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A Detailed Protocol for Characterizing the Murine C1498 Cell Line and its Associated Leukemia Mouse Model
Published on: October 14, 2016
An atypical, pigment-producing Metschnikowia strain from a leukaemia patient
Vincenzo Savini1, Marijke Hendrickx, Maurizio Sisti
1Clinical Microbiology and Virology, Spirito Santo Hospital, Pescara, PE, Italy. vincenzo_savini@libero.it
Abstract:
A yeast strain was isolated from the sputum sample of a leukaemia patient in the Spirito Santo Hospital of Pescara, Italy. The fungus produced a pigment that formed a reddish halo around colonies, and was identified and deposited as a Metschnikowia spp. (accession number IHEM 25107-GenBank accession number JQ921016) in the BCCM/IHEM collection of biomedical fungi and yeasts (Bruxelles, Belgium). Although the physiology of the strain was close to that of Metschnikowia sinensis, the D1/D2 sequence did not correspond to any previously described Metschnikowia species. Phylogeny of the genus Metschnikowia is complex and requires far more analysis. We present the first non-M. pulcherrima Metschnikowia spp. isolate recovered from a human, and emphasize the role of man as a transient carrier of environmental yeasts, the pathogenicity of which still needs to be defined.
Insights
A novel yeast strain, Metschnikowia spp., was identified in a leukemia patient
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Yeast infections can pose risks to immunocompromised individuals, such as leukemia patients.
- The genus Metschnikowia is known for its complex phylogeny and diverse ecological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a yeast strain isolated from a leukemia patient's sputum.
- To investigate the phylogenetic placement of this novel yeast within the Metschnikowia genus.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of yeast from sputum samples.
- Biochemical characterization and pigment analysis.
- Molecular identification using D1/D2 gene sequencing.
- Phylogenetic analysis of the genus Metschnikowia.
Main Results:
- A Metschnikowia spp. strain was isolated from a leukemia patient in Italy.
- The yeast produced a characteristic reddish pigment around colonies.
- Physiological characteristics were similar to Metschnikowia sinensis, but D1/D2 sequencing indicated a novel species.
- This represents the first human isolate of non-M. pulcherrima Metschnikowia spp.
Conclusions:
- The study reports a novel Metschnikowia spp. isolated from a human clinical sample.
- It highlights the potential for environmental yeasts to be transiently carried by humans.
- Further research is needed to define the pathogenicity and clinical significance of this yeast species.
