Biotyping of Penicillium marneffei reveals concentration-dependent growth inhibition by galactose

Abstract

Thirty-two isolates of the dimorphic fungus Penicillium marneffei were studied for their biochemical properties. All isolates possessed the enzyme urease and were inhibited by 500 mg of cycloheximide per liter. No strain fermented glucose, and thus no strain fermented any of the other five sugars tested. All assimilated glucose, maltose, and cellobiose; only one of the isolates did not assimilate salicin. Totals of 65.6, 84.4, and 71.9% of the isolates assimilated trehalose, xylose, and nitrate, respectively. Twelve strains possessed the enzyme beta-galactosidase. Overall, 17 different biotypes were recognized, but no association was found between the human immunodeficiency virus status of the patients and the biotype. A novel finding of concentration-dependent growth inhibition of P. marneffei by galactose is described. Inhibition of growth occurred at a low concentration of galactose (0.015 to 0.25%) when galactose was the sole carbon source in the medium. Morphological changes of the fungal cells were observed in the presence of galactose.

FIG. 1

Zone of inhibition of growth around a galactose disk in the carbohydrate assimilation test.

FIG. 2

Effect of galactose on the morphology of P. marneffei cells. (A) Growth in yeast nitrogen base broth at 37°C with 1% glucose; (B) growth in the same medium with 1% galactose. Magnification, ×240.