Pleurostomophora

Pleurostomophora is a genus of fungi within the family Pleurostomataceae. This genus is known for its medical relevance, particularly in relation to human health. Pleurostomophora species are often associated with phaeohyphomycosis, a group of infections caused by dematiaceous (darkly pigmented) fungi.

Taxonomy

The genus Pleurostomophora was first described by G. Arzanlou, W. Groenewald, and Crous in 2007. It belongs to the family Pleurostomataceae, in the order Pleosporales, and class Dothideomycetes. The genus currently includes two species: Pleurostomophora richardsiae and Pleurostomophora ochracea.

Medical Relevance

Pleurostomophora species are opportunistic pathogens that can cause phaeohyphomycosis, a term used to describe infections caused by dematiaceous fungi. These infections can manifest in various ways, including cutaneous and subcutaneous infections, sinusitis, keratitis, and disseminated disease. The most common species associated with human disease is Pleurostomophora richardsiae.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Pleurostomophora infections typically involves microscopic examination of clinical specimens, culture, and sometimes molecular methods. Treatment often involves antifungal therapy, with surgery sometimes necessary for localized infections.

See Also

• Phaeohyphomycosis
• Pleurostomataceae
• Pleosporales
• Dothideomycetes