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Food Research International (Ottawa,... Jun 2022Microbial species are inherently variable, which is reflected in intraspecies genotypic and phenotypic differences. Strain-to-strain variation gives rise to variability...
Microbial species are inherently variable, which is reflected in intraspecies genotypic and phenotypic differences. Strain-to-strain variation gives rise to variability in stress resistance and plays a crucial role in food safety and food quality. Here, strain variability in heat resistance of asexual spores (conidia) of the fungal species Aspergillus niger, Penicillium roqueforti and Paecilomyces variotii was quantified and compared to bacterial variability found in the literature. After heat treatment, a 5.4- to 8.6-fold difference in inactivation rate was found between individual strains within each species, while the strain variability of the three fungal species was not statistically different. We evaluated whether the degree of intraspecies variability is uniform, not only within the fungal kingdom, but also amongst different bacterial species. Comparison with three spore-forming bacteria and two non-spore-forming bacteria revealed that the variability of the different species was indeed in the same order of magnitude, which hints to a microbial signature of variation that exceeds kingdom boundaries.
Topics: Aspergillus niger; Bacteria; Food Microbiology; Food Safety; Hot Temperature; Spores, Fungal
PubMed: 35651062
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111302 -
Folia Microbiologica Apr 2022Endophytic fungal communities have attracted a great attention to chemists, ecologists, and microbiologists as a treasure trove of biological resource. Endophytic fungi... (Review)
Review
Endophytic fungal communities have attracted a great attention to chemists, ecologists, and microbiologists as a treasure trove of biological resource. Endophytic fungi play incredible roles in the ecosystem including abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, eco-adaptation, enhancing growth and development, and maintaining the health of their host. In recent times, endophytic fungi have drawn a special focus owing to their indispensable diversity, unique distribution, and unparalleled metabolic pathways. The endophytic fungal communities belong to three phyla, namely Mucoromycota, Basidiomycota, and Ascomycota with seven predominant classes Agaricomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, Mortierellomycotina, Mucoromycotina, Saccharomycetes, and Sordariomycetes. In a review of a huge number of research finding, it was found that endophytic fungal communities of genera Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Gaeumannomyces, Metarhizium, Microsphaeropsis, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Piriformospora, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, Verticillium, and Xylaria have been sorted out and well characterized for diverse biotechnological applications for future development. Furthermore, these communities are remarkable source of novel bioactive compounds with amazing biological activity for use in agriculture, food, and pharmaceutical industry. Endophytes are endowed with a broad range of structurally unique bioactive natural products, including alkaloids, benzopyranones, chinones, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and quinines. Subsequently, there is still an excellent opportunity to explore novel compounds from endophytic fungi among numerous plants inhabiting different niches. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing could be a tool to study interaction between plants and endophytic fungi which may provide further opportunities to reveal unknown functions of endophytic fungal communities. The present review deals with the biodiversity of endophytic fungal communities and their biotechnological implications for agro-environmental sustainability.
Topics: Ascomycota; Biodiversity; Ecosystem; Endophytes; Fungi; Mycobiome
PubMed: 35122218
DOI: 10.1007/s12223-021-00939-0 -
Journal of Clinical and Experimental... Dec 2022() is a fungal species found in soil, wood and some foods, and has been associated with some severe systemic infections. has not been previously identified in carious...
() is a fungal species found in soil, wood and some foods, and has been associated with some severe systemic infections. has not been previously identified in carious tissue, and the aim of the present study is to report the presence of in a deep carious lesion discussing its possible local and systemic associations. A 28 year-old male was submitted to extraction of the upper left second premolar (tooth #25) presenting a deep carious lesion. After extraction the tooth was cleaved in its long axis, and the infected dentinal tissue was curetted and submitted to microbiological analysis using CHROMagar® Candida medium and Malt Extract Agar. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of P. variotti in the carious tissue. Post-operatory period was uneventful, healing of the dental socket was complete, and the patient remained well during the follow-up period. , a fungus not considered saprophyte in the oral cavity, was encountered in a deep caries lesion, and its potential association with local and systemic infections should be considered. Paecilomyces variotti, dental caries.
PubMed: 36601242
DOI: 10.4317/jced.60031 -
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology Feb 2021Urban pests pose enormous risks to human health. Control initiatives are carried out in regions of high infestation and incidence of accidents caused by scorpions...
INTRODUCTION
Urban pests pose enormous risks to human health. Control initiatives are carried out in regions of high infestation and incidence of accidents caused by scorpions OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to analyze the anti-scorpionic activity of fungal isolates obtained from a cemetery in Brazil.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of thirteen fungi were subjected to a bioassay test against Tityus serrulatus, and the two isolates with the highest scorpionicidal activity were selected for molecular identification through sequencing of the ITS DNA hypervariable region and large-scale cultivation on liquid medium for secondary metabolite extraction. The crude extracts were partitioned by solid-phase extraction, and the resulting purified extracts were tested for anti-scorpionic activity. The extracts from one of the isolates presented better results and were submitted to UPLC-MS/MS. The metabolomics data were submitted to GNPS website for Molecular Networking and MASST searches. We also performed a MolNetEnhancer analysis to identify the chemical classes of the molecules found in the samples.
RESULTS
The most promising fungal isolate was identified as Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 which has 98% of similarity to Paecilomyces formosus. The sub-fractions C and D had the best activity against the scorpions (54 and 32% mortality, respectively). Molecular Networking and MolNetEnhancer revealed a range of molecular classes in our extracts that are known to include bioactive metabolites from Paecilomyces species.
CONCLUSIONS
The scorpionicidal activity of Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 and its secondary metabolites may provide new alternative compounds for biological and chemical control of scorpions from the species T. serrulatus. Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 is an isolate that has great potential for isolation of secondary metabolites.
Topics: Animals; Biological Control Agents; Brazil; Chromatography, Liquid; Female; Paecilomyces; Pest Control, Biological; Scorpions; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 33524339
DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107541 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022spp. are emerging fungal pathogens, where and are the most reported species. Taxonomic and phylogenetic revisions in this genus have shown that represents a species...
spp. are emerging fungal pathogens, where and are the most reported species. Taxonomic and phylogenetic revisions in this genus have shown that represents a species complex, whereas is related to another genus called . The aims of this study were to identify clinical isolates of spp. at the species level, and to determine their antifungal susceptibility profiles. 70 clinical spp. isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (MS) and by multilocus rDNA genes sequencing including ITS and the D1/D2 genes. Among the 70 spp. isolates, 28 were identified as , 26 as , and 16 as . For antifungal susceptibility testing, Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) or Minimal Effective Concentrations (MECs) were determined for 8 antifungals. All isolates had high MICs and MECs of amphotericin B and echinocandins, respectively, unlike and . For azole drugs, MICs were molecule- and species- dependent. The differences in in vitro susceptibility to antifungals underline the importance of accurate species identification. The MALDI-TOF MS can be a good alternative in routine laboratory to ensure fast identification of spp. and .
PubMed: 35887446
DOI: 10.3390/jof8070684 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Nov 2021Fungi that degrade B20 biodiesel in storage tanks have also been linked to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). A member of the filamentous fungal genus...
Fungi that degrade B20 biodiesel in storage tanks have also been linked to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). A member of the filamentous fungal genus Paecilomyces and a yeast from the genus Wickerhamomyces were isolated from heavily contaminated B20 storage tanks from multiple Air Force bases. Although these taxa were linked to microbiologically influenced corrosion , precise measurement of their corrosion rates and pitting severity on carbon steel was not available. In the experiments described here, we directly link fungal growth on B20 biodiesel to higher corrosion rates and pitting corrosion of carbon steel under controlled conditions. When these fungi were growing solely on B20 biodiesel for carbon and energy, consumption of FAME and -alkanes was observed. The corrosion rates for both fungi were highest at the interface between the B20 biodiesel and the aqueous medium, where they acidified the medium and produced deeper pits than abiotic controls. Paecilomyces produced the most corrosion of carbon steel and produced the greatest pitting damage. This study characterizes and quantifies the corrosion of carbon steel by fungi that are common in fouled B20 biodiesel through their metabolism of the fuel, providing valuable insight for assessing MIC associated with storing and dispensing B20 biodiesel. Biodiesel is widely used across the United States and worldwide, blended with ultra-low-sulfur diesel in various concentrations. In this study, we were able to demonstrate that the filamentous fungus Paecilomyces AF001 and the yeast Wickerhamomyces SE3 were able to degrade fatty acid methyl esters and alkanes in biodiesel, causing increases in acidity. Both fungi also accelerated the corrosion of carbon steel, especially at the interface of the fuel and water, where their biofilms were located. This research provides controlled, quantified measurements and the localization of microbiologically influenced corrosion caused by common fungal contaminants in biodiesel fuels.
Topics: Alkanes; Biofuels; Carbon; Corrosion; Paecilomyces; Saccharomycetales; Steel
PubMed: 34586908
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01177-21 -
Journal of Medical Microbiology May 2022The occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) are closely related to gut microbiota. is a medicinal and edible fungus. is a therapeutic material for...
The occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) are closely related to gut microbiota. is a medicinal and edible fungus. is a therapeutic material for unifying Chinese Qi. They can delay the occurrence and development of kidney disease. In recent years, solid-state fermentation of edible fungi and traditional Chinese medicine has become a hot issue. We assumed that solid-state fermentation products of and (RPF) could ameliorate diabetic nephropathy and modulate gut microbiota composition. We aimed to study the function and mechanism of the RPF for ameliorating DN in mice. We investigated the effect of the potential roles of RPF in DN mice and interaction between DN and gut microbiota using animal experiments and gut microbiota measurements. We found that RPF dramatically reduced urine protein, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in DN mice. Furthermore, RPF ameliorated the physiological condition of DN mice by regulating the abundance of intestinal microbiota such as , , and . RPF can ameliorate diabetic nephropathy and modulate gut microbiota composition.
Topics: Animals; Astragalus propinquus; Cordyceps; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Nephropathies; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mice
PubMed: 35617337
DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001535 -
Plant Disease Jan 2022Paecilomyces rot of apples is a postharvest disease caused by , a problematic spoiling agent of fruit juices and derivatives. Processing fruits infected with...
Paecilomyces rot of apples is a postharvest disease caused by , a problematic spoiling agent of fruit juices and derivatives. Processing fruits infected with Paecilomyces rot can lead to juices contaminated with ascospores. These ascospores are heat resistant and may survive food processing and germinate in finished products. Because the fungus produces the mycotoxin patulin, juice spoilage by is an important health hazard. Little is known about the disease biology and control mechanisms of this recently described postharvest disease. The range of fruit products contaminated by and patulin led us to hypothesize that the host range of Paecilomyces rot is broader than previously thought. Following Koch's postulates, we determined that multiple untested rosaceous fruits and popular apple cultivars are susceptible to Paecilomyces rot infection and that these infected fruits contain significant levels of patulin. We also observed that two closely related food spoiling fungi, and , were unable to infect, cause symptoms in, or grow in wounded fruits. Therefore, we challenge the assumption that spoilage inoculum is introduced to foods solely through environmental sources, and we show that other economically important rosaceous fruits, peaches, pears, sweet cherries, and sour cherries, are susceptible to infection and can also be sources of spoilage inoculum. Our results highlight the unique abilities of to infect a variety of fruits, produce patulin, and form resistant spores capable of spoiling normally shelf-stable products.
Topics: Byssochlamys; Fruit; Malus; Patulin; Pyrus
PubMed: 34445878
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-04-21-0855-RE -
International Journal of Food... Jan 2023Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most widely cultivated foods in the world and is of great socio-economic importance, especially in developing countries....
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most widely cultivated foods in the world and is of great socio-economic importance, especially in developing countries. It is predominantly consumed in boiled form, but also is used to produce a number of products, including cassava starch, sour starch, cassava flour and tapioca flour (hydrated cassava starch). Fungal spoilage can occur throughout the production chain, impairing both productivity and quality, as well as posing a potential risk of contamination by mycotoxins. We used multidisciplinary approaches based on phenotypic and molecular data (ITS/BenA/TEF-1a/RPB2 loci) to investigate the mycobiota of 101 samples (including roots, soil and products) collected in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 20 fungal groups/genera were morphologically characterized, and 37 different species were molecularly identified. The predominant groups in cassava tubers were Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. In cassava products, the most frequent groups were Penicillium spp. and Paecilomyces spp. Potentially toxigenic species were also found, including Paecilomyces saturatus, Penicillium citrinum, P. paneum, P. brevicompactum, P. chrysogenum, Fusarium foetens and Fusarium mundagurra. In soil-cultivated cassava samples, the groups found most frequently were Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp. and Fusarium spp. Some of the species found in cassava tubers and/or product samples were also present in the soil, including F. mundagurra, Neocosmospora solani, P. citrinum and P. brevicompactum. In general, there was a higher occurrence of Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp. and Trichoderma spp., and the predominant species were F. fabacearum and P. citrinum. The mycobiota of Brazilian cassava proved to be extremely diverse, and the occurrence of several species in cassava tubers and/or products are reported herein for the first time. Potentially toxigenic species were found in cassava tubers, cassava products and soil, showing how important it is to constantly monitor these substrates.
Topics: Manihot; Mycobiome; Brazil; Food Microbiology; Vegetables; Starch; Soil
PubMed: 36270221
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109909 -
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Feb 2020The effect of treatment regimens on fungal microbiota is unclear in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Here, we aimed to clarify the effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid...
The effect of treatment regimens on fungal microbiota is unclear in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Here, we aimed to clarify the effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) treatment on gut fungal microbiota in UC patients. Fifty-seven UC patients, including 20 treatment-naïve and 37 5-ASA-treated, were recruited into an exploration study. We compared the gut fungal profiles of these 2 groups of patients using ITS1-2 rDNA sequencing. Ten out of 20 treatment-naïve UC patients were followed up and enrolled for a validation study and underwent a 5-ASA treatment. We assessed the longitudinal differences of fungal microbiota in these patients before and after 5-ASA treatment. Results acquired from the validation study were accordant to those from the exploration study. Ascomycota was the dominant phylum in both noninflamed and inflamed mucosae. At the phylum level, Ascomycota decreased in inflamed mucosae before 5-ASA treatment. At the genus level, pathogens such as Scytalidium, Morchella, and Paecilomyces increased, and Humicola and Wickerhamomyces decreased in inflamed mucosae. After 5-ASA treatment, Ascomycota and Wickerhamomyces increased and Scytalidium, Fusarium, Morchella, and Paecilomyces decreased in both noninflamed and inflamed mucosae. Additionally, the balanced bacteria-fungi correlation was interrupted in inflamed mucosae, and 5-ASA treatment altered group-specific fungal microbiota and restored bacteria-fungi correlation in UC patients. Our results demonstrated that fungal diversity and composition were altered and the bacteria-fungi correlation was restored in inflamed mucosae after 5-ASA treatment.
Topics: Adult; Colitis, Ulcerative; DNA, Fungal; Dysbiosis; Feces; Female; Fungi; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mesalamine; Middle Aged; Mycobiome
PubMed: 31750918
DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izz207