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Genetic variability among Blastoschizomyces capitatus isolates from different clinical sources
E Pontieri1, C Caracciolo, T Ceddia
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of L'Aquila, Italy. eugenio.pontieri@univaq.it
International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
|September 17, 2005
Summary
Genetic analysis of Blastoschizomyces capitatus revealed significant variability, identifying two distinct genetic groups. This genetic diversity was further supported by assimilation tests, with limited secretory aspartyl proteinase (Sap) activity observed.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Microbial Genetics
Background:
- Blastoschizomyces capitatus is an emerging fungal pathogen.
- Understanding its genetic diversity is crucial for effective clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically characterize clinical and reference strains of Blastoschizomyces capitatus.
- To investigate the correlation between genetic groups, substrate assimilation, and enzyme secretion.
Main Methods:
- Restriction Endonuclease Analysis (REA) using HpaII and HinfI enzymes.
- Electrophoretic Karyotyping (EK).
- Assimilations tests for cellobiose, arbutin, and salicin.
- Secretory aspartyl proteinase (Sap) activity assays.
Main Results:
- REA identified two distinct genetic groups (I and II) comprising 17 (68%) and 8 (32%) isolates, respectively.
- EK analysis revealed sixteen distinct karyotypic groups, indicating high genetic heterogeneity.
- Substrate assimilation patterns correlated with the REA-defined genetic groups.
- Secretory aspartyl proteinase (Sap) activity was detected in only three isolates, suggesting a limited role in pathogenesis for most strains.
Conclusions:
- Blastoschizomyces capitatus exhibits significant genetic variability, with evidence supporting at least two distinct genetic lineages.
- Substrate assimilation profiles can aid in differentiating these genetic groups.
- Secretory aspartyl proteinase (Sap) is unlikely to be a major virulence factor for most Blastoschizomyces capitatus isolates.