Phonetic: Trick-oh-spore-un

Trichosporon is a yeast found in soils, water, vegetables, and is also a common colonizer of the human skin, gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. It has also been isolated from mammals, birds, garden compost, sewage sludge, sand, and mud. This genus is known to cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (type III allergen). The species T. beigelii (= T. cutaneum) is the causative agent of white piedra (infection of the hair shafts) and onychomycosis (infection of the nails). This species may colonize or cause disseminated infections in immunocompromised hosts, called trichosporonosis. This is the only species known to cause deep or disseminated trichosporonosis in humans. Trichosporon colonies are rapid growing and yeast-like; being slimy-smooth to wrinkled in time, and are white to yellowish to deep cream in color. (A_w-0.91). Culture – Sabauroud’s dextrose agar, Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° – 25°C, 7 – 10 days.