FIG 5.

(A and B) The life cycle of Conidiobolus species starting with the development of a sporangiophore from hyphae (A) and the ejection of multireplicative primary conidia at the top of sporangiophores (B) (Fig. 2). (C and D) The primary conidia could replicate into secondary conidia that could also attach to passing hosts (C) or directly attach to the skin of humans (including the villose conidia of C. coronatus) (D). Clinical samples can be cultured, leading to the development of hyphae and sporangiophores (long arrow). (E to H) In nature and in culture, the primary conidia could form coenocytic filaments, which, after the interchange of genetic material, could lead to the formation of sexual zygospores, and the cycle starts all over again.