MicroSeq^TM Fungal LSU rRNA Gene Sequencing (PE Applied Biosystems)

DNA is extracted from fungal cells with enzymes. The LSU rRNA gene is selected and amplified using primers and thermalcyclers. The LSU rRNA gene product is sequenced using cycle sequencing chemistry. The reactions are analyzed using automated DNA sequencers and software. Unknown fungal samples are identified using the MicroSeq^TM software and LSU rRNA database, containing over 1,500 entries. Either the entire LSU rRNA gene, or a smaller portion of the gene (300bp) can be sequenced. A printout of the sequence data and the identification is included in each report.

GC-FAME (Gas Chromatographic Fatty Acid Methyl Ester)

Also known as Cellular Fatty Acid Analysis, allows for microorganism identification based on the specific fatty acid composition of the cell wall. Fatty acids are extracted from cultured samples and are separated by gas chromatography. A computer generated, unique profile pattern of the extracted fatty acids (9 to 20 carbon chains long) are compared to our microbial databases of well over 2600 species and subspecies. Our reports include the fatty acid profiles, a listing of the best database matches, along with an assigned statistical probability value indicating the confidence level of the identifications.

Fungal BIOLOG

This automated, identification system uses a 96-well microtiter plate with 95 different carbon sources.  The microorganism of interest is applied to each well.  Each microorganism has unique capacities to oxidize some of the various carbon sources.  When these carbon sources are oxidized by the microorganism, a purple dye develops visible pattern of positive (purple) and negative (clear) well which provide a metabolic signature of the organism.  The system's computer examines the patter signature with its database to determine an identification.  Databases include aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, yeasts, and fungi.