cytb as a New Genetic Marker for Differentiation of Prototheca Species

Abstract

Achlorophyllous unicellular microalgae of the genus Prototheca ( Trebouxiophyceae , Chlorophyta ) are the only known plants that cause infections in both humans and animals, collectively referred to as protothecosis. Human protothecosis, most commonly manifested as cutaneous, articular, and disseminated disease, is primarily caused by Prototheca wickerhamii , followed by Prototheca zopfii and, sporadically, by Prototheca cutis and Prototheca miyajii .