Multiplex polymerase chain reaction as an improved method for screening Histoplasma capsulatum mating types

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2018;113(10):e180340. doi: 10.1590/0074-02760180340. Epub 2018 Sep 17.

Abstract

Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a heterothallic ascomycete. The sexual reproduction of this fungus is regulated by the mating type (MAT1) locus that contains MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs, which were identified by uniplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This study aimed to optimise single-step multiplex PCR for the accurate detection of the distinct mating types of H. capsulatum. Among the 26 isolates tested, 20 had MAT1-1 genotype, while six showed MAT1-2 genotype, in agreement with the uniplex PCR results. These results suggest that multiplex PCR is a fast and specific tool for screening H. capsulatum mating types.

MeSH terms

  • DNA Primers / genetics*
  • DNA, Fungal / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • Histoplasma / classification
  • Histoplasma / genetics*
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Fungal