Molecular and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry-Based Characterization of Clinically Significant Melanized Fungi in India.

ABSTRACT: Melanized or black fungi are a heterogeneous group of fungi causing cutaneous to systemic diseases with high mortality. These fungi are rarely reported as agents of human infections, primarily due to difficulties in their classical identification. In this study, we examined, using molecular methods and matrix-assisted laser desorption ioniazation-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), the diversity of melanized fungi (MF) isolated from patients in 19 medical centers in India. Overall, during a 4-year period, 718 (5.3%) clinical specimens yielded MF. Of these, 72 (10%) isolates had clinical significance and were identified primarily by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit (LSU) regions. MF represented 21 genera comprising 29 species, the majority of them be

SUBMITTER: Singh A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5377836 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature