Identification of the genus Absidia (Mucorales, Zygomycetes): A comprehensive taxonomic revision

Abstract

This brief review intends to survey and evaluate the present knowledge about the genus Absidia Tiegh. sensu lato regarding the traditional and current position within the order Mucorales (Mucoromycotina, Zygomycetes), nomenclatural changes and the taxonomical rearrangements of the prevalent species. Species grouped within Absidia possess some very promising industrial and medical application possibilities e.g., as mediators of biotransformations, producers of antimicrobial and wound healing stimulators. But some species are also causatives of severe and frequent fatal mucormycoses. Using traditional and modern methods of species determination had uncovered a trichotomous genera separation, namely Absidia sensu stricto, Lichtheimia, and Lentamyces, belonging to distinct families, the Absidiaceae, Lichtheimiaceae and Lentamycetaceae (NN), respectively. The existing medical and industrial aspects necessitate a fast and secure identification of a prominent species. Within this survey, morphological criteria and molecular markers were proposed for clear distinction of Absidia sensu lato. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.