Molecular identification and extracellular enzyme production of Rhodotorula spp.

Authors

  • Potjaman Pumeesat Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, 10600, Thailand
  • Laongdaw Nasom Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, 10600, Thailand
  • Kornkanok Thongdee Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, 10600, Thailand
  • Tawanwat Damnak Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, 10600, Thailand
  • Tanaporn Sirikhetkorn Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, 10600, Thailand
  • Paphichaya Unwong Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, 10600, Thailand
  • Sopida Benjamat Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, 10600, Thailand
  • San Suwanmanee Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
  • Thanwa Wongsuk Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2531-7342/19363

Keywords:

Coin-operated washing machines, esterase, phospholipase, proteinase, red yeast

Abstract

Rhodotorula spp. have been associated with human infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. This study aimed to identify 31 isolates of Rhodotorula spp. recovered from coin-operated washing machines. The tubs, lint filters, detergent drawers, and fabric softener drawers were swabbed and streaked on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) supplemented with 0.05 g L-1 chloramphenicol. Identification of Rhodotorula spp. was performed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with fungus-specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS; ITS1-5.8-ITS2) regions. Moreover, the study investigated the production of extracellular enzymes, including phospholipase, esterase, and proteinase. The results showed that all 31 Rhodotorula spp. isolates grew well on SDA, forming round, smooth, moist mucoid, coral-red to salmon-colored colonies at 25 °C within 24 h. PCR analysis yielded approximately 620 bp products, and sequencing analysis identified 25 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (80.65%) and 6 Rhodotorula dairenensis (19.35%) isolates. In this study, all R. mucilaginosa and R. dairenensis showed strong (pz = 0.7‒0.76) to very strong phospholipase activity (pz < 0.69). There were 16 R. mucilaginosa and 3 R. dairenensis that demonstrated esterase activity levels ranging from weak (pz = 0.91) to very strong (pz < 0.69). Only 14 R. mucilaginosa isolates displayed proteinase activity levels ranging from weak (pz = 0.92) to very strong (pz < 0.69). Therefore, the results implied that the potential pathogenic fungi distributed in the environment, particularly washing machines, may cause individuals to be at risk of being infected with these opportunistic yeasts, especially immunocompromised patients.

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Published

2024-10-21

How to Cite

Pumeesat, P., Nasom, L., Thongdee, K., Damnak, T., Sirikhetkorn, T., Unwong, P., … Wongsuk, T. (2024). Molecular identification and extracellular enzyme production of Rhodotorula spp. Italian Journal of Mycology, 53(1), 147–159. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2531-7342/19363

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Vol. 53 (2024)

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Copyright (c) 2024 Potjaman Pumeesat, Laongdaw Nasom, Kornkanok Thongdee, Tawanwat Damnak, Tanaporn Sirikhetkorn, Paphichaya Unwong, Sopida Benjamat, San Suwanmanee, Thanwa Wongsuk

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