• Mycobiology
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.73-78
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• 2014

Cryptococcal infection is primarily caused by two species, Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii. Between the two species, C. neoformans var. grubii is the major causative agent of cryptococcosis in Asia. We investigated the molecular characteristics of 46 isolates of C. neoformans from patients with cryptococcosis between 2008 and 2012 in Seoul, Korea. All the isolates were determined to be C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A), mating type $MAT{\alpha}$, and molecular type VNI by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism of the URA5 gene. Multilocus sequencing type (MLST) analysis using the International Society of Human and Animal Mycoses (ISHAM) consensus MLST scheme identified two sequence types (ST). Out of the 46 strains, 44 (95.7%) were identified as ST5, and remaining 2 were identified as ST31. Our study revealed that the clinical strains of C. neoformans in Korea are genetically homogeneous with the VNI/ST5 genotypes, and new appearance of VNI/ST31 genotype may serve as an important indicator of global genetic analysis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.105-108
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• 2008

Although the Korean isolate KI-1 of Toxoplasma gondii has been considered to be a virulent type I lineage because of its virulent clinical manifestations, its genotype is unclear. In the present study, genotyping of the KI-1 was performed by multilocus PCR-RFLP and microsatellite sequencing. For 9 genetic markers (c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, SAG2, SAG3, GRA6, BTUB, and Apico), the KI-1 and RH strains exhibited typical PCR-RFLP patterns identical to the type I strains. DNA sequencing of tandem repeats in 5 microsatellite markers (B17, B18, TUB2, W35, and TgM-A) of the KI-1 also revealed patterns characteristic of the type I. These results provide strong genetic evidence that KI-1 is a type I lineage of T. gondii.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제58권1호
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• pp.20-27
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• 2015

Purpose: We investigated the molecular types of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) by using conventional phylogrouping, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and fimH genotyping. Methods: Samples of patients younger than 18 years of age were collected from the Chung-Ang University Hospital over 2 years. Conventional phylogenetic grouping for UPEC strains was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bacterial strain sequence types (STs) were classified on the basis of the results of partial sequencing of seven housekeeping genes. In addition, we analyzed nucleotide variations in a 424-base pair fragment of fimH, a major virulence factor in UPEC. Results: Sixty-four UPEC isolates were analyzed in this study. Phylogenetic grouping revealed that group B2 was the most common type (n=54, 84%). We identified 16 distinctive STs using MLST. The most common STs were ST95 (35.9%), ST73 (15.6%), ST131 (12.5%), ST69 (7.8%), and ST14 (6.3%). Fourteen fimH allele types were identified, of which 11 had been previously reported, and the remaining three were identified in this study. f1 (n=28, 45.2%) was found to be the most common allele type, followed by f6 and f9 (n=7, 11.3% each). Comparative analysis of the results from the three different molecular typing techniques revealed that both MLST and fimH typing generated more discriminatory UPEC types than did PCR-based phylogrouping. Conclusion: We characterized UPEC molecular types isolated from Korean children by MLST and fimH genotyping. fimH genotyping might serve as a useful molecular test for large epidemiologic studies of UPEC isolates.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제54권4호
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• pp.265-272
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• 2022

Carbapenemase 생성 장내 세균(carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, CPE) 중 특히 KPC-2 생성 Klebsiella pneumoniae의 출현과 확산은 전 세계적으로 급격히 증가하고 있으며, 심각한 공중 보건 위협이 되고 있다. 이러한 KPC-2 생성 K. pneumoniae의 역학과 특징은 지역 및 기간에 따라 다르기 때문에, 본 연구에서는 2017년 3월부터 2020년 12월까지 대전지역의 3차 병원에서 분리된 carbapenem 내성 K. pneumoniae (carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, CRKP) 78 균주를 대상으로 carbapenemase 유전자를 분석하고, 이에 대한 역학 관계를 조사하였다. 항균제 감수성 양상은 디스크 확산법으로 확인하였고, carbapenemase 유전자의 분석을 위해 PCR과 DNA 염기서열분석을 수행하였다. 또한, 역학관계는 MLST (multilocus sequence typing)를 통해 조사하였다. 78 균주의 CRKP 중 35 균주(44.9%)가 carbapenemase 생성 K. pneumoniae였으며, 주요 carbapenemase 유형은 KPC-2 (30주, 85.7%)로 확인되었다. NDM-1과 NDM-5는 각각 4 균주(11.4%)와 1 균주(2.9%)에서 확인되었다. MLST 분석에서 10개의 sequence type (ST)이 확인되었고, 가장 흔한 ST는 ST307 (51.4%, 18/35)이었다. ST307 균주는 모두 KPC-2 생성 K. pneumonia였고, 다제내성으로 확인되었다. 또한, ST307은 4년 동안 지속적으로 출현하였다. 이러한 결과는 KPC-2 생성 K. pneumoniae ST307의 확산을 방지하기 위해 지속적인 모니터링과 적절한 감염 관리가 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

• Mycobiology
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.92-100
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• 2018

The filamentous Ascomycota Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu lato is a fungus that has been reported worldwide as a causal agent of anthracnose disease in avocado and other crops. In Mexico, this species affects fruits from an early stage of development in the orchard until the post-harvest stage. Although fungicides are continuously applied to control Colletotrichum species, pericarp cankers and soft rot mesocarp in fruits are still frequently observed. Considering the lack of a precise description of the causative agent, the aim of the current study was to determine the pathogens involved in this symptomatology. Twenty-four isolates were consistently obtained from the pericarp of avocado fruits cv. "Hass" collected in the central avocado-producing area of Mexico. Morphological features such as colony growth, conidia size, and mycelial appressorium were assessed. Bayesian multilocus phylogenetic analyses were performed using amplified sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA; actin, chitin synthase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase partial genes; and APn2-Mat1-2 intergenic spacer and mating type Mat1-2 partial gene from the nine selected isolates. In addition, fruits were inoculated with a conidial suspension and reproducible symptoms confirmed the presence of Colletotrichum fructicola in this area. This pathogenic species can now be added to those previously reported in the country, such as C. acutatum, C. boninense, C. godetiae, C. gloeosporioides, and C. karstii. Disease management programs to reduce the incidence of anthracnose should include C. fructicola to determine its response to fungicides that are routinely applied, considering that the appearance of new species is affecting the commercial quality of the fruits and shifting the original population structure.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제30권7호
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• pp.974-981
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• 2020

Sequence type 410 (ST410) of Escherichia coli is an extraintestinal pathogen associated with multi drug resistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the horizontal propagation pathway of a high-risk clone of E. coli ST410 that produces Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC). blaKPC-encoding E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were evaluated, and complete sequencing and comparative analysis of blaKPC-encoding plasmids from E. coli and K. pneumoniae, antimicrobial susceptibility tests, polymerase chain reaction, multilocus sequence typing, and conjugal transfer of plasmids were performed. Whole-genome sequencing was performed for plasmids mediating KPC-2 production in E. coli and K. pneumoniae clinical isolates. Strains E. coli CPEc171209 and K. pneumoniae CPKp171210 were identified as ST410 and ST307, respectively. CPEc171209 harbored five plasmids belonging to serotype O8:H21, which is in the antimicrobial-resistant clade C4/H24. The CPKp171210 isolate harbored three plasmids. Both strains harbored various additional antimicrobial resistance genes. The IncX3 plasmid pECBHS_9_5 harbored blaKPC-2 within a truncated Tn4401a transposon, which also contains blaSHV-182 with duplicated conjugative elements. This plasmid displayed 100% identity with the IncX3 plasmid pKPBHS_10_3 from the K. pneumoniae CPKp171210 ST307 strain. The genes responsible for the conjugal transfer of the IncX3 plasmid included tra/trb clusters and pil genes coding the type IV pilus. ST410 can be transmitted between patients, posing an elevated risk in clinical settings. The emergence of a KPC-producing E. coli strain (ST410) is concerning because the blaKPC-2-bearing plasmids may carry treatment resistance across species barriers. Transgenic translocation occurs among carbapenem-resistant bacteria, which may spread rapidly via horizontal migration.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.406-413
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• 2018

최근 P. aeruginosa의 carbapenem에 대한 내성은 전 세계적으로 증가하고 있는 실정이다. 특히 $metallo-{\beta}-lactamases$ (MBLs)는 carbapenem의 고도 내성에 관여하고 있는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 한편, Sequence type 235 (ST235)는 다제내성 클론으로써 국제적으로 보고되고 있으며, IMP-6와 VIM-2 유전자의 확산에도 관여하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 2008년 3월부터 2014년 6월까지, 대전지역의 3차 병원에서 분리된 carbapenem 내성 P. aeruginosa에서 MBL 유전자를 분석하고 이에 대한 역학관계를 조사하고자 하였다. 항균제 감수성 양상은 디스크 확산법으로 확인하였고, MBL 유전자의 분석을 위해 PCR과 염기서열분석을 수행하였다. 더불어, 역학 관계를 조사하기 위해 multilocus sequence typing (MLST)를 실시하였다. 110 균주의 carbapenem 내성 P. aeruginosa 중, 32균주(29.1%)가 MBL를 생성하였고, IMP-6 (29균주, 90.6%)가 주요하게 확인되었다. VIM-2는 3균주(9.4%)에서 확인되었으며, 모두 ST357로 확인되었다. IMP-6를 생성하는 P. aeruginosa는 모두 다제내성을 보였고, ST235로 확인되었다. ST235 (55균주, 50.0%)는 가장 높은 비율로 확인된 클론이며 7년 동안 지속적으로 확인되었다. 이러한 다제내성 ST235의 확산을 방지하기 위해, carbapenem의 과도한 사용을 제한하고, 지속적으로 모니터링하는 전략이 개발되어야 할 것으로 사료된다.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.409-416
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• 2023

Bacterial leaf blight of carrots caused by Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae (Xhc) is an important worldwide seed-borne disease. In 2012 and 2013, symptoms similar to bacterial leaf blight were found in carrot farms in Jeju Island, Korea. The phenotypic characteristics of the Korean isolation strains were similar to the type strain of Xhc. Pathogenicity showed symptoms on the 14th day after inoculation on carrot plants. Identification by genetic method was multi-position sequencing of the isolated strain JJ2001 was performed using four genes (danK, gyrB, fyuA, and rpoD). The isolated strain was confirmed to be most similar to Xhc M081. Furthermore, in order to analyze the genetic characteristics of the isolated strain, whole genome analysis was performed through the next-generation sequencing method. The draft genome size of JJ2001 is 5,443,372 bp, which contains 63.57% of G + C and has 4,547 open reading frames. Specifically, the classification of pathovar can be confirmed to be similar to that of the host lineage. Plant pathogenic factors and determinants of the majority of the secretion system are conserved in strain JJ2001. This genetic information enables detailed comparative analysis in the pathovar stage of pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, these findings provide basic data for the distribution and diagnosis of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae, a major plant pathogen that infects carrots in Korea.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제51권3호
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• pp.301-308
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• 2019

다제내성 P. aeruginosa의 출현과 확산은 전 세계적으로 중요한 문제가 되고 있다. P. aeruginosa에 의한 발병은 일부 몇몇 세포 관련 및 세포외 병독성 인자의 생성에 기인한다. 본 연구에서는 대전지역의 3차 병원에서 분리된 carbapenem 내성 P. aeruginosa를 대상으로 병독성 인자의 분포와 항균제 내성 양상을 조사하였다. 항균제 감수성 시험은 디스크 확산법으로 확인하였고, 병독성 유전자의 분석을 위해 PCR과 염기서열분석을 수행하였다. 또한, 다제내성 P. aeruginosa의 sequence type (ST)은 multilocus sequence typing (MLST)을 통해 확인하였다. 32균주의 carbapenem 내성 P. aeruginosa 중, 14균주(43.8%)가 다제내성이었으며, 주요 ST는 ST235 (10균주, 71.4.%)임을 확인하였다. 병독성 유전자는 32균주 모두에서 확인되었고, 이 중 가장 높은 빈도로 확인된 병독성 유전자는 toxA, plcN, phzM (100.%)이었다. 또한, 32균주는 모두 8개 이상의 병독성 유전자를 가지고 있었으며, 9균주(28.1%)가 15개의 병독성 유전자를 가지고 있었다. exoU 유전자는 다제내성 P. aeruginosa 균주의 71.4%에서 확인되었다. 이러한 결과는 exoU 유전자가 다제내성 P. aeruginosa 균주의 지속성에 대한 예측 표지자가 될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• Mycobiology
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• 제44권3호
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• pp.121-130
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• 2016

Recently, the Fusarium genus has been narrowed based upon phylogenetic analyses and a Fusarium-like clade was adopted. The few species of the Fusarium-like clade were moved to new, re-installed or existing genera or provisionally retained as "Fusarium." Only a limited number of reference strains and DNA marker sequences are available for this clade and not much is known about its actual species diversity. Here, we report six strains, preserved by the Belgian fungal culture collection BCCM/IHEM as a Fusarium species, that belong to the Fusarium-like clade. They showed a slow growth and produced pionnotes, typical morphological characteristics of many Fusarium-like species. Multilocus sequencing with comparative sequence analyses in GenBank and phylogenetic analyses, using reference sequences of type material, confirmed that they were indeed member of the Fusarium-like clade. One strain was identified as "Fusarium" ciliatum whereas another strain was identified as Fusicolla merismoides. The four remaining strains were shown to represent a unique phylogenetic lineage in the Fusarium-like clade and were also found morphologically distinct from other members of the Fusarium-like clade. Based upon phylogenetic considerations, a new genus, Pseudofusicolla gen. nov., and a new species, Pseudofusicolla belgica sp. nov., were installed for this lineage. A formal description is provided in this study. Additional sampling will be required to gather isolates other than the historical strains presented in the present study as well as to further reveal the actual species diversity in the Fusarium-like clade.