Draft genome of Purpureocillium lilacinum. Purpureocillium lilacinum

Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), an antimicrobial agent, has been widely used as a disinfectant in medical industries and public facilities. However, long-term use of any antimicrobial agent increases the risk of the microorganisms developing resistance. We isolated and characterized a fungus from a 20% aqueous solution of PHMB and compared its microbiological characteristics and resistance profile with those of other major antimicrobial agents. Based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, the fungus was identified as Purpureocillium lilacinum. In summary, P. lilacinum was found to be significantly more resistant to PHMB than previously reported, suggesting an unidentified novel mechanism underlying drug resistance in the fungi.