Characterization of new strains of Hortaea werneckii isolated from salt marshes of Egypt

Three new black yeast strains (EGYNDA08, EGYNDA16 and EGYNDA90) of marine origin were isolated from the Egyptian off shore salt marshes and molecularly identified by ITS1 and ITS2 5.8S rRNA gene sequencing. The molecular identification showed a high sequence identity between the two of them and Hortaea werneckii Hw6 strain, while the other strain was unique. The biochemical characterization using different nutritional media showed different growth capabilities and the qualitative enzyme tests (such as catalase, urease, lipase, proteases, amylases and cellulose) showed different activity levels. The morphological characterization showed different developmental stages of hyphal maturation. The phylogenetic analysis of the three strains indicated that, two isolates were evolutionary relevant to the Hw6 strain isolated from Spain and one novel strain was isolated with rather different molecular and morphological characteristics.