Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Prototheca wickerhamii from a Brazilian case of human systemic protothecosis.

ABSTRACT: The genus Prototheca (alga) comprises a unique group of achlorophyllic saprotrophic and mammalian pathogen species. Despite its rare occurrence in humans and animals, protothecosis is considered an emerging clinical entity with relevance in immunocompromised patients. In this study, the characterization of spherical structures with endospores recovered from a blood culture in an HIV patient was investigated using phenotypic and molecular methodologies. On 2% Sabouraud dextrose agar, the isolate displayed morphological and biochemical characteristics found on isolates identified as Prototheca wickerhamii. To validate these analyses, molecular phylogeny of the internal transcript space (ITS) partial gene confirmed the identity of the isolate as P. wickerhamii. This is the first case of syste

SUBMITTER: Duarte-Silva L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11563477 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature