Emmonsia spores, such as farmers or construction workers.

See also

• List of human diseases associated with infectious pathogens
• List of systemic diseases with ocular manifestations

Emmonsia Resources
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