Lagenidium giganteumPathogenicity in Mammals

Abstract

Strains pathogenic to mammals share phylogenetic and phenotypic features with strains approved for mosquito control.

A biochemical screening approach to putatively differentiate mammalian pathogenic Oomycota species in the clinical laboratory

“…The taxonomic and phylogenetic characterization of the pathogenic Lagenidium spp. in Table 1 was recently addressed by Vilela et al (2015). The fungal and Oomycota After incubation, a portion of the hyphal mass was taken from each flask and subcultured into 250 ml flasks containing 100 ml SDB.…”

“…Recent phylogenetic analyses of at least 21 Lagenidium spp. recovered from mammals with lagenidiosis (including a Thai human case), found the presence of three novel Lagenidium species (Vilela et al, 2015). They also reported a monophyletic clade containing several Lagenidium giganteum strains recovered from mammals with lagenidiosis, taxonomically and phylogenetically similar to the isolates approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a mosquito control agent (Hallmon et al, 2000).…”

“…Recent reports of novel mammalian Oomycota species in the genus Lagenidium introduced a new level of complexity for the identification of these Oomycota pathogens in the laboratory (Mendoza & Vilela 2013;Vilela et al, 2015). Infections caused by these unusual straminopilan fungal-like organisms are often fatal and occur in otherwise healthy hosts (Brown et al, 2008;Grooters et al, 2003).…”

“…Since most clinical laboratory personnel are not familiar with P. insidiosum or Lagenidium spp., misidentifications often result, particularly within members of the Entomophthoramycota and Mucormycota (herein referred to as the coenocytic filamentous fungi, CFF) (Gaastra et al, 2010;Lass-Flörl, 2009;Ribes et al, 2000). Molecular methods have been introduced to accurately identify Oomycota isolates, but are available only in specialized laboratories (Gaastra et al, 2010;Grooters, 2003;Mendoza et al, 2004;Mendoza & Vilela, 2013;Reinprayoon et al, 2013;Vilela et al, 2015). Since early diagnosis is essential for timely effective disease management, the development of simple tools to separate mammalian pathogenic Oomycota species is desirable.…”

“…Currently, the identification of pathogenic Oomycota strains is based on the development of biflagellate zoospores in wet cultures and/or by PCR and DNA sequencing (De Cock et al, 1987;Gaastra et al, 2010;Grooters et al, 2003;Mendoza & Prendas, 1988;Vilela et al, 2015). However, molecular methods are expensive, time consuming and not available in most clinical settings.…”