Mycopathologia最新文献

{"title":"Candidemia Epidemiology and Antifungal Resistance in Critically-ill Patients During and After COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison Between Two Hospitals in Greece and Türkiye.","authors":"Esma Eryılmaz Eren, Elias Iosifidis, Hafize Sav, Ilhami Celik, Eleni Mouloudi, Athina Pyrpasopoulou, Charalampos Zarras, Emmanuel Roilides","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01086-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01086-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Candidemia is a life-threatening invasive fungal infection, particularly in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Epidemiology of candidemia and antifungal resistance have been significantly affected in COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analysed candidemia cases in neonatal, paediatric, and adult ICUs at Hippokration General Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece (site 1) and Kayseri City Training and Research Hospital in Kayseri, Türkiye (site 2) from January 2020 to December 2023. Epidemiology, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility of cases were compared.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 388 patients from site 1 and 379 patients from site 2 were included. A significant increase in the incidence of candidemia was observed in both hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Candida parapsilosis was the most common species in all ICUs at Site 1, while Candida albicans was predominant at Site 2. C. parapsilosis became the most frequent species at Site 2 after 2021. C. glabrata was isolated more frequently in Site 1, whereas C. tropicalis was more frequently isolated in Site 2. A total of 14 C. auris strains were isolated, 13 of which were at the site 1. Over 90% of C. albicans strains were fluconazole-sensitive, but resistance was high in C. parapsilosis strains (47% at the site 1 and 40% at the site 2).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>C. parapsilosis and C. albicans remained the most common species, but their distributions varied between the two locations and over time. The high fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis causes a significant challenge for treatment. These findings highlight the necessity of continuous epidemiological surveillance to ensure appropriate antifungal treatment in different geographical regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13272522/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148258902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long-Read Sequencing and Comparative Genome Analyses of Seven Emergomyces Type-Strains.","authors":"Ilan S Schwartz, Bert Gerrits van den Ende, Ferry Hagen","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01085-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01085-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Emergomyces (Ajellomycetaceae, Onygenales) is a genus of dimorphic fungal pathogens that cause severe, opportunistic infections around the world. We used long-read nanopore sequencing to generate de novo genome assemblies followed by comparative analyses for the type-strains of Emergomyces africanus, Emergomyces canadensis, Emergomyces crescens, Emergomyces europaeus, Emergomyces orientalis, Emergomyces pasteurianus, and Emergomyces soli. The average Emergomyces genome was found to be 32,965,087 bp in size (range 28,687,700-35,863,369 bp) with GC%-contents of 42.01-45.72%. Average Nucleotide Identity analysis of the seven type-strain genomes with the publicly available Emergomyces and Blastomyces genomes was performed, showing values of 85-100% similarity between genomes and 85-91% between the twelve species tested. Furthermore, we formally validate the species descriptions for Emergomyces crescens and Emergomyces soli.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13263191/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148239596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Refractory Dermatophytosis Caused by Trichophyton indotineae: A Case Series Highlighting Antifungal Resistance and Management Challenges.","authors":"Yubo Ma, Rong Yan, Yakun Shao, Chunying Xiao, Tianshuo Zhao, Xingyu Li, Gang Wang, Chunying Li, Yinggai Song, Meng Fu, Yanyang Guo","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01087-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01087-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Trichophyton indotineae is an emerging dermatophyte responsible for widespread, chronic, and treatment-refractory dermatophytosis worldwide; however, data from China remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the clinical manifestations, antifungal resistance, and management challenges of T. indotineae infections in Chinese patients. Three patients with disseminated dermatophytosis were evaluated clinically. Fungal isolates were identified using multilocus sequence typing and phylogenetic analysis. Antifungal susceptibility testing and sequencing of the squalene epoxidase gene were performed to assess resistance. All patients presented with extensive dermatophytosis accompanied by severe pruritus, and two had a history of residence or work in Malaysia, suggesting imported infection. Elevated serum IgE levels were observed in two cases. Molecular analyses confirmed all isolates as T. indotineae. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed reduced susceptibility to terbinafine, with two isolates harboring the SQLE F397L mutation and one carrying the F415C mutation. Clinically, all patients showed poor response to standard antifungal regimens. High-dose itraconazole achieved partial improvement; however, relapse occurred after treatment discontinuation in all cases. These findings indicate that T. indotineae infection is characterized by chronicity, extensive involvement, and difficulty in achieving sustained remission. Antifungal resistance, particularly terbinafine resistance, together with host-related factors, may contribute to disease persistence. This study highlights the importance of accurate species identification and resistance-guided therapy, and underscores the need for optimized management strategies for this emerging dermatophyte infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148239551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predominance of Fonsecaea nubica in Chromoblastomycosis: A Single-Centre Study from Southern India.","authors":"Jyothi Nair, Nimmy Paul, Nirmal Babu, Kidangazhiathmana Ajithkumar, Haseen Ahmad, Harsimran Kaur, Supriya Sahu, Diptanu Paul, Madhuchhanda Das, Shivaprakash M Rudramurthy, Vinaykumar Hallur","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01083-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01083-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Chromoblastomycosis is a neglected tropical disease caused by melanized fungi that predominantly affects agricultural workers in endemic areas. This single-centre study from Kerala, South India, identified Fonsecaea nubica as the predominant Fonsecaea species among cultured isolates.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We conducted a prospective study of 70 suspected cases in the state of Kerala, India, from November 2022 to May 2024. Sixteen cases were confirmed or probable based on predefined criteria. Molecular identity of isolates was confirmed using ITS and CDC42 gene sequencing. Clinical, histopathological, microbiological, treatment, and outcome data were prospectively collected over a one-year follow-up period.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 16 confirmed or probable cases, nine isolates were cultured: six Fonsecaea isolates identified as F. nubica by CDC42 phylogeny (100% Fonsecaea isolates, 66.7% of cultured isolates) and three non-Fonsecaea isolates (Medicopsis romeroi, Cladosporium spp., and Lasiodiplodia spp.) identified by ITS/morphology. All cases originated from the Kottayam and Idukki districts, with 13/16 (81.3%) being male and 11/16 (68.8%) agricultural workers. Lesions predominantly affected the lower extremities (56.3%), with verrucous lesions being the most common (43.8%). All patients received itraconazole therapy, with 14/16 (87.5%) achieving clinical cure.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings underscore the importance of molecular diagnostics in accurately characterizing the epidemiology of chromoblastomycosis in endemic regions. The emergence of F. nubica has implications for its clinical management, diagnosis, and surveillance. The study contributes valuable data to the limited molecular epidemiological literature from India and supports ongoing efforts to improve chromoblastomycosis surveillance and management in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148163829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ergosterol-Dependent Membrane Stress and Calcineurin-HSP90 Signaling Govern Fluorinated Sulfone-Induced Cell Death in Candida albicans.","authors":"Anna Staniszewska, Łukasz Kuryk, Deepak Kala, Izabela Ziuzia-Graczyk, Zbigniew Ochal, Monika Staniszewska","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01081-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01081-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The antifungal activity of halogenated methyl sulfones depends on both the type and number of halogen atoms in the halogenomethylsulfonyl moiety. In this study, 28 halogenomethylphenyl sulfones were evaluated for minimal inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal concentrations (MFC) against Candida albicans. Active compounds were further tested for cytotoxicity in vitro using the Vero E6 cell line. Notably, 4-(4-chloro-3,4-dichlorophenoxy)-2-nitrophenyl difluoromethyl sulfone (compound 15) showed fungicidal activity while remaining non-toxic at effective doses. Additionally, no adverse effects were observed in Galleria mellonella larvae treated with 15 in vivo. Mechanistic studies with 15 at a sub-inhibitory concentration (2 μg/mL) showed predominant induction of necrosis in C. albicans cells (88.43%) and protoplasts (96.25%), along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (31.17%). Cell cycle analysis revealed arrest in the G0 phase (99%), consistent with a pro-necrotic mechanism. RT-qPCR indicated that HSP90 gene expression contributes to C. albicans resistance to 15. Confocal microscopy confirmed the compound's fungicidal activity against planktonic and sessile C. albicans cells in vitro. Modulation experiments with exogenous ergosterol showed that reducing sterol concentrations decreased MIC values, suggesting that the fungal cell membrane is the primary target of 15 and that its interaction with ergosterol is critical for activity. Overall, 15 demonstrated antifungal activity comparable to that of amphotericin B and is a promising lead candidate for the development of new antifungal agents for local and systemic candidiasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13221380/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148055514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polyphasic Taxonomy of Species within the Dermatophyte Genus Arthroderma Including A. fimbriatum sp. nov and A. cellare sp. nov.","authors":"Frederik Baert, Paulien Lefevere, Goens Karine, Roelke De Paepe, Elizabet D'hooge, Pierre Becker, Ann Packeu","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01077-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01077-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Arthroderma is a taxonomically diverse genus within the dermatophyte family (Onygenales, Arthrodermataceae) comprising primarily geophilic species typically found in animal burrows, where they feed on keratinous debris. In this study, species delineations within the genus were refined according to current taxonomic standards using the extensive array of Arthroderma strains of the BCCM/IHEM fungi collection. The methodology was based on a polyphasic approach including phenotypic analyses, multi-gene phylogenetic inference (comprising the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (BT), and RNA polymerase II core subunit (RBP2) regions) and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Special attention was given to the highly diverse A. quadrifidum clade which contains both geophilic and potentially zoophilic species, assessing the phylogenetic position of recently described taxa within this group. In total, 77 strains from the BCCM/IHEM collection were (re-)examined. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was able to correctly identify 92% of the strains at species level. Additionally, certain isolates did not correspond to any previously described taxa, leading to the recognition, description and typification of two novel species.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147974058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Sterile-Site Saccharomyces cerevisiae Infections in a Tertiary-Care Centre.","authors":"Andrea Harmath, Lilla Tünde Vass, Ágnes Jakab, Zoltán Tóth, Aliz Bozó, László Majoros, Walter P Pfliegler, Renátó Kovács","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01080-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01080-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Saccharomyces cerevisiae has increasingly been recognized as an opportunistic pathogen. Sterile-site infections remain rare but are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in critically ill patients. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of sterile-site S. cerevisiae infections. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with S. cerevisiae isolated from sterile body sites between January 2019 and December 2025. Demographic data, underlying conditions, probiotic exposure, antifungal therapy, and outcomes were collected, and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed. Among 196 patients with S. cerevisiae isolates, 30 (15%) had sterile-site infections. The mean age was 47.2 years, and 23% were paediatric cases. Bloodstream infections were the most common source (n = 7, 23%), followed by intra-abdominal abscess aspirates and drained intra-abdominal wounds (each n = 5, 17%). Intensive care unit (ICU) admission occurred in 33%, prior gastrointestinal surgery in 63%, central venous catheter usage in all fatal cases, and prior probiotic exposure in 30%. Overall, 30-day mortality was 27%. In multivariable analysis, increasing age (adjusted OR 1.11 per year, 95% CI 1.02-1.37; p = 0.008) and ICU admission (adjusted OR 10.09, 95% CI 1.23-259.6; p = 0.03) were independent predictors of mortality. Fluconazole showed variable activity, whereas amphotericin B and echinocandins demonstrated low minimal inhibitory concentrations. Rare sterile-site S. cerevisiae infections are associated with high mortality related to host factors such as age and critical illness, supporting cautious probiotic use and first-line amphotericin B or echinocandins.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171649/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147931521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the Clinical Characteristics and Survival of Pediatric Patients with Invasive Aspergillosis: A 12-year Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Azer Karaman, Ali Bulent Cengiz, Kubra Aykac, Osman Oguz Demir, Dolunay Gülmez, Sevtap Arikan-Akdagli, Yasemin Ozsurekci","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01078-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01078-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. Pediatric data are limited, and treatment guidelines often rely on adult studies. This study aimed to assess clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric IA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients (0-18 years) diagnosed with IA at a tertiary center in Türkiye between 2010 and 2022. Data on demographics, underlying conditions, Aspergillus species, antifungal susceptibility, treatment regimens, and outcomes were analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-five children met criteria for proven (69%) or probable (31%) IA after excluding 22 possible cases. Median age was 8.6 years; mortality did not differ significantly by age, sex, or underlying condition. Hematologic malignancies were the most common comorbidity (35%). Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species (57%), and no antifungal resistance was detected. Classical risk factors; central venous catheter use (53%), neutropenia (51%), and recent chemotherapy (35%) were frequent but showed no association with mortality. Lung involvement was the most common presentation (71%), followed by sinus (31%) and central nervous system involvement (13%). Thirty-day mortality was 11%, 12-week mortality was 20% (11/55), and overall mortality reached 29%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pediatric IA remains associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, although outcomes in this cohort were more favorable than those reported in many prior pediatric series. No single clinical, microbiological, or radiological factor reliably predicted mortality, underscoring the complexity of risk stratification. Early diagnosis and timely antifungal therapy remain essential, and multicenter prospective studies are needed to optimize treatment approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171737/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147931472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cat-transmitted Sporotrichosis: A Clonal Household Outbreak with Atypical Human and Canine Disease Due to Sporothrix brasiliensis.","authors":"Bruno Balduino Berber-Freitas, Lara Rocha Batista, Bruno Siqueira Prudente, Leonardo Eurípedes Andrade E Silva, Simone Regina Argenton-Perrella, Érica Rivera Coimbra, Ana Beatriz Oliveira de Souza, Larissa Sousa Araújo, Marilia Prior Fuga, Ivonete Helena Rocha, Jamile Ambrósio de Carvalho, Anderson Messias Rodrigues, Mario León Silva Vergara","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01075-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01075-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The epidemiology of sporotrichosis, a neglected mycosis caused by Sporothrix species, has shifted in South America from classic sapronosis to urban zoonosis driven by feline transmission of the hypervirulent Sporothrix brasiliensis. However, the fine-scale transmission dynamics of this epidemic, particularly within households, remain poorly understood. Here, we dissect an intrafamilial outbreak in Brazil involving a cat (the index case), a dog, and three humans. High-resolution genotyping using 15 microsatellite markers revealed a clonal transmission event, with isolates from the index cat and human patients being genetically indistinguishable (100% similarity). Multiple bioinformatic analyses, including principal component analysis, minimum spanning tree, and self-organizing maps, corroborated these findings. Strikingly, this outbreak strain produced markedly divergent clinical phenotypes, including Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome in an 8-year-old girl, a fixed cutaneous lesion in her 5-year-old brother, and a disseminated maculopapular exanthem in her 28-year-old mother. This clinical pleomorphism from a genetically invariant pathogen unequivocally demonstrates the pivotal role of host factors, such as age, immune response, and inoculation site, in dictating disease manifestation. Furthermore, all outbreak isolates belonged to the MAT1-1 idiomorph, a finding that challenges the paradigm of a monolithic epidemic dominated by MAT1-2 strains and suggests a more complex, polycentric expansion of S. brasiliensis. Overall, this study provides strong evidence of zoonotic transmission and highlights how host determinants, not pathogen variability, shape the clinical diversity of sporotrichosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13167904/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147874959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Study on the Species Diversity, Mating Types, and Clinical Relevance of Trichophyton mentagrophytes/interdigitale Complex Infections in Guizhou Province.","authors":"Wei Hu, Kexin Xu, Jing Zhou, Wanglan Luo, Songgan Jia, Xiangyu Liu, Zhengling Shang, Yinhui Jiang, Zhi Liu, Yanping Jiang","doi":"10.1007/s11046-026-01079-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11046-026-01079-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To date, no reliable biological clock markers have been identified to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among the three species within the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex-namely T. interdigitale, T. mentagrophytes, and T. indotineae. This study, employing a polyphasic approach, confirmed that 62 clinical isolates of the T. mentagrophytes complex obtained from Guizhou tend to cluster into two distinct groups: Group I (42 isolates, comprising T. interdigitale and T. indotineae) and Group II (20 isolates, representing T. mentagrophytes). These groups exhibited statistically significant differences in molecular characteristics, phenotypic traits, MAT locus distribution, clinical pathogenicity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles. Notably, the identification of a cryptic sexual state in T. interdigitale revealed unexpected genetic affinities between the two groups. In particular, the hybrid strain JYP 23487, classified as T. mentagrophytes, and its granular variant JYP 23487 k, which occupies an intermediate position in the MAT1-1 gene phylogenetic tree (MAT1-1-1 genotype C), provide evidence for genetic continuity and suggest a potential link between fungal morphological variation and mating type gene composition. Collectively, the Guizhou isolates of the T. mentagrophytes complex demonstrate a dynamic pattern of genetic continuity and shared MAT genotypes that correlate with phenotypic traits, providing additional evidence for the blurred taxonomic boundaries between the traditionally defined species T. interdigitale and T. mentagrophytes. The occurrence of strains with dual mating type loci or intermediate genotypes may be attributed to frequent host switching, facilitating recombination and exchange of MAT gene regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":19017,"journal":{"name":"Mycopathologia","volume":"191 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147874951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}