Melanin: Quantification and protection against oxidative stress in chromoblastomycosis agents
Heidrich, D.; Corbellini, V.A.; Mendes, S.D.C.; Fernandes, E.K.; Lazzarotto, L.íc.; Ribeiro, A.C.; Zanette, R.ég.A.; Scroferneker, M.L.úc.
Medical Mycology 57(2): 260-263
2019
ISSN/ISBN: 1460-2709 PMID: 29669009 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy013
Accession: 065308186
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic cutaneous and subcutaneous infection caused by melanized fungal species. We quantified the extractable melanin of 77 strains of CBM agents distributed within five genera. Moreover, resistance to oxidative stress was evaluated in strains exposed or not to the melanin inhibitor tricyclazole. The median percentage of melanin mass extracted from dry fungal mass varied from 0.69 (Rhinocladiella similis) to 3.81 (Phialophora americana). Inhibition of melanin synthesis decreased survival rates to hydrogen peroxide. Together, these data highlight the importance of melanin in CBM agents.