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Clonality and recombination in genetically differentiated subgroups of Cryptococcus gattii
Leona T Campbell1, Bart J Currie, Mark Krockenberger
1School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
Eukaryotic Cell
|August 10, 2005
Summary
Cryptococcus gattii genotypes show distinct population structures. The VGI genotype propagates clonally, while the VGII genotype appears to undergo recombination and may spread via sexual spores.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Population Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcus gattii causes cryptococcosis, a serious infection in humans and animals.
- While Eucalyptus trees are linked to C. gattii, its highest prevalence is in regions where implicated eucalypts are not endemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the population structure of Cryptococcus gattii from distinct Australian and Papua New Guinean clinical and veterinary populations.
- To understand the genetic diversity and reproductive strategies of different C. gattii genotypes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of population structure of three geographically distinct C. gattii populations.
- Comparison of genetic differentiation and evidence of recombination between genotypes.
Main Results:
- The VGI genotype populations were strongly clonal and highly differentiated.
- Two VGII genotype populations showed evidence of recombination and reduced genetic differentiation between remote regions.
- VGII isolates were significantly more fertile than VGI isolates.
Conclusions:
- The VGI genotype likely propagates clonally on Eucalyptus and an unknown substrate in Papua New Guinea.
- The VGII genotype may complete its life cycle through sexual reproduction and dispersal via basidiospores, potentially initiating respiratory infections.
- Different genotypes of C. gattii exhibit distinct population dynamics and reproductive strategies, influencing their epidemiology and spread.