UC Berkeley

Background

Recent molecular phylogenetic analysis of Lagenidium strains recovered from subcutaneous lesions in cats, dogs, and a human with lagenidiosis resolved into four clades; one of them was Lagenidium giganteum, but three others were novel.

Aims

Due to the recent increase in L. giganteum infections from mammals, we studied 21 Lagenidium strains isolated from dogs and a human available in our collection.

Methods

Molecular phylogenetic studies and phenotypic characteristics were used to characterize the strains.

Results

We report the finding of three novel species, herein designated as Lagenidium ajelloi, sp. nov., Lagenidium albertoi sp. nov, and Lagenidium vilelae sp. nov. Their morphological and growth features are also presented.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the presence of three novel Lagenidium species infecting mammals.