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Chromoblastomycosis Caused by Phialophora-Proven Cases from Mexico

Sarah A Ahmed1,2,3, Alexandro Bonifaz4, Gloria M González5

  • 1Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Chromoblastomycosis, a fungal infection, is caused by diverse *Phialophora* species, not just *P. verrucosa*. Genetic analysis revealed *P. americana*, *P. chinensis*, and *P. macrospora* as key causative agents in Mexican cases.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Fungal Pathogenesis
  • Population Genetics

Background:

  • Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection.
  • Traditionally attributed to *Phialophora verrucosa*, but this species rarely causes chromoblastomycosis.
  • *Phialophora* species are phylogenetically diverse, necessitating etiological clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity of *Phialophora* species causing chromoblastomycosis.
  • To analyze population genetics and genomics of clinical *Phialophora* strains.
  • To understand the pathogenicity and niche predilection of these fungi.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular identification of ten clinical chromoblastomycosis isolates from Mexico.
  • Population genetics and genomic analysis of *Phialophora* species.
  • Comparison of clinical and environmental *Phialophora* strains.

Main Results:

  • Identified *Phialophora americana* (4), *Phialophora chinensis* (4), and *Phialophora macrospora* (2) as the etiological agents.
  • No significant genetic distinctions were found between clinical and environmental strains.
  • The study highlights the phylogenetic diversity within *Phialophora* responsible for chromoblastomycosis.

Conclusions:

  • *Phialophora americana*, *P. chinensis*, and *P. macrospora* are significant causes of chromoblastomycosis.
  • Further research on diverse origins is needed to understand virulence and niche differences.
  • This study refines the understanding of fungal agents responsible for chromoblastomycosis.
Keywords:
MexicoPhialophora americanaPhialophora chinensisPhialophora macrosporaPhialophora verrucosachromoblastomycosisgenomemolecular identification

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