新疆首次临床分离新生隐球菌菌株分子鉴定、基因分型及体外药物敏感性研究

目的对新疆首次临床分离的5株新生隐球菌进行分子鉴定、RAPD-PCR基因分型及体外药物敏感性研究。方法5株新生隐球菌分子鉴定采用核糖体DNA大亚基(LSU rDNA)D1/D2基因区域分子鉴定。分子分型采用引物SEQ-6结合RAPD-PCR法扩增5株新疆临床分离新生隐球菌菌株及5株由上海长征医院提供分离自上海新生隐球菌菌株,根据扩增产物带型进行基因型判定。采用临床实验室标准化协会(CLSI)的酵母微量液基稀释法(M27-A3)测定5株新疆临床分离新生隐球菌菌株对6种抗真菌药(伏立康唑、伊曲康唑、两性霉素B、特比萘芬、氟康唑、5-氟胞嘧啶)的体外敏感性。结果 5株新疆临床分离隐球菌菌株经过D1/D2区域序列分析在基因Bank中比对后鉴定为新生隐球菌。5株新疆临床分离新生隐球菌和5株上海新生隐球菌菌株经RAPD-PCR法扩增,带型显示分为A、B、C、D 4个基因型,其中新疆5株菌株A型1株、其余4株均为B型,上海菌株B型为1株,C型3株、D型1株,5株新疆临床分离新生隐球菌株对伏立康唑、伊曲康唑、两性霉素B、特比萘芬的MIC值(μg/mL)范围依次为:0.062 5~0.25、0.25~1、0.125~0.5、1~2,对氟康唑、5-氟胞嘧啶MIC值较高,MIC值范围依次为:4~16、8~32。结论新疆临床分离5株隐球菌株采用D1/D2基因序列鉴定为新生隐球菌。RAPD-PCR分型显示新疆临床分离5株新生隐球菌株以B型基因型为主。A型和B型对伏立康唑、两性霉素B敏感,对伊曲康唑、特比萘芬剂量依赖型敏感,对氟康唑、5-氟胞嘧啶耐药。     

获得性免疫缺陷综合征患者的新生隐球菌基因多态性研究

本文旨在调查2003 年1 月― 2007 年12 月分离自上海地区获得性免疫缺陷综合征( AIDS) 患者的新生隐球菌临床株的配型及基因型分布特征, 为隐球菌病的诊疗提供科学依据。首先以M13 为单引物对模板DNA 进行聚合酶链反应( PCR) 扩增, 参照标准株指纹图将临床株鉴定至基因型; 同时对12 株来自AIDS 患者的新生隐球菌临床株的内转录间隔区( ITS) 基因进行PCR 扩增、序列分析, 以CLUSTAL W1. 83 软件多重比对分析ITS序列的差别,MEGA3. 1 软件处理数据, NJ 法绘制系统进化树, Bootstrapping 法对系统进化树结果进行统计学检验, 区分新生隐球菌格鲁比变种、新生变种及格特变种菌株; 最后选用特异性引物PCR 特异性扩增相关基因, 鉴定α和a 配型。结果显示, 分离自上海地区的12 株隐球菌临床株中, 9 株( 75% ) 为VNⅠ基因型/ α配型菌株,3 株( 25%) 为VNⅡ基因型/ α配型菌株, 且ITS基因序列分析可将各临床株鉴定至变种水平。本研究提示, 分离自上海地区AIDS患者的新生隐球菌临床株存在一定的遗传多态性, 以VNⅠ基因型/ α配型菌株为主, 有少量VNⅡ基因型/ α配型菌株。     

不同毒力差异基因型的新生隐球菌MLST分型及交配型鉴定研究

目的：了解及比较两组毒力差异明显的新生隐球菌格鲁比变种的多位点序列分型（MLST）的特点并进行交配型鉴定。方法采用多位点序列分型（MLST）的方法,设计7个看家基因（CAP59,GPD1,LAC1,PLB1,SOD1,URA5和IGS1）的引物,扩增并分析来源分别为环境和临床的各10株新生隐球菌格鲁比变种的基因型,并鉴定实验菌株交配型,与多位点微卫星分型（MLMT）结果对比,比较不同基因分型方法在分类中的稳定性和可靠性。结果在微卫星分型中为MLMT-36的10株环境分离株,MLST分型为ST-15,而在微卫星分型中为MLMT-13型的10株临床分离株,MLST分型为ST-32,所有菌株交配型均为MAT-α。结论MLST分型结果与MLMT分型结果高度一致,提示以上两种分子分型技术在真菌分类鉴定研究中可显示对于其分离背景及进化来源的高分辨率及稳定性。     

34例HIV患者新生隐球菌感染分子流行病学及临床特点分析

目的了解HIV患者新生隐球菌感染的分子流行病学及其临床特点,为HIV患者新生隐球菌感染的预防和治疗提供依据。方法收集首次分离自HIV患者的新生隐球菌34株,回顾性分析患者一般资料;VITEK MS质谱仪进行菌种鉴定,ATB Fungus3测定新生隐球菌对5种抗真菌药物的MIC值;利用PCR对特异性引物扩增,确定变种和交配型;多位点序列分型(MLST)对菌株进行分子遗传学分析。结果 34株新生隐球菌绝大部分分离自中年男性,且主要来自脑脊液(73.5%)标本;初次脑脊液压力平均为(27.26±11.52)mmH2O,CD4细胞计数中位数28cells/μL(3~163cells/μL),脑脊液白细胞中位计数32(2~110)×106/L,蛋白质定量中位数为362 mg/L(160~2 730 mg/L),葡萄糖含量中位数为2.28mmol/L(1.50~5.98mmol/L);所有菌株对5种抗真菌药均敏感,且所有菌株均为Aα、VNⅠ型;MLST分析共检出3种ST型,ST5(n=32)、ST32(n=1)和ST186(n=1)。结论近两年本地区HIV合并新生隐球菌感染主要以中年男性多见,常规实验室检查缺乏特异性,对临床常用抗真菌药物耐药性不强,ST5是其感染的主要克隆系。     

STE12α基因对新生隐球菌形态学影响的初步研究

目的研究STE12α基因对新生隐球菌形态学的影响。方法分别敲除血清A型和血清B型新生隐球菌菌株的STE12α基因,建立缺陷株,再将STE12α基因重新导入建立重建株。观察并比较野生株、STE12α基因缺陷株及重建株在体内、外孵育后菌落和菌落的形态学差异。结果 STE12α基因缺陷株组形成的菌落明显偏少,菌株直径偏小,荚膜发育不良,而重构株组这些方面的改变都得到了恢复。结论 STE12α基因对新生隐球菌的形态学改变有着重要的影响,可能直接影响其毒力。     

中国广西地区格特隐球菌菌种复合体的基因型分析

目的探讨中国广西地区格特隐球菌菌种复合体的基因型特点、种群结构特征和全球菌株的进化关系。方法收集2014—2018年间分离自临床确诊为隐球菌病患者的隐球菌临床株,利用CGB培养基初步筛选格特隐球菌菌种复合体。采用多位点序列分型方法(MLST)确定基因型。通过MEGA7软件构建系统发育树,利用R语言进行主成分分析。使用微量肉汤稀释法M27-A3方案行体外抗真菌药物敏感性检验。结果120株临床隐球菌中,分离出11株格特隐球菌菌种复合体,6株属于C.deuterogattii(AFLP6/VGII),5株属于C.gattii sensus stricto(AFLP4/VGI)。分离自广西的AFLP6/VGII呈遗传多样性,主要起源进化自南美巴西格特隐球菌菌种复合体。11株分离菌株均对常用抗真菌药物敏感。结论中国广西可能出现高致病性AFLP6/VGII,对格特隐球菌菌种复合体进行有效的全国性监测是必要的。     

中国首株格特隐球菌VGII基因型分离株XH91的分子和表型特征鉴定

【目的】研究我国首次临床分离的一株格特隐球菌VGII基因型菌株(XH91)的分子和表型特征。【方法】对受试株XH91进行血清型的分子鉴定;选取核基因组和线粒体基因组中共16个基因片段进行多位点序列分型;对受试株进行单倍体繁育、同性交配及异性交配能力评价;观察受试株的黑色素生成、荚膜厚度及37℃生长等表型特征。【结果】我国首株格特隐球菌VGII基因型菌株XH91为血清B型;该菌株在多位点序列分型上与温哥华岛致病基因型VGIIb一致;XH91能与a交配型发生交配,产生担孢子,而不能与α交配型发生交配且不具备单倍体繁育能力;XH91的黑色素生成、荚膜厚度及37℃生长等表型特征与参考株无明显差异。【结论】我国首株格特隐球菌VGII基因型菌株XH91在基因型、表型特征上均与温哥华岛VGIIb基因亚型一致,该结果将为我国格特隐球菌VGII基因型的分子流行病学和疾病监控提供重要资料。     

新生隐球菌的AFLP分析

目的评估AFLP-DNA指纹技术在新生隐球菌分类中应用情况。方法新生隐球菌基因组DNA用双酶酶切,双链接头连于其酶切末端,用与接头和酶切位点互补的引物扩增DNA片段,其产物在高分辨的变性聚丙酰胺凝胶上电泳分离,然后进行银染。结果分析来自5种血清型和临床分离株的18株新生隐球菌,可见有30多条大小在30～500bp的DNA-AFLP指纹,相同的血清型有不同的指纹图谱,来自同一患者不同病期的两株分离株和来自同一患者患者的不同部位的两株分离株都显示出相同的带型。结论显示了AFLP的高分辨率,是适用于新生隐球菌流行病学调查的有力工具。     

格特隐球菌IGS5b基因亚型和a交配型菌株的鉴定

目的鉴定1株格特隐球菌VGⅢ基因型中的少见基因亚型IGS5b及a交配型菌株。方法采用PCR指纹法、基因内间隔区（IGS）和磷脂酶基因（PLB1）测序分析鉴定基因型。采用PCR特异扩增法和交配试验鉴定交配型。采用GEF1基因序列分析同步鉴定基因型和交配型。结果结合PCR指纹法和序列分析,鉴定受试株RV63979为VGⅢ基因型中的少见基因亚型。针对交配型位点内STE12和STE20基因的特异性引物均扩增阴性。交配试验证实为a交配型。GEF1位点测序准确鉴定其基因型和交配型。结论本文通过多种鉴定手段结合IGS序列分析,鉴定1株VGⅢ基因型中的少见基因亚型IGS5b,证实VGⅢ基因型中至少存在IGS5a和IGS5b2种基因亚型。交配型分析表明该菌为VGⅢ基因型中少见的a交配型。     

利用微卫星标记研究新生隐球菌分子流行病学

目的 研究国内隐球菌临床分离株的遗传多态性和分子流行病学.方法 选择与新生隐球菌遗传相关的9个微卫星标记,分析这9个位点从1993 ～2009年国内分离到的新生隐球菌临床株遗传背景、来源及变异程度.结果 116株被研究的隐球菌临床分离株,主要归属于3个微卫星复合物(MC2,MC3和MC12),其中大部分为MC2(103株).8株菌株属于目前为止未被国内外认识的新复合物(MC12).结论 利用微卫星DNA多态性研究新生隐球菌分子流行病学有较大的应用价值.     

Genotype and mating type analysis of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii isolates from China that mainly originated from non-HIV-infected patients

Cryptococcosis has been reported to be mostly associated with non-HIV-related patients in China. However, little is known about the molecular characteristics of clinical isolates from the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in this country. In this study, 115 clinical isolates were included. Molecular type VNI was the most representative ( n =103), followed by VGI ( n =8), VNIII ( n =2), VNIV ( n =1), and VGII ( n =1). With the exception of a serotype D mating type a isolate, all possessed the MAT α locus. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that most Cryptococcus gattii isolates from China shared identical MLST profiles with the most common MLST genotype reported in the VGI group, and the only one VGII isolate resembled the Vancouver Island outbreak minor genotype. The C. gattii strains involved in this study were successfully grouped according to their molecular type and mating types by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the GEF1 gene. Our results suggest that (1) in China, cryptococcosis is mostly caused by C. neoformans var. grubii (molecular type VNI), and mating type α; (2) The most common causative agents of C. gattii infection in China are closely related to a widely distributed MLST genotype; and (3) The PCR-RFLP analysis of the GEF1 gene has the potential to identify the molecular and mating types of C. gattii simultaneously.     

Identification of Novel Hybrids Between Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii VNI and Cryptococcus gattii VGII

Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are pathogenic yeasts causing meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts. The fungus is typically haploid, and sexual reproduction occurs normally between individuals with opposite mating types, α and a. C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) is comprised of molecular types VNI, VNII, and VNB, and C. neoformans var. neoformans (serotype D) contains the molecular type VNIV. Additionally, diploid or aneuploid AD hybrids (VNIII) have been reported. C. gattii contains the molecular types VGI, VGII, VGIII, and VGIV, which encompass both serotypes B and C. To identify possible hybrid strains, URA5-RFLP analysis was performed on 350 globally obtained clinical, environmental, and veterinary isolates. Four clinical isolates from cerebrospinal fluid showed combination patterns of C. neoformans var. grubii and C. gattii: Brazil (n = 2), Colombia (n = 1), and India (n = 1). These strains were monokaryotic and diploid or aneuploid. M13 PCR fingerprinting showed that they contained fragments of both proposed parental groups. Luminex IGS genotyping identified these isolates as hybrids with two different molecular type combinations: three VNI/VGII and one VNI/VGI. Blue color development on CGB agar was delayed in three isolates and absent in one. C. gattii-specific PCR confirmed the presence of C. gattii in the hybrids. CAP59 allele-specific PCR revealed that all the hybrids contained both serotype A and B alleles. Determination of mating-type allelic patterns by PCR revealed that the isolates were αA aB. This is the first study discovering novel natural hybrids between C. neoformans molecular type VNI and C. gattii molecular type VGII.     

Regional pattern of the molecular types of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in Brazil

The molecular types of 443 Brazilian isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii were analyzed to determine their geographic distribution within Brazil and their underlying host conditions. The following data, imported from previous epidemiological studies as well as two culture collections, were analyzed for: place of isolation, source (clinical or environmental), host risk factors, species, serotype, mating type, and molecular type. Molecular typing by PCR-fingerprinting using primers for the minisatellite-specific core sequence of the wild-type phage M13 or microsatellites [(GACA)4, (GTG)5], restriction fragment length polymorphism of URA5 gene analysis, and/or amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) identified eight major genotypes: VNI/AFLP1, VNII/AFLP1A, VNIII/AFLP2, and VNIV/AFLP3 for C. neoformans, and VGI/AFLP4, VGII/AFLP6, VGIII/AFLP5, and VGIV/AFLP7 for C. gattii. The most common molecular type found in Brazil was VNI (64%), followed by VGII (21%), VNII (5%), VGIII (4%), VGI and VNIV (3% each), and VNIII (< 1%). Primary cryptococcosis caused by the molecular type VGII (serotype B, MAT) prevails in immunocompetent hosts in the North and Northeast regions, disclosing an endemic regional pattern for this specific molecular type in the Northern Brazil.     

Genotypes of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii as agents of endemic cryptococcosis in Teresina, Piauí (northeastern Brazil)

Throughout Brazil, Cryptococcus neoformans is the cause of cryptococcosis, whereas Cryptococcus gattii is endemic to the northern and northeastern states. In this study, the molecular types of 63 cryptococcal isolates recovered from the cerebrospinal fluid of meningitis patients diagnosed between 2008-2010 in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, were analysed. Out of the 63 patients, 37 (58.7%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and 26 (41.3%) were HIV-negative. URA5-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis identified 37/63 (58.7%) isolates as the C. neoformans VNI genotype, predominantly in HIV-positive patients (32/37, 86.5%), and 24/63 (38.1%) as the C. gattii VGII genotype, mostly in HIV-negative patients (21/26, 80.8%). The occurrence of C. gattii VGII in six apparently healthy children and in seven adolescents/young adults in this region reaffirms the endemic occurrence of C. gattii VGII-induced primary cryptococcosis and early cryptococcal infection. Lethality occurred in 18/37 (48.6%) of the HIV-positive subjects and in 13/26 (50%) of the HIV-negative patients. Our results provide new information on the molecular epidemiology of C. neoformans and C. gattii in Brazilian endemic areas.     

Laccase activity in Cryptococcus gattii strains isolated from goats

Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening infection in humans and animals caused by encapsulated yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the main agents of this mycosis. Until 2002 C. gattii was classified as a variety of C. neoformans but now is accepted as an independent species. The laccase (phenoloxydase) enzyme produced by these yeasts is considered one of the main pathogenic factors for its ability to induce melanin from dihydroxyphenolic compounds. The vast majority of the studies in laccase and melanin synthesis have been developed using isolates of C. neoformans. The main objective of this study was to evaluate laccase activity in strains of C. gattii, serotype B isolated from immunocompetent goats that died of lung and disseminated cryptococcosis, in several outbreaks occurring in Spain. The laccase activities of these isolates were compared with those of other strains of C. gattii and C. neoformans. After fungal cell rupture, the supernatant of each isolate was analyzed for its laccase activity using as substrate an L-dopa 20 mM solution. The degree of enzymatic activity was assessed according to its absorbance at 450 nm and scored using Enzymatic Units (EU). The maximum values were observed in three strains of C. gattii from goats (EU > 12). The smallest values were observed in one environmental isolate of C. gattii serotype C (EU = 0.7). The highest recorded value for C. neoformans was 6.3 EU in a serotype A isolate from one human case of meningitis. C. gattii serotype B obtained from goats showed different degrees of laccase activity, being the highest in those isolated from severe outbreaks of cryptococcosis. This enzyme appears to represent a major, though nonexclusive, pathogenic factor for Cryptococcus gattii.     

Multilocus sequence typing reveals three genetic subpopulations of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii (serotype A), including a unique population in Botswana

We applied multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to investigate the population structure and mode of reproduction of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii (serotype A). This MLST system utilizes 12 unlinked polymorphic loci, which are dispersed on nine different chromosomes, and allows the unambiguous identification of closely related strains of serotype A. We compared MLST analyses with the conventional genotyping method of detecting amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), and there was excellent correlation between the MLST and AFLP results. However, MLST differentiated a larger number of strains. We analyzed a global collection of isolates of serotype A using both methods, and the results identified at least three genetically distinct subpopulations, designated groups VNI, VNII, and VNB. Groups VNI and VNII are widespread, dominated by isolates with the MATalpha mating type, and predominantly clonal. Conversely, isolates of group VNB are unique to Botswana, include a significant proportion of fertile strains with the MATa mating type, and manifest compelling evidence of recombination. We have AFLP genotyped >1000 strains of serotype A from different parts of the world, including isolates from several African countries, and, to date, haploid serotype A isolates of group VNB have been found only in Botswana.     

格特隐球菌核基因、交配型位点和线粒体基因的多位点序列分型及重组分析

研究格特隐球菌VGI和VGII基因型菌株间线粒体基因重组与核基因、交配型位点重组间的关系。采用分子鉴定区分受试格特隐球菌的血清型、基因型和交配型;选取包含核基因和线粒体基因10个位点的多位点序列分型（ MLST）进行基因型和系统发育分析;采用同质性检验评价基因系谱间的一致性。多位点的序列和系统发育分析结合同质性检验表明,受试位点中,仅ATP6位点发现VGI和VGII菌株间基因的杂交和重组,该基因系谱与其余位点的基因系谱呈现不一致性。结果显示,受试的部分VGI菌株中的ATP6位点含有VGII菌株的基因序列,表明VGI和VGII菌株间线粒体基因的重组;没有发现核基因及交配型位点中两者间的重组,提示VGI和VGII菌株间线粒体基因的重组现象与交配行为无关。     

The internal transcribed spacers and 5.8S rRNA gene show extensive diversity among isolates of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex

Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region including the 5.8S rRNA gene delineated seven genotypes within the three varieties of Cryptococcus neoformans via specific combinations of eight nucleotide differences located at positions 10, 11, 15, 19, 108 (ITS1), 221 (5.8S), 298 and 346 (ITS2). The ITS types correlated to polymerase chain reaction fingerprint/random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular types: with ITS type 1 (ATACTAGC)=C. neoformans var. grubii, molecular types VNI+VNII and the serotype A allele of the AD hybrid, VNIIIA; ITS type 2 (ATATAGGC)=the serotype D allele of the AD hybrid, VNIIIB, and C. neoformans var. neoformans, VNIV; and ITS type 3 (GCGCTGGC) and ITS type 7 (ACGCTGGC)=VGI=RAPD type III, ITS type 4 (ACACTGAC)=VGII=RAPD type II, ITS type 5: (ACACTGGG)=VGIII=RAPD type I, ITS type 6 (ACACTGGC)=VGIV=RAPD type IV, all corresponding to C. neoformans var. gattii. Cloned sequences from serotype AD revealed that the hybrid serotype is diploid at the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 locus carrying the ITS type 1 (ATACTAGC) and the ITS type 2 (ATATAGGC) alleles. ITS sequencing is a useful technique for genotyping the three C. neoformans varieties and for subtyping within C. neoformans var. gattii.