Identification, Genotyping, and Pathogenicity ofTrichosporonspp. Isolated from Giant Pandas

Abstract

ABSTRACTTrichosporonis the dominant genus of epidermal fungi in giant pandas and causes local and deep infections. To provide the information needed for the diagnosis and treatment of trichosporosis in giant pandas, the sequence of ITS, D1/D2, and IGS1 loci in 29 isolates ofTrichosporonspp. which isolated from the body surface of giant pandas were combination to investigate interspecies identification and genotype. Morphological development was examined via slide culture. Additionally, mice were infected by skin inunction, intraperitoneal injection, and subcutaneous injection for evaluation of pathogenicity. The twenty-nine isolates ofTrichosporonspp. were identified as belonging to 11 species, andTrichosporon jiroveciiandT. asteroideswere the commonest species. Four strains ofT. laibachiiand one strain ofT. moniliiformewere found to be of novel genotypes, andT. jiroveciiwas identified to be genotype 1.T. asteroideshad the same genotype which involved in disseminated trichosporosis. The morphological development processes of theTrichosporonspp. were clearly different, especially in the processes of single-spore development. Pathogenicity studies showed that 7 species damaged the liver and skin in mice, and their pathogenicity was stronger than other 4 species.T. asteroideshad the strongest pathogenicity and might provoke invasive infection. The pathological characteristics of liver and skin infections caused by differentTrichosporonspp. were similar. So it is necessary to identify the species ofTrichosporonon the surface of giant panda. Combination of ITS, D1/D2, and IGS1 loci analysis, and morphological development process can effectively identify the genotype ofTrichosporonspp.