Spathaspora marinasilvae sp. nov., a xylose-fermenting yeast isolated from galleries of passalid beetles and rotting wood in the Amazonian rainforest biome.

Four yeast isolates were obtained from rotting wood and galleries of passalid beetles collected in different sites of the Brazilian Amazonian Rainforest in Brazil. This yeast produces unconjugated allantoid asci each with a single elongated ascospore with curved ends. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer-5.8 S region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene showed that the isolates represent a novel species of the genus Spathaspora. The novel species is phylogenetically related to a subclade containing Spathaspora arborariae and Spathaspora suhii. Phylogenomic analysis based on 1884 single-copy orthologs for a set of Spathaspora species whose whole genome sequences are available confirmed that the novel species represented by strain UFMG-CM-Y285 is phylogenetically close to Sp. arborariae. The name Spathaspora marinasilvae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the novel species. The holotype of Sp. marinasilvae is CBS 13467 T (MycoBank 852799). The novel species was able to accumulate xylitol and produce ethanol from d-xylose, a trait of biotechnological interest common to several species of the genus Spathaspora.

Cyberlindnera qingyuanensis f.a., sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Two yeast strains were isolated from rotting wood samples collected on Qingyuan Mountain, Fujian Province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the concatenated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene, revealed that these two strains represent a novel species of the genus Cyberlindnera. The proposed name for this new species is Cyberlindnera qingyuanensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype: GDMCC 2.300; ex-type: PYCC 9925) although the formation of ascospores was not observed. The novel species differs from its close relative Cyberlindnera galapagoensis by 7.7% sequence divergence (37 substitutions and seven indels) in the D1/D2 domain and 9.7% sequence divergence (42 substitutions and 34 indels) in the ITS region, respectively. Additionally, Cyb. qingyuanensis differs from its close relative Cyb. galapagoensis by its ability to grow in cellobiose, l-rhamnose, ribitol, galactitol, and dl-lactate, its growth at 37 °C, and its inability to ferment raffinose. The Mycobank number is MB 854693.

Kondoa tianchiensis f.a., sp. nov., an anamorphic yeast species isolated from plant leaves.

Two yeast strains, NYNU 236122 and NYNU 236180, were isolated from plant leaves collected in Tianchi Mountain, Henan Province, central China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed the closest relatives of the strains are three described Kondoa species, Kondoa chamaenerii, Kondoa miscanthi, and Kondoa subrosea. Genetically, the isolated strains differed from the type strains of their three related species by 2-11(0.2-1.8%) base substitutions in the D1/D2 domain, 16-40 (2.6-5.6%) base mismatches in the internal transcribed spacer region, and more than 10.1% base substitutions in the partial RPB2 gene. Furthermore, the two strains differ physiologically from their closest related species, K. chamaenerii, in their ability to assimilate dl-lactate, nitrite, and l-lysine and their inability to assimilate nitrate. Additionally, they differ from K. miscanthi and K. subrosea in their ability to assimilate inulin, d-gluconate, and l-lysine. The species name of Kondoa tianchiensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed with holotype CICC 33616T (Mycobank MB 853544).

Spencermartinsiella nicolii sp. nov., a potential opportunistic pathogenic yeast species isolated from rotting wood in Brazil.

Nineteen isolates representing a candidate for a novel yeast species belonging to the genus Spencermartinsiella were recovered from rotting wood samples collected at different sites in Atlantic Rainforest and Amazonian Forest ecosystems in Brazil. Similarity search of the nucleotide sequence of the intergenic spacer (ITS)-5.8S and large subunit D1/D2 regions of the ribosomal gene cluster showed that this novel yeast is closely related to Spencermartinsiella cellulosicola. The isolates differ by four nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domain and six substitutions and 31 indels in the ITS region from the holotype of S. cellulosicola. Phylogenomic analysis based on 1474 single-copy orthologues for a set of Spencermartinsiella species whose whole genome sequences are available confirmed that the novel species is phylogenetically close to S. cellulosicola. The low average nucleotide identity value of 83% observed between S. cellulosicola and the candidate species confirms that they are distinct. The novel species produced asci with hemispherical ascospores. The name Spencermartinsiella nicolii sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype is CBS 14238T. The MycoBank number is MB855027. Interestingly, the D1/D2 sequence of the S. nicolii was identical to that of an uncultured strain of Spencermartinsiella causing systemic infection in a male adult crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). The characterization of some virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility of S. nicolii isolates suggest that this yeast may be an opportunistic pathogen for animals, including humans; the isolates grow at 37 °C.

Yamadazyma thunbergiae sp. nov., a novel yeast species associated with Bengal clock vines and soil in Okinawa, Japan.

Two strains, designated JCM 36746T and JCM 36749, were isolated from Bengal clock vine (Thunbergia grandiflora) and soil, respectively, in Okinawa, Japan. Analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene sequences revealed identical sequences in both strains, indicating that they belong to the same species. Sequence analysis and physiological characterization identified these strains as representing a novel yeast species in the genus Yamadazyma. The sequence similarities of the concatenated ITS regions and D1/D2 domains indicated that JCM 36746T and JCM 36749 formed a well-supported distinct from closely related species belonging to the Yamadazyma clade, including Candida dendronema, C. diddensiae, C. germanica, C. kanchanaburiensis, C. naeodendra, C. vaughaniae, Y. akitaensis, Y. koratensis, Y. nakazawae, Y. philogaea, Y. phyllophila, Y. siamensis, Y. ubonensis, and three undescribed species, comprising Candida aff. naeodendra/diddensiae Y151, Candida sp. GE19S08, and Yamadazyma sp. strain NYNU 22830. The sequences of the D1/D2 domains and ITS regions differed in nucleotide substitutions by 1.51% and 2.57% or greater, respectively, from those of the previously described and undescribed related species. In addition, the physiological characteristics of the novel species were distinct from those of the closely related described species. On the basis of these findings, we propose the name Yamadazyma thunbergiae sp. nov. to classify this species within the genus Yamadazyma. The holotype used is JCM 36746T (ex-type strains CBS 18614 and NBRC 116657). The MycoBank accession number is MB 853823.

Mrakia polaris sp. nov. and Mrakia amundsenii sp. nov. (Mrakiaceae, Cystofilobasidiales), two novel psychrophilic yeast species isolated from Arctic habitats.

Four yeast strains belonging to the basidiomycetous yeast genus Mrakia were isolated from diverse habitats in the Ny-Ålesund region (Svalbard, High Arctic): two from vascular plants, one from seawater and one from freshwater. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the ITS region and the D1/D2 domain of the 28S rRNA gene, identified these four strains as representing two novel species within the genus Mrakia. The names Mrakia polaris sp. nov. (MycoBank number: MB 852063) and Mrakia amundsenii sp. nov. (MycoBank number: MB 852064) are proposed. These two new species show distinct psychrophilic adaptations, as they exhibit optimal growth at temperatures between 10 and 15°C, while being unable to grow at 25°C. The holotype of M. polaris sp. nov. is CPCC 300345T, and the holotype of M. amundsenii sp. nov. is CPCC 300572T.

Wickerhamiella lachancei f.a. sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species isolated from flowers of Lantana camara in India.

Two isolates representing a novel species of the genus Wickerhamiella were obtained in India from nectar of flowers of Lantana camara, an ornamental exotic species native to Central and South America. Phylogenetic analyses of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and physiological characteristics, supported the recognition of the novel species, that we designate Wickerhamiella lachancei sp. nov (MycoBank no. MB851709), with MCC 9929T as the holotype and PYCC 10003T as the isotype. Considering pairwise sequence similarity, the type strain of the novel species differs from the type strain of the most closely related species, Wickerhamiella drosophilae CBS 8459T, by 16 nucleotide substitutions and two gaps (3.9 % sequence variation) in the D1/D2 region (560 bp compared) and 28 nucleotide substitutions and five gaps (7.22 % sequence variation) in the ITS region (444 bp compared).

A Cluster of Diutina catenulata Funguria in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Hospitalized in a Tertiary Reference Hospital from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections, especially pulmonary aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and invasive candidiasis, have emerged as a significant health concern. Beyond Candida albicans, the most common cause of invasive candidiasis, other rare ascomycetous yeast species have been described in tertiary care units, potentially posing a broader health threat. We have isolated, from September 2020 to June 2021, nine Diutina catenulata strains from urine samples of six patients. This was intriguing as this fungus had not been previously identified in our institution, nor after June 2021. Therefore, we decided to outline the clinical features of the patients with this rare pathogen, to describe phenotypic characteristics, including antifungal susceptibility profiles, of this yeast species and to identify the genetic makeup through whole-genome sequencing analysis to evaluate if this was a cluster of genetically similar D. catenulata isolates in our institution. The strains were identified through MALDI-TOF MS analyses and Sanger sequencing of two rDNA regions. All patients yielding D. catenulata from urine samples needed ventilator support and used urinary catheters during hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19. None of them had received COVID-19 vaccines. Morphological and biochemical profiles of the nine strains were largely consistent, although fluconazole susceptibility varied, ranging from 4 to 32 µg/mL. Phylogenomic analysis revealed minimal genetic variation among the isolates, with low intrapopulation variation, supported by the identification of only 84 SNPs across all strains. Therefore, we propose that the yeast strains isolated were part of a cluster of D. catenulata funguria in the context of COVID-19.

ß-1,3-d-Glucan and Galactomannan as Biomarkers for the Detection of Invasive Geotrichum and Magnusiomyces Infections: a Retrospective Evaluation.

Magnusiomyces and Geotrichum species are ascomycetous yeasts that can cause potentially life-threatening invasive fungal infections commonly referred to as geotrichosis. In this study, we aimed to estimate the incidence and mortality of these infections in a German tertiary care center. Furthermore, we evaluated the suitability of the fungal biomarkers galactomannan (GM) and ß-1,3-d-glucan (BDG), which are both recommended as surrogate markers for Magnusiomyces capitatus infection by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) joint clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of rare invasive yeast infections for detection of invasive geotrichosis. Cases meeting the inclusion criteria for invasive Magnusiomyces/Geotrichum infection were retrospectively identified. Serum samples and culture supernatants were analyzed with two commercially available fungal antigen tests (Platelia Aspergillus Ag EIA and Wako ß-glucan test). For a control cohort, outpatient samples sent for lues testing were included. Thirty-eight cases of Magnusiomyces/Geotrichum infection were identified over an 11-year observation period. In the majority of cases, the fungus was isolated from intra-abdominal specimens of patients with a history of abdominal surgery/procedures (n = 32). All cases of fungemia occurred exclusively in haemato-oncologic patients (n = 14). Thirty-day survival was 42% in the fungemia and 43% in the intra-abdominal geotrichosis group. Serum samples were available for 23 patients (14 bloodstream and nine intra-abdominal infections). While BDG sensitivity was 65%, none of the sera was GM positive. This finding was supported by in vitro experiments analyzing fungal culture supernatants: M. capitatus secretes significant amounts of BDG but not GM. Specificity was 96% for BDG and 100% for GM. Magnusiomyces and Geotrichum infections are not limited to haemato-oncologic patients. Contrasting the current ESCMID/ECMM recommendation, our results indicate that GM is no suitable biomarker for the diagnosis of Magnusiomyces infection. Contrarily, BDG sensitivity is comparable to that of candidemia.

Wickerhamiella nakhonpathomensis f.a. sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species isolated from a mushroom and a flower in Thailand.

Strains SU22T (TBRC 14875T) and FLA11.5, representing a novel anamorphic yeast species, were respectively isolated from a fruiting body of a Coprinus species and an inflorescence of a Coffea species collected in Thailand. Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions showed that the two strains differed by two nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and were identical in the ITS regions. Wickerhamiella drosophilae CBS 8459T was the most closely related species, but with 24-26 nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 24 nucleotide substitutions in the ITS regions. A phylogenetic analysis, based on the sequences of the D1/D2 domains, indicated that the two strains represented a species in the genus Wickerhamiella which was distinct from other recognized species of the genus. Therefore, the two strains were assigned as a novel species, for which we propose the name Wickerhamiella nakhonpathomensis f.a. sp. nov. The holotype is TBRC 14875T (isotype PYCC 8914T). The MycoBank number of the novel species is MB 840833.

Metahyphopichia suwanaadthiae sp. nov., an anamorphic yeast species in the order Saccharomycetales and reassignment of Candida silvanorum to the genus Metahyphopichia.

Seven yeast strains, representing a single novel anamorphic species, were isolated in Thailand. They consisted of five strains (DMKU-MRY16T, DMKU-SK18, DMKU-SK25, DMKU-SK30 and DMKU-SK32) obtained from five different mushrooms, and two strains (ST-224 and 11-14.2) derived from insect frass and soil, respectively. The pairwise sequence analysis indicated that all seven strains had identical sequences in the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Metahyphopichia silvanorum was the most closely related species, but with 11.9-12.4% nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 13.1-13.3% nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region. The phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS region and the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene showed that the seven strains form a well-separated subclade in a clade containing M. silvanorum and Metahyphopichia laotica with high bootstrap support. A phylogenetic analysis of a multilocus dataset including the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the ITS region, the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene, translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene, actin gene and the RNA polymerase II subunit 2 gene, confirmed the presence of the monophyletic clade that also includes M. silvanorum and M. laotica, and strongly supported the phylogenetic isolation of the seven strains from its neighbouring species. Therefore, the seven strains were assigned as a single novel species of the genus Metahyphopichia, according to their phylogenetic relationships. The name Metahyphopichia suwanaadthiae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the seven strains. The holotype is DMKU-MRY16T (TBRC 11775T=NBRC 114386T=PYCC 8655T). The MycoBank number of the novel species is MB 841280. In addition, Candida silvanorum is reassigned to the genus Metahyphopichia. The MycoBank number of M. silvanorum comb. nov. is MB 841279.

Development of quantitative real-time PCR and digital droplet-PCR assays for rapid and early detection of the spoilage yeasts Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and Wickerhamomyces anomalus in bread.

In the present study, for the first time, high sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assays were developed to detect and quantify total eumycetes with potential application in several food matrices and to specifically determine the level of contamination by Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and Wickerhamomyces anomalus cells directly in bread. Among the candidate target genes used to develop the assays, car1 gene was chosen to detect the two spoilage yeasts S. fibuligera and W. anomalus. The specificity of the PCR assays was tested using purified genomic DNA from 36 bacterial and fungal strains. The sensitivity of the assays was defined by using tenfold serial dilutions of genomic DNA starting from 106 cfu/mL to 1 cfu/mL of S. fibuligera and W. anomalus. Validation of the assays was achieved by enumeration of S. fibuligera and W. anomalus DNA copies from samples of artificially contaminated bread homogenates detecting up to 10 cfu/mL (0.06 ± 0.01 copies/µL) of W. anomalus by using ddPCR. In conclusion, the developed qPCR and ddPCR assays demonstrate strong performance in the early detection of S. fibuligera and W. anomalus in bread, representing promising tools for applying high-throughput approaches to regularly monitor bread quality.

Analysis of glucose and xylose metabolism in new indigenous Meyerozyma caribbica strains isolated from corn residues.

Aiming to broaden the base of knowledge about wild yeasts, four new indigenous strains were isolated from corn residues, and phylogenetic-tree assemblings on ITS and LSU regions indicated they belong to Meyerozyma caribbica. Yeasts were cultivated under full- and micro-aerobiosis, starting with low or high cell-density inoculum, in synthetic medium or corn hydrolysate containing glucose and/or xylose. Cells were able to assimilate both monosaccharides, albeit by different metabolic routes (fermentative or respiratory). They grew faster in glucose, with lag phases ~ 10 h shorter than in xylose. The hexose exhaustion occurred between 24 and 34 h, while xylose was entirely consumed in the last few hours of cultivation (44-48 h). In batch fermentation in synthetic medium with high cell density, under full-aerobiosis, 18-20 g glucose l-1 were exhausted in 4-6 h, with a production of 6.5-7.0 g ethanol l-1. In the xylose medium, cells needed > 12 h to consume the carbohydrate, and instead of ethanol, cells released 4.4-6.4 g l-1 xylitol. Under micro-aerobiosis, yeasts were unable to assimilate xylose, and glucose was more slowly consumed, although the ethanol yield was the theoretical maximum. When inoculated into the hydrolysate, cells needed 4-6 h to deplete glucose, and xylose had a maximum consumption of 57%. Considering that the hydrolysate contained ~ 3 g l-1 acetic acid, it probably has impaired sugar metabolism. Thus, this study increases the fund of knowledge regarding indigenous yeasts and reveals the biotechnological potential of these strains.

Identification of a novel gene controlling homothallism in the yeast Kazachstania naganishii isolated in Japan.

A novel gene controlling homothallic life cycle was identified in the yeast Kazachstania naganishii isolated in Japan. This gene was isolated by means of complementing a mutation, mti1, which had led to heterothallism from original homothallism in the yeast. The configuration of original mutation in MTI1 gene revealed that a truncated product is formed due to occurrence of a stop codon by a nucleotide insertion. When the gene was disrupted with a marker, the disruptant spore clone was haploid and stably heterothallic. Disfunction of the gene caused inability to self-diploidize due to defect of mating-type interconversion. The gene MTI1 (for Mating Type Interconversion) is a weak homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae VID22/ENV11, which has been reported to function in vacuolar protein processing. K. naganishii has a gene representing significant homology with the HO gene of S. cerevisiae on chromosome V, which has not been clarified to be involved in regulation of life cycle in K. naganishii. The MTI1 gene defined in this study is located on K. naganishii chromosome IV and does not represent significant homology to the above ScHO-like gene and any other genes concerning life cycles of yeasts. From the viewpoint of gene evolution, it is extremely interesting that the MTI1 gene is a new type of gene controlling homothallism in addition to an HO-type gene, leading to discovery of an unknown mechanism regulating life cycles in yeasts.

Biodiversity of yeasts isolated during spontaneous fermentation of cool climate grape musts.

Biodiversity of native yeasts, especially in winemaking, has hidden potential. In order to use the value of non-Saccharomyces strains in wine production and to minimise the possibility of its deterioration, it is necessary to thoroughly study the yeast cultures present on grape fruits and in grape must, as well as their metabolic properties. The aim of the study was to characterise the yeast microbiota found during spontaneous fermentation of grape musts obtained from grape varieties 'Rondo', 'Regent' and 'Johanniter'. Grapes from two vineyards (Srebrna Góra and Zadora) located in southern Poland were used for the research. Succession of subsequent groups of yeasts was observed during the process. Metschnikowia pulcherrima yeasts were identified both at the beginning and the end of the process. Hanseniaspora uvarum, Wickerhamomyces onychis and Torulaspora delbrueckii strains were also identified during the fermentation. Torulaspora delbrueckii and Wickerhamomyces onychis strains were identified only in grape musts obtained from grapes of the Zadora vineyard. These strains may be characteristic of this vineyard and shape the identity of wines formed in it. Our research has provided specific knowledge on the biodiversity of yeast cultures on grapes and during their spontaneous fermentation. The research results presented indicate the possibility of using native strains for fermentation of grape musts, allowing to obtain a product with favourable chemical composition and sensory profile.

Zygotorulaspora dagestanica sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species associated with the Georgian honeysuckle (Lonicera iberica M. Bieb.).

During an investigation of the yeast communities associated with wild fruit shrubs in Dagestan (Caucasus, Russia), four fermenting ascospore-producing yeast strains were isolated from leaves of the Georgian honeysuckle (Lonicera iberica M. Bieb.) and from soil underneath this plant. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated sequences of the ITS region and D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and concatenated sequences of the ribosomal DNA cystron, RPB2 and TEF1 genes showed that the isolated strains represented a new species of the genus Zygotorulaspora. The new species was placed in the basal position to other species of the clade and close to Zygotorulaspora mrakii. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses and the phenotypic characteristics of the four studied strains, a novel species is described, for which the name Zygotorulaspora dagestanica sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype is KBP Y-4591T, three metabolically inactive cryopreserved isotype cultures are DSM 100088, VKM Y-3060 and VKPM Y-4318. The MycoBank number is MB 838285.

Cyberlindnera dasilvae sp. nov., a xylitol-producing yeast species isolated from rotting wood and frass of cerambycid larva.

Six yeast isolates were obtained from rotting wood samples in Brazil and frass of a cerambycid beetle larva in French Guiana. Sequence analysis of the ITS-5.8S region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that the isolates represent a novel species of Cyberlindnera. This novel species is related to Cyberlindnera japonica, Cyberlindnera xylosilytica, Candida easanensis and Candida maesa. It is heterothallic and produces asci with two or four hat-shaped ascospores. The name Cyberlindnera dasilvae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the novel species. The holotype of Cy. dasilvae is CBS 16129T and the designated paratype is CBS 16584. The MycoBank number is 838252. All isolates of Cy. dasilvae were able to convert xylose into xylitol with maximum xylitol production within 60 and 72 h. The isolates produced xylitol with values ranging from 12.61 to 31.79 g l-1 in yeast extract-peptone-xylose medium with 5% xylose. When the isolates were tested in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate containing around 35-38 g l-1d-xylose, isolate UFMG-CM-Y519 showed maximum xylitol production.

Cyberlindnera sylvatica sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from forest habitats.

Five yeast strains isolated from forest habitats in Hungary and Germany were characterized phenotypically and by sequencing of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) region of the rRNA gene. The strains have identical D1/D2 domain and ITS region sequences. By sequence comparisons, Candida mycetangii and Candida maritima were identified as the closest relatives among the currently recognized yeast species. The DNA sequences of the investigated strains differ by 1.2 % (six substitutions) in the D1/D2 domain and by 3.5 % (12 substitutions and eight indels) in the ITS region from the type strain of C. mycetangii (CBS 8675T) while by 1.2 % (six substitutions and one indel) in the D1/D2 domain and by 7 % (32 substitutions and seven indels) in the ITS region from the type strain of C. maritima (CBS 5107T). Because the intraspecies heterogeneity seems to be very low and the distance to the most closely related species is above the commonly expected level for intraspecies variability Cyberlindnera sylvatica sp. nov. (holotype, CBS 16335T; isotype, NCAIM Y.02233T; MycoBank no., MB 835268) is proposed to accommodate the above-noted five yeast strains. Phenotypically the novel species can be distinguished from C. mycetangii and C. maritima by the formation of ascospores. Cyberlindnera sylvatica forms one or two hat-shaped ascospores per ascus on many different media as well as well-developed pseudohyphae and true hyphae. Additionally, we propose the transfer of three anamorphic members of the Cyberlindnera americana sub-clade to the genus Cyberlindnera as the following new taxonomic combinations Cyberlindnera maritima f.a., comb. nov., Cyberlindnera mycetangii f.a., comb. nov. and Cyberlindnera nakhonratchasimensis f.a., comb. nov.

Wickerhamiella martinezcruziae f. a., sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from tropical habitats.

Four yeast isolates with an affinity to the genus Wickerhamiella were obtained from beach sand, a marine zoanthid and a tree exudate at different localities in Brazil. Two other isolates with almost identical ITS and D1/D2 sequences of the large subunit rRNA gene were isolated from the small intestine of cattle and a grease trap in Thailand. These isolates represent a novel species phylogenetically related to Wickerhamiella verensis, Wickerhamiella osmotolerans, Wickerhamiella tropicalis, Wickerhamiella sorbophila and Wickerhamiella infanticola. The novel species differs by 15-30 nucleotide differences from these species in the D1/D2 sequences. The name Wickerhamiella martinezcruziae f.a., sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype of Wickerhamiella martinezcruziae sp. nov. is CBS 16104T. The MycoBank number is MB 839328.

The skin mycobiome of an astronaut during a 1-year stay on the International Space Station.

Analysis of the skin mycobiome of an astronaut during a 1-year stay on the International Space Station (ISS) revealed an increased relative abundance of Malassezia restricta and level of Malassezia colonization, and the presence of Cyberlindnera jadinii and Candida boidinii, uncommon skin mycobiome taxa. Similar observations were made in astronauts during a 6-month stay on the ISS (Med Mycol. 2016; 54: 232-239). Future plans for extended space travel should consider the effect of high levels of Malassezia colonization over long periods on astronauts' skin, and the abnormal proliferation of uncommon microorganisms that may occur in closed environments such as the ISS.