Journal of Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Abstract

Mating of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Woody Debris

Elgun T, Sengul M, Celik A and Ergin C

Cryptococcus neoformans (San Felice) Vuillemin is an encapsulated yeast of the class Basidiomycetes which produces life-threatening fungal infections on especially immunosuppressed individuals. Although flora of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Dehn.) (Which is considered for natural niche for C. neoformans) exists in various locations in Turkey, the isolation of the yeast is lower than expected.

In this study, swabbing technique was used for environmental screening of C. neoformans in Gökova-Akçapınar region where C. neoformans has been isolated in the area in 2011. All of the E. camaldulensis wood debris in this region was involved. C. neoformans colonization was discovered in 11 of 32 trees in Staib and V8 broths. (36,6%).

Pure C. neoformans (Aα) ATCC 208821 (10 μl) and C. neoformans (Aa) IUM 96-2828 (10 μl) strains were mixed and inoculated in E. camaldulensis wood debris broth. The mating (sexual reproduction) capability of C. neoformans was investigated and conjugation tube was observed in 59.3% of these broths. Mating capability of C. neoformans increases the risk of life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients.

Moreover, Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murrill fungous was discovered on all of E. camaldulensis where C. neoformans was isolated.