Exophiala

Exophiala is a genus of fungi that belongs to the family Herpotrichiellaceae. This genus is known for its black yeast-like fungi, which are commonly found in the environment, particularly in wet or damp areas. Some species of Exophiala are pathogenic to humans and can cause a variety of diseases, collectively known as phaeohyphomycosis.

Characteristics

Exophiala species are characterized by their darkly pigmented, yeast-like cells. They reproduce asexually through the production of conidia, which are borne on elongated, often branched conidiophores. The conidia are typically dark in color and have a smooth or slightly roughened surface.

Habitat and Ecology

Exophiala species are ubiquitous in the environment. They are commonly found in wet or damp areas, such as bathrooms, saunas, and swimming pools. They can also be found in soil, plant debris, and even in the mucus of healthy individuals.

Pathogenicity

Some species of Exophiala, such as Exophiala dermatitidis and Exophiala jeanselmei, are pathogenic to humans. They can cause a variety of diseases, collectively known as phaeohyphomycosis. These diseases can range from mild skin infections to severe systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Exophiala infections is typically made through the identification of the characteristic darkly pigmented yeast-like cells in clinical specimens. Treatment usually involves the use of antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or amphotericin B. However, Exophiala infections can be difficult to treat due to the inherent resistance of these fungi to many antifungal drugs.

See Also

• Black yeast
• Phaeohyphomycosis
• Fungal infection