Unveiling Lodderomyces elongisporus as an Emerging Yeast Pathogen: A Holistic Approach to Microbiological Diagnostic Strategies
Issued Date
2024-12-01
Resource Type
ISSN
0301486X
eISSN
15730832
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85207775955
Journal Title
Mycopathologia
Volume
189
Issue
6
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Mycopathologia Vol.189 No.6 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Muangkaew W., Thanomsridetchai N., Tangwattanachuleeporn M., Ampawong S., Sukphopetch P. Unveiling Lodderomyces elongisporus as an Emerging Yeast Pathogen: A Holistic Approach to Microbiological Diagnostic Strategies. Mycopathologia Vol.189 No.6 (2024). doi:10.1007/s11046-024-00901-x Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/101921
Title
Unveiling Lodderomyces elongisporus as an Emerging Yeast Pathogen: A Holistic Approach to Microbiological Diagnostic Strategies
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Lodderomyces elongisporus, first isolated in 1952, has increasingly been recognized as a significant pathogen, with a notable rise in human infections since the 1970s. Initially misidentified as Candida parapsilosis due to morphological similarities, L. elongisporus has now been conclusively established as a distinct species, largely due to advancements in molecular biology, particularly DNA sequencing. This review traces the detection history of L. elongisporus, from the earliest documented cases to the most recent reports, underscoring its role as a causative agent in human infections. It also explores therapeutic strategies that have demonstrated efficacy, alongside instances of environmental contamination reported in international literature. A critical evaluation of diagnostic methodologies essential for precise identification is provided, including culture-based techniques such as colony morphology on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and chromogenic media, coupled with microscopic assessments using Lactophenol Cotton Blue (LPCB) and Gram staining. The ultrastructure of L. elongisporus, as observed under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), is also discussed. Furthermore, non-culture-based diagnostics, such as sugar utilization tests (API 20C AUX and the innovative in-house arabinose-based “Loddy” test) and antifungal susceptibility profiling, are reviewed, with a particular focus on molecular tools like ITS-DNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS, which, despite their higher costs, offer unparalleled specificity. The accurate distinction and characterization of L. elongisporus are paramount, particularly in vulnerable and immunocompromised patients, where misdiagnosis can lead to severe consequences. This review advocates for intensified research efforts to develop more accessible diagnostic tools and deepen our understanding of this emerging pathogen, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes.