P. brasiliensis is a slow-growing mold, when cultured at 25-30ºC that produces a white to tan surface and a variable texture that may be leathery, velvety, or glabrous. Microscopically, the cultured mold reveals septate, hyaline hyphae with terminal and intercalary chlamydospores, and infrequent pear-shaped microconidia arranged along the hyphae. The definitive identification requires the conversion of the mold form to the yeast form.
P. brasiliensis is found in the rainforests of Central and South America. Infection can occur by either inhalation or direct inoculation during penetrating injury.
The image to the right shows a slant culture of P. brasiliensis.
Image courtesy of the CDC.
