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Kerstin Voigt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The geographical region of origin determines the phagocytic vulnerability of Lichtheimia strains
Environmental microbiology, 2019Co-Authors: Mohamed I. Abdelwahab Hassan, Zoltán Cseresnyés, Naim Al-zaben, Hans-martin Dahse, Rafael J. V. De Oliveira, Grit Walther, Kerstin Voigt, Marc Thilo FiggeAbstract:Mucormycoses are life-threatening infections that affect patients suffering from immune deficiencies. We performed phagocytosis assays confronting various strains of Lichtheimia species with alveolar macrophages, which form the first line of defence of the innate immune system. To investigate 17 strains from four different continents in a comparative fashion, transmitted light and confocal fluorescence microscopy was applied in combination with automated image analysis. This interdisciplinary approach enabled the objective and quantitative processing of the big volume of image data. Applying machine-learning supported methods, a spontaneous clustering of the strains was revealed in the space of phagocytic measures. This clustering was not driven by measures of fungal morphology but rather by the geographical origin of the fungal strains. Our study illustrates the crucial contribution of machine-learning supported automated image analysis to the qualitative discovery and quantitative comparison of major factors affecting host-pathogen interactions. We found that the phagocytic vulnerability of Lichtheimia species depends on their geographical origin, where strains within each geographic region behaved similarly, but strongly differed amongst the regions. Based on this clustering, we were able to also classify clinical isolates with regard to their potential geographical origin.
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ketoacidosis alone does not predispose to mucormycosis by Lichtheimia in a murine pulmonary infection model
Virulence, 2017Co-Authors: Bianca Schulze, Kerstin Voigt, Volker U Schwartze, Gunter Rambach, Katja Schubert, Cornelia Speth, Ilse D JacobsenAbstract:ABSTRACTMucormycosis is a rare fungal infection; however, the number of cases increased during the last decades. The main risk factors are immunosuppression and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Although Lichtheimia species represent a common cause of mucormycosis in Europe, virulence and pathogenesis of this genus has not been investigated in detail yet. Using murine pulmonary infection models, we found that immunosuppression is essential for establishment of infection. The disease was characterized by necrosis, angioinvasion, thrombosis, and the lethal course of infection was associated with systemic activation of platelets. Furthermore, dissemination to internal organs was frequently observed. While the virulence potential of individual L. corymbifera and L. ramosa isolates differed, pathogenicity of both species was comparable. Although ketoacidosis promoted Rhizopus infection in mice, it did not predispose mice to infection with Lichtheimia in the absence of additional immunosuppression. This might par...
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Species recognition and clinical relevance of the zygomycetous genus Lichtheimia (syn. Absidia pro parte
2016Co-Authors: Ana Alastruey-izquierdo, Kerstin Hoffmann, Kerstin Voigt, J. L. Rodriguez-tudela, E. Bibashi, Sybren G De Hoog, Grit WaltherAbstract:The zygomycete genus Lichtheimia (syn. Absidia pro parte, Mycocladus) consists of saprotrophic fungi inhab-iting soil or dead plant material. Lichtheimia corymbifera (syn. Absidia corymbifera, Mycocladus corymbifer) and Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Absidia ramosa, Mycocladus ramosus) may cause fulminant infections in patients with impaired immunity. The present study investigated the species boundaries in Lichtheimia using genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (by comparison of the genealogies of the internal transcribed spacer [ITS] sequence, the D1/D2 region of the large subunit [LSU], and actin), biological species recognition by mating tests, as well as morphological and physiological characteristics. The three molecular markers used were selected by evaluating the polymorphisms and paralogies of several loci, including those for -tubulin, translation elongation factor 1, the two largest subunits of the RNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2), the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and the mitochondrial small-subunit (mtSSU) rDNA, among four strains belonging to different putative species. Comparing the genealogies of the ITS, LSU, and actin genes, we recognized seven phylogenetic species. However, mating tests did not show intrinsic reproduc
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Lichtheimia Species Exhibit Differences in Virulence Potential
2016Co-Authors: Volker U Schwartze, Kerstin Hoffmann, Kerstin Voigt, Ildiko Nyilasi, Ilse D JacobsenAbstract:Although the number of mucormycosis cases has increased during the last decades, little is known about the pathogenic potential of most mucoralean fungi. Lichtheimia species represent the second and third most common cause of mucormycosis in Europe and worldwide, respectively. To date only three of the five species of the genus have been found to be involved in mucormycosis, namely L. corymbifera, L. ramosa and L. ornata. However, it is not clear whether the clinical situation reflects differences in virulence between the species of Lichtheimia or whether other factors are responsible. In this study the virulence of 46 strains of all five species of Lichtheimia was investigated in chicken embryos. Additionally, strains of the closest-related genus Dichotomocladium were tested. Full virulence was restricted to the clinically relevant species while all strains of L. hyalospora, L. sphaerocystis and Dichotomocladium species were attenuated. Although virulence differences were present in the clinically relevant species, no connection between origin (environmental vs clinical) or phylogenetic position within the species was observed. Physiological studies revealed no clear connection of stress resistance and carbon source utilization with the virulence of the strains. Slower growth at 37uC might explain low virulence of L. hyalospora, L. spaherocystis and Dichotomocladium; however, similarly slow growing strains of L. ornata were fully virulent. Thus, additional factors or a complex interplay of factors determines the virulence of strains. Our data suggest that the clinical situation i
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de novo whole genome sequence and genome annotation of Lichtheimia ramosa
Genome Announcements, 2014Co-Authors: Jorg Linde, Kerstin Voigt, Volker U Schwartze, Cornelia Lassflorl, Ulrike Binder, Fabian HornAbstract:We report the annotated draft genome sequence of Lichtheimia ramosa (JMRC FSU:6197). It has been reported to be a causative organism of mucormycosis, a rare but rapidly progressive infection in immunocompromised humans. The functionally annotated genomic sequence consists of 74 scaffolds with a total number of 11,510 genes.
Kwokyung Yuen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a significant number of reported absidia corymbifera Lichtheimia corymbifera infections are caused by Lichtheimia ramosa syn Lichtheimia hongkongensis an emerging cause of mucormycosis
Emerging microbes & infections, 2012Co-Authors: Patrick C Y Woo, Shuiyee Leung, Antonio H Y Ngan, Susanna K P Lau, Kwokyung YuenAbstract:Recently, we and others reported the discovery of Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Lichtheimia hongkongensis). We also hypothesized that a proportion of ‘Absidia corymbifera (Lichtheimia corymbifera)’ repo...
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a significant number of reported absidia corymbifera Lichtheimia corymbifera infections are caused by Lichtheimia ramosa syn Lichtheimia hongkongensis an emerging cause of mucormycosis
Emerging microbes & infections, 2012Co-Authors: Patrick C Y Woo, Shuiyee Leung, Antonio H Y Ngan, Susanna K P Lau, Kwokyung YuenAbstract:Recently, we and others reported the discovery of Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Lichtheimia hongkongensis). We also hypothesized that a proportion of ‘Absidia corymbifera (Lichtheimia corymbifera)' reported in the literature could be L. ramosa. In this study, we characterized 13 strains that had been reported as ‘A. corymbifera (L. corymbifera)' in the literature over an 11-year period. Microscopic examination of agar block smear preparations of all 13 strains showed abundant circinate side branches and pleomorphic giant cells with finger-like projections of L. ramosa. ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 rRNA gene cluster (internal transcribed spacer (ITS)) and partial elongation factor-1alpha (EF1α) gene sequencing showed that all 13 strains were clustered with L. ramosa; partial β-actin gene sequencing showed that most of the 13 strains were clustered with L. ramosa; and partial 28S rRNA gene sequencing showed that all 13 strains were clustered with L. ramosa, but one strain of L. corymbifera (HKU25) was also clustered with other strains of L. ramosa. A significant number of reported A. corymbifera (L. corymbifera) infections are L. ramosa infections which are of global distribution. In clinical microbiology laboratories, L. ramosa should be suspected if an Absidia-like mold that possesses abundant circinate side branches on the sporangiophores and pleomorphic giant cells with finger-like projections is observed. ITS and partial EF1α gene sequencing are more reliable than partial β-actin and 28S rRNA gene sequencing for identification of the Lichtheimia species.
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Lichtheimia hongkongensis sp nov a novel Lichtheimia spp associated with rhinocerebral gastrointestinal and cutaneous mucormycosis
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 2010Co-Authors: Patrick C Y Woo, Shuiyee Leung, Antonio H Y Ngan, Susanna K P Lau, Edward T K Tung, Vincent C C Cheng, Kwokyung YuenAbstract:Three thermotolerant "Absidia-like" isolates with unique morphologic characteristics, recovered from nasopharyngeal swab of a liver transplant recipient, gastric biopsy of a renal transplant recipient, and skin biopsy of a man with burn, respectively, were characterized. Microscopic examination showed nonseptate hyphae with highly branched sporangiophores. Uniquely, most side branches were circinate, and abundant pleomorphic giant cells with fingerlike projections were observed, characteristics absent from other Absidia/Lichtheimia spp. ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA gene cluster, partial EF1alpha gene, and partial beta-actin gene sequencing showed that the 3 strains formed a distinct cluster, most closely related to, but distinct from, Lichtheimia corymbifera, Lichtheimia blakesleeana, and Lichtheimia hyalospora. Based on the morphologic and genotypic characteristics, we propose a new species, Lichtheimia hongkongensis sp. nov., to describe this fungus, which caused rhinocerebral, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous mucormycosis, respectively, in 3 patients. A significant proportion of L. corymbifera associated with mucormycosis reported may be L. hongkongensis.
Grit Walther - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The geographical region of origin determines the phagocytic vulnerability of Lichtheimia strains
Environmental microbiology, 2019Co-Authors: Mohamed I. Abdelwahab Hassan, Zoltán Cseresnyés, Naim Al-zaben, Hans-martin Dahse, Rafael J. V. De Oliveira, Grit Walther, Kerstin Voigt, Marc Thilo FiggeAbstract:Mucormycoses are life-threatening infections that affect patients suffering from immune deficiencies. We performed phagocytosis assays confronting various strains of Lichtheimia species with alveolar macrophages, which form the first line of defence of the innate immune system. To investigate 17 strains from four different continents in a comparative fashion, transmitted light and confocal fluorescence microscopy was applied in combination with automated image analysis. This interdisciplinary approach enabled the objective and quantitative processing of the big volume of image data. Applying machine-learning supported methods, a spontaneous clustering of the strains was revealed in the space of phagocytic measures. This clustering was not driven by measures of fungal morphology but rather by the geographical origin of the fungal strains. Our study illustrates the crucial contribution of machine-learning supported automated image analysis to the qualitative discovery and quantitative comparison of major factors affecting host-pathogen interactions. We found that the phagocytic vulnerability of Lichtheimia species depends on their geographical origin, where strains within each geographic region behaved similarly, but strongly differed amongst the regions. Based on this clustering, we were able to also classify clinical isolates with regard to their potential geographical origin.
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Species recognition and clinical relevance of the zygomycetous genus Lichtheimia (syn. Absidia pro parte
2016Co-Authors: Ana Alastruey-izquierdo, Kerstin Hoffmann, Kerstin Voigt, J. L. Rodriguez-tudela, E. Bibashi, Sybren G De Hoog, Grit WaltherAbstract:The zygomycete genus Lichtheimia (syn. Absidia pro parte, Mycocladus) consists of saprotrophic fungi inhab-iting soil or dead plant material. Lichtheimia corymbifera (syn. Absidia corymbifera, Mycocladus corymbifer) and Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Absidia ramosa, Mycocladus ramosus) may cause fulminant infections in patients with impaired immunity. The present study investigated the species boundaries in Lichtheimia using genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (by comparison of the genealogies of the internal transcribed spacer [ITS] sequence, the D1/D2 region of the large subunit [LSU], and actin), biological species recognition by mating tests, as well as morphological and physiological characteristics. The three molecular markers used were selected by evaluating the polymorphisms and paralogies of several loci, including those for -tubulin, translation elongation factor 1, the two largest subunits of the RNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2), the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and the mitochondrial small-subunit (mtSSU) rDNA, among four strains belonging to different putative species. Comparing the genealogies of the ITS, LSU, and actin genes, we recognized seven phylogenetic species. However, mating tests did not show intrinsic reproduc
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wound infection caused by Lichtheimia ramosa due to a car accident
Medical mycology case reports, 2013Co-Authors: E. Bibashi, Sybren G De Hoog, Theodoros E Pavlidis, Nikolaos Symeonidis, Athanasios K Sakantamis, Grit WaltherAbstract:A 32-year-old immunocompetent man sustained severe traumas contaminated with organic material due to a car accident. An infection caused by Lichtheimia ramosa at the site of contamination was early diagnosed and cured by multiple surgical debridement and daily cleansing with antiseptic solution only.
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direct analysis and identification of pathogenic Lichtheimia species by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight analyzer mediated mass spectrometry
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2012Co-Authors: Wieland Schrodl, Kerstin Hoffmann, Grit Walther, Volker U Schwartze, Tilo Heydel, Anke Groseherrenthey, Ana Alastrueyizquierdo, Juan L Rodrigueztudela, Philipp Olias, Ilse D JacobsenAbstract:Zygomycetes of the order Mucorales can cause life-threatening infections in humans. These mucormycoses are emerging and associated with a rapid tissue destruction and high mortality. The resistance of Mucorales to antimycotic substances varies between and within clinically important genera such as Mucor, Rhizopus, and Lichtheimia. Thus, an accurate diagnosis before onset of antimycotic therapy is recommended. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) is a potentially powerful tool to rapidly identify infectious agents on the species level. We investigated the potential of MALDI-TOF MS to differentiate Lichtheimia species, one of the most important agents of mucormycoses. Using the Bruker Daltonics FlexAnalysis (version 3.0) software package, a spectral database library with m/z ratios of 2,000 to 20,000 Da was created for 19 type and reference strains of clinically relevant Zygomycetes of the order Mucorales (12 species in 7 genera). The database was tested for accuracy by use of 34 clinical and environmental isolates of Lichtheimia comprising a total of five species. Our data demonstrate that MALDI-TOF MS can be used to clearly discriminate Lichtheimia species from other pathogenic species of the Mucorales. Furthermore, the method is suitable to discriminate species within the genus. The reliability and robustness of the MALDI-TOF-based identification are evidenced by high score values (above 2.3) for the designation to a certain species and by moderate score values (below 2.0) for the discrimination between clinically relevant (Lichtheimia corymbifera, L. ramosa, and L. ornata) and irrelevant (L. hyalospora and L. sphaerocystis) species. In total, all 34 strains were unequivocally identified by MALDI-TOF MS with score values of >1.8 down to the generic level, 32 out of 34 of the Lichtheimia isolates (except CNM-CM 5399 and FSU 10566) were identified accurately with score values of >2 (probable species identification), and 25 of 34 isolates were identified to the species level with score values of >2.3 (highly probable species identification). The MALDI-TOF MS-based method reported here was found to be reproducible and accurate, with low consumable costs and minimal preparation time.
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antifungal susceptibility profile of human pathogenic species of Lichtheimia
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2010Co-Authors: Ana Alastrueyizquierdo, Grit Walther, Isabel Cuesta, Manuel Cuencaestrella, Juan L RodrigueztudelaAbstract:Forty-four isolates belonging to human pathogenic species of Lichtheimia were tested against nine antifungal agents by using the EUCAST methodology. No remarkable differences were found between the clinical species, although L. ramosa showed slightly higher MICs for all drugs. Amphotericin B was the most active drug. Among azole drugs, posaconazole had the best activity in vitro and voriconazole was inactive. Echinocandins showed activity for some isolates, suggesting a potential role in combination therapy.
Patrick C Y Woo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lichtheimia ramosa syn Lichtheimia hongkongensis
Genome Announcements, 2014Co-Authors: Shuiyee Leung, Susanna K P Lau, Yi Huang, Patrick C Y WooAbstract:ABSTRACT We report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Lichtheimia hongkongensis), the first complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the genus Lichtheimia. This 31.8-kb mitochondrial genome encodes 11 subunits of respiratory chain complexes, 3 ATP synthase subunits, 25 tRNAs, and small and large rRNAs, with the gene order atp9-cox2-atp6-cox3-cox1-nad2-nad3-cob-nad1-nad6-nad5-nad4l-nad4-atp8.
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a significant number of reported absidia corymbifera Lichtheimia corymbifera infections are caused by Lichtheimia ramosa syn Lichtheimia hongkongensis an emerging cause of mucormycosis
Emerging microbes & infections, 2012Co-Authors: Patrick C Y Woo, Shuiyee Leung, Antonio H Y Ngan, Susanna K P Lau, Kwokyung YuenAbstract:Recently, we and others reported the discovery of Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Lichtheimia hongkongensis). We also hypothesized that a proportion of ‘Absidia corymbifera (Lichtheimia corymbifera)’ repo...
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a significant number of reported absidia corymbifera Lichtheimia corymbifera infections are caused by Lichtheimia ramosa syn Lichtheimia hongkongensis an emerging cause of mucormycosis
Emerging microbes & infections, 2012Co-Authors: Patrick C Y Woo, Shuiyee Leung, Antonio H Y Ngan, Susanna K P Lau, Kwokyung YuenAbstract:Recently, we and others reported the discovery of Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Lichtheimia hongkongensis). We also hypothesized that a proportion of ‘Absidia corymbifera (Lichtheimia corymbifera)' reported in the literature could be L. ramosa. In this study, we characterized 13 strains that had been reported as ‘A. corymbifera (L. corymbifera)' in the literature over an 11-year period. Microscopic examination of agar block smear preparations of all 13 strains showed abundant circinate side branches and pleomorphic giant cells with finger-like projections of L. ramosa. ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 rRNA gene cluster (internal transcribed spacer (ITS)) and partial elongation factor-1alpha (EF1α) gene sequencing showed that all 13 strains were clustered with L. ramosa; partial β-actin gene sequencing showed that most of the 13 strains were clustered with L. ramosa; and partial 28S rRNA gene sequencing showed that all 13 strains were clustered with L. ramosa, but one strain of L. corymbifera (HKU25) was also clustered with other strains of L. ramosa. A significant number of reported A. corymbifera (L. corymbifera) infections are L. ramosa infections which are of global distribution. In clinical microbiology laboratories, L. ramosa should be suspected if an Absidia-like mold that possesses abundant circinate side branches on the sporangiophores and pleomorphic giant cells with finger-like projections is observed. ITS and partial EF1α gene sequencing are more reliable than partial β-actin and 28S rRNA gene sequencing for identification of the Lichtheimia species.
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Lichtheimia hongkongensis sp nov a novel Lichtheimia spp associated with rhinocerebral gastrointestinal and cutaneous mucormycosis
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 2010Co-Authors: Patrick C Y Woo, Shuiyee Leung, Antonio H Y Ngan, Susanna K P Lau, Edward T K Tung, Vincent C C Cheng, Kwokyung YuenAbstract:Three thermotolerant "Absidia-like" isolates with unique morphologic characteristics, recovered from nasopharyngeal swab of a liver transplant recipient, gastric biopsy of a renal transplant recipient, and skin biopsy of a man with burn, respectively, were characterized. Microscopic examination showed nonseptate hyphae with highly branched sporangiophores. Uniquely, most side branches were circinate, and abundant pleomorphic giant cells with fingerlike projections were observed, characteristics absent from other Absidia/Lichtheimia spp. ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA gene cluster, partial EF1alpha gene, and partial beta-actin gene sequencing showed that the 3 strains formed a distinct cluster, most closely related to, but distinct from, Lichtheimia corymbifera, Lichtheimia blakesleeana, and Lichtheimia hyalospora. Based on the morphologic and genotypic characteristics, we propose a new species, Lichtheimia hongkongensis sp. nov., to describe this fungus, which caused rhinocerebral, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous mucormycosis, respectively, in 3 patients. A significant proportion of L. corymbifera associated with mucormycosis reported may be L. hongkongensis.
Shuiyee Leung - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lichtheimia ramosa syn Lichtheimia hongkongensis
Genome Announcements, 2014Co-Authors: Shuiyee Leung, Susanna K P Lau, Yi Huang, Patrick C Y WooAbstract:ABSTRACT We report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Lichtheimia hongkongensis), the first complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the genus Lichtheimia. This 31.8-kb mitochondrial genome encodes 11 subunits of respiratory chain complexes, 3 ATP synthase subunits, 25 tRNAs, and small and large rRNAs, with the gene order atp9-cox2-atp6-cox3-cox1-nad2-nad3-cob-nad1-nad6-nad5-nad4l-nad4-atp8.
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a significant number of reported absidia corymbifera Lichtheimia corymbifera infections are caused by Lichtheimia ramosa syn Lichtheimia hongkongensis an emerging cause of mucormycosis
Emerging microbes & infections, 2012Co-Authors: Patrick C Y Woo, Shuiyee Leung, Antonio H Y Ngan, Susanna K P Lau, Kwokyung YuenAbstract:Recently, we and others reported the discovery of Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Lichtheimia hongkongensis). We also hypothesized that a proportion of ‘Absidia corymbifera (Lichtheimia corymbifera)’ repo...
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a significant number of reported absidia corymbifera Lichtheimia corymbifera infections are caused by Lichtheimia ramosa syn Lichtheimia hongkongensis an emerging cause of mucormycosis
Emerging microbes & infections, 2012Co-Authors: Patrick C Y Woo, Shuiyee Leung, Antonio H Y Ngan, Susanna K P Lau, Kwokyung YuenAbstract:Recently, we and others reported the discovery of Lichtheimia ramosa (syn. Lichtheimia hongkongensis). We also hypothesized that a proportion of ‘Absidia corymbifera (Lichtheimia corymbifera)' reported in the literature could be L. ramosa. In this study, we characterized 13 strains that had been reported as ‘A. corymbifera (L. corymbifera)' in the literature over an 11-year period. Microscopic examination of agar block smear preparations of all 13 strains showed abundant circinate side branches and pleomorphic giant cells with finger-like projections of L. ramosa. ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 rRNA gene cluster (internal transcribed spacer (ITS)) and partial elongation factor-1alpha (EF1α) gene sequencing showed that all 13 strains were clustered with L. ramosa; partial β-actin gene sequencing showed that most of the 13 strains were clustered with L. ramosa; and partial 28S rRNA gene sequencing showed that all 13 strains were clustered with L. ramosa, but one strain of L. corymbifera (HKU25) was also clustered with other strains of L. ramosa. A significant number of reported A. corymbifera (L. corymbifera) infections are L. ramosa infections which are of global distribution. In clinical microbiology laboratories, L. ramosa should be suspected if an Absidia-like mold that possesses abundant circinate side branches on the sporangiophores and pleomorphic giant cells with finger-like projections is observed. ITS and partial EF1α gene sequencing are more reliable than partial β-actin and 28S rRNA gene sequencing for identification of the Lichtheimia species.
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Lichtheimia hongkongensis sp nov a novel Lichtheimia spp associated with rhinocerebral gastrointestinal and cutaneous mucormycosis
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 2010Co-Authors: Patrick C Y Woo, Shuiyee Leung, Antonio H Y Ngan, Susanna K P Lau, Edward T K Tung, Vincent C C Cheng, Kwokyung YuenAbstract:Three thermotolerant "Absidia-like" isolates with unique morphologic characteristics, recovered from nasopharyngeal swab of a liver transplant recipient, gastric biopsy of a renal transplant recipient, and skin biopsy of a man with burn, respectively, were characterized. Microscopic examination showed nonseptate hyphae with highly branched sporangiophores. Uniquely, most side branches were circinate, and abundant pleomorphic giant cells with fingerlike projections were observed, characteristics absent from other Absidia/Lichtheimia spp. ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA gene cluster, partial EF1alpha gene, and partial beta-actin gene sequencing showed that the 3 strains formed a distinct cluster, most closely related to, but distinct from, Lichtheimia corymbifera, Lichtheimia blakesleeana, and Lichtheimia hyalospora. Based on the morphologic and genotypic characteristics, we propose a new species, Lichtheimia hongkongensis sp. nov., to describe this fungus, which caused rhinocerebral, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous mucormycosis, respectively, in 3 patients. A significant proportion of L. corymbifera associated with mucormycosis reported may be L. hongkongensis.
