Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure
Published on: May 27, 2022
Association of Streptomyces community composition determined by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis with
Elisabet Johansson1, Tiina Reponen, Jarek Meller
1Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, P.O. Box 670056, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0056, USA, Hanna.Johansson@cchmc.org.
Abstract:
Both Streptomyces species and mold species have previously been isolated from moisture-damaged building materials; however, an association between these two groups of microorganisms in indoor environments is not clear. In this study, we used a culture-independent method, PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), to investigate the composition of the Streptomyces community in house dust. Twenty-three dust samples each from two sets of homes categorized as high-mold and low-mold based on mold-specific quantitative PCR analysis were used in the study. Taxonomic identification of prominent bands was performed by cloning and sequencing. Associations between DGGE amplicon band intensities and home mold status were assessed using univariate analyses as well as multivariate recursive partitioning (decision trees) to test the predictive value of combinations of bands intensities. In the final classification tree, a combination of two bands was significantly associated with mold status of the home (p = 0.001). The sequence corresponding to one of the bands in the final decision tree matched a group of Streptomyces species that included Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces sampsonii, both of which have been isolated from moisture-damaged buildings previously. The closest match for the majority of sequences corresponding to a second band consisted of a group of Streptomyces species that included Streptomyces hygroscopicus, an important producer of antibiotics and immunosuppressors. Taken together, the study showed that DGGE can be a useful tool for identifying bacterial species that may be more prevalent in mold-damaged buildings.
Insights
This study used PCR-DGGE to analyze house dust, finding specific Streptomyces bacteria linked to mold presence in homes. This helps identify bacteria associated with moisture-damaged buildings.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Indoor Air Quality
Background:
- Mold and Streptomyces species are found in damaged buildings, but their indoor association is unclear.
- Understanding microbial communities in house dust is crucial for indoor environmental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the composition of Streptomyces communities in house dust using a culture-independent method.
- To determine if specific Streptomyces species are associated with mold contamination in homes.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) was used on 23 house dust samples.
- Samples were categorized as high-mold or low-mold based on mold-specific quantitative PCR.
- Sequencing and statistical analyses identified bacterial bands and their association with mold status.
Main Results:
- A combination of two PCR-DGGE bands significantly correlated with home mold status (p=0.001).
- One band matched Streptomyces species previously found in damaged buildings (e.g., S. coelicolor, S. sampsonii).
- Another band matched Streptomyces species including S. hygroscopicus, known for antibiotic production.
Conclusions:
- PCR-DGGE is effective for identifying bacterial species in house dust.
- Certain Streptomyces species are significantly associated with mold-contaminated indoor environments.
- Findings suggest a link between specific bacteria and moisture-damaged buildings.
