[1] Reproduction is asexual by release of the spores from the sporangia, which can occur every 5–6 hours in ideal conditions.

P. wickerhamii can cause opportunistic infections, commonly in individuals with a suppressed immune system due to disease or medication.

Infection usually results by direct traumatic inoculation[1][full citation needed] and most commonly presents as nodules of the skin.

The organism incites a chronic granulomatous inflammation with infiltrate of histiocytes, lymphocytes, giant cells and occasional eosinophils.

Differential diagnosis: Protothecal sporangia may be confused with Coccidioides immitis, which are much larger There is currently no standardized for infection with P. wickerhamii.