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Phylogeography of the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum

Takao Kasuga1, Thomas J White, Gina Koenig

  • 1Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, 321 Koshland Hall, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. kasugat@uclink.berkeley.edu

Molecular Ecology
|November 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Phylogenetic analysis reveals Histoplasma capsulatum has at least eight distinct clades, challenging traditional variety classifications. This suggests genetically distinct geographical populations, not varieties, represent the true species diversity.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Population Genetics

Background:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum traditionally classified into three varieties: var. capsulatum (New World), var. duboisii (African), and var. farciminosum (Old World).
  • These varieties were distinguished by clinical manifestations and geographical distribution, suggesting distinct evolutionary paths.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phylogenetic relationships among the three recognized varieties of Histoplasma capsulatum.
  • To determine if the traditional variety classification accurately reflects the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of the species.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of 137 individuals from six continents.
  • DNA sequence variation analysis of four independent protein-coding genes.

Main Results:

  • Identification of at least eight distinct clades, including North American, Latin American, Australian, Eurasian, and African groups.
  • Seven clades represent genetically isolated phylogenetic species, with the Eurasian clade originating from Latin American group A.
  • Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum found in all clades; var. duboisii exclusively in the African clade; var. farciminosum distributed across three clades.
  • Phylogenetic analysis suggests Histoplasma radiation began 3-13 million years ago in Latin America.

Conclusions:

  • The traditional three-variety classification of Histoplasma capsulatum is phylogenetically meaningless.
  • Genetically distinct geographical populations or phylogenetic species better represent the species' diversity.
  • The evolutionary history suggests a Latin American origin and subsequent radiation of Histoplasma.

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