Oxford University Press, FEMS Yeast Research, 6(14), p. 988-991, 2014
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Melanization of members of the genus Trichosporon is poorly described. In the present study six strains, including two clinical isolates, from four different species (T. asahii, T. asteroides, T. inkin, and T. mucoides) were grown in culture media with or without L-dihydroxyphenilalanine (L-DOPA). Each strain produced a brownish pigment compatible with melanin when cultured in presence of L-DOPA, suggesting that these species are able to produce eumelanin. L-tyrosine was not able to elicit any type of pigment production on cultures. Since eumelanin is produced by several fungi during parasitism, this pigment may contribute to Trichosporon virulence. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.