Candida keroseneae sp. nov., a novel contaminant of aviation kerosene.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize and identify a novel contaminant of aviation fuel.


RESULTS
Micro-organisms (yeasts and bacteria) were isolated from samples of aviation fuel. A yeast that proved to have been unrecorded previously was isolated from more than one fuel sample. This novel yeast proved to be a new species of Candida and is described here. Ribosomal RNA gene sequence analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions (including 5·8S subunit) plus the 26S D1/D2 domains showed the strains to cluster within the Candida membranifaciens clade nearest to, but distinct from, Candida tumulicola. Phenotypic tests were identical for both isolates. Physiological and biochemical tests supported their position as a separate taxon. The yeast was assessed for its effect on the main constituent hydrocarbons of aviation fuel.


CONCLUSIONS
Two strains (IMI 395605(T) and IMI 395606) belonging to the novel yeast species, Candida keroseneae, were isolated from samples of aircraft fuel (kerosene), characterized and described herein with reference to their potential as contaminants of aviation fuel.


CONCLUSIONS
As a result of isolating a novel yeast from aviation fuel, the implications for microbial contamination of such fuel should be considered more widely than previously thought.
CABI Europe-UK, Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey, UK. a.buddie@cabi.org
A G
AG
Buddie
P D
PD
Bridge
J
J
Kelley
M J
MJ
Ryan
D002175:Candida / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / Q000235:genetics; D007648:Kerosene / Q000382:microbiology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D013045:Species Specificity
D004271:DNA, Fungal; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; D007648:Kerosene