Exophiala
Exophiala
Exophiala (pronunciation: ex-o-phy-a-la) is a genus of fungi that belongs to the family Herpotrichiellaceae. It is known for its black yeast-like appearance and is often associated with human and animal diseases.
Etymology
The term "Exophiala" is derived from the Greek words "exo", meaning outside, and "phiala", meaning vial. This refers to the characteristic of the fungi to produce conidia (spores) on the outside of the vial-shaped phialides.
Description
Exophiala species are typically black or dark brown in color due to the presence of melanin in their cell walls. They are found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and decaying plant material. Some species are also known to colonize human and animal tissues, causing a range of diseases collectively known as Phaeohyphomycosis.
Diseases
Exophiala species are opportunistic pathogens and can cause a variety of diseases in humans and animals. These include:
- Cutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis: A skin infection caused by Exophiala species.
- Systemic Phaeohyphomycosis: A systemic infection that can affect multiple organs.
- Eumycetoma: A chronic granulomatous fungal infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
Treatment
Treatment of Exophiala infections typically involves antifungal medications, such as Amphotericin B, Itraconazole, and Voriconazole. Surgical removal of infected tissue may also be necessary in some cases.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Exophiala
- Wikipedia's article - Exophiala
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