Black fungus

Descriptive term for a group of fungi that have an intrinsic colour from black to brown (Dematiaceae). To this belong in particular also molds. Known, through different pathogens caused illnesses, are:

• the black Piedra
• the chromomycosis and
• the pheohyphomycosis
• the maduramycosis.

Mushrooms, among others. Phaeohyphomycetes are involved in metabolic and degradation processes in nature. They usually enter the organism via splinter injuries caused by plant materials (thorns, wood splinters). The colour of the fungi is caused by melanin, which is embedded in the cell walls of the fungi. Melanin also plays an important role in the persistence of the fungus in the tissue by protecting the fungus from phagocytosis and killing by defence cells.

Clinically it can be

• superficial mycoses limited only to the stratum corneum of the skin (Tinea nigra)
• subcutaneous phaeohyphomycoses
• deep phaeohyphomycoses

distinguish between them. Deep phaeohyphomycoses include so-called mycetomas, which can cause granulomatous infiltrates in skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue as well as in bone, less frequently in the CNS. The moulds Cladosporium, Alternaria and Exophiala can also cause such granulomatous infections.