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Frequency of the Mating-Type (MAT1) in Histoplasma capsulatum Isolates from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Gabriela Löpez Daneri1, Maria Teresa Mujica2
1Centro de Micología, Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2150, Piso 11, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
Sex is genetically determined in Histoplasma capsulatum, governed by a sex-specific region in the genome called the mating-type locus (MAT1). We investigate the distribution of isolates of two H. capsulatum mating types in the clades circulating in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Forty-nine H. capsulatum isolates were obtained from the culture collection of the Mycology Center. The MAT1 locus was identified by PCR from the yeast suspension. The analysis of forty-eight isolates from clinical samples exhibited a ratio of 1.7 (MAT1-1:MAT1-2) and the only isolate from soil was MAT1-1. Forty-five H. capsulatum isolates belonged to the LAm B clade (H. capsulatum from Latin American group B clade) and showed a ratio of 1.8 (MAT1-1:MAT1-2). These results suggest an association between the mating types in isolates belonging to the LAm B clade. It remains to be defined whether a greater virulence should be attributed to the differences between the strains of the opposite mating type of the LAm B clade.
Insights
Mating types (MAT1-1 and MAT1-2) in Histoplasma capsulatum were analyzed in Buenos Aires. A higher prevalence of MAT1-1 was observed in the Latin American B clade, suggesting potential associations.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Histoplasma capsulatum sex is genetically determined by the mating-type locus (MAT1).
- Understanding mating type distribution is crucial for studying fungal population genetics and evolution.
- Previous studies have not fully characterized mating type distribution within specific H. capsulatum clades in Argentina.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of the two mating types (MAT1-1 and MAT1-2) of Histoplasma capsulatum.
- To analyze the mating type ratios within clinical and soil isolates from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- To determine if mating type distribution is associated with the Latin American group B (LAm B) clade.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify the MAT1 locus in 49 H. capsulatum isolates.
- Isolates were sourced from a mycology culture collection in Buenos Aires.
- Mating type ratios were calculated for overall isolates, clinical isolates, soil isolates, and isolates within the LAm B clade.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 48 clinical isolates showed a MAT1-1:MAT1-2 ratio of 1.7.
- The single soil isolate was MAT1-1.
- Within the LAm B clade (45 isolates), the MAT1-1:MAT1-2 ratio was 1.8, suggesting a potential association between mating types and this clade.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a possible association between mating types and the LAm B clade of Histoplasma capsulatum in Buenos Aires.
- Further research is needed to determine if differences in mating types correlate with varying virulence in the LAm B clade.
