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Organic sulphur sources for the growth of the dermatophyte Microsporum gypseum
Abstract:
The suitability of 30 organic compounds (of them 19 sulphur-containing amino acids) at a concentration of 1 mM as sulphur sources for the growth of the dermatophyte Microsporum gypseum was investigated. The dry mass of the mycelium after an 11-d growth served as a measure of utilizability. Of sulphur amino acid cystine, cysteine, reduced and oxidized glutathione, cysteic and cysteinesulphinic acids, S-sulphocysteine, lanthionine, taurine and serine sulphate were the best sources. Methionine and methionine-sulphone were utilized slightly less effectively. Other compounds were medium to poor sources and only S-carboxymethylcysteine was not utilized at all. All organic compounds that are not of amino acid type were poor sulphate sources or were utilized at all. Sodium dodecyl sulphate inhibited germination and growth completely.
Insights
Microsporum gypseum effectively utilizes various sulfur-containing amino acids as sulfur sources for growth. Certain amino acids like cystine and cysteine are superior, while other organic compounds are poorly utilized or inhibitory.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Dermatophytes, like Microsporum gypseum, require sulfur for growth and metabolism.
- Understanding sulfur metabolism is crucial for controlling fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of 30 organic compounds as sulfur sources for Microsporum gypseum growth.
- To identify the most suitable sulfur-containing amino acids for fungal nutrition.
Main Methods:
- Microsporum gypseum was cultured in media supplemented with 1 mM concentrations of various organic compounds.
- Fungal growth was quantified by measuring the dry mass of mycelium after 11 days.
- The utilization of each compound as a sulfur source was assessed based on mycelial dry mass.
Main Results:
- Sulfur amino acids such as cystine, cysteine, glutathione, cysteic acid, cysteinesulfinic acid, S-sulfocysteine, lanthionine, taurine, and serine sulfate were excellent sulfur sources.
- Methionine and methionine sulfone showed slightly lower utilization efficiency.
- Non-amino acid organic compounds were generally poor sulfur sources, with S-carboxymethylcysteine being completely unutilized.
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate exhibited complete inhibition of fungal germination and growth.
Conclusions:
- Microsporum gypseum demonstrates a preference for specific sulfur-containing amino acids for optimal growth.
- The study highlights the differential utilization of organic sulfur compounds by this dermatophyte.
- Findings contribute to understanding dermatophyte nutrition and potential targets for antifungal strategies.