An indigenous inland genotype of the black yeast Hortaea werneckii inhabiting the great pyramid of Giza, Egypt.

ABSTRACT: Within the context of cultural heritage conservation, the biological study of tangible archeological sites is an important task to extend their existence and strengthen the transmission of their cultural value to future generations. In Egypt, a hyper-arid region, a microcolonial fungus with inky black growth was observed on a stone surface in the royal corridor of the Great Pyramid of Giza (King Khufu's pyramid). The isolate was studied and characterized by microscopic morphometric measurements, evaluation of enzymatic activities, and genotyping techniques. The isolate was identified as Hortaea werneckii, a pleomorphic black yeast that naturally inhabits hypersaline environments and infects human skin. It has been reported from humid temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones, mainl

SUBMITTER: Rizk SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9549061 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature