Phylogenetic position and physiology of Cerinosterus cyanescens

Abstract

Partial 25S rRNA sequencing of Cerinosterus cyanescens showed it to be a close relative of Microstroma juglandis, a member of the basidiomycetous order Microstromatales. It is unrelated to the generic type species, C. luteoalba, which is a member of the order Dacrymycetales. The clinical occurrence of C. cyanescens is possibly explained by its thermotolerance and lipolytic activity. The species' nutritional profile is established. Growth on n-hexadecane is rapid; it grows well on typical plant constituents like gallic, tannic, vanillic, quinic and p-coumaric acids, but not on 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, phenol and hydroquinone. The failure to assimilate D-galactose, L-sorbose and ethylamine, the presence of urease and sensitivity to cycloheximide are diagnostic for the species.