Scopulariopsisand scopulariopsis-like species from indoor environments

Scopulariopsis-like species are often reported from the indoor environment, as well as from clinical samples. The lack of type isolates and thorough phylogenetic studies in theMicroascaceaehampered the correct identification of these isolates. Based on recent phylogenetic studies, which resulted in multiple name changes, the aim is to molecularly identify theScopulariopsisand scopulariopsis-like species which occur in the indoor environment and give an overview of the current species in these genera and their habitats. Strains from the CBS culture collection were supplemented with almost 80 indoor strains of which the internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 and intervening 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), beta-tubulin (tub2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) gene regions were sequenced for phylogenetic inference. The multi-gene phylogenies recognise 33Microascusspecies and 12Scopulariopsisspecies and showed that the recently established genusFuscoannellis, typified byScopulariopsis carbonaria, should be synonymized with the genusYunnania. Seven newMicroascusspecies, four newScopulariopsisspecies, and one newYunnaniaspecies, are described, and a new name inMicroascusand two new name combinations (one inMicroascus, and one inYunnania) are proposed. In the indoor environment 14Microascusspecies and threeScopulariopsisspecies were found.Scopulariopsis brevicaulis(22 indoor isolates) andMicroascus melanosporus(19 indoor isolates) are the most common indoor species, in number of isolates, followed byM. paisii(8 indoor isolates) andS. candida(7 indoor isolates). A genus phylogeny based on the ITS,tef1and the large subunit 28S nrDNA (LSU) of the type or representative isolates of all here recognised species is provided depicting all species habitats. No correlation between phylogenetic relationship and habitat preference could be observed. Ten species which are found indoor are also found in relation with human-derived samples. A table showing recent name changes and a key to common species ofScopulariopsisand scopulariopsis-like genera found indoors is included.