Black Yeasts: The Dark Side of Microfungi
Black yeasts, also known as black fungi, comprise a diverse group of microfungi with various species. Within this group, there is a common umbrella term for the infections they cause: phaeohyphomycosis. Unfortunately, these infections are typically fatal in humans, often accompanied by symptoms such as swelling, eye infections, and lesions.
What sets black yeasts apart is their remarkable resistance to environmental stresses. Certain species, such as Piedraia hortae or Hortaea werneckii, possess the exceptional ability to thrive in extreme locations where most other fungi would struggle, including sea-side rocks and regions with high salinity levels.
Scedosporium: The Emerging Opportunistic Pathogen
For a long time, the prevalence of Scedosporium genus of fungi and associated infections was considered to be uncommon. However, recent studies have shown that Scedosporium is actually much more widespread and is now recognized as an emerging opportunistic pathogen. Among the various species, S. apiospermum is the most well-known, and it predominantly thrives in water environments. Infection with this fungus commonly occurs following near-drowning incidents, where individuals inhale or ingest contaminated water. Scedosporium infections exhibit a wide range of variability, affecting different body parts and causing an array of symptoms.