From the Research
Trichosporon asahii is not typically considered a normal commensal in healthy individuals. This yeast-like fungus is occasionally found on human skin and in the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, but it is not a regular part of the normal human microbiota in most people [ 1 ]. T. asahii is more commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil and water. While it may transiently colonize some individuals without causing symptoms, it is primarily known as an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections (trichosporonosis) in immunocompromised patients, such as those with hematological malignancies, neutropenia, or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy [ 2, 3 ].
The organism can cause superficial infections like white piedra (a hair infection) in healthy people, but systemic infections are rare without underlying immune dysfunction [ 4 ]. The ability of T. asahii to cause disease relates to its capacity to form biofilms and produce enzymes that help it invade tissues when immune defenses are compromised [ 1 ]. Some key points to consider about T. asahii include:
- It is an opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals [ 2 ]
- It can cause a range of infections, from superficial to systemic [ 3 ]
- Voriconazole is often considered the first-line treatment for T. asahii infections [ 4, 3 ]
- The development of drug resistance is a significant concern [ 1 ]
Overall, while T. asahii may be found in healthy individuals, it is not considered a normal commensal and is more commonly associated with opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients [ 1 ].