Phenotypic characterization of cryptic species in the fungal pathogen Histoplasma

Abstract

Identifying species boundaries is a critical component of evolutionary biology. Genome sequencing and the use of molecular markers have advanced our understanding of the evolutionary history of fungal pathogens, including Histoplasma , and have allowed for the identification of new species. This is especially important in organisms where morphological characteristics have not been detected. In this study, we revised the taxonomic status of the four named species of the genus Histoplasma, H. capsulatum sensu stricto ( ss ), H. ohiense , H. mississippiense , and H. suramericanum, and propose the use of species-specific phenotypic traits to aid their identification when genome sequencing is not available. These results have implications not only for evolutionary study of Histoplasma but also for clinicians, as the Histoplasma species could determine the outcome of disease and treatment needed.