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Isolation of a Wickerhamomyces anomalus yeast strain from the sandfly Phlebotomus perniciosus, displaying the killer
E Martin1, G Bongiorno2, L Giovati3
1Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
The yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus has been studied for its wide biotechnological potential, mainly for applications in the food industry. Different strains of W. anomalus have been isolated from diverse habitats and recently from insects, including mosquitoes of medical importance. This paper reports the isolation and phylogenetic characterization of W. anomalus from laboratory-reared adults and larvae of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae), a main phlebotomine vector of human and canine leishmaniasis. Of 65 yeast strains isolated from P. perniciosus, 15 strains were identified as W. anomalus; one of these was tested for the killer phenotype and demonstrated inhibitory activity against four yeast sensitive strains, as reported for mosquito-isolated strains. The association between P. perniciosus and W. anomalus deserves further investigation in order to explore the possibility that this yeast may exert inhibitory/killing activity against Leishmania spp.
Insights
Wickerhamomyces anomalus yeast was isolated from sand flies, vectors of leishmaniasis. This yeast shows potential for inhibiting other microbes, warranting further study for its role against Leishmania parasites.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Medical Entomology
- Yeast Biotechnology
Background:
- Wickerhamomyces anomalus yeast possesses significant biotechnological potential, particularly in the food industry.
- This yeast has been isolated from various environments, including insects of medical relevance.
- Sand flies, such as Phlebotomus perniciosus, are vectors for leishmaniasis in humans and canines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and phylogenetically characterize Wickerhamomyces anomalus from Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies.
- To investigate the killer phenotype and antimicrobial activity of isolated W. anomalus strains.
- To explore the potential role of W. anomalus in controlling Leishmania parasites.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of yeast strains from laboratory-reared adult and larval Phlebotomus perniciosus.
- Phylogenetic characterization of the isolated yeast strains.
- Phenotypic testing for killer activity against sensitive yeast strains.
Main Results:
- Fifteen out of 65 yeast strains isolated from P. perniciosus were identified as Wickerhamomyces anomalus.
- One W. anomalus strain exhibited killer phenotype, inhibiting four sensitive yeast strains.
- This inhibitory activity is consistent with findings from mosquito-isolated strains.
Conclusions:
- Wickerhamomyces anomalus is associated with Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies.
- The yeast's killer phenotype suggests potential antimicrobial applications.
- Further research is needed to determine if W. anomalus can inhibit Leishmania parasites.
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