Chlamydosauromyces

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Chlamydosauromyces
Chlamydosauromyces punctatus.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Division:
Ascomycota
Class:
Eurotiomycetes
Order:
Onygenales
Family:
Onygenaceae
Genus:
Chlamydosauromyces

Sigler, Hambleton & Paré (2002)
Binomial name
Chlamydosauromyces punctatus
Sigler, Hambleton & Paré (2002)

Chlamydosauromyces punctatus is the sole species in the monotypic genus of fungi, Chlamydosauromyces in the family, Onygenaceae. [1] It was found in the skin shed from frilled lizard. [2] This fungus is mesophilic and digests hair. [3] It reproduces both sexually and asexually. The fungus has so far not been reported to be pathogenic. [4]

Contents

Growth and reproduction

Colonies of C.punctatus are yellow in the center and relatively flat surface at the pale peripherals with a central bump. [2] This fungus is mesophile [3] and grows at 30 °C (86 °F), but does not grow above 35 °C (95 °F). [2] This fungus also shows digestion of hairs after 14 days in vitro. [2] The keratinolytic, or keratin-digesting, capability is one of the characteristics of Onygenaceae. [5] It is also cycloheximide resistant. [2] [3] C. punctatus can reproduce both in sexual and asexual forms. The teleomorph phase is gymnothecial [2] and arises through a homothallic mating system. [3] Ascomata of this species are round, 200–600 μm in diameter containing asci 7–9 (10) μm in length. Ascospores are yellow, 4–4.5 × 3–3.5 μm in diameter. [2] The ascospores look like pitted smarties or pulley wheels, which is characteristics of Onygenaceae. [2] Chlamydosauromyces punctatus has branched, narrow, smooth-walled, yellow hyphae, 1.5–2.5 μm in width with thin-walled septa. [2] Peripheral hyphae are poorly differentiated and this is the reason that C. punctatus was once considered in the Gymnoascaceae. [2] Ascomata lack elongate appendages. [2] The cells initiating anastomosis are slightly swollen. [2]

Taxonomy

Chlamydosauromyces is a monotypic genus, which has only single species in the family, Onygenaceae. [1] [6] However, it was initially thought to be affiliated with the family Gymnoascaceae because it possesses ascospores with equatorial grooves, a common feature of the Gymnoascaceae not normally found in the Onygenaceae. [2] hypha As well, hyphae of this species are sparsely differentiated [2] similar to those of the genus Arachniotus (Gymnoascaceae). [7] Molecular genetic analyses demonstrated the affiliation of this fungus to the Onygenaceae. [2] The genus Chlamydosauromyces was named after the frilled lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii and the species epithet 'punctatus' was selected in reference to the pitted ornamentation of the ascospores. [2] The name Chlamydosauromyces punctatus is a Latin masculine name. [8]

Small subunit (SSU) region in the nuclear ribosomal gene of C. punctatus is 1,738 nucleotides in length. [9] Phylogenic study based on the sequence have shown Renispora flavissima to be the closest related taxon. [10] Both are treated within the Ongenaceae [1] and share similar characteristics such as the yellow color, thin walls, narrow ascomata, and ascospores with pitted walls. [2] Even though these two species are the most closely related to each other, the bootstrap value was low (78%), [2] indicating that the phylogenic similarity is not particularly high. In addition to the phylogenic distance, there are notable morphological differences between the genus Chlamydosauromyces and Renispora . [2] the hyphae of Chlamydosauromyces are subhyaline whereas those of Renispora are hyaline or translucent. Moreover, Renispora has liver-shaped ascospores, but ascospores of Chlamydosauromyces look like pulley wheels. [2] [10] In addition to the morphological differences between two species of fungi, the conidia of the Chrysosporium anamorph of Renispora are large with spiny tubercules and formed on stalks whereas Chlamydosauromyces produces an asexual state characterized by alternate arthroconidia. [2]

Ecology

Chlamydosauromyces punctatus was first found in the putatively healthy Squamate reptiles free of cutaneous lesions. [11] The fungus was first isolated in 2001 from the shed skin of a 7-year-old healthy male frilled lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii , from the San Diego Zoo (the lizard typically lives in trees found in the northern part of the Australia). [2] Among samples of three different Squamate reptiles donated by the Zoo, [11] the skin samples of two of the reptile species did not show any evidence of invasion by the fungus. [2] The ex-type strain of C. punctatus is in depository at UAMH 9990. [3] Though unique to reptiles, this species is distinct from the commonly associated fungal pathogens of reptiles. [12] [13] C. punctatus is associated with the shed skin of healthy lizards free of lesions or symptoms. [4] [11]

Related Research Articles

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<i>Uncinocarpus</i> Genus of fungi

Uncinocarpus is a genus of fungi within the Onygenaceae family. The name is derived from the Latin word uncinus, meaning "hook" and the Greek word karpos (καρπός), meaning "fruit". It was distinguished from the genus Gymnoascus based on keratinolytic capacity, ascospore morphology and the development of hooked, occasionally spiraling appendages. Alternatively, Uncinocarpus species may possess helically coiled or smooth, wavy appendages, or lack appendages altogether, an example of such species being U. orissi.

Keissleriella rara is a rare species of fungus in the family Lophiostomataceae. The species fruits exclusively on dead or dying standing culms of the saltmarsh plant Juncus roemerianus. It is known only from the Atlantic Coast of North Carolina.

Massarina carolinensis is a species of fungus in the Lophiostomataceae family. The species is found exclusively on the lower parts of the culms of the saltmarsh Juncus roemerianus on the Atlantic Coast of North Carolina.

<i>Paraphaeosphaeria pilleata</i> Species of fungus

Paraphaeosphaeria pilleata is a species of fungus in the Lophiostomataceae family. The species fruits exclusively in the lower parts of the culms of the black needlerush. It is found on the Atlantic Coast of North Carolina.

<i>Aphanoascus fulvescens</i> Species of fungus

Aphanoascus fulvescens is a mould fungus that behaves as a keratinophilic saprotroph and belongs to the Ascomycota. It is readily isolated from soil and dung containing keratin-rich tissues that have been separated from their animal hosts. This organism, distributed worldwide, is most commonly found in areas of temperate climate, in keeping with its optimal growth temperature of 28 °C (82 °F). While A. fulvescens is recognized as a geophilic fungal species, it is also a facultative opportunistic pathogen. Although it is not a dermatophyte, A. fulvescens has occasionally been shown to cause onychomycosis infections in humans. Its recognition in the laboratory is clinically important for correct diagnosis and treatment of human dermal infections.

Nannizziopsis vreisii is a keratinophilic microfungus in the Family Onygenaceae of the order Onygenales. Also included in this family are dematophytes and saprophytic species. While the ecology of N. vriessi is not well known, there has been several studies which identifies the Chrysosporium anamorph of N. vriesii as a causal agent of skin lesions in reptiles across several regions. This species is usually identified under a microscope by its white ascomata, and hyaline and globose ascopores. Like many other fungi, N. vreisii has a sexual and asexual state, the asexual states are classified as the genus Chryososporium, Malbranchea or Sporendonema.

Thielavia subthermophila is a ubiquitous, filamentous fungus that is a member of the phylum Ascomycota and order Sordariales. Known to be found on plants of arid environments, it is an endophyte with thermophilic properties, and possesses dense, pigmented mycelium. Thielavia subthermophila has rarely been identified as a human pathogen, with a small number of clinical cases including ocular and brain infections. For treatment, antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B have been used topically or intravenously, depending upon the condition.

<i>Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola</i> Species of fungus

Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola is a keratinophilic fungus from the family Onygenaceae of the order Onygenales. O. ophiodiicola is an emerging pathogen of captive and wild snakes in North America and Europe. It is reported to cause ophidiomycosis in many different species of snakes; clinical signs include skin swelling, crusts, and nodules of the skin. The mode of transmission is unknown, but is speculated to occur with direct contact between snakes or with the contaminated environment. Currently no treatment for O. ophiodiicola is available. O. ophiodiicola was identified by Sigler, Hambleton & Paré in 2013. O. ophiodiicola is the only species in the genus Ophidiomyces. It was previously known as Chrysosporium ophiodiicola and is closely related to Chrysosporium anamorph Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV).

Nannizziopsis guarroi was first documented in 2006 on a variety of lizards then described in Spain in 2010 and was classified as Chrysosporium guarroi, a member of the anamorphic genus Chrysosporium in the family Onygenaceae. Etymologically, the species epithet "guarroi" honours Professor Josep Guarro in recognition of his extensive mycological work including on the genus Chrysosporium. Skin samples taken from pet green iguanas suffering from dermatomycosis were sent to a laboratory for analysis. Five species were isolated and morphologic studies identified the fungus causing the mycoses as a member of the anamorphic species of Chrysosporium. Further investigation of these species using a combination of morphological, cultural and molecular studies showed that they were not identical to any previously described species within the genus Chrysosporium so they were classified as a new species Chrysosporium guarroisp. nov. The delineation of species in the genus Chrysosporium and their assignment to higher taxonomic levels can be challenging due to the marked morphological simplicity of these fungi. Increased scrutiny of strains of these fungi using molecular genetic tools has revealed numerous hidden species and unexpected relationships.

Amauroascus kuehnii is a fungus in the phylum Ascomycota, class Eurotiomycetes. It is keratinophilic but not known to cause any human disease. It has been isolated from animal dungs, soil, and keratinous surfaces of live or deceased animals.

<i>Keratinophyton durum</i> Species of fungus

Keratinophyton durum is a keratinophilic fungus, that grows on keratin found in decomposing or shed animal hair and bird feathers. Various studies conducted in Canada, Japan, India, Spain, Poland, Ivory Coast and Iraq have isolated this fungus from decomposing animal hair and bird feathers using SDA and hair-bait technique. Presence of fungus in soil sediments and their ability to decompose hairs make them a potential human pathogen.

Botryotrichum piluliferum is a fungal species first identified in 1885 by Saccardo and Marchal. It was discovered to be the asexual state of a member of the ascomycete genus, Chaetomium. The name B. piluliferum now applies to the fungus in all its states. B. piluliferum has been found worldwide in a wide range of habitats such as animal dung and vegetation. The colonies of this fungus start off white and grow rapidly to a brown colour. The conidia are smooth and white. B. piluliferum grows optimally at a temperature of 25-30 °C and a pH of 5.5.

Ctenomyces serratus is a keratinophilic fungal soil saprotroph classified by the German mycologist, Michael Emil Eduard Eidam in 1880, who found it growing on an old decayed feather. Many accounts have shown that it has a global distribution, having been isolated in select soils as well as on feathers and other substrates with high keratin content. It has also been found in indoor dust of hospitals and houses in Kanpur, Northern India and as a common keratinophilic soil fungus in urban Berlin. This species has been associated with nail infections in humans as well as skin lesions and slower hair growth in guinea pigs.

Microascus manginii is a filamentous fungal species in the genus Microascus. It produces both sexual (teleomorph) and asexual (anamorph) reproductive stages known as M. manginii and Scopulariopsis candida, respectively. Several synonyms appear in the literature because of taxonomic revisions and re-isolation of the species by different researchers. M. manginii is saprotrophic and commonly inhabits soil, indoor environments and decaying plant material. It is distinguishable from closely related species by its light colored and heart-shaped ascospores used for sexual reproduction. Scopulariopsis candida has been identified as the cause of some invasive infections, often in immunocompromised hosts, but is not considered a common human pathogen. There is concern about amphotericin B resistance in S. candida.

<i>Uncinocarpus reesii</i> Species of fungus

Uncinocarpus reesii is a species of saprotrophic microfungi that grows in soil and on keratinous materials such as hair, feathers and skin. It was the first species to be designated as part of the genus Uncinocarpus, owing in part to its characteristic development of hooked (uncinate) appendages. As the closest non-pathogenic relative of Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii, it has become a subject of research interest.

<i>Myxotrichum chartarum</i> Species of fungus

Myxotrichum chartarum is a psychrophilic and cellulolytic fungus first discovered in Germany by Gustav Kunze in 1823. Its classification has changed many times over its history to better reflect the information available at the time. Currently, M. chartarum is known to be an ascomycete surrounded by a gymnothecium composed of ornate spines and releases asexual ascospores. The presence of cellulolytic processes are common in fungi within the family Myxotrichaceae. M. chartarum is one of many Myxotrichum species known to degrade paper and paper products. Evidence of M. chartarum "red spot" mold formation, especially on old books, can be found globally. As a result, this fungal species and other cellulolytic molds are endangering old works of art and books. Currently, there is no evidence that suggests that species within the family Myxotrichaceae are pathogenic.

Arachniotus ruber is a species of fungus belonging to the genus Arachniotus in the family Gymnoascaceae. This fungus is a mesophile that reproduces both sexually and asexually. So far, there have been no reports of the fungus being pathogenic.

Auxarthron californiense is a fungus within the family Onygenaceae family and one of the type species of the genus Auxarthron. A. californiense is generally distributed around the world and it is frequently found on dung and in soil near the entrances of animal burrows.

Scytalidium ganodermophthorum is an anthroconidial ascomycete fungus in the Scytalidium genus. It is also known by its teleomorph name Xylogone ganodermophthora. It is the cause of yellow rot in lingzhi mushrooms and it is used in spalting as a pigmenting fungi.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Lumbsch TH, Huhndorf SM (December 2007). "Outline of Ascomycota – 2007". Myconet. Chicago, USA: The Field Museum, Department of Botany. 13: 1–58. Archived from the original on March 18, 2009. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 L. Sigler; S. Hambleton & J.A. Paré. "Chlamydosauromyces punctatus gen. & sp. nov. (Onygenaceae) from the skin of a lizard". Studies in Mycology. 47: 123-129, 2002.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Sigler, L. "UAMH Collection Catalogue"" (PDF). UAMH Centre for Global Microfungal Biodiversity. University of Toronto.
  4. 1 2 "UAMH Research - Lizards Retrieved 2016-10-12". University of Toronto.
  5. ↑ Reiss E, Shadomy HJ, Lyon GM (2011). Fundamental Medical Mycology (1st ed.). John Wiley & Sons. p. 648. ISBN   1118101758.
  6. ↑ Kirk PM, Cannon PF, Minter DW, Stalpers JA (2008). Dictionary of the Fungi (10th ed.). Wallingford, UK: CABI. p.  556. ISBN   0-85199-826-7.
  7. ↑ Schroeter (1964). "Arachniotus Ruber (Van Toughen)". Transactions of the British Mycological Society. 47 (4): 553–8. doi:10.1016/s0007-1536(64)80034-6.
  8. ↑ "Chlamydosauromyces Sigler, Hambl. & Paré 2002". MycoBank. International Mycological Association.
  9. ↑ "UAMH9990 Centre for Global Microfungal Biodiversity. University of Toronto". University of Toronto.
  10. 1 2 "Renispora flavissima Sigler, P.K. Gaur, Lichtw. & J.W. Carmich". MycoBank. International Mycological Association.
  11. 1 2 3 "J.A. Part, L. Sigler, S. and Crystal L. Rypien. Survey for the Chrysosporium Anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii on the skin of healthy captive Squamate Reptiles and Notes on their Cutaneous Fungal Mycobiota" (PDF). Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery. 13 (4). 2003.
  12. ↑ Jacobson, Elliott R (2007). Infectious diseases and Pathology of reptiles. CRC Press. ISBN   9781420004038.
  13. ↑ Mader, Douglas R (2006). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Elsevier Inc. ISBN   978-0-7216-9327-9.
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