Identification of Trichosporon asahii by PCR based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions

Trichosporon asahii is a major causative agent of deep-seated trichosporonosis, which has a high mortality rate. To detect T. asahii, we have developed specific oligonucleotide primers based on the internal transcribed spacer regions of this organism's genome. Amplification products were selectively obtained from only T. asahii DNA; the DNAs of other Trichosporon species, as well as those of medically relevant yeasts such as Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Malassezia furfur, were not amplified. This detection system will be useful as a microbiological tool for the diagnosis of trichosporonosis.