WAR  of  the  MICROWORLDS  

How do I kill Thee?   Let me count the Ways!   (# 27)  click here for full list

Medusamyces lunulosporus: This is an uncommon endoparasite of rotifers that has only been observed on two occasions.   We were not able to initiate a disease cycle by infecting our laboratory strain of  bdelloid rotifer with conidia from culture and considered it was probably  host specific.  At this time we have no idea how the fungus attacks a rotifer and how the disease progresses inside the host.   Its unusual fruiting structures were of  unique appearance and molecular studies will hopefully place this fungus with more confidence where it properly belongs.  In the meantime it is placed in its own genus, Medusamyces,  until such time arrives for a better fit. For further information on this species see Barron and Szijarto, 1990.  Mycologia 82:132-137.