A blastospore is an asexual reproductive spore produced by budding, commonly found in fungi within the division Glomeromycota. The word blastospore is derived from the Greek blastós ('sprout', 'bud', or 'germ') and sporá ('spore').
In Candida albicans
Candida albicans, a well-known example of a fungus that forms blastospores, is an opportunistic pathogen in humans. It typically resides harmlessly in the skin, mouth, and gut, but can cause infections when the
immune system is
Immunodeficiency.
This species is capable of producing both blastospores and
, allowing it to adapt to varying environmental conditions. The ability of
C. albicans to form
, particularly on
, presents considerable challenges in clinical settings. Biofilms are structured communities of fungi, predominantly made up of blastospores and
, which adhere to surfaces and demonstrate increased resistance to
antifungal treatments compared to
biofilm cells.
The cell wall of Candida albicans blastospores consists of multiple layers, each contributing to the spore's structural integrity. These layers are composed of various polysaccharides, which are needed for the spore's ability to survive in different environments.
Other fungi
Beyond
Candida albicans, other fungi also utilise blastospore formation as a reproductive strategy. The entomopathogenic (insect-disease causing)
Beauveria bassiana produces blastospores as part of its life cycle. These spores are vital for the fungus's survival and pathogenicity, especially under nutrient-limited conditions.
The endogenous reserves within these spores, such as
and
carbohydrates, influence their viability and ability to
germination and infect host organisms.
Other examples of fungi that reproduce asexually using blastospores include yeasts in the genus
Candida (which now includes many species formerly classified as
Torulopsis),
Kloeckera species (the anamorph form of
Hanseniaspora), and the asexual fungi
Cladosporium,
Geotrichum, and
Monilinia.
