​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - White Piedra ( Trichosporon asahii)

​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - White Piedra ( Trichosporon asahii) 
White Piedra is a fungal infection that affects the hair shafts, causing the formation of white or light-colored nodules.
White piedra is a fungal infection that affects the scalp, mustache, beard, or pubic hair. It is caused by the Trichosporon asahii fungus (formerly known as T beigelii). Black piedra is a scalp hair infection caused by the fungus Piedraia hortae.
White and black piedra can be transmitted through infected hairs on combs or hairbrushes that are shared. White and black piedra are prevalent among young adults residing in tropical regions.

White piedra is distinguished by the presence of pale-colored, pliable nodules on the hair shaft. Black piedra is distinguished by the presence of firm, brown to black nodules that are firmly linked to the hair shaft. T asahii has the potential to cause disseminated trichosporonosis, particularly in individuals who have low levels of neutrophils and impaired immune systems.

Both white and black piedra do not trigger an immunological response in the host, and there are no recognized variables that contribute to their pathogenicity.Microscopic analysis of hairs in a KOH preparation shows the presence of white to light brown nodules with septate hyphae on the hair shaft, indicating white piedra. Alternatively, dark pigmented nodules containing dark septate hyphae on the hair shaft indicate black piedra.

Piedra is managed with depilation of the affected hairs together with maintaining proper personal cleanliness.
Prophylaxis