Four Asian elephants were confirmed to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis by bacterial culture, other diagnostic procedures, and sequencing of 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer region, 16S rRNA, and gyrase B gene sequences. Genotyping showed that the infectious agents originated from 4 sources in Thailand. To identify infections, a combination of diagnostic assays is essential.

Two strains of the mushroom Pleurotus, isolated from nature in Vietnam and Japan, contained a similar combination of two distinct rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. They were perhaps hybrid dikaryons between P. cystidiosus subsp. abalonus and a novel P. cystidiosus subspecies. These mushrooms produce dikaryotic arthroconidia. This unique asexual reproduction might allow stable ma...

We describe a cardiac transplant patient who had human cutaneous alternariosis with a sporotrichoid distribution of skin lesions. In this patient identification of the causative organism Alternaria infectoria was achieved by sequencing the rDNA internal transcribed spacer domain. Treatment with itraconazole led to clinical resolution within 4 months.

We report a case of scleral keratitis caused by Phomopsis phoenicicola. Pterygium surgery was a predisposing factor, and the patient was treated with natamycin and fluconazole eye drops and oral fluconazole. The fungus was identified by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungal ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus and confirmed on the basis of its typical pycnidia and conidia.

Pseudallescheria boydii KNU13-2 was isolated from crop field soil and identified by analysis of internal transcribed spacer regions of rDNA and morphological characteristics. In the literature, P. boydii has been mentioned as a human pathogen. This is the first record of P. boydii isolated from crop field soil in Korea.

Stem rot was found for the first time on the Asiatic dayflower plant (Commelina communis L.) in Korea. A detailed description of this Korean specimen is given, along with its rDNA internal transcribed spacer sequence. The fungus was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii Saccardo based on mycological characteristics and molecular data.

Soft rot in apple caused by Rhizopus oryzae was found for the first time in Korea. A detailed description of the specimen is given along with its internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequence. The fungus was identified as Rhizopus oryzae based on the mycological characteristics, molecular data, and pathogenicity testing.

The rDNA genes coding for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in animals are repeat sequences with high GC content and complicated structure. Based on the sequences of human ribosomal DNA repeat unit and transcription unit and the long and accurate PCR method with LA Taq DNA polymerase and GC buffer, we were able to amplify the complicated repeat sequences of rDNA genes in Bos taurus. Three rDNA genes and 2 i...