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Morphologic and phylogenetic characterization of Conidiobolus lamprauges recovered from infected sheep
Raquel Vilela1, Silvana M S Silva, Franklin Riet-Correa
1Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, Michigan State University, 322 North Kedzie Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1031, USA.
Abstract:
Conidiobolus lamprauges, a soil and plant entomophthoralean fungus, has been reported only in a horse and, more recently, in sheep with rhinopharyngeal entomophthoramycosis. Thus, little information is available to enable proper identification of this pathogen and its differentiation from other saprotrophic and pathogenic Conidiobolus species. Using classical mycological tools and molecular methodologies, we report for the first time the taxonomic and phylogenetic description of three C. lamprauges isolates recovered from sheep with rhinopharyngeal entomophthoramycosis. The distinctive clinical and pathological features of C. lamprauges are compared with those of other Conidiobolus spp. affecting sheep, as well as with those of the stramenopilan ovine agent Pythium insidiosum. The comparative morphological attributes of Conidiobolus spp. are also diagramed; along with the sequence data generated, they should assist laboratories in the identification of these uncommon species.
Insights
This study provides the first detailed taxonomic and phylogenetic description of Conidiobolus lamprauges, a fungus causing sheep rhinopharyngeal entomophthoramycosis. This research aids in differentiating this pathogen from other Conidiobolus species.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Conidiobolus lamprauges, an entomophthoralean fungus, is rarely reported, primarily in horses and sheep with rhinopharyngeal entomophthoramycosis.
- Limited information exists for accurate identification and differentiation of C. lamprauges from related species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first taxonomic and phylogenetic description of Conidiobolus lamprauges isolates from sheep.
- To compare clinical and pathological features of C. lamprauges with other Conidiobolus species and Pythium insidiosum in sheep.
- To aid laboratories in identifying uncommon Conidiobolus species.
Main Methods:
- Classical mycological techniques for fungal isolation and characterization.
- Molecular methodologies including DNA sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
- Comparative morphological analysis of Conidiobolus species.
Main Results:
- Detailed taxonomic and phylogenetic description of three C. lamprauges isolates from sheep.
- Comparative analysis of clinical and pathological presentations.
- Diagrammatic representation of morphological attributes for Conidiobolus spp.
Conclusions:
- This study establishes a foundation for identifying C. lamprauges in veterinary diagnostics.
- Generated sequence data and morphological comparisons facilitate differentiation from other pathogens.
- Contributes to understanding entomophthoramycosis in sheep.
