Serotype and mating type characterization of Cryptococcus neoformans by multiplex PCR.
Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast, etiological agent of cryptococcosis. The species is commonly associated with pigeon droppings and plant materials. The aim of the present work was to verify the presence of the yeast in pigeon droppings, and to identify the isolates obtained in serotypes and mating types (MAT). Ten samples of pigeon droppings were collected in the rural area of the city of Alfenas, Brazil. Samples were inoculated in agar Niger medium for fungal isolation and 22 isolates with characteristics of C. neoformans were obtained. The serotypes and MAT were determined by multiplex PCR using specific primers. Serotypes were also determined by using the Kit Crypto Check. Among the 22 samples evaluated, eight were identified as C. neoformans by classic identification tests. These samples were characterized as serotype A by the Kit Crypto check and as serotype A MAT alpha by the multiplex PCR. The present study reinforces the evidence that pigeon droppings are a reservoir for C. neoformans and confirms the prevalence of C. neoformans var. grubii (A alpha) among environmental isolates. It also demonstrates that multiplex PCR is an acceptable alternative for serotype analysis because it reduces the costs for each reaction and analyses serotype and MAT simultaneously.
Carvalho
Vívian Gonçalves
VG
Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
Terceti
Mateus Souza
MS
Dias
Amanda Latercia Tranches
AL
Paula
Claudete Rodrigues
CR
Lyon
Juliana Pereira
JP
de Siqueira
Antônio Martins
AM
Franco
Marília Caixeta
MC
D000818:Animals; D010856:Columbidae / Q000382:microbiology*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000235:genetics; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005800:Genes, Fungal; D049770:Genes, Mating Type, Fungal; D016533:Mycological Typing Techniques / Q000379:methods; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012098:Reproduction