Species level fungal identification – challenges and options

by Vikki Warren, Identification Services Manager Species level identification of fungi has long been considered challenging and, in contrast to bacteria, fungal isolates obtained from environmental monitoring programs are often identified to genus rather than species level. More detailed identification of environmental isolates can be desirable, so what are the difficulties when it comes to species level identification of fungi? Sequencing optionsTwo distinct approaches have emerged for genetic identification of fungi, and both are based on sequencing sections of ribosomal DNA. Fungal ribosomes have a large and a small subunit, …