Fusarium

A genus of rapidly growing fungi producing characteristic sickle-shaped, multiseptate macroconidia which can be mistaken for those produced by some dermatophytes. Usually saprobic, a few species such as F. oxysporum, F. solani, and F. moniliforme can produce corneal ulcers; some species may cause disseminated infection. [L. fusus, spindle]

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fu·sar·i·um fyü-'zer-ē-əm n

1) cap a genus of ascomycetous fungi (family Tuberculariaceae) including important plant pathogens, agents (as F. solani and F. oxysporum) of infectious conditions in humans and domestic animals, and mycotoxin-producing forms (as F. moniliforme and F. proliferaturm) that contaminate agricultural products (as grain)

2) pl -ia -eə any fungus of the genus Fusarium

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Fu·sar·i·um (fu-sarґe-əm) a genus of Fungi Imperfecti of the form-class Hyphomycetes, form-family Moniliaceae (sometimes classified in the small form-family Tuberculariaceae). Perfect stages of many species are included in the order Hypocreales. Some species are important pathogens of plants, and some cause opportunistic infections in animals. Certain species produce trichothecene mycotoxins, and others have been isolated from otomycosis and keratomycosis. See also fusariotoxicosis.