Abstract
The human mutilating disease chromoblastomycosis is caused by melanized members of the order Chaetothyriales. To assess population diversity among 123 clinical strains of agents of the disease in Brazil we applied sequencing of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region, and partial cell division cycle and β-tubulin genes. Strains studied were limited to three clusters divided over the single family Herpotrichiellaceae known to comprise agents of the disease. A Fonsecaea cluster contained the most important agents, among which F. pedrosoi was prevalent with 80% of the total set of strains, followed by 13% for F. monophora, 3% for F. nubica, and a single isolate of F. pugnacius. Additional agents, among which two novel species, were located among members of the genus Rhinocladiella and Cyphellophora, with frequencies of 3% and 1%, respectively.
Highlights
Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection of the skin caused by melanized fungi
Chromoblastomycosis, a skin disease found among rural populations in tropical and subtropical regions, is caused by melanized fungi related to the black yeasts
Judging from a reference set of partial LSU rDNA sequences of members of Chaetothyriales available at CBS, agents of chromoblastomycosis were polyphyletic within the order, being dispersed in three different clades: jeanselmei, bantiana- and europaea-clades (Fig 1, arrows)
Summary
Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection of the skin caused by melanized fungi. It has a worldwide distribution mainly in tropical and subtropical climate zones, with a preference for humid climates with dense forestation, with Cladophialophora carrionii being the only species that is restricted to semi-arid areas with Cactaceae as main vegetation. In Brazil, the infection is observed in all states, with an estimated prevalence of 1/196 thousand inhabitants, but in some hyperendemic regions a considerably higher prevalence is noted [8]. Infection is assumed to occur through accidental inoculation of the fungus via contaminated plant debris, being favored by agricultural activities denoting an occupational nature of the disease. Chromoblastomycosis is one of the most frequent implantation mycoses found among rural populations [2, 8,9,10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
