L-Dihydroxyphenylalanine induces melanin production by members of the genus Trichosporon.

Melanization of members of the genus Trichosporon is poorly described. In this study, six strains, including two clinical isolates, from four different species (Trichosporon asahii, T. asteroides, T. inkin, and T. mucoides) were grown in culture media with or without L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). Each strain produced a brownish pigment compatible with melanin when cultured in presence of L-DOPA, suggesting that these species are able to produce eumelanin. L-tyrosine was not able to elicit any type of pigment production on cultures. As eumelanin is produced by several fungi during parasitism, this pigment may contribute to Trichosporon virulence.