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Distribution of the two mating types among Histoplasma capsulatum isolates obtained from an urban histoplasmosis
Abstract:
The mating type distribution among the 28 Histoplasma capsulatum isolates obtained from the histoplasmosis outbreaks which occurred in Indianapolis in 1978-1979 and 1980-1981 was studied. The overall ratio of + and - types was 1:2.5. The isolates from disseminated patients showed a 1(+):1(-) ratio while the isolates from non-disseminated pulmonary cases showed a 1(+):4(-) ratio. The frequency of the + type in these outbreaks was three times higher than that of the previous study. This was due to an unusually high prevalence of the + type among the patients with disseminated histoplasmosis.
Insights
Mating type distribution in Histoplasma capsulatum isolates from Indianapolis outbreaks showed a higher prevalence of the + type, particularly in disseminated histoplasmosis cases. This finding contrasts with previous studies, indicating a significant shift in fungal strain frequency.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Histoplasmosis outbreaks in Indianapolis in 1978-1979 and 1980-1981 provided isolates for study.
- Understanding the mating type distribution of Histoplasma capsulatum is crucial for epidemiological investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the mating type distribution of Histoplasma capsulatum isolates from specific Indianapolis histoplasmosis outbreaks.
- To compare the mating type ratios between disseminated and non-disseminated pulmonary cases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 28 Histoplasma capsulatum isolates.
- Determination of mating type (+ and -) for each isolate.
- Comparison of mating type frequencies between different patient groups and historical data.
Main Results:
- The overall mating type ratio was 1:2.5 (+:-).
- Disseminated cases showed a 1:1 (+:-) ratio, while non-disseminated pulmonary cases showed a 1:4 (+:-) ratio.
- The frequency of the + mating type was three times higher than in a previous study, driven by disseminated cases.
Conclusions:
- The + mating type of Histoplasma capsulatum was unusually prevalent in disseminated cases during these outbreaks.
- The observed mating type distribution suggests a potential shift in the predominant strains circulating in the Indianapolis area.
- Further research is warranted to understand the factors contributing to the increased prevalence of the + mating type.