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A new species concept for the clinically relevant Mucor circinelloides complex
L Wagner1, J B Stielow2,3, G S de Hoog2,4
1German National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany.
Persoonia
|October 29, 2020
Summary
This study revises the taxonomy of the Mucor circinelloides complex (MCC) using molecular and phenotypic data, identifying 16 phylogenetic species, including five new taxa. This work clarifies fungal species boundaries and their roles in human infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Fungal Taxonomy
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Mucor species are ubiquitous soil fungi with significant roles in human infections (mucormycosis), food production, and biotechnology.
- Mucor circinelloides is the most frequently isolated Mucor species from clinical settings.
- Current taxonomy of the Mucor circinelloides complex (MCC) relies on morphology and mating behavior, necessitating a more robust approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise the taxonomy of the MCC using a comprehensive polyphasic approach.
- To delineate distinct phylogenetic species within the MCC.
- To identify novel taxa and clarify the species status of existing formae.
Main Methods:
- Molecular phylogenetic analysis of 100 strains using five markers (ITS, rpb1, tsr1, mcm7, and cfs).
- Phenotypic characterization, including mating tests and determination of maximum growth temperatures.
- Integration of multi-locus sequence data with phenotypic traits for species delineation.
Main Results:
- Multi-locus analyses resolved 16 distinct phylogenetic species within the MCC.
- Fourteen of these species exhibited unique phenotypical traits, supporting their recognition as discrete species.
- Five new species were described: M. amethystinus sp. nov., M. atramentarius sp. nov., M. variicolumellatus sp. nov., M. pseudocircinelloides sp. nov., and M. pseudolusitanicus sp. nov.
- The former formae of M. circinelloides were reclassified, representing one or two separate species.
- Zygospore presence alone is insufficient for confirming conspecificity within the MCC.
- Seven MCC species are implicated in human infections: M. circinelloides, M. griseocyanus, M. janssenii, M. lusitanicus, M. ramosissimus, M. variicolumellatus, and M. velutinosus.
Conclusions:
- The revised taxonomy provides a clearer understanding of MCC species diversity.
- The polyphasic approach successfully delineated distinct phylogenetic and phenotypic species.
- Accurate identification of MCC species is crucial for understanding their clinical relevance and pathogenic potential.
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