Pyrenochaeta keratinophila sp nov., isolated from an ocular infection in Spain

The new coelomycete Pyrenochaeta keratinophila, isolated from corneal scrapings of a case of keratitis in Spain, is described and illustrated. This fungus is morphologically characterized by grey-olivaceous to greenish olivaceous colonies, scarce pycnidial setae placed mainly near the ostiole and production of phialoconidia from the aerial mycelium. The latter feature is unknown in any other species of the genus Pyrenocha eta. Sequencing of the ITS rDNA region of this clinical strain confirmed this proposal and revealed its close genetic relationship with the Leptosphaeriaceae. (C) 2009 Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved