Exophiala xenobiotica sp. nov., an opportunistic black yeast inhabiting environments rich in hydrocarbons

Abstract

A new black yeast species, Exophiala xenobiotica, is described, a segregant of the Exophiala jeanselmei complex. It is morphologically very similar to E. jeanselmei, though with less melanized conidiogenous cells, but deviates unambiguously on the basis of molecular phylogeny. The species is a relatively common agent of cutaneous infections in humans, whereas E. jeanselmei is associated with subcutaneous infections. Environmental strains of E. xenobiotica are frequently found in habitats rich in monoaromatic hydrocarbons and alkanes.