Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2025
Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus
Published on: June 6, 2025
The Mating Type (MAT) and Virulence of Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto Isolates Maintained in Culture Collection
Thais Barreira1, Danielly Corrêa-Moreira2, Cintia de Moraes Borba2
1Laboratory and Facility Multi-User, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil.
Abstract:
In an attempt to determine the mating type of different Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto isolates that remained viable after a long period of preservation in a culture collection and to correlate them with the degree of virulence/pathogenicity, a PCR technique using primers designed for the sequences of MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes and a murine experimental model were used. The results showed that there was no correlation between the mating type and virulence among the isolates. Furthermore, different degrees of virulence/pathogenicity, ranging from high to low, were found among them based on different virulence parameters. It was assumed that the long period of preservation favored the changes, yielding the isolation of variants. Thus, we believe that new technologies for studies on factors can improve our knowledge of the pathogenesis of sporotrichosis.
Insights
Mating type did not correlate with virulence in preserved Sporothrix schenckii isolates. Long-term preservation may induce variants, impacting pathogenicity and sporotrichosis research.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto is a fungus causing sporotrichosis.
- Understanding virulence factors is crucial for disease management.
- Long-term culture preservation may alter fungal properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the mating type of preserved Sporothrix schenckii isolates.
- To correlate mating type with virulence/pathogenicity.
- To investigate potential changes induced by long-term preservation.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using specific primers for MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes.
- Murine experimental model to assess virulence parameters.
- Analysis of isolates preserved over extended periods.
Main Results:
- No correlation was found between mating type and virulence in the studied isolates.
- Variable degrees of virulence, from high to low, were observed.
- Long-term preservation is hypothesized to promote genetic changes and variant isolation.
Conclusions:
- Mating type is not a determinant of virulence in preserved Sporothrix schenckii.
- Extended preservation can lead to isolate variability, influencing pathogenicity.
- Further research using advanced technologies is needed to elucidate sporotrichosis pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia