Easy storage strategies for sporothrix spp. strains

Abstract

The present study evaluated the maintenance of Sporothrix spp. (6 Sporothrix brasiliensis;6S. schenckii;5 S. mexicana, and 3 S. globosa) in saline at 4 C, and in 10% glycerol plus either 10% lactose or 10% sucrose, at -20 C and -80 C. Viability was assessed after 3, 6, and 9 months of storage, through the recovery of strains on potato dextrose agar and analysis of macro- and micromorphological features. Conidium quantification was performed before and after storage, at 3, 6 and 9 months. 100% viability was observed, regardless of storage conditions or time period. Storage at 4 C and at -20 C did not alter the number of conidia, but lower conidium counts were observed at -80 C. This study shows that the combination of glycerol with lactose or sucrose is effective to maintain Sporothrix spp. at freezing temperatures.