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Schizophyllum commune

Summary

Schizophyllum commune, commonly known as the split-gill mushroom, is a fungus that grows on wood and was historically considered just a common environmental organism. However, scientists discovered in 1950 that this mushroom could actually infect human tissue, causing conditions like nail infections. This discovery was surprising because mushrooms were not previously known to infect living animals. Today, researchers recognize it as an emerging fungal pathogen that can pose health risks to humans.

Background

Schizophyllum commune, commonly known as split-gill mushroom, is an environmental wood-rotting basidiomycetous fungus that was formally named by Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries in 1815. The fungus was isolated in 1950 from a case of onychomycosis, though this was initially dismissed as improbable since mushrooms were not known to invade animal tissue.

Objective

To describe and document Schizophyllum commune as an emerging fungal pathogen, including its taxonomic history, morphological characteristics, and clinical significance.

Results

Schizophyllum commune is characterized by the presence of clamp connections, hyphal spicules, and formation of basidiocarps with basidiospores. The organism demonstrates remarkable sexual compatibility with over 2,800 compatible mates and has been recognized as an emerging fungal pathogen capable of human infection.

Conclusion

Schizophyllum commune represents an important emerging infectious fungal pathogen that warrants recognition as an agent of human disease, despite initial skepticism about mushroom pathogenicity.
  • Published in:Emerging Infectious Diseases,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3201/eid2803.211051, PMCID: PMC8888233
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