Curvularia

culv1Curvularia species were present in 17% of the samples collected in the study. Colony on agar shows white woolly vegetation with shades of greenish-brown. The spores or conidia of the fungus contain dark pigment, which is especially observable when the spores mature. Such spores can grow from the tips or sides of hyphae.

Features

Distinctive features of Curvularia lies in the conidia. It is subdivided into generally 3 to 5 cells per conidium separated by vertical cell walls along the length of the conidia. One centre cell is abnormally larger than the other subdivided cells. Mature conidia display a slightly bent curvature, narrowing at the 2 ends.

Curvularia can is both saprophytic and parasitic, making them possibly infectious to man.
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Pigment Colour of Fungus
  • Dark-coloured (Spores)
Observed Spores Growth
  • At tip (Apical) and sides (Lateral) of vegetation
Spore Characteristics
  • Typically 3 to 5-celled
  • Sub cells separated by vertical cell walls only
  • 1 centre cell is enlarged
  • Spore slightly curved

 

Allergenic Diseases

Affected Areas

Forms/ Medical Terms

Descriptions

Airway to Lungs (Bronchial Tubes)

And

Lungs

Asthma
  • Inflammation and constriction of airway to lung
  • Curvularia spores have the highest frequencies out of various genera to allergic reactions out of patients with conditions of asthma and allergic rhinitis

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Fungal Disease (ABPFD)
  • Affects the bronchial tubes and lungs
  • Characterized by asthma, increased levels of white blood cells in the blood and lungs temporary in nature

 Eyes

 

Allergic Rhinitis
  • Occurs when allergens trigger release of histamine, causing inflammation and fluid production in linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids
  • Reactions include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears

Throat

Nose

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis (AFS)
  • Occurs in individuals with a background of asthma and rhinitis
  • Does not invade tissue; fills up sinus with membrane cells, decomposing white blood cells and fungal hyphae
  • Built-up pressure in the sinus can eventually cause expansion and erosion of the sinus walls

 

Pathogenic Diseases

Affected Areas

Forms/ Medical Terms

Descriptions

Eyes

(Corneal)

Keratitis
  • Cornea inflammation

Skin

(Cutaneous)

Dermatomycosis
  • Skin infection

 

Onychomycosis
  • Thickening, roughening, and splitting of nails due to infection

Beneath the Skin

(Subcutaneous)

Mycetoma
  • Chronic skin infection that goes beyond the skin
  • Usually on the leg
  • Discharges of oily pus can be observed

Respiratory tract
  • Nasal
  • Sinus
  • Pneumoniae
  • The nose passage, sinus and lungs can all fall prey to fungal infection. Dark-coloured wounds are common presentations

Brain

 Cerebritis
  • Brain inflammation

 Cerebral Abscess
  • Pus collection in the brain due to inflammation and tissue disintegration

Heart

 Endocarditis
  • Inflammation of the internal membrane of the heart

Others

Peritonitis
  • Inflammation of abdomen or abdominal organs, highly associated with dialysis from the abdomen due to kidney failure