Prototheca

16 11 2021

We cordially invite you to the institute seminar: on Monday, November 22nd at 2 pm dr. Tomasz Jagielski from the Department of Medical Microbiology will deliver a seminar on „Environmental reservoir and infectious cycle of pathogenic algae of the genus Prototheca. The occurence of Prototheca spp. in soil environments”.

The Prototheca genus (Trebouxiophyceae) comprises unicellular, nonphotosynthetic, saprophytic microalgae, associated with rare but severe infections, collectively referred to as protothecosis. In animals, the disease most commonly affects dairy cattle, resulting in clinical or subclinical mastitis, while in humans the predominant manifestations are linked to cutaneous, articular, and systemic involvement. The growing incidence of protothecosis in both humans and animals, over the recent years, has led to a surge in interest in the Prototheca algae.

Although these microorganisms are thought to be ubiquitous in nature, no comprehensive studies have been performed to assess their environmental distribution. The purpose of the project to be presented during the seminar, is to explore the occurrence of Prototheca spp. in different soils across Poland, and thus to provide a deeper insight into the environmental habitat of the algae.

Not only is the project expected to expand our knowledge on the Prototheca ecology, but it will also contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the protothecal disease.