Exploring virulence attributes in non-<i>Cryptococcus</i> Tremellomycetes

This study evaluated the virulence traits of non-Cryptococcus Tremellomycetes Papiliotrema flavescens (n = 5), Naganishia diffluens (n = 6), N. randhawae (n = 1), and Filobasidium magnum (n = 2). Virulence traits analyzed included capsule formation, melanin production, urease and phospholipase activity, hemolysin production, biofilm formation, and UV resistance. All yeasts produced capsule; melanin was detected in 78.6%, urease in 92.9%, and phospholipase in 85.7%; 42.9% were weak biofilm producers, and 33.3% survived UV exposure. These findings highlight that the fungi evaluated exhibit virulence attributes, underscoring the need for further research, including in vivo studies and genetic analyses, to clarify their pathogenic potential.