Science Journal of Microbiology
October 2013, Volume 2013, ISSN: 2276-626X
© Author(s) 2013. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research Article
Genetic Diversity of Histoplasma Capsulatum Isolates from Honduras
Carmen Galo1, Ana L. Sanchez2, Gustavo A Fontecha3*
1Maestría en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Zoonóticas, Escuela de Microbiología,
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH). Ciudad Universitaria,
J1 Edificio, 4to piso. UNAH. Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
2Department of Community Health Sciences, Brock University,
500 Glenridge Ave.
St. Catharines, Ontario.
Canada. L2S 3A1.
3DInstituto de Investigación en Microbiología, Escuela de Microbiología,
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH).
Ciudad Universitaria,
J1 Edificio, 4to piso. UNAH. Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Accepted 6 September, 2013; Available Online 29 October, 2013
doi: 10.7237/sjmb/288
Abstract:
Aim of the study: Histoplasma capsulatum is a thermo dimorphic fungus endemic to
Honduras but the genetic diversity and phylogeography of circulating strains in the country have not been studied.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-six Histoplasma capsulatum isolates were analyzed; these were recovered from Honduran patients
hospitalized with a diagnosis of locally acquired disseminated histoplasmosis. A multilocus approach was used through DNA sequencing
of the ITS rRNA region and four independent protein-coding regions: arf, ole, H-anti and tub.
Results: Cluster analysis revealed all isolates in three congruent clades. A comparison of the sequences of native isolates with
homologous sequences from North America and Latin America showed a geographic pattern, suggesting their inclusion into the LAmA group.
Conclusion: This investigation is the first to study the genetic diversity of H. Capsulatum in Honduras. More research to expand
the understanding of the molecular epidemiology of this important pathogen is needed in the Central American region.
Keyword:Histoplasmacapsulatum; molecular phylogeny; Honduras.