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Frontiers in Microbiology 2021is a dematiaceous fungus that causes mainly chromoblastomycosis, but also disseminated infections such as phaeohyphomycosis and mycetoma. These diseases are extremely...
is a dematiaceous fungus that causes mainly chromoblastomycosis, but also disseminated infections such as phaeohyphomycosis and mycetoma. These diseases are extremely hard to treat and often refractory to current antifungal therapies. In this work, we have evaluated the effect of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione) and its metal-based complexes, [Ag (phendione)]ClO and [Cu(phendione)](ClO).4HO, against , focusing on (i) conidial viability when combined with amphotericin B (AmB); (ii) biofilm formation and disarticulation events; (iii) interaction with human macrophages; and (iv) infection of larvae. The combination of AmB with each of the test compounds promoted the additive inhibition of growth, as judged by the checkerboard assay. During the biofilm formation process over polystyrene surface, sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of phendione and its silver(I) and copper(II) complexes were able to reduce biomass and extracellular matrix production. Moreover, a mature biofilm treated with high concentrations of the test compounds diminished biofilm viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Pre-treatment of conidial cells with the test compounds did not alter the percentage of infected THP-1 macrophages; however, [Ag(phendione)]ClO caused a significant reduction in the number of intracellular fungal cells compared to the untreated system. In addition, the killing process was significantly enhanced by post-treatment of infected macrophages with the test compounds. induced a typically cell density-dependent effect on larvae death after 7 days of infection. Interestingly, exposure to the silver(I) complex protected the larvae from infection. Collectively, the results corroborate the promising therapeutic potential of phendione-based drugs against fungal infections, including those caused by .
PubMed: 34025603
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.641258 -
Medical Mycology Case Reports Mar 2019Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis, is caused by dematiaceous fungi, the most frequently implicated are and We report a woman who was...
Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis, is caused by dematiaceous fungi, the most frequently implicated are and We report a woman who was treated before with mycological cure, but she experience a relapse requiring treatment again. Direct microscopic examination and skin biopsy with culture were necessary to identify a Exophiala psychrophila, and for our knowledge this is the first case reported.
PubMed: 30533349
DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2018.10.001 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Jan 2024We report two cases of fungal keratitis due to rare melanized fungal pathogens in ocular infection, one is the first case report of keratitis due to and the second is...
PURPOSE
We report two cases of fungal keratitis due to rare melanized fungal pathogens in ocular infection, one is the first case report of keratitis due to and the second is keratitis due to rare fungal pathogen in ocular infections .
METHOD
Conventional mycology during routine diagnostics helped in identifying these rare fungal isolates, following which we proceeded for the confirmation of identification by DNA sequencing and did antifungal susceptibility test to understand their susceptibility pattern. The clinical information for these two patients were collected from hospital electronic medical records.
RESULTS
We discuss the clinical presentation, treatment given, and clinical outcome in these patients and correlate these with the conventional microbiology and sequencing techniques, which helped in identifying the pathogen and the antifungal susceptibility of these rare isolates. We also do a brief literature review for these two rare fungal pathogens.
CONCLUSIONS
and are rare causes of fungal keratitis due to melanized fungi. Both of this fungal keratitis respond well to medical therapy alone if diagnosed and treated early.
PubMed: 38252885
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2024.2303352 -
Journal of Global Antimicrobial... Mar 2019Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic granulomatous mycosis caused by dematiaceous fungi that affects cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. The standard antifungal drug...
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic granulomatous mycosis caused by dematiaceous fungi that affects cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. The standard antifungal drug for treatment is itraconazole, followed by terbinafine. However, cure rates vary from 15% to 80% when these drugs are used as monotherapy. A systematic review of the in vitro susceptibility of CBM agents to antifungal drugs, alone and in combination, was conducted using the Cochrane methodology. Forty-seven search terms were included in the PICOS method of searching electronic databases. The search resulted in 35 studies, of which 8 evaluated antifungal drugs in combination. Based on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), posaconazole, terbinafine, itraconazole and voriconazole were, in descending order, the most effective antifungal drugs against CBM agents in vitro. In drug combination studies, only terbinafine-voriconazole and itraconazole-caspofungin showed 100% synergy for Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Exophiala jeanselmei and Phialophora verrucosa. However, none of the combinations studied showed antagonism.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Ascomycota; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycoses
PubMed: 30266638
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2018.09.010 -
Nature Jul 2018The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a highly selective calcium channel and a major route of calcium entry into mitochondria. How the channel catalyses ion...
The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a highly selective calcium channel and a major route of calcium entry into mitochondria. How the channel catalyses ion permeation and achieves ion selectivity are not well understood, partly because MCU is thought to have a distinct architecture in comparison to other cellular channels. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions of MCU channels from zebrafish and Cyphellophora europaea at 8.5 Å and 3.2 Å resolutions, respectively. In contrast to a previous report of pentameric stoichiometry for MCU, both channels are tetramers. The atomic model of C. europaea MCU shows that a conserved WDXXEP signature sequence forms the selectivity filter, in which calcium ions are arranged in single file. Coiled-coil legs connect the pore to N-terminal domains in the mitochondrial matrix. In C. europaea MCU, the N-terminal domains assemble as a dimer of dimers; in zebrafish MCU, they form an asymmetric crescent. The structures define principles that underlie ion permeation and calcium selectivity in this unusual channel.
Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Cryoelectron Microscopy; Ion Channel Gating; Models, Molecular; Phialophora; Protein Multimerization; Protein Subunits; Zebrafish
PubMed: 29995857
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0331-8 -
Mycoses Oct 2019Phaeohyphomycosis is a chronic cutaneous, subcutaneous or systemic mycotic infection caused by various dematiaceous fungi. The diverse clinical manifestations and poor...
BACKGROUND
Phaeohyphomycosis is a chronic cutaneous, subcutaneous or systemic mycotic infection caused by various dematiaceous fungi. The diverse clinical manifestations and poor prognosis of phaeohyphomycosis necessitate studies on it to better recognise the disease and improve its management.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of phaeohyphomycosis in China over the past 20 years, and to study the first case of phaeohyphomycosis caused by Phialophora americana and the genetic and immunological mechanisms.
PATIENTS/METHODS
Clinical and laboratory findings of the case were studied, and the patient's DNA was sequenced for CARD9, followed by immunological studies using patient's PBMCs. Cases of phaeohyphomycosis in China from 1998 to 2018 in both the Chinese and English literature were collected and analysed, including 45 articles and 46 patients.
RESULTS
We confirmed the patient holding a homozygous frameshift mutation of CARD9, which led to impairment of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and lower Th17- and Th22-associated responses upon fungus-specific stimulation. From the literature review, we revealed that the clinical presentations of phaeohyphomycosis were diverse. Diagnoses were established mainly on the basis of histopathology and fungal culture. Oral itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole are the first choices for treatment, and a combination with surgical excision is also recommended.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study establishes that obtaining detailed histories is vital for understanding the immune state and that patients with recurrent or chronic phaeohyphomycosis in the absence of known immunodeficiencies should be tested for CARD9 mutations. We hope our findings will aid clinicians in the diagnoses and treatment of such infections.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antifungal Agents; CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins; Child; Child, Preschool; China; Cytokines; Female; Frameshift Mutation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mutant Proteins; Phaeohyphomycosis; Phialophora; Sequence Analysis, DNA; T-Lymphocytes; Young Adult
PubMed: 31271673
DOI: 10.1111/myc.12962 -
International Journal of Hygiene and... Sep 2018Possible transmission pathways of fungi in indoor swimming pool facilities were assessed through fungal counting in different areas of the facilities and typing of the...
Possible transmission pathways of fungi in indoor swimming pool facilities were assessed through fungal counting in different areas of the facilities and typing of the collected fungal isolates. Air, water and surface samples were collected from seven different indoor swimming pool facilities. Fungal species were identified based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Maximum fungal concentrations of 6.2 CFU/cm, 1.39 CFU/100 mL, and 202 CFU/m³ were found on surfaces, in water and air, respectively. In total, 458 isolates were obtained, belonging to 111 fungal species, of which 50 species were clinically relevant. Phialophora oxyspora (13.3%) and Trichosporon dohaense (5.0%) were the most frequently isolated species and were merely detected on floors, as were the dermatophytes, Trichophyton interdigitale and T. rubrum. Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the dominant fungi in water and air. No typical patterns of fungal concentrations along the preferential pathways of pool visitors were observed, however, sites where pool visitors converge while moving from one room (e.g. dressing room) to another (e.g. shower room) and walking barefoot displayed the highest fungal concentrations thus posing the highest risk of contamination. The dispersal of fungi on floors is most likely facilitated by the pool visitors and cleaning tools. Clinically relevant fungi, including the ones rarely identified in nature, were widely detected on floors, in water and in air, as well as on cleaning tools and flexibeams. Preventive measures such as cleaning should minimize the prevalence of clinically relevant fungi in swimming pool facilities since these potentially pose health risks to those vulnerable for infections.
Topics: Air Microbiology; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution, Indoor; DNA, Fungal; Detergents; Environmental Monitoring; Floors and Floorcoverings; Fungi; Humans; Mycoses; Swimming Pools; Teaching Materials; Water Microbiology; Water Pollutants
PubMed: 30145117
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.07.013 -
The Plant Genome Nov 2020Brown stem rot (BSR) reduces soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield by up to 38%. The BSR causal agent is Phialophora gregata f. sp. sojae, a slow-growing, necrotrophic...
Brown stem rot (BSR) reduces soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield by up to 38%. The BSR causal agent is Phialophora gregata f. sp. sojae, a slow-growing, necrotrophic fungus whose life cycle includes latent and pathogenic phases, each lasting several weeks. Brown stem rot foliar symptoms are often misdiagnosed as other soybean diseases or nutrient stress, making BSR resistance especially difficult to phenotype. To shed light on the genes and networks contributing to P. gregata resistance, we conducted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of a resistant genotype (PI 437970, Rbs3). Leaf, stem, and root tissues were collected 12, 24, and 36 h after stab inoculation with P. gregata, or mock infection, in the plant stem. By using multiple tissues and time points, we could see that leaves, stems, and roots use the same defense pathways. Our analyses suggest that P. gregata induces a biphasic defense response, with pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) triggered immunity observed in leaves at 12 and 24 h after infection (HAI) and effector triggered immunity detected at 36 h after infection in the stems. Gene networks associated with defense, photosynthesis, nutrient homeostasis, DNA replication, and growth are the hallmarks of resistance to P. gregata. While P. gregata is a slow-growing pathogen, our results demonstrate that pathogen recognition occurs hours after infection. By exploiting the genes and networks described here, we will be able to develop novel diagnostic tools to facilitate breeding and screening for BSR resistance.
Topics: Ascomycota; Disease Resistance; Humans; Plant Diseases; Plant Stems; Glycine max
PubMed: 33217212
DOI: 10.1002/tpg2.20037 -
PeerJ 2024Conventional biofilters, which rely on bacterial activity, face challenges in eliminating hydrophobic compounds, such as aromatic compounds. This is due to the low... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Conventional biofilters, which rely on bacterial activity, face challenges in eliminating hydrophobic compounds, such as aromatic compounds. This is due to the low solubility of these compounds in water, which makes them difficult to absorb by bacterial biofilms. Furthermore, biofilter operational stability is often hampered by acidification and drying out of the filter bed.
METHODS
Two bioreactors, a bacterial biofilter (B-BF) and a fungal-bacterial coupled biofilter (F&B-BF) were inoculated with activated sludge from the secondary sedimentation tank of the Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Company wastewater treatment plant located in Nanjing, China. For approximately 6 months of operation, a F&B-BF was more effective than a B-BF in eliminating a gas-phase mixture containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and -xylene (BTE-X).
RESULTS
After operating for four months, the F&B-BF showed higher removal efficiencies for toluene (T), ethylbenzene (E), benzene (B), and -X (-Xylene), at 96.9%, 92.6%, 83.9%, and 83.8%, respectively, compared to those of the B-BF (90.1%, 78.7%, 64.8%, and 59.3%). The degradation activity order for B-BF and F&B-BF was T > E > B > -X. Similarly, the rates of mineralization for BTE-X in the F&B-BF were 74.9%, 66.5%, 55.3%, and 45.1%, respectively, which were higher than those in the B-BF (56.5%, 50.8%, 43.8%, and 30.5%). Additionally, the F&B-BF (2 days) exhibited faster recovery rates than the B-BF (5 days).
CONCLUSIONS
It was found that a starvation protocol was beneficial for the stable operation of both the B-BF and F&B-BF. Community structure analysis showed that the bacterial genus and the fungal genus were both important in the degradation of BTE-X. The fungal-bacterial consortia can enhance the biofiltration removal of BTE-X vapors.
Topics: Xylenes; Filtration; Fungi; Benzene Derivatives; Bioreactors; Bacteria; Biodegradation, Environmental; Toluene; Benzene; China; Biofilms
PubMed: 38903883
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17452 -
FEMS Microbiology Ecology Oct 2016Numerous studies address the distribution and the diversity of dark septate endophytes (DSEs) in the literature, but little is known about their ecological role and...
Numerous studies address the distribution and the diversity of dark septate endophytes (DSEs) in the literature, but little is known about their ecological role and their effect on host plants, especially in metal-polluted soils. Seven DSE strains belonging to Cadophora, Leptodontidium, Phialophora and Phialocephala were isolated from roots of poplar trees from metal-polluted sites. All strains developed on a wide range of carbohydrates, including cell-wall-related compounds. The strains evenly colonized birch, eucalyptus and ryegrass roots in re-synthesis experiments. Root and shoot growth promotion was observed and was both plant and strain dependent. Two Phialophora and Leptodontidium strains particularly improved plant growth. However, there was no correlation between the level of root colonization by DSEs and the intensity of growth promotion. All strains produced auxin and six also stimulated plant growth through the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). SPME-GC/MS analyses revealed four major VOCs emitted by Cadophora and Leptodontidium The strains exhibited growth at high concentrations of several metals. The ability of metal-resistant DSE strains to produce both soluble and volatile compounds for plant growth promotion indicates interesting microbial resources with high potential to support sustainable production of bioenergy crops within the context of the phytomanagement of metal-contaminated sites.
Topics: Ascomycota; Betula; Biodegradation, Environmental; Endophytes; Indoleacetic Acids; Metals; Plant Development; Plant Roots; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 27364359
DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiw144