Talaromyces

Talaromyces marneffei is a dimorphic fungus, formerly classified as Penicillium marneffei, that causes the serious systemic infection talaromycosis, occurring almost exclusively in people with significantly weakened immune systems, such as those with advanced HIV infection. It is endemic to parts of Southeast Asia and southern China, where it is associated with exposure to bamboo rats and their burrows, and infection can spread through the bloodstream to affect the skin, lungs and other organs if untreated.