Molecular typing of clinical and environmental isolates of Scedosporium prolificans by inter-simple-sequence-repeat polymerase chain reaction.

Invasive infections by Scedosporium prolificans have increased alarmingly in recent years, mainly in immunosuppressed patients. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and the natural habitat of this pathogen are practically unknown. Isolates of S. prolificans were distinguished from one another by inter-simple-sequence-repeat (ISSR) fingerprinting, a technique based on the high degree of polymorphism of the multisatellite genetic markers used. This technique was found useful for typing 84 isolates of S. prolificans from different countries and sources. The assemblage of S. prolificans isolates tested was extremely diverse, with 35 genotypes present. Several patients were found to have been infected or colonized by more than one strain. Overall, this technique facilitates the epidemiological study of S. prolificans infection.