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Review
. 2025 Mar;39(1):75-92.
doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2024.11.006. Epub 2024 Dec 18.

Dematiaceous Molds

Lucy X Li  1 , Hyunah Yoon  2
Affiliations
Review

Dematiaceous Molds

Lucy X Li et al. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2025 Mar.

Abstract

Dematiaceous molds are darkly pigmented environmental molds found worldwide, especially prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Common genera include Bipolaris, Cladophialophora, Exophiala, and Alternaria. They cause disease in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, presenting as cutaneous infections, allergic sinusitis, pneumonia, and, rarely, disseminated infections. Contaminated medical products have also led to fungal meningitis outbreaks. Treatment typically involves itraconazole, voriconazole, or posaconazole, along with source control and reduction in immunosuppression, if possible. Newer antifungals may have a role in treatment. Mortality is high in disseminated disease, especially with Lomentospora prolificans in immunocompromised individuals, prompting global efforts to improve diagnostics and treatments.

Keywords: Chromoblastomycosis; Dematiaceous molds; Emerging molds; Eumycetoma; Fungal meningitis; Opportunistic infections; Phaeohyphomycosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose.

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