label: Phaeohyphomycosis
label_lc: phaeohyphomycosis
description: Phaeohyphomycosis refers to infections due to a large group of heterogenous organisms called dematiaceous or melanized fungi. These fungi are distinguished by the predominance of melanin in their cell walls, which likely acts as a virulence factor. Virtually, everyone is exposed to dematiaceous fungi through inhalation, as they are ubiquitous in the environment, although the development of infection is extremely uncommon.