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Nannizziopsis vreisii is a species of fungus classified under the family Onygenaceae which includes both dematophytes and saprophytic species. The ecology of N. verissi is not well known, but several studies have demonstrated that the chrysosporium anamorph of N. vriesii is shown to cause skin lesions in reptiles. This species can be identified by looking for characteristics such as white ascomata, and hyaline and globose ascopores. Like many other fungi, N. vreisii has a sexual and asexual state, and the asexual state are named under Chyrososporium, Malbranchea or Sporendonema.

Taxonomy and Naming
N. vreiisi was first described under the genus Rollandina, which was put forward by Patouillard. In 1905, Patouillard identified organisms as belonging to the genus if they had fungal features such as branched hyphae with septa and hyaline spores. Changes to the criteria for being classified under Rollandina were made as researchers such as R. K Benjamin and Apinis further studied species under this genus. Apinis placed Rollandina vreissi under Rollanda because of the characteristics of the hyphae found in Patouillard's collection. The genus Nannizziopsis was first believed to be a synonym of Arachnotheca, but upon further examination, enough distinguishing features were observed between species of Nannizziopsis and Arachnotheca to make them unique. Currah also placed Rollandina vriesii in the family Onygenaceae because it was observed to have the ability to degrade keratin and has punctate ascopore walls.

In Culture
N. vriesii produces dense colonies that can reach a diameter of 25-30 mm in 14 days. The culture appears to be white and powdery and the reverse side is observed to be yellowish in colour. Isolates are shown to have strong urease activity and are mesophylic; displaying optimum growth at 30°C. Furthermore, growth of N. vreisii is inhibited at temperatures below 20°C and at temperatures above 37 °C. N. vriesii also do not require the vitamins thiamine or inositol for growth.

Morphology
N. vriesii have asperulate peridial hyphae with septal constrictions. Similarly to other species under Ascomota, N. vriesii has a sexual structure, called an ascus where ascospores are made. The lens shaped ascopores are brown in color and range in size from 2-3 μm. The white globose ascomota of N. vriesii are 1 mm in diameter and may also be yellowish in colour. Like other members in the family onygenacae, N. vriesii produce rhexolytically descing conidia. The condia are either teardrop shaped or club-shaped, and form directly on the sides of the hyphae.

Pathogenicity in Reptiles
Several studies have shown that the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) causes dermatitis and cellulitis in reptiles. Skin lesions as well as poor nutrition make retiles more prone to infection and once the skin is infected, it can potentially transition into a condition called fatal yellow fungus disease. Unlike other fungi, which infect reptiles, infections with N. vreisii are contagious and often fatal if not treated. Treatment with thiabendazole or ketoconazole is suggested when infection becomes systemic. . Other suggested treated for infection is long-term treatment of itaconazole combined with removal of infected skin regions. In an experiment conducted by Paré et al. (1997) CANV was isolated from the skin of chameleons and lesions improved with treatment of itaconazole. In another experiment conducted by Toplon D.E. (2012), CANV was isolated from the skin lesions of geckos. A review by Johnson, Sangster, Hambleton, & Paré (2011) examined case reports of coastal bearded dragons infected with N. vreissi. Common characteristics that were observed among the bearded dragons were nodular lesions and crusty material that could be extracted from the skin. Unfortunately treatments that were administered to the bearded dragons in hope of getting rid of the infection were ineffective. In one particular case, a bearded dragon had deep necrotic dermatitis in the mouth region and was given ophthalmic antibiotic ointment to treat it. Triamcinolone acetonide, neomycin, thiostrepton, nystatin ointment were also applied to help treat the affected region. Improvements were observed at first, but the infected region became swollen and red and apprearance after some time. The state of the bearded dragon worsened and was eventually euthanized.