Algophthora mediterranea, gen. et sp. nov.: Novel dinoflagellate- and diatom-infecting generalist marine chytrid from the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

This study describes a novel parasitic fungus that infects the benthic and epiphytic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata during a coastal microalgal bloom in the Mediterranean Sea. Microscopic observations revealed a distinctive, irregularly shaped zoosporangium during the mature stages and spherical, posteriorly uniflagellate zoospores. This supports its affiliation within the phylum Chytridiomycota. Concatenated phylogenetic analysis based on 18S, 5.8S, and 28S ribosomal DNA placed the fungus within the order Lobulomycetales, thus establishing it as a distinct lineage separate from previously described species. Additional phylogenetic analyses including environmental DNA sequences revealed a close phylogenetic relationship with previously reported freshwater sequences. This suggests a possible ecological link between marine and freshwater habitats. Cross-infection experiments confirmed the ability of the fungus to infect healthy cells of both dinoflagellate and diatom species, rendering it the first known chytrid with a broad phytoplankton host range. Additionally, it is the first member of this order known to parasitize dinoflagellate species and only the second known to parasitize marine algae. Infection prevalence was higher in dinoflagellates than in diatoms. Furthermore, under laboratory conditions, the chytrid also developed zoosporangia on pollen grains, using them as an alternative nutrient source. Based on these findings, this study describes a new genus and species of zoosporic fungus, Algophthora mediterranea, within the order Lobulomycetales.