Abstract
A description is provided for Phaeococcomyces exophialae. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. DISEASE: Human phaeohyphomycosis (mycoses), subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, and corneal ulcers; black yeast cells can be found in host tissues. Rock-inhabiting strains of the fungus also cause destruction of archaeological and museum marble, and colour change in marble. HOSTS: Alnus glutinosa, Homo sapiens. Plant material (e.g., straw). Marble and calcareous rock. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: AFRICA: Mali. SOUTH AMERICA: Ecuador, Uruguay. EUROPE: Great Britain, Ukraine. TRANSMISSION: In cases of human disease, traumatic inoculation or presumably by air-borne dissemination of conidia.