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Mating types and serotypes of Cryptococcus neoformans isolated in Japan
Abstract:
Thirty-two isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans from patients and one from the wild obtained in Japan were characterized for their serotype, self-fertility, and mating behaviour by crossing them with two mating types of Filobasidiella neoformans var. neoformans and F. neoformans var. bacillispora. Of the 32 isolates from patients, 31 were of serotype A and the remaining one was of serotype D. Although these 32 isolates were all self-sterile, 23 serotype A and one serotype D isolates produced a complete sexual state when mixed with the alpha mating type of F. neoformans var. neoformans. The one natural isolate was of serotype A-D and self-fertile. The Japanese clinical isolates of C. neoformans appear to be predominantly serotype A and alpha mating type of F. neoformans var. neoformans as is the case in the U.S.A.
Insights
Japanese Cryptococcus neoformans clinical isolates are predominantly serotype A. Most isolates are self-sterile but can produce a sexual state when crossed with the alpha mating type of Filobasidiella neoformans.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Serotyping and mating behavior are crucial for understanding fungal population genetics and epidemiology.
- Previous studies in the USA indicated a predominance of serotype A and alpha mating types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Japanese Cryptococcus neoformans isolates.
- To determine the serotype, self-fertility, and mating behavior of clinical and environmental isolates.
- To compare findings with those from other geographical regions, particularly the USA.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and collection of Cryptococcus neoformans from patients and the wild in Japan.
- Serotyping of isolates.
- In vitro crossing experiments with Filobasidiella neoformans var. neoformans and F. neoformans var. bacillispora mating types.
- Assessment of self-fertility and sexual state production.
Main Results:
- Thirty-two clinical isolates were predominantly serotype A (31/32), with one being serotype D.
- All 32 clinical isolates were self-sterile.
- Twenty-three serotype A and one serotype D clinical isolates produced a sexual state when crossed with the alpha mating type of F. neoformans var. neoformans.
- One environmental isolate was serotype A-D and self-fertile.
Conclusions:
- Japanese clinical Cryptococcus neoformans isolates are mainly serotype A.
- The predominant mating type among Japanese clinical isolates appears to be alpha, consistent with findings in the USA.
- These findings contribute to the epidemiological understanding of Cryptococcus neoformans globally.