Update on the genus Trichosporon

Abstract

Trichosporon spp. are widely distributed in nature and can occasionally belong to the human microbiota. For many years, the unique species of the genus, Trichosporon beigelli, was only known as an environmental and saprophytic fungus occasionally found as the etiological agent of white piedra. However, case reports of invasive trichosporonosis have been frequently published and the genus is currently considered the second most common agent of yeasts disseminated infections. Based on molecular analysis, the taxon T. beigelli was replaced by several species and the taxonomy of the genus was progressively modified. Despite the reported increase of Trichosporon infections refractory to conventional antifungal drugs, there are only a few studies investigating in vitro susceptibility of Trichosporon spp. to new compounds. Difficulties on different species identification as well as the lack of standardized sensitivity tests in vitro, contribute to the limited information available on epidemiology, diagnosis and therapeutics of trichosporonosis.