Abstract

ZUIANI, M.F. et al. Histoplasma capsulatum with aberrant morphology isolated in Argentina. Rev. argent. microbiol. [online]. 2006, vol.38, n.2, pp.79-83. ISSN 0325-7541.

For the first time in Argentina, we describe a strain of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum with an aberrant morphology that was isolated from a single patient with AIDS. Mycelial phase cultures on agar Sabouraud at 25-28 °C showed white, glabrous, umbilicated and centrally radiated colonies. Unusual microscopic findings were the absence of typical conidia, the presence of terminal/intercalary chlamydoconidia with a diameter of 4 µm and of thickened hyphae. Fungal identification was confirmed by the detection of bands H and M species specific antigens in mycelial culture supernatants and reversion to the typical yeast phase on agar brain-heart-cysteine at 37 °C. The genomic DNA profile obtained by RAPD-PCR with primers 1281-1283 coincided with the predominant profile of H.capsulatum among isolates from Argentine patients.

Keywords : Histoplasma capsulatum; atypical morphology; RAPD-PCR; identification.

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