Trichosporonaceae

Trichosporonaceae is a family of yeast-like fungi in the phylum Basidiomycota, order Trichosporales, class Tremellomycetes. The type genus is Trichosporon. The family comprises several genera, with Trichosporon as the core group, and includes related genera such as Apiotrichum and Cutaneotrichosporon, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revisions based on molecular data.

Members of Trichosporonaceae are primarily yeast-like organisms that can form blastoconidia and arthroconidia, and some species produce pseudohyphae or, less commonly, true hyphae. They are saprophytic or commensal, widespread in soil, water, plant matter, and they are common residents of human skin and mucosal surfaces. Morphology and growth characteristics can vary among genera and species, and identification often relies on molecular methods in addition to standard culture.

Clinical relevance is notable, as several species are opportunistic human pathogens. Trichosporon asahii is the best known cause of trichosporonosis and can lead to superficial infections such as white piedra or more severe disseminated infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Treatment responses vary by species, but echinocandins are generally ineffective, whereas azoles (for example voriconazole) and amphotericin B are used, with outcomes dependent on host status and infection site.

Taxonomically, the Trichosporonaceae occupy a position within Tremellomycetes, and advances in DNA sequencing have driven revisions of genus boundaries and species concepts. Accurate identification often requires molecular data and well-curated reference databases.