Chrysosporium keratinophilum
Chrysosporium keratinophilum is a mold that is closely related to the dermatophytic fungi (Family Arthrodermataceae) and is mainly found in soil and the coats of wild animals to break down keratin. Chrysosporium keratinophilum is one of the more commonly occurring species of the genus Chrysosporium in nature. It is easily detected due to its characteristic "light-bulb" shape and flat base. Chrysosporium keratinophilum is most commonly found in keratin-rich, dead materials such as feathers, skin scales, hair, and hooves. Although not identified as pathogenic, it is a regular contaminant of cutaneous specimens which leads to the common misinterpretation that this fungus is pathogenic. Description Chrysosporium keratinophilum colonies grow rapidly at 25 °C approximately 60–100 mm in 21 days. Colonies can be flat or folded, dry, powdery, or velvety with a white- or cream-coloured center The colony surface is dotted with droplets of clear or brown exuded liquid. The hyphae are septate and the conidia are hyaline, broad-based and one-celled. The conidia are large, smooth to slightly rough-walled, sometimes slightly curved and occasionally septate. The conidia are broadly "light-bulb" shaped with an abruptly flattened smooth base. Colonies grow to about 30 mm in diameter in one week and are flat with a