Comparison between human and armadillo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis

Sixty-three Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates obtained from three nine -banded armadillos (Dasypus novem-cinctus), one Amazonian armadillo's and 1 9 clinical isolates were compared by random amplified polymorphic DNA analy sis with the primer OPG-19. The isolates were divided into three major clus ters, I, II and III. Coincidences between human and armadillo isolates were observed in clusters I and II. Cluster III consisted only of armadillos' i solates. The results suggested that (I) humans may acquire P. brasiliensis infection by contact with armadillo's environment, (II) there may be P. bra siliensis genotypes peculiar to the animal, and (III) individual armadillos may be infected with P brasiliensis cells with different genotypes.