Open AccessEcological structuring of yeasts associated with trees around H amilton, O ntario, C anada
Author(s) -
Maganti Harinad,
Bartfai David,
Xu Jianping
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
fems yeast research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1567-1364
pISSN - 1567-1356
DOI - 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2011.00756.x
Subject(s) - biology , candida parapsilosis , yeast , ecology , colonization , botany , candida albicans , genetics
This study seeks to determine the distribution and diversity of yeasts in and around the H amilton area in C anada. In light of the increasing number of fungal infections along with rising morbidity and mortality rates, especially among the immunocompromised, understanding the diversity and distribution of yeasts in natural environments close to human habitations has become an increasingly relevant topic. In this study, we analyzed 1110 samples obtained from the hollows of trees, shrubs, and avian droppings at eight geographical sites in and around H amilton, O ntario, C anada. A total of 88 positive yeast strains were isolated and identified belonging to 20 yeast species. Despite the relative proximity of the sampling sites, our DNA fingerprinting results showed that the yeast populations were highly heterogenous. Among the 14 tree species sampled, cedar, cottonwood, and basswood hollows had relatively high yeast colonization rates. Interestingly, C andida parapsilosis was isolated almost exclusively from pine trees only. Our results are consistent with microgeographic and ecological differentiation of yeast species in and around an urban environment.