Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
07:32
Biolistic Transformation of a Fluorescent Tagged Gene into the Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: March 19, 2015
10.0K
Determining Potential Link between Environmental and Clinical Isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii
Kenosi Kebabonye1, Mosimanegape Jongman2,3, Daniel Loeto2
1School of Health Allied Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Mycobiology
|January 5, 2024
Summary
Cryptococcal infections in HIV/AIDS patients are rising. This study found a high prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans x Cryptococcus deneoformans hybrids and MATα mating types in Botswana, suggesting environmental links.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Opportunistic fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes are increasing in HIV/AIDS patients.
- Despite advances in antifungal therapies, cryptococcal meningitis remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the diversity and mating types of Cryptococcus isolates from environmental and clinical samples in Botswana.
- To investigate potential links between environmental and clinical Cryptococcus isolates.
- To establish a foundation for understanding mating patterns and evolutionary history of Cryptococcus in Botswana.
Main Methods:
- Collection of environmental and clinical (cerebrospinal fluid) Cryptococcus isolates from HIV/AIDS patients.
- Identification and confirmation of isolates using MALDI-TOF MS and PCR.
- Genomic diversity analysis via PCR fingerprinting and Oxford Nanopore sequencing of intergenic spacer regions.
- Determination of mating types (MAT locus amplification) and serotyping.
Main Results:
- An unusual high prevalence of 42.1% for Cryptococcus neoformans x Cryptococcus deneoformans hybrids (Serotype AD) was observed.
- Cryptococcus neoformans Serotype A (39.5%) was the second most common type, followed by C. gattii (7.9%) and C. tetragattii (5.3%).
- A significant proportion of isolates were MATα (44.7%) or MATα-MATα hybrids (42.1%), with only 13.2% being MATa.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a notable prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans x Cryptococcus deneoformans hybrids and MATα mating types in Botswana.
- Findings suggest a potential epidemiological link between environmental and clinical Cryptococcus isolates in the region.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mating patterns and their implications for cryptococcal disease epidemiology in Botswana.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Modern Molecular Taxonomy
Advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the identification and characterization of bacteria, with multiple methods leveraging DNA sequencing for enhanced precision. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, these approaches are increasingly used in clinical, environmental, and evolutionary studies.Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) examines several housekeeping genes, essential chromosomal genes encoding cellular functions, to distinguish strains. Approximately...
01:25Rapid Identification of Pathogens
MALDI-TOF MS has transformed clinical microbiology by offering a rapid and reliable method for pathogen identification. The traditional approach to microbial identification typically involves time-consuming culture techniques and biochemical tests, which can delay the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. MALDI-TOF MS avoids these delays by using characteristic ribosomal protein mass patterns of microbial cells, enabling accurate species-level identification within minutes.Principle...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...