[Investigation of Cryptococcus Colonization and Mating Genotype in Environmental Samples]

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Fungal Genetics

Context:

• Cryptococcus species are significant fungal pathogens causing life-threatening meningoencephalitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Annual global mortality from cryptococcal infections is estimated at 112,000, highlighting the public health burden.
• Cryptococcus species are ubiquitous environmental fungi found in soil, animal droppings, and on various plant species.

Purpose:

• To investigate the environmental distribution of Cryptococcus species in specific regions of Turkey.
• To determine the sexual genotypes of environmental Cryptococcus isolates found on various tree species.
• To assess the prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii and its mating types in selected Mediterranean ecosystems.

Summary:

• A total of 750 tree samples (eucalyptus, olive, carob) were collected from seven regions in Mersin and Hatay provinces, Turkey.
• Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii was identified in 12.9% (97/750) of samples, with the highest prevalence observed in Narlıkuyu and on carob and olive trees.
• Molecular analysis of the STE20 gene revealed that all identified C. neoformans var. grubii isolates possessed the MAT Aα sexual genotype.

Impact:

• This study provides crucial data on the environmental distribution of Cryptococcus species and their sexual genotypes in Turkey.
• Findings can guide public health strategies by identifying potential environmental hotspots for Cryptococcus neoformans.
• Understanding the genetic characteristics of environmental Cryptococcus isolates can inform risk assessment and clinical management of cryptococcosis.