Sarcinomyces phaeomuriformis: a new dematiaceous hyphomycete.

Sarcinomyces phaeomuriformis is described as a new species in the genus Sarcinomyces Lindner. Currently, the taxon is known to occur only in Japan as a causal agent of phaeohyphomycosis. The colonies are initially yeast-like, which on aging become dry, granular, heaped, friable and black. The initial growth consists of single cells which form multiple broad-based buds and by a successive budding process produce chains of blastoconidia. In its blastic conidiogenesis, S. phaeomuriformis resembles Phaeococcomyces catenatus. However, mature colonies consist of thick-walled, pale to dark brown muriform cells which develop broad-based buds. The buds, after separating from their parent cells, either bud or enlarge and divide internally by septations laid down in different planes to become muriform. Conidiogenesis that gives rise to multiple, broad-based blastic and thallic-sarcinic conidia characterizes S. phaeomuriformis.