Emergomyces africanus in Soil, South Africa

Abstract

We detected Emergomyces africanus, a thermally dimorphic fungus that causes an HIV-associated systemic mycosis, by PCR in 18 (30%) of 60 soil samples from a wide range of habitats in South Africa. Direct and indirect culture techniques were unsuccessful. Experimental intraperitoneal inoculation of conidia induced murine disease.

Emergomyces canadensis,a Dimorphic Fungus Causing Fatal Systemic Human Disease in North America

“…An ecologic niche has only been investigated for Es. africanus , which has been detected from various soil habitats and in air samples from Cape Town, South Africa ( 14 , 15 ). Further investigations are required to better understand the epidemiology and prevalence of disease caused by Emergomyces spp.…”

Molecular detection of airborne Emergomyces africanus, a thermally dimorphic fungal pathogen, in Cape Town, South Africa

“…Schwartz et al used a nested (conventional) PCR strategy and found Es . africanus in 30% of soil samples assessed [ 16 ]. The main advantage of the protocol presented here is the ability of qPCR to quantify the number of propagules present.…”

“…africanus is still being elucidated, although an environmental reservoir of the mycelial phase in the soil is supported by molecular detection of Es . africanus in 30% of soils sampled from the Western Cape [ 16 ]. Nonetheless, most patients diagnosed with emergomycosis do not report occupational or other frequent exposure to soil [ 13 ].…”

Invasive Infections with Nannizziopsis obscura Species Complex in 9 Patients from West Africa, France, 2004–20201

“…These molds are probably endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, but their precise geographic repartition and natural ecology remain to be established. Environmental studies would be necessary to further investigate the natural ecology of these molds, as has been done recently for the emerging Emergomyces africanus ( 19 ).…”