Trichosporon beigelii

Trichosporon beigelii is a species of yeast that belongs to the genus Trichosporon. It is a pathogenic yeast that can cause a variety of infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Taxonomy

The genus Trichosporon was first described by Heinrich Anton de Bary in 1866. The species Trichosporon beigelii was named after the German dermatologist Adolf Beigel, who first isolated the yeast from human skin.

Morphology

Trichosporon beigelii is a basidiomycete yeast, meaning it reproduces sexually through the formation of basidiospores. It is also capable of asexual reproduction through budding. The yeast cells are typically oval or round in shape, and can form pseudohyphae under certain conditions.

Pathogenicity

Trichosporon beigelii is an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it can cause disease in individuals with weakened immune systems. It can cause a variety of infections, including pulmonary infection, urinary tract infection, and fungemia. It is also the most common cause of white piedra, a superficial fungal infection of the hair shaft.

Treatment

Treatment of Trichosporon beigelii infections typically involves the use of antifungal medications, such as amphotericin B, fluconazole, and voriconazole. However, the yeast can be resistant to some antifungal drugs, making treatment challenging in some cases.

See also

• Trichosporon asahii
• Trichosporon cutaneum
• Trichosporon inkin
• Trichosporon mucoides