Semi-automated repetitive sequence-based PCR amplification for species of the Scedosporium apiospermum complex

International audiencePurpose: The Scedosporium apiospermum species complex usually ranks second among the filamentous fungi colonizing the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but little is known about the molecular epidemiology of the airway colonization.Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of repetitive sequences (rep-PCR) was applied to the retrospective analysis of a panel of isolates already studied by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and comprising 63 isolates recovered from sputa from 9 CF patients. Results were compared to those obtained previously by RAPD, and herein by beta-tubulin (TUB) gene sequencing and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST).Results: Within the panel of isolates studied, S. apiospermum sensu stricto and Sce-dosporium boydii, as expected, were the predominant species with 21 and 36 isolates, respectively. Four isolates from one patient were identified as Scedosporium auranti-acum, whereas two isolates belonged to the Pseudallescheria ellipsoidea subgroup of S. boydii. rep-PCR analysis of these isolates clearly differentiated the three species and P. ellipsoidea isolates, whatever the rep-PCR kit used, and also permitted strain differentiation. When using the mold primer kit, results from rep-PCR were in close agreement with those obtained by MLST. For both S. apiospermum and S. boydii, 8 genotypes were differentiated by rep-PCR and MLST compared to 10 by RAPD. All S. aurantiacum isolates shared the same RAPD genotype and exhibited the same rep-PCR profile and sequence type.Conclusions: These results illustrate the efficacy of rep-PCR for both species identification within the S. apiospermum complex and genotyping for the two major species of this comple

Caractérisation moléculaire et épidémiologique de pathogènes fongiques émergents dans la mucoviscidose : scedosporium spp et Rasamsonia spp

In cystic fibrosis (CF), respiratory infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Bacteria are the most common causative agents of these infections, but an increasing number of fungal species may also be found, including Scedosporium species and species of the Rasamsonia argillacea complex. In order to improve our knowledge on the epidemiology of these infections, here we evaluated the interest of PCR amplification of repetitive DNA sequences (rep-PCR) for species identification and strain delineation. rep-PCR was applied to the retrospective analysis of a panel of 63 isolates belonging to the Scedosporiumgenus. Results were consistent with those obtained by beta-tubulingene sequencing, random amplification of polymorphic DNA and Multilocus Sequence Typing. rep-PCR also permitted precise species identification in the R. argillacea complex. Analysis of the data obtained on 116 isolates revealed the capacity of these fungi to chronically colonize the airways of patients with CF, a unique electrophoretic profile being observed usually for each patient. Finally, we produced in this thesis new data about the ecology of Scedosporium species by studying different biotopes in Morocco. As previously reported, these fungi are mainly found in human-impacted areas. Also they prefer soils with a neutral pH, a high organic matter content and a very low mineral salts content. In addition, if S. apiospermum was by far the predominant species, S. boydii, S. aurantiacum and S. dehoogii were encountered with similar frequencies. In conclusion, data provided here reinforce our knowledge on the epidemiology of the infections caused by these emerging pathogens.Dans la mucoviscidose, le tableau clinique est dominé par les infections respiratoires qui constituent la cause majeure de morbidité. Diverses espèces fongiques sont décrites dans ces infections, notamment les Scedosporium et le complexe Rasamsonia argillacea pour lesquels les connaissances restent limitées. Dans ce travail, nous avons évalué l’intérêt de l’amplification des séquences répétitives de l’ADN pour la différenciation spécifique et infraspécifique de ces champignons. La rep-PCR a d’abord été appliquée à l’analyse d'isolats du genre Scedosporium. La rep-PCR a produit des résultats concordants avec ceux obtenus par séquençage du gène de la bêta-tubuline, amplification aléatoire de fragments d’ADN polymorphes et séquençage multi-loci. Elle permet également l’identification précise des espèces au sein du complexe R. argillacea. L’analyse des résultats obtenus sur 116 isolats a montré la capacité de ces champignons à coloniser de manière chronique les voies respiratoires, un même profil électrophorétique étant observé généralement chez un même patient. Enfin, nous avons produit de nouvelles données sur l’écologie des Scedosporium en étudiant différents biotopes au Maroc. Comme précédemment rapporté,ces champignons préfèrent les environnements impactés parles activités humaines. On les rencontre dans des sols de pH neutre, riches en matières organiques et pauvres en sels. Enfin, si S. apiospermum était l’espèce la plus abondante, S. boydii, S. aurantiacum et S. dehoogii ont été rencontrés avec des fréquences comparables. En conclusion, les données générées renforcent nos connaissances sur l’épidémiologie des infections causées par ces pathogènes émergents

Molecular and epidemiologic characterization of emerging fungal pathogens in the cystic fibrosis : scedosporium spp and Rasamsonia spp

Dans la mucoviscidose, le tableau clinique est dominé par les infections respiratoires qui constituent la cause majeure de morbidité. Diverses espèces fongiques sont décrites dans ces infections, notamment les Scedosporium et le complexe Rasamsonia argillacea pour lesquels les connaissances restent limitées. Dans ce travail, nous avons évalué l’intérêt de l’amplification des séquences répétitives de l’ADN pour la différenciation spécifique et infraspécifique de ces champignons. La rep-PCR a d’abord été appliquée à l’analyse d'isolats du genre Scedosporium. La rep-PCR a produit des résultats concordants avec ceux obtenus par séquençage du gène de la bêta-tubuline, amplification aléatoire de fragments d’ADN polymorphes et séquençage multi-loci. Elle permet également l’identification précise des espèces au sein du complexe R. argillacea. L’analyse des résultats obtenus sur 116 isolats a montré la capacité de ces champignons à coloniser de manière chronique les voies respiratoires, un même profil électrophorétique étant observé généralement chez un même patient. Enfin, nous avons produit de nouvelles données sur l’écologie des Scedosporium en étudiant différents biotopes au Maroc. Comme précédemment rapporté,ces champignons préfèrent les environnements impactés parles activités humaines. On les rencontre dans des sols de pH neutre, riches en matières organiques et pauvres en sels. Enfin, si S. apiospermum était l’espèce la plus abondante, S. boydii, S. aurantiacum et S. dehoogii ont été rencontrés avec des fréquences comparables. En conclusion, les données générées renforcent nos connaissances sur l’épidémiologie des infections causées par ces pathogènes émergents.In cystic fibrosis (CF), respiratory infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Bacteria are the most common causative agents of these infections, but an increasing number of fungal species may also be found, including Scedosporium species and species of the Rasamsonia argillacea complex. In order to improve our knowledge on the epidemiology of these infections, here we evaluated the interest of PCR amplification of repetitive DNA sequences (rep-PCR) for species identification and strain delineation. rep-PCR was applied to the retrospective analysis of a panel of 63 isolates belonging to the Scedosporiumgenus. Results were consistent with those obtained by beta-tubulingene sequencing, random amplification of polymorphic DNA and Multilocus Sequence Typing. rep-PCR also permitted precise species identification in the R. argillacea complex. Analysis of the data obtained on 116 isolates revealed the capacity of these fungi to chronically colonize the airways of patients with CF, a unique electrophoretic profile being observed usually for each patient. Finally, we produced in this thesis new data about the ecology of Scedosporium species by studying different biotopes in Morocco. As previously reported, these fungi are mainly found in human-impacted areas. Also they prefer soils with a neutral pH, a high organic matter content and a very low mineral salts content. In addition, if S. apiospermum was by far the predominant species, S. boydii, S. aurantiacum and S. dehoogii were encountered with similar frequencies. In conclusion, data provided here reinforce our knowledge on the epidemiology of the infections caused by these emerging pathogens

Response of almond flowering and dormancy to Mediterranean temperature conditions in the context of adaptation to climate variations

International audienceDetermining the flowering and the dormancy phases in fruit trees is a crucial process because of their substantial role in some agricultural practices and crop managements. However, few of these studies were conducted on almond flowering and dormancy, particularly in mild climate areas. This study aimed to simulate the dormancy phases, closely involved in the determination of flowering time of almond species in response to temperature variations. To reach this objective, Partial Least Squares analysis was used. In this regard, climatic and flowering data were collected from Ain Taoudjate in Morocco during the period from 1974 to 2014. In fact, a significant temperature increase was highlighted, inducing a decrease in amounts of chill during the studied period. Using Partial Least Squares analysis, a good fit of data was obtained, particularly using mean and maximal temperatures. Two relevant periods controlling the flowering process were highlighted in Tuono cultivar, in concordance with the sequential model in prediction of flowering times. The first long chilling period started from October 01st to January 11th. During this period, temperatures correlated positively with flowering dates, inducing consequently a delayed flowering dates because of low and slow accumulation of chilling requirements. However, the second short forcing period extended from January 18th to March 09th, during which flowering dates were negatively correlated with temperatures. In fact, the accumulation of certain threshold of Growing Degree Hours and Chill Portions during the two periods respectively could delay flowering, particularly in the context of chilling privation in the coming future, causing a serious problem for fruit trees. Significantly, temperatures during the chilling period seemed to affect effectively the flowering dates of almond than temperatures during the forcing period. In this investigation, we demonstrated that Partial Least Squares showed a good fit in explanation of the flowering process and can be used for prediction of dormancy phases and flowering process

Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium Infection in HIV/Aids Patients in Algeria

The estimated prevalence rate of adults living with HIV infection in MENA is one of the lowest in the world. To date, no data on the genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium isolates from HIV/AIDS patients in Algeria were available. This study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium species and subtype families prevalent in Algerian HIV-infected patients and contribute to the molecular epidemiology mapping of Cryptosporidium in the MENA region. A total of 350 faecal specimens from HIV/AIDS patients were analysed using microscopy, and a Cryptosporidium infection was identified from 33 samples, with 22 isolates successfully sequencing and confirming species and subtypes. Based on sequence analysis, 15 isolates were identified as C. parvum with family subtypes IIa (n = 7) and IId (n = 8), while five were identified as C. hominis (family subtypes Ia (n = 2) and Ib (n = 3)) and two as C. felis. The C. parvum subtype families IIa and IId predominated, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. More extensive sampling of both humans and farm animals, especially sheep, goats and calves, as well as a collection of epidemiological data are needed for a better understanding of the sources of human C. parvum infections in Algeria

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. from humans in Ethiopia.

Data on the distribution and genotype of Cryptosporidium species is limited in Ethiopia. This study examined the presence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium species circulating in Ethiopian human population. Stool samples collected from patients who visited rural (n = 94) and urban (n = 93) health centers in Wurgissa and Hawassa district, respectively, were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. using microscopy, nested PCR and real-time PCR. To detect infection with PCR, analysis of 18S ribosomal RNA was performed. Subtyping was performed by sequencing a fragment of GP60 gene. The overall prevalence of infection was 46% (n = 86) by microscope and PCR. When 48 (out of 86) PCR positive samples were genotyped, two species were identified: C. parvum (n = 40) and C. hominis (n = 8). When 15 of the 40 C. parvum isolates were subtyped, zoonotic subtypes of IIaA14G1R1 (n = 1), IIaA15G2R1 (n = 1), IIaA16G1R1 (n = 2), IIaA16G3R1 (n = 2), IIaA17G1R1 (n = 1), IIaA19G1R1 (n = 1), IIaA20G1R1 (n = 3), IIaA22G1R1 (n = 1), IIaA22G2R1 (n = 1), IIdA23G1 (n = 1) and IIdA24G1 (n = 1) were identified. When 6 of the 8 C. hominis isolates were subtyped, subtypes IaA20 (n = 5), and IdA21(n = 1) were identified. This study suggests that C. parvum and C. hominis are causes of cryptosporidiosis in human in the Wurgissa district and Hawassa in Ethiopia. Zoonotic transmission might be the main route of transmission

Scedosporium species in soils from various biomes in Northwestern Morocco.

peer reviewedScedosporium species are opportunistic pathogens causing various infections, including disseminated infections in severely immunocompromised patients. Preventive measures aiming to reduce the risk of exposure to these fungi require a better knowledge on their ecology and on the sources of contamination of the patients. In this context, 99 soil samples from the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra and Fez-Meknes regions in Morocco were analyzed. Samples were inoculated on the highly selective Scedo-Select III culture medium, and seven chemical parameters of the soils were measured. Scedosporium species were detected in 48 of the samples, with the highest density in soils from wastewater treatment plants and landfills, followed by those from roadsides and polluted riverbanks, thus confirming the impact of human activities on their ecology. Scedosporium apiospermum was the most common species, followed by S. boydii and S. aurantiacum. Analysis of the chemical parameters of the soils revealed the presence of Scedosporium species was mainly associated with a moderate electrical conductivity, a pH range of 7.0 to 7.6, a nutrient-rich content and a moderate phosphorus amount. Thereby, these results demonstrated the relatively high occurrence of Scedosporium in Morocco and highlighted the impact of phosphorus content on their ecology

Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> Infection in HIV/Aids Patients in Algeria

The estimated prevalence rate of adults living with HIV infection in MENA is one of the lowest in the world. To date, no data on the genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium isolates from HIV/AIDS patients in Algeria were available. This study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium species and subtype families prevalent in Algerian HIV-infected patients and contribute to the molecular epidemiology mapping of Cryptosporidium in the MENA region. A total of 350 faecal specimens from HIV/AIDS patients were analysed using microscopy, and a Cryptosporidium infection was identified from 33 samples, with 22 isolates successfully sequencing and confirming species and subtypes. Based on sequence analysis, 15 isolates were identified as C. parvum with family subtypes IIa (n = 7) and IId (n = 8), while five were identified as C. hominis (family subtypes Ia (n = 2) and Ib (n = 3)) and two as C. felis. The C. parvum subtype families IIa and IId predominated, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. More extensive sampling of both humans and farm animals, especially sheep, goats and calves, as well as a collection of epidemiological data are needed for a better understanding of the sources of human C. parvum infections in Algeria

Long-Term Rasamsonia argillacea Complex Species Colonization Revealed by PCR Amplification of Repetitive DNA Sequences in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

International audienc