| Abstract Detail
Recent Topics Posters Ramirez-Camejo , Luis A. [1], Zuluaga-Montero , Anabella [1], Lazaro-Escudero , Maria T. [1], Hernandez-Kendall , Veronica [1], Bayman, Paul [1].
Genetic variability of Aspergillus flavus strains isolated from marine and terrestrial substrates. Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic pathogen of humans, animals and plants, characterized by aflatoxin production and tolerance to salinity and high temperature. Recently we have found that A. flavus is common in both healthy and diseased sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina) in waters around Puerto Rico. However, it is unclear whether A. flavus strains demonstrate substrate specificity or whether all strains are equally capable of infecting sea fans. Also, the source of inoculum is not clear: spores may be from local, terrestrial sources or from dust clouds that cross the Atlantic. In this study, we compared A. flavus strains isolated from several substrates and sites to determine if there is an association between substrate and phylogenetic distribution of strains. Comparisons were based on sequences of regions of three genes and ten Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) combinations. Phylogenetic relationships were estimated with maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood. Results showed no correlation between substrate specificity and phylogenetic distribution. A. flavus strains appear to be generalists. Improved resolution of genetic identity of A. flavus strains can help us understand the dynamics of opportunistic fungi and their role in coral reefs.
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1 - Univ Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras, Biologia, PO Box 23360, San Juan, PR, 00931-3360, USA
Keywords:
aflatoxin
aspergillosis
marine.
Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P2
Location: Event Tent/Cliff Lodge
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: P2RT022
Abstract ID:1218 |
