Phonetic: See-dough-spore-ee-um

Scedosporium is found on soils, decaying plant matter or composts, polluted water, sewage sludge, and dung of cattle and fowl in tropical to subtropical to temperate areas. This fungus can become extremely abundant in certain situations such as piles of feedlot manure. The two most pathogenic species are S. apiospermum (Pseudallescheria boydii ~ sexual state) and S. prolificans. These are listed among the principal fungi that cause phaeohyphomycosis in the brain and lungs. This disease consists of a group of mycotic infections characterized by the presence of dematiaceous septate hyphae and sometimes yeast or combination of both. Infections of the eyes and skin by the black fungi are also included in this disease. Pulmonary colonization in patients with poor draining bronchi or paranasal sinuses and “fungus-ball” formation in pre-formed cavities are similar to those seen in Aspergillus. Species of Scedosporium mostly affect people with compromised immune systems, but healthy people may also become infected. The fact that these fungi are very resistant to antifungal medications is what makes the infections serious. The hyphae may be short to elongate, distorted or swollen, regularly shaped or any combination of the above. Culture - Potato dextrose agar, 20° – 25°C, 7 – 10 days.