Candida metrosideri pro tempore sp. nov. and Candida ohialehuae pro tempore sp. nov., two antifungal-resistant yeasts associated with Metrosideros polymorpha flowers in Hawaii

Researchers have identified two novel antifungal-resistant yeast species, Candida metrosideri and Candida ohialehuae, associated with the flowers of Metrosideros polymorpha in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. These species, classified within the family Metschnikowiaceae, exhibit elevated resistance to amphotericin B (>4 μg/mL), a key antifungal drug. The discovery was made through morphological and physiological characterization, along with sequence analysis of multiple genetic markers, including rRNA genes and RNA polymerase II subunits (RPB1 and RPB2). Both species form a distinct subclade linked to insects, flowers, and clinically relevant taxa, suggesting potential ecological and evolutionary significance in their niche. Their ascosporic state remains unobserved, adding another layer of intrigue to their biology.

Klaps, J., de Vega, C., Herrera, C. M., Junker, R. R., Lievens, B., & Álvarez-Pérez, S. (2020). Candida metrosideri pro tempore sp. nov. and Candida ohialehuae pro tempore sp. nov., two antifungal-resistant yeasts associated with Metrosideros polymorpha flowers in Hawaii. Plos One, 15(10), e0240093. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240093