EXOPHIALA-JEANSELMEI, A PATHOGEN OF EARTHWORM SPECIES

Exophiala jeanselmei, an opportunistic human pathogen causing phaeohyphomycosis, was isolated from a naturally infected late embryonic stage of the earthworm Octolasian tyrtaeum, and from the cocoon albumen of Eisenia foetida. Application of E. jeanselmei to cocoons of six earthworm species resulted in infection of albumen and re-isolation of the fungus. This is the first report of this dematiaceous hyphomycete as a pathogen of Annelida, which are widespread in distribution.