S2.5c Exophiala spp.

S2.5 RARE YEASTS, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: : The black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis is an opportunistic pathogen, causing phaeohyphomycosis in immunosuppressed patients, chromoblastomycosis, and fatal infections of the central nervous system in otherwise healthy Asian patients. In addition, it is also regularly isolated from respiratory samples from cystic fibrosis patients, with rates varying between 1% and 19%. Melanin, as part of the cell wall of black yeasts, is one major factor known to contribute to the pathogenicity of E. dermatitidis and increased resistance against host defense and anti-infective therapeutics. Further virulence factors, e.g., the capability to adhere to surfaces and to form biofilm were reported.