Physiological characterization and molecular identification of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera as the etiological agent of a skin lesion

Routine laboratory methods are not effective in identifying cryptic species resulting in the underreporting of infections caused by non-Candida yeasts. This paper presents the physiological characteristics and antifungal susceptibility of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera 12-771, isolated from a tinea-like lesion. Isolate 12-771 was identified by ITS and D1/D2 analysis as S. fibuligera. The isolate presented an auxonogram profile similar to Candida utilis, as well as protease, esterase and hemolysin activity. MICs were of 0.25 ​μg/mL for amphotericin B, 1-2 ​μg/mL for echinocandins, and 16 ​μg/mL for fluconazole. This work represents the first record in America of S. fibuligera as an infectious agent.