Taxogenomic analyses of Starmerella gilliamiae f.a, sp. nov. and Starmerella monicapupoae f.a., sp. nov., two novel species isolated from plant substrates and insects.

Four yeast isolates collected from flowers from different ecosystems in Brazil, one from fruit of Nothofagus alpina in Argentina, three from flowers of Neltuma chilensis in Chile and one obtained from the proventriculus of a female bumblebee in Canada were demonstred, by analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene, to represent two novel species of the genus Starmerella. These species are described here as Starmerella gilliamiae f.a, sp. nov. (CBS 16166T; Mycobank MB 851206) and Starmerella monicapupoae f.a., sp. nov. (PYCC 8997T; Mycobank MB 851207). The results of a phylogenomic analysis using 1037 single-copy orthogroups indicated that S. gilliamiae is a member of a subclade that contains Starmerella opuntiae, Starmerella aceti and Starmerella apicola. The results also indicated that S. monicapupoae is phylogenetically related to Starmerella riodocensis. The two isolates of S. monicapupoae were obtained from flowers in Brazil and were probably vectored by insects that visit these substrates. Starmerella gilliamiae has a wide geographical distribution having been isolated in flowers from Brazil and Chile, fruit from Argentina and a bumblebee from Canada.

Ogataea nonmethanolica f.a, sp. nov., a novel yeast species isolated from rotting wood in Brazil and Colombia.

Three yeast isolate candidates for a novel species were obtained from rotting wood samples collected in Brazil and Colombia. The Brazilian isolate differs from the Colombian isolates by one nucleotide substitution in each of the D1/D2 and small subunit (SSU) sequences. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-α gene sequences of the three isolates were identical. A phylogenetic analysis showed that this novel species belongs to the genus Ogataea. This novel species is phylogenetically related to Candida nanaspora and Candida nitratophila. The novel species differs from C. nanaspora by seven nucleotides and two indels, and by 17 nucleotides and four indels from C. nitratophila in the D1/D2 sequences. The ITS sequences of these three species differ by more than 30 nucleotides. Analyses of the sequences of the SSU and translation elongation factor 1-α gene also showed that these isolates represent a novel species of the genus Ogataea. Different from most Ogataea species, these isolates did not assimilate methanol as the sole carbon source. The name Ogataea nonmethanolica sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these isolates. The holotype of Ogataea nonmethanolica is CBS 13485T. The MycoBank number is MB 851195.

Saccharomycopsis praedatoria sp. nov., a predacious yeast isolated from soil and rotten wood in an Amazonian rainforest biome.

Three yeast isolates were obtained from soil and rotting wood samples collected in an Amazonian rainforest biome in Brazil. Comparison of the intergenic spacer 5.8S region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that the isolates represent a novel species of the genus Saccharomycopsis. A tree inferred from the D1/D2 sequences placed the novel species near a subclade containing Saccharomycopsis lassenensis, Saccharomycopsis fermentans, Saccharomycopsis javanensis, Saccharomycopsis babjevae, Saccharomycopsis schoenii and Saccharomycopsis oosterbeekiorum, but with low bootstrap support. In terms of sequence divergence, the novel species had the highest identity in the D1/D2 domains with Saccharomycopsis capsularis, from which it differed by 36 substitutions. In contrast, a phylogenomic analysis based on 1061 single-copy orthologs for a smaller set of Saccharomycopsis species whose whole genome sequences are available indicated that the novel species represented by strain UFMG-CM-Y6991 is phylogenetically closer to Saccharomycopsis fodiens and Saccharomycopsis sp. TF2021a (=Saccharomycopsis phalluae). The novel yeast is homothallic and produces asci with one spheroidal ascospore with an equatorial or subequatorial ledge. The name Saccharomycopsis praedatoria sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the novel species. The holotype of Saccharomycopsis praedatoria is CBS 16589T. The MycoBank number is MB849369. S. praedatoria was able to kill cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by means of penetration with infection pegs, a trait common to most species of Saccharomycopsis.

Yueomyces silvicola sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species unable to utilize ammonium, glutamate, and glutamine as sole nitrogen sources.

Five yeast strains isolated from tree bark and rotten wood collected in central and southwestern China, together with four Brazilian strains (three from soil and rotting wood collected in an Amazonian rainforest biome and one from Bromeliad collected in Alagoas state) and one Costa Rican strain isolated from a flower beetle, represent a new species closely related with Yueomyces sinensis in Saccharomycetaceae, as revealed by the 26S ribosomal RNA gene D1/D2 domain and the internal transcribed spacer region sequence analysis. The name Yueomyces silvicola sp. nov. is proposed for this new species with the holotype China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center 2.6469 (= Japan Collection of Microorganisms 34885). The new species exhibits a whole-genome average nucleotide identity value of 77.8% with Y. sinensis. The two Yueomyces species shared unique physiological characteristics of being unable to utilize ammonium and the majority of the amino acids, including glutamate and glutamine, as sole nitrogen sources. Among the 20 amino acids tested, only leucine and tyrosine can be utilized by the Yueomyces species. Genome sequence comparison showed that GAT1, which encodes a GATA family protein participating in transcriptional activation of nitrogen-catabolic genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is absent in the Yueomyces species. However, the failure of the Yueomyces species to utilize ammonium, glutamate, and glutamine, which are generally preferred nitrogen sources for microorganisms, implies that more complicated alterations in the central nitrogen metabolism pathway might occur in the genus Yueomyces.

Teunomyces gombertii f.a., sp. nov., Teunomyces landelliae f.a., sp. nov., Teunomyces ledahaglerae f.a., sp. nov. and Teunomyces paulamoraisiae f.a., sp. nov., four yeast species isolated from mushrooms and drosophilids in a Brazilian Amazonian rainforest biome.

Ten yeast isolates representing four candidate novel species of the genus Teunomyces were obtained from different species of mushrooms and drosophilids collected in an Amazonian Forest biome in Brazil. Sequence analyses of the ITS 5.8S region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that four isolates were phylogenetically related to Teunomyces stri, two isolates related to Teunomyces atbi, two isolates related to Teunomyces aglyptinius, and another two isolates related to Teunomyces aglyptinius, Teunomyces barrocoloradensis, Teunomyces gatunensis and Teunomyces stri. The four novel species differ by 3 % or more of sequence divergence in D1/D2 domains from their closest relatives. These species were isolated from basidiocarps of the mushrooms Marasmiellus volvatus, Tricholomopsis aurea, Hydropus sp. and Favolus tenuiculus, or drosophilids feeding on these substrates. The names Teunomyces gombertii f.a., sp. nov. (holotype CBS 16168T; Mycobank MB849065), Teunomyces landelliae f.a., sp. nov. (holotype =CBS 16169T; Mycobank MB 849066), Teunomyces ledahaglerae f.a., sp. nov. (holotype CBS 16170T; Mycobank MB 849067) and Teunomyces paulamoraisiae f.a., sp. nov. (holotype CBS 16120T; Mycobank MB 849068) are proposed for these species.

COVID-19 and candiduria: an investigation of the risk factors and immunological aspects.

Secondary fungal infections are frequently observed in COVID-19 patients. However, the occurrence of candiduria in these patients and its risk factors are underexplored. We evaluated the risk factors of candiduria in COVID-19 patients, including inflammatory mediators that could be used as prognostic markers. Clinical information, laboratory test results, and outcomes were collected from severely ill COVID-19 patients with and without candiduria. Candida species identification, antifungal susceptibility, and plasma inflammatory mediators' measurements were performed. Regression logistic and Cox regression model were used to evaluate the risk factors. A higher risk of longer hospitalization and mortality were observed in patients with candiduria compared to those with COVID-19 only. Candiduria was caused by Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis. Isolates with intermediate susceptibility to voriconazole and resistant to caspofungin were identified. Classic factors such as the use of corticosteroids and antibacterials, the worsening of renal function, and hematological parameters (hemoglobin and platelets) were found to predispose to candiduria. The mediators IL-1ß, IL-1ra, IL-2, CXCL-8, IL-17, IFN-γ, basic FGF, and MIP-1ß were significantly increased in patients with COVID-19 and candiduria. Furthermore, IFN-γ, IL-1ra, and CXCL-8 were associated with the occurrence of candiduria in COVID-19 patients, whereas basic FGF, IL-1ß, and CXCL-8 were associated with the risk of death in these patients. Classical and immunological factors were associated with worse prognosis among patients with COVID-19 and candiduria. Some mediators, especially CXCL-8, can be a reliable biomarker of fungal coinfection and may guide the diagnostic and the treatment of these patients.

Sugiyamaella bielyi f. a., sp. nov. and Sugiyamaella amazoniana f. a., sp. nov., two yeast species isolated from passalid beetles and rotting wood in Amazonia.

Sixteen yeast isolates representing two novel species of the genus Sugiyamaella were obtained from passalid beetles, their galleries and rotting wood collected in three sites of Amazonian Forest in Brazil. Sequence analyses of the ITS-5.8S region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that the first species, described here as Sugiyamaella amazoniana f. a., sp. nov. (holotype CBS 18112, MycoBank 847461) is phylogenetically related to S. bonitensis with these species differing by 37 nucleotide substitutions and six gaps in D1/D2 sequences. S. amazoniana is represented by nine isolates obtained from the guts of the passalid beetles Popilius marginatus, Veturius magdalenae, Veturius sinuosus and Spasalus aquinoi, a beetle gallery and rotting wood. The second species, Sugiyamaella bielyi f. a., sp. nov. (holotype CBS 18148, MycoBank 847463), is most phylogenetically related to several undescribed Sugiyamaella species. S. bielyi is described based on seven isolates obtained from the guts of V. magdalenae and V. sinuosus, a beetle gallery and rotting wood. Both species appear to be associated with passalid beetles and their ecological niches in Amazonian biome.

Spathaspora brunopereirae sp. nov. and Spathaspora domphillipsii sp. nov., two d-xylose-fermenting ascosporogenous yeasts from Amazonian Forest biomes.

Four isolates of Spathaspora species were recovered from rotting wood collected in two Brazilian Amazonian biomes. The isolates produced unconjugated allantoid asci with a single elongated ascospore with curved ends. Sequence analysis of the ITS-5.8S region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that the isolates represent two different novel Spathaspora species, phylogenetically related to Sp. boniae. Two isolates were obtained from rotting wood collected in two different sites of the Amazonian forest in the state of Pará. The name Spathaspora brunopereirae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these isolates. The holotype of Spathaspora brunopereirae sp. nov. is CBS 16119T (MycoBank MB846672). The other two isolates were obtained from a region of transition between the Amazonian forest and the Cerrado ecosystem in the state of Tocantins. The name Spathaspora domphillipsii sp. nov. is proposed for this novel species. The holotype of Spathaspora domphillipsii sp. nov. is CBS 14229T (MycoBank MB846697). Both species are able to convert d-xylose into ethanol and xylitol, a trait with biotechnological applications.

The impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial prescription and drug resistance in fungi and bacteria.

Secondary infections are one of the complications in COVID-19 patients. We aimed to analyze the antimicrobial prescriptions and their influence on drug resistance in fungi and bacteria isolated from severely ill COVID-19 patients. Seventy-nine severely ill COVID-19 hospitalized patients with secondary bacterial or fungal infections were included. We analyzed the prescribed antimicrobial regimen for these patients and the resistance profiles of bacterial and fungal isolates. In addition, the association between drug resistance and patients' outcome was analyzed using correlation tests. The most prescribed antibacterial were ceftriaxone (90.7% of patients), vancomycin (86.0%), polymyxin B (74.4%), azithromycin (69.8%), and meropenem (67.4%). Micafungin and fluconazole were used by 22.2 and 11.1% of patients, respectively. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections were a common complication in severely ill COVID-19 patients in our cohort since resistant bacteria strains were isolated from 76.7% of the patients. Oxacillin resistance was observed in most Gram-positive bacteria, whereas carbapenem and cephalosporin resistance was detected in most Gram-negative strains. Azole resistance was identified among C. glabrata and C. tropicalis isolates. Patients who used more antimicrobials stayed hospitalized longer than the others. The patient's age and the number of antibacterial agents used were associated with the resistance phenotype. The susceptibility profile of isolates obtained from severely ill COVID-19 patients highlighted the importance of taking microbial resistance into account when managing these patients. The continuous surveillance of resistant/MDR infection and the rational use of antimicrobials are of utmost importance, especially for long-term hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

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.

Plant growth-promoting traits of yeasts isolated from the tank bromeliad Vriesea minarum L.B. Smith and the effectiveness of Carlosrosaea vrieseae for promoting bromeliad growth.

Yeasts can play important roles in promoting plant growth; however, little information is available in this regard for yeasts in water of bromeliad tanks. Here, we characterize the ability of 79 yeast isolates from tank bromeliad Vriesea minarum, an endangered species, to solubilize phosphate, secrete siderophores, and synthesize indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The results showed that 67.8% of all assayed yeast isolates mobilized inorganic phosphate; 40.0% secreted siderophores; and 89.9% synthetized IAA and IAA-like compounds. Among the species studied, Carlosrosaea vrieseae UFMG-CM-Y6724 is highlighted for producing IAA (76.1 µg mL-1) and siderophores, and solubilizing phosphate. In addition, evaluation of the effects of filtrate containing IAA-like compounds produced by the C. vrieseae on the development and photosynthetic performance of V. minarum seedlings found it to improve seedling growth equal to that of commercial IAA. These results demonstrate that C. vrieseae can produce compounds with great potential for future use as biofertilizer agents.

Production of ethanol and xylanolytic enzymes by yeasts inhabiting rotting wood isolated in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate.

Yeasts associated with rotting wood from four Atlantic Rain forest sites in Brazil were investigated using a culture medium based on sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate. A total of 330 yeast strains were isolated. Pichia manshurica, Candida pseudolambica, and Wickerhamomyces sp. 3 were the most frequently isolated species. Fourteen novel species were obtained in this study. All isolates were tested for their ability to ferment d-xylose and to produce xylanases. In the fermentation assays using d-xylose (30 g L-1), the main ethanol producers were Scheffersomyces stipitis (14.08 g L-1), Scheffersomyces sp. (7.94 g L-1) and Spathaspora boniae (7.16 g L-1). Sc. stipitis showed the highest ethanol yield (0.42 g g-1) and the highest productivity (0.39 g L-1h-1). The fermentation results using hemicellulosic hydrolysate showed that Sc. stipitis was the best ethanol producer, achieving a yield of 0.32 g g-1, while Sp. boniae and Scheffersomyces sp. were excellent xylitol producers. The best xylanase-producing yeasts at 50 °C belonged to the species Su. xylanicola (0.487 U mg-1) and Saitozyma podzolica (0.384 U mg-1). The results showed that rotting wood collected from the Atlantic Rainforest is a valuable source of yeasts able to grow in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate, including species with promising biotechnological properties.

Starmera foglemanii sp. nov. and Starmera ilhagrandensis sp. nov., two novel yeast species isolated from ephemeral plant substrates.

Four isolates of two novel ascosporogenous species belonging to the clade Starmera were obtained from cactus tissues and rotting wood in Brazil. Results of analyses of the sequences of the ITS and D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene indicated that the two isolates of the cactophilic species are related to Starmera caribaea and Starmera pilosocereana, yeasts that are associated with cacti and require an organic source of sulfur for growth. We propose the novel species Starmera foglemanii sp. nov. (CBS 16113T; MycoBank number: MB 834400) to accommodate these isolates. The other two isolates are phylogenetically related to Candida dendrica, Candida laemsonensis and Candida berthetii, also in the Starmera clade. The novel species name Starmera ilhagrandensis sp. nov. (CBS 16316T; MycoBank number: MB 834402) is proposed for this species.

Kluyveromyces osmophilus is not a synonym of Zygosaccharomyces mellis; reinstatement as Zygosaccharomyces osmophilus comb. nov.

Kluyveromyces osmophilus, a single-strain species isolated from Mozambique sugar, has been treated a synonym of Zygosaccharomyces mellis. Analyses of D1/D2 LSU rRNA gene sequences confirmed that the species belongs to the genus Zygosaccharomyces but showed it to be distinct from strains of Z. mellis. During studies of yeasts associated with stingless bees in Brazil, nine additional isolates of the species were obtained from unripe and ripe honey and pollen of Scaptotrigona cfr. bipunctata, as well as ripe honey of Tetragonisca angustula. The D1/D2 sequences of the Brazilian isolates were identical to those of the type strain of K. osmophilus CBS 5499 (=ATCC 22027), indicating that they represent the same species. Phylogenomic analyses using 4038 orthologous genes support the reinstatement of K. osmophilus as a member of the genus Zygosaccharomyces. We, therefore, propose the name Zygosaccharomyces osmophilus comb. nov. (lectotype ATCC 22027; MycoBank no. MB 833739).

Zygotorulaspora cariocana sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from tree bark in Brazil.

Six strains of a novel yeast species were isolated from tree bark collected in the Atlantic Forest and the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. Analyses of the sequences of D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that the strains belong to a species in the genus Zygotorulaspora. The species differed by 5.54 % sequence divergence (25 substitutions and five indels out of 542 bp) in the D1/D2 sequences from Zygotorulaspora mrakii, its closest relative. The ITS sequence of the type strain of the novel species differs by 27-69 nucleotide substitutions/indels from the other Zygotorulaspora species. The novel species is able to grow on trehalose, maltose, l-sorbose, inulin and at 37 °C, which are negative in Z. mrakii. The name Zygotorulaspora cariocana sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype of Z. cariocana sp. nov. is CBS 16118T. The MycoBank number is MB 833702.

Kurtzmaniella hittingeri f.a., sp. nov., isolated from rotting wood and fruits, and transfer of three Candida species to the genus Kurtzmaniella as new combinations.

Twelve strains of a novel yeast species were isolated from rotting wood, mushrooms and fruit samples in Brazil and French Guiana. Analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that the novel species belongs to the Kurtzmaniella clade. The novel species differed from its closest relative, Candida natalensis, by 12 substitutions in the D1/D2 sequences. The novel species could be distinguished from C. natalensis by its inability to assimilate cellobiose and salicin, and growth at 50 % (w/w) glucose. The name Kurtzmaniella hittingeri f.a., sp. nov. is proposed for the novel species. The type strain of K. hittingeri sp. nov. is CBS 13469T (=UFMG CM-Y272T). The MycoBank number is 827183. We also propose the transfer of Candida fragi, Candida quercitrusa and Candida natalensis to the genus Kurtzmaniella as new combinations.

Starmerella camargoi f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella ilheusensis f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella litoralis f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella opuntiae f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella roubikii f.a., sp. nov. and Starmerella vitae f.a., sp. nov., isolated from flowers and bees, and transfer of related Candida species to the genus Starmerella as new combinations.

Six novel yeast species, Starmerella camargoi f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella ilheusensis f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella litoralis f.a., Starmerella opuntiae f.a., sp. nov., sp. nov., Starmerella roubikii f.a., sp. nov. and Starmerella vitae f.a, sp. nov. are proposed to accommodate 19 isolates recovered from ephemeral flowers or bees in Brazil, Costa Rica and Belize. Sequence analysis of the ITS-5.8S region (when available) and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of the rRNA gene showed that the six novel yeasts are phylogenetically related to several species of the Starmerella clade. The type strains are Starmerella camargoi f.a., sp. nov. UFMG-CM-Y595T (=CBS 14130T; Mycobank number MB 822640), Starmerella ilheusensis f.a., sp. nov. UFMG-CM-Y596T (=CBS CBS14131T; MB 822641), Starmerella litoralis f.a., sp. nov. UFMG-CM-Y603T (=CBS14104T; MB 822642), Starmerella opuntiae f.a., sp. nov. UFMG-CM-Y286T (=CBS 13466T; MB 822643), Starmerella roubikii f.a., sp. nov. UWOPS 01-191.1 (=CBS 15148; MB 822645) and Starmerella vitae f.a., sp. nov. UWOPS 00-107.2 (=CBS 15147T; MB 822646). In addition, 25 species currently assigned to the genus Candida are reassigned formally to the genus Starmerella.

Kockovaella libkindii sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from water tanks of bromeliad.

During a study of yeast community associated with water tanks (phytotelmata) of the bromeliad Vriesea minarum, two strains of a novel stalk-forming yeast species were found. The sequences of the region spanning the ITS and D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that this species belongs to the genus Kockovaella. The novel species differs by 14 or more nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and by 26 or more substitutions in the ITS-5.8S region from all other Kockovaella species. We describe this species as Kockovaella libkindii sp. nov. The type strain of Kockovaella libkindii sp. nov. is UFMG-CM-Y6053T (=UFMG-BRO-488T=CBS 12685T). The MycoBank number is MB 817710.

Papiliotrema leoncinii sp. nov. and Papiliotrema miconiae sp. nov., two tremellaceous yeast species from Brazil.

Two yeast species, Papiliotrema leoncinii sp. nov. and Papiliotrema miconiae sp. nov., in the family Rhynchogastremataceae of the Tremellales are proposed. The two species are related to six species of the genus Papiliotrema: Papiliotrema aureus, P. flavescens, P. terrestris, P. baii, P. ruineniae and P. wisconsinensis. The novel species are proposed on the basis of the sequence-based phylogenetic species concept with analysis of the D1/D2 region of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. A total of 16 strains of Papiliotrema leoncinii sp. nov. were obtained from freshwater and bromeliad leaves collected in Brazil. Papiliotrema leoncinii sp. nov. differs by 11, 12, 16, 14, 11 and 13 substitutions in the D1/D2 domain from the related species P. aureus, P. flavescens, P. terrestris, P. baii, P. ruineniae and P. wisconsinensis, respectively. Differences of 11 substitutions and 21 or more substitutions in ITS regions were found when the sequences of Papiliotrema leoncinii sp. nov. were compared with P. wisconsinensis and its closest relatives. The type strain of Papiliotrema leoncinii sp. nov. is UFMG-CM-Y374T (=CBS 13918T). Papiliotrema miconiae sp. nov. is represented by two strains isolated from a flower of Miconia sp. and a water sample in Brazil. Papiliotrema miconiae sp. nov. differs from the related species P. aureus and P. ruineniae by eight substitutions, from P. flavescens and P. terrestris by 11 substitutions, from P. baii by 10 substitutions and from P. wisconsinensis by 6 substitutions in the D1/D2 domain, and by 7 substitutions from P. wisconsinensis and more than 19 substitutions in the ITS region from its closest relatives. The type strain of Papiliotrema miconiae sp. nov. is CBS 8358T (ML 3666T=DBVPG-4492T). The MycoBank numbers for Papiliotrema leoncinii sp. nov. and Papiliotrema miconiae sp. nov. are MB 813594 and MB 814882, respectively.

Bullera vrieseae sp. nov., a tremellaceous yeast species isolated from bromeliads.

Two independent surveys of yeasts associated with different bromeliads in different Brazilian regions led to the proposal of a novel yeast species, Bullera vrieseae sp. nov., belonging to the Tremellales clade (Agaricomycotina, Basidiomycota). Analysis of the sequences in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene suggested affinity to a phylogenetic lineage that includes Bullera miyagiana and Bullera sakaeratica. Six isolates of the novel species were obtained from different bromeliads and regions in Brazil. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of the rRNA gene showed that the novel species differs from B. miyagiana and B. sakaeratica by 85 and 64 nt substitutions, respectively and by more than 75 nt substitutions in the ITS region. Phenotypically, Bullera vrieseae sp. nov. can be distinguished from both species based on the assimilation of meso-erythritol, which was negative for B. vrieseae sp. nov. but positive for the others, assimilation of d-glucosamine, which was positive for B. vrieseae sp. nov. but negative for B. miyagiana and of l-sorbose, which was negative for B. vrieseae sp. nov. but positive for B. sakaeratica. The novel species Bullera vrieseae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these isolates. The type strain of Bullera vrieseae sp. nov. is UFMG-CM-Y379T (BRO443T; ex-type CBS 13870T).