Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Rapid Freezing using Sandwich Freezing Device for Good Ultrastructural Preservation of Biological Specimens in Electron Microscopy
09:03

Rapid Freezing using Sandwich Freezing Device for Good Ultrastructural Preservation of Biological Specimens in Electron Microscopy

Published on: July 19, 2021

5.7K

Physiological characterization and molecular identification of some rare yeast species causing onychomycosis

Alexandra M Montoya1, Carolina E Luna-Rodríguez1, Alexandro Bonifaz2

  • 1Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, avenue Francisco I. Madero s/n, 64460 Monterrey, México.

Journal De Mycologie Medicale
|February 24, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Rare yeasts are emerging as onychomycosis agents. Molecular identification confirmed Candida duobushaemulonii, Meyerozyma caribbica, and Cutaneotrichosporon dermatis, revealing distinct enzymatic profiles and antifungal susceptibilities.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Yeast Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Onychomycosis is increasingly caused by yeasts beyond common dermatophytes.
  • Antifungal use has led to the emergence of rare or novel yeast pathogens.
  • Accurate identification of yeast species is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-identify rare yeast isolates from onychomycosis using advanced molecular techniques.
  • To characterize the enzymatic activities and antifungal susceptibility profiles of these yeasts.
  • To report novel etiological agents of onychomycosis.

Main Methods:

  • Phenotypic characterization including enzymatic activity testing (urease, gelatinase, DNase, phospholipase, protease, esterase, hemolysis).
  • Molecular identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight/mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS).
  • Sequencing of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) or intergenic spacer (IGS) 1 regions.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing against amphotericin B, fluconazole, anidulafungin, and caspofungin.

Main Results:

  • Phenotypic methods were insufficient for isolate identification.
  • MALDI-TOF/MS identified Candida duobushameulonii.
  • Sequence analysis identified Candida duobushaemulonii, Meyerozyma caribbica, and Cutaneotrichosporon dermatis.
  • Specific enzymatic activities were noted for each species.
  • Cutaneotrichosporon dermatis showed resistance to echinocandins but susceptibility to amphotericin B and fluconazole.

Conclusions:

  • Ribosomal DNA sequencing (ITS/IGS1) is superior for identifying cryptic yeast species.
  • Further research is needed to fully define enzymatic and antifungal profiles of these species.
  • This study reports Meyerozyma caribbica and Cutaneotrichosporon dermatis as new etiological agents of onychomycosis.
Keywords:
Candida duobushaemuloniiCutaneotrichosporon dermatisEnzyme activityMeyerozyma caribbicaOnychomycosisSusceptibility

More Related Videos

Use of Image Cytometry for Quantification of Pathogenic Fungi in Association with Host Cells07:58

Use of Image Cytometry for Quantification of Pathogenic Fungi in Association with Host Cells

Published on: June 19, 2013

13.2K
Isolation, Characterization, and Total DNA Extraction to Identify Endophytic Fungi in Mycoheterotrophic Plants06:53

Isolation, Characterization, and Total DNA Extraction to Identify Endophytic Fungi in Mycoheterotrophic Plants

Published on: May 5, 2023

3.4K

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
602
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
256
Yeast Signaling01:28

Yeast Signaling

Yeasts are single-celled organisms, but unlike bacteria, they are eukaryotes (cells with a nucleus). Cell signaling in yeast is similar to signaling in other eukaryotic cells. A ligand, such as a protein or a small molecule released from a yeast cell, attaches to a receptor on the cell surface. The binding stimulates second-messenger kinases to activate or inactivate transcription factors that further regulate gene expression. Many of the yeast intracellular signaling cascades have similar...
16.6K
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
558