Epidermophyton floccosum
Classification
Eukaryote; Fungi; Eurotiomycetes; Onygenales; Arthrodermataceae
Species
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NCBI: [1] |
Epidermophyton floccosum
Description and Significance
Epidermophyton floccosum is a parasitic, filamentous fungus that commonly causes tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm), and onychomycosis (nail infections). Cultures present green, brown, yellow, or khaki colorations with folded centers and a suede like appearance. Other features include long hyphae, flat fringe-like peripherals, and thin-walled macroconidia. Macroconidia are identified as large, multinucleate, asexual spores that are commonly short, wide, and smooth in appearance. In contrast to other dermatophytes, E. floccosum lacks the formation of microconidia and rarely causes hair infection. E. floccosum can be found worldwide but is most common in North America and Asian countries, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions. This microorganism can survive in a variety of ordinary environments such as towels, shoes, clothing, showers, and swimming pools for extended durations of time. As E. floccosum is a common cause of superficial infection of the nails and skin, additional research on dermatophytes is needed to develop higher quality antifungal drugs with fewer, less severe side effects.
Genome Structure
The E. floccosum strain ATCC26072 is a circular chromosome with 30,910 base pairs.This strain is thought to be one of the largest genome sizes compared to other dermatophytes with a predicted total of 7,565 genes, 25 tRNAs capable of carrying all 20 amino acids, a large (23S) subunit, and a small (16S) subunit. All genes are located on the same strand. Additionally, 14 genes encode subunits for respiratory chain enzyme complexes along with a ribosomal protein and 5 open reading frames. The total amount of tRNAs corresponds to 5.98% of the genome while the G+C content makes up 23.43%. Ribosomal subunits make up 13.54% and protein-coding exons are 41.98%.
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
References
Author
Page authored by _____, student of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.
