Molecular diversity and allergenic profiles of Alternaria spp. from desert environments in Arizona

Abstract

This study examined the genetic diversity of small-spored Alternaria species in the southwest desert of the USA by sampling 552 isolates from different habitats (soil and plant debris) in different locations (urban and an undisturbed desert). To estimate the genetic diversity, Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting analysis was performed for all isolates. Strains representative of the sampled genotypic diversity (n = 125) were further characterized according their sporulation pattern and the capability to produce allergens. Morphological characterization assigned the majority of the strains to the Alternaria alternata and Alternaria tenuissima morpho-groups with only two isolates assigned to the Alternaria arborescens morpho-group. AFLP fingerprinting differentiated the A. arborescens morpho-groups, but could not distinguish between the A. alternata and A. tenuissima morpho-groups. Western blot analysis showed that a large number of allergenic proteins were produced by strains. These proteins were not specific for any morpho-group nor source of isolation. A hierarchical analysis of molecular variance was performed on the AFLP data to quantify molecular variation and partition this variation among sampled locations and habitat. No statistically significant differentiation among locations and habitat was detected indicating a lack of population structure across environments.

Molecular phylogenetic species in Alternaria pathogens infecting pistachio and wild relatives

“…250 Page 2 of 7 alternata and A. tenuissima and between A. alternata and A. arborescens (Andrew et al 2009;Rotondo et al 2017). Besides, morphology-based characterization cannot be applied for cultures showing low sporulation.…”

Synergistic Microbial Inhibition and Quality Preservation for Grapes through High-Voltage Electric Field Cold Plasma and Nano-ZnO Antimicrobial Film Treatment

“…During transportation and storage, fresh grapes are prone to different types of damage, such as threshing, stem drying, and browning. In addition, bacteria, yeast, and mold on the grapes' surface may reduce their safety, quality, and nutritional value [1,2]. Current methods to preserve and sterilize grapes have employed shortwave ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, ultrasound, and ozone.…”