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Characterization of Coccidioides immitis isolates by restriction fragment length polymorphisms
C R Zimmermann1, C J Snedker, D Pappagianis
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
A 1992 coccidioidomycosis outbreak in California prompted a study using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Most isolates showed a common RFLP pattern, but two from the San Joaquin Valley exhibited a distinct pattern.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Coccidioidomycosis cases significantly increased in California in 1992.
- The causative agent, Coccidioides immitis, is endemic to arid regions.
- Understanding the genetic diversity of Coccidioides isolates is crucial for epidemiological tracking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic relatedness of Coccidioides immitis isolates.
- To differentiate between environmental and patient-derived fungal strains.
- To identify potential sources and transmission patterns of coccidioidomycosis.
Main Methods:
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was employed.
- Fifteen Coccidioides immitis isolates were analyzed.
- Isolates were sourced from both human patients and environmental samples in California and Venezuela.
Main Results:
- A predominant RFLP pattern was observed in 13 out of 15 California isolates and one Venezuelan isolate.
- This main pattern showed evidence of two distinct subgroups.
- Two isolates from the San Joaquin Valley, California, displayed a unique and different RFLP pattern.
Conclusions:
- The RFLP analysis revealed genetic heterogeneity among Coccidioides immitis isolates.
- The distinct pattern in San Joaquin Valley isolates may indicate a localized or unique strain.
- Further molecular studies are warranted to understand the epidemiological significance of these genetic variations.