MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

De Novo Genome Assembly and Comparative Genome Analysis of the Novel Human Fungal Pathogen Trichosporon austroamericanum Type-Strain CBS 17435

Summary

Scientists sequenced the complete genome of a dangerous fungal species called Trichosporon austroamericanum that can cause serious infections in humans, particularly transplant patients. Using advanced long-read sequencing technology, they assembled the organism’s 21 million base pair genome and compared it to a closely related fungal species. The analysis showed this species is genetically distinct and has interesting characteristics that help it survive at higher temperatures than most other fungi. This genetic information will help doctors and researchers better understand and treat infections caused by this emerging pathogenic yeast.

Background

Trichosporon austroamericanum is a recently described emerging fungal pathogen recognized for its clinical significance in invasive trichosporonosis. First identified in 2013 from a Brazilian kidney transplant recipient, this species has since been documented in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. It is phylogenetically most closely related to Trichosporon inkin and exhibits unique physiological characteristics including the ability to grow at 45°C.

Objective

This study aimed to perform long-read nanopore sequencing and comprehensive genomic analysis of the T. austroamericanum type-strain CBS 17435 and compare it with its closest relative, Trichosporon inkin, to better understand the genomic features of this emerging pathogen.

Results

The haploid nuclear genome of T. austroamericanum CBS 17435 was 20,968,827 bp in size across eight fragments with 79X coverage, and the mitochondrial genome was 35,357 bp. BUSCO analysis showed 96.5% complete genes with eukaryota_odb10 database. Gene prediction revealed 8,275 genes, with GC content of 61.38% in the nuclear genome. OrthoANI analysis calculated 84.6472% average nucleotide identity between T. austroamericanum and T. inkin, supporting their distinction as separate species.

Conclusion

The high-quality de novo genome assembly of T. austroamericanum CBS 17435 provides valuable genomic resources for understanding this emerging pathogen. The comparative analysis with T. inkin demonstrates significant genomic differences that support their classification as distinct species, with ANI values well below the 95% threshold for species delineation.
  • Published in:Mycopathologia,
  • Study Type:Genomic Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s11046-025-00942-w; PMID: 40183900
Scroll to Top