New Molecular Markers Distinguishing Fonsecaea Agents of Chromoblastomycosis

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Molecular Biology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Fonsecaea species are primary causes of chromoblastomycosis, a fungal infection.
• Variations in invasive potential and lack of clear markers hinder understanding of Fonsecaea virulence and pathogenicity.
• Accurate identification of Fonsecaea sibling species is crucial for effective disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel molecular tools for differentiating Fonsecaea sibling species.
• To enable precise in vivo detection of Fonsecaea species in biological samples.
• To investigate the infection routes and pathogenicity of chromoblastomycosis agents.

Main Methods:

• Development of species-specific primers targeting the CBF5 gene for Fonsecaea pedrosoi, F. monophora, F. nubica, and F. pugnacius.
• Design of a padlock probe based on ITS sequences for F. pugnacius detection.
• In silico, in vitro, and in vivo validation of developed molecular markers using a BALB/c chromoblastomycosis infection model.

Main Results:

• Developed molecular markers (primers and probes) demonstrated high specificity in discriminating between Fonsecaea sibling species.
• The tools effectively identified Fonsecaea species in both clinical and environmental samples.
• Successful in vivo detection of Fonsecaea species was achieved in biological samples from the infection model.

Conclusions:

• The new molecular tools provide accurate differentiation of Fonsecaea species, crucial for chromoblastomycosis diagnosis.
• These markers facilitate bioprospecting of chromoblastomycosis agents and aid in elucidating disease transmission pathways.
• The study offers valuable tools for research and clinical applications in managing chromoblastomycosis.