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Worldwide Phylogenetic Distributions and Population Dynamics of the Genus Histoplasma

Marcus de M Teixeira1,2, José S L Patané3, Maria L Taylor4

  • 1Division of Pathogen Genomics, Translational Genomics Research Institute-North, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America.

Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|June 2, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Six new phylogenetic species of Histoplasma capsulatum were identified, revealing complex population structures in Latin American clades (LAm A and LAm B). This fungal complex is linked to histoplasmosis in mammals.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum is a globally distributed fungus found in nitrogen-rich soils.
  • Inhalation of microconidia leads to yeast conversion, causing systemic histoplasmosis in mammals.
  • The Histoplasma capsulatum sensu lato complex includes eight distinct clades with specific geographic distributions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To revise the phylogenetic distribution and population structure of Histoplasma capsulatum.
  • To investigate the genetic diversity within Latin American clades (LAm A and LAm B).
  • To propose new phylogenetic species within the complex.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of 234 Histoplasma isolates using 1,563 aligned nucleotides from four protein-coding regions.
  • Population genetic structure analysis.
  • Identification of divergent clades and cryptic clusters.

Main Results:

  • The LAm B clade is divided into two distinct, geographically restricted clades (Colombia/Argentina and Brazil).
  • Complex population genetic structures were found within the LAm A clade, suggesting rapid adaptation.
  • Two new Latin American clades (LAm A1 and LAm A2) were identified, associated with bats.

Conclusions:

  • Six new phylogenetic species are proposed: LAm A1, LAm A2, LAm B1, LAm B2, RJ, and BAC-1.
  • Genetic isolation may result from differential dispersal by bats and other mammals.
  • Findings guide future population genomics and genome-wide association studies for this pathogen complex.

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