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Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Jun 2024Of the mycotoxicoses caused by molds contaminating grains or their byproducts, leukoencephalomalacia of horses and less frequently aflatoxicosis in cattle have been... (Review)
Review
Of the mycotoxicoses caused by molds contaminating grains or their byproducts, leukoencephalomalacia of horses and less frequently aflatoxicosis in cattle have been reported in South America. However, the most important group of mycotoxins in the region are those caused by fungi that infect forages and other types of plants and have regional distribution. In this group, ergotism is important, both caused by Claviceps purpurea infecting grains or by Epichloë coenophiala infecting Schedonorus arundinaceus. Other important mycotoxicoses are those caused by indole-diterpenes produced by Clavicipitaceous fungi including Claviceps paspali in Paspalum spp., Claviceps cynodontes in Cynodon dactylon, and by Periglandula a seed transmitted symbiont associated with the tremorgenic plant Ipomoea asarifolia. The latter is an important poisoning in the northeastern and northern Brazil. Other important mycotoxicoses are those caused by swainsonine containing plants. It was demonstrated that swainsonine contained in Ipomoea carnea var. fistulosa is produced by an epibiotic fungus of the order Chaetothyriales whose mycelia develop on the adaxial surface of the leaves. Swainsonine is also produced by the symbiotic, endobiotic fungi Alternaria section Undifilum spp., which is associated with Astragalus spp. in the Argentinian Patagonia causing poisoning. Another form of mycotoxicosis occurs in poisoning by Baccharis spp., mainly B. coridifolia, a very important toxic plant in South America that contains macrocyclic trichothecenes probably produced by an endophytic fungus that has not yet been identified. Pithomycotoxicosis caused by Pithomyces chartarum used to be an important mycotoxicosis in the region, mainly in cattle grazing improved pastures of legumes and grasses. Slaframine poisoning, diplodiosis and poisoning by barley contaminated by Aspergillus clavatus has been rarely diagnosed in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.
PubMed: 38909760
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107827 -
Revista Alergia Mexico (Tecamachalco,... Feb 2024To identify and registry the most important aeroallergens trapped at the aerobiology station in the city of Samborondon, Ecuador.
OBJETIVO
To identify and registry the most important aeroallergens trapped at the aerobiology station in the city of Samborondon, Ecuador.
METHODS
Pollen grains and fungal spore counts were performed according to the standardized technique with a Hirst-type collection equipment, Burkard spore trap for seven days, following the recommendations of the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). The equipment was installed on the roof of the Universidad de Especialidades Espiritu Santo (UEES), 25 m above ground level, coordinates: 2°07 ́57 ́ ́S 79°52 ́06 ́ ́W, in the city of Samborondon. The sampling period was performed from November 2022 to April 2023.
RESULTS
We identified the following pollen families: Poaceae (258 grains/m3), Apocynaceae (Plumeria rubra pc) (214 grains/m3), Lamiaceae (180 grains/m3), Asteraceae Ambrosía spp.- (60 grains/m3), Chenopodiacea (27 grains/m3), Myrtaceae (17 grains/m3), Pinaceae (11 grains/m3), Betulaceae (7 grains/m3). Also identified fungical spores: Fuzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. (1899/m3), Cladosporium spp. (1407/m3), Nigrospora spp. (1183/m3), Dreschlera/Helmintosporum spp. (329/m3), Alternaria spp. (98/m3), Pithomyces spp. (79/m3), Curvularia spp. (48/m3), Stemphylium spp. (46/m3).
CONCLUSIONS
We reported the first study of aerobiology (capture and identification of environmental pollens and fungi) in the city of Samborondon. The inhabitants of this area are exposed to different aeroallergens with a predominance of Poaceaes pollen and Fuzzariella spp./Leptosphaeria spp. spores. The identified allergens should be part of the usual allergy studies. The results of this first preliminary study should be compared with information from the forthcoming years, which will help to identify variations in the concentration of seasonal aeroallergens, annual fluctuations, and extend the traps to other parts of the city.
Topics: Ecuador; Pollen; Spores, Fungal; Allergens; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 38683070
DOI: 10.29262/ram.v71i1.1366 -
Marine Drugs Mar 2024, a common food-borne pathogen, forms biofilms and generates virulence factors through a quorum sensing (QS) mechanism. In this study, six compounds (dankasterone A,...
, a common food-borne pathogen, forms biofilms and generates virulence factors through a quorum sensing (QS) mechanism. In this study, six compounds (dankasterone A, demethylincisterol A, zinnimidine, cyclo-(L-Val-L-Pro), cyclo-(L-Ile-L-Pro), and cyclo-(L-Leu-L-Pro)) were isolated from the endophytic fungus of the sp. in the South China Sea. Among them, demethylincisterol A, a sterol derivative, exhibited strong QS inhibitory activity against . The QS inhibitory activity of demethylincisterol A was evaluated through experiments. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of demethylincisterol A against was 6.25 μg/mL. At sub-MIC concentrations, it significantly decreased biofilm formation, hindered mobility, and diminished the production of protease and hemolysin activity. Moreover, RT-qPCR results demonstrated that demethylincisterol A markedly inhibited the expression of QS-related genes ( and ) in . The exposure to demethylincisterol A3 resulted in the downregulation of genes (, , , , , , , and ) associated with biofilm formation, mobility, and virulence factors. Hence, demethylincisterol A is a potentially effective compound in the pipeline of innovative antimicrobial therapies.
Topics: Quorum Sensing; Bacillus cereus; Biofilms; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Laurencia; Virulence Factors; China; Endophytes
PubMed: 38667778
DOI: 10.3390/md22040161 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Dec 2023Facial eczema is often found in flocks of grazing sheep in China. To investigate fungi species those cause disease and pathological roles. Forage and soil samples were...
Facial eczema is often found in flocks of grazing sheep in China. To investigate fungi species those cause disease and pathological roles. Forage and soil samples were collected during the pathogenic season and cultured. Samples were collected from regions with and without facial eczema affected sheep. Fungal isolation and identification, statistical analysis of fungal species and distribution were performed. Pathological changes, biochemical parameters of serum liver function and protection of inflammatory factors that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) were observed. Fungal cultivation and identification showed that separation rate of Alternaria, Pithomyces chartarum, Fusarium and Aspergillus were higher, particularly, Pithomyces chartarum was significantly identical. Pathological anatomy and histology indicated that the disease likely attacked merino ewes with the age of 6 months old. The clinical manifestations were characterized by inflammational edema in face (ears and eyelids) and mandibular area. Postmortem examination of dead lambs showed enlargement of liver with yellow white patchs of necrotic lesion and tuberous sclerosis and fibrosis on section. Histologic examination of liver showed extravasated blood, severe lesion of liver cells and bile duct, and fatty degeneration. In sheep, fungal toxin induced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12. These results revealed that Pithomyces chartarum maybe caused facial eczema and inflammation in sheep. The facial eczema was allergic eczema caused by hepatic dysfunction and hepatonecrosis.
Topics: Sheep; Animals; Female; Interleukin-6; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Eczema; Inflammation; Ascomycota; Sheep, Domestic; Interleukin-12; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 37981078
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106451 -
New Zealand Veterinary Journal Jan 2024To examine the relationship in dairy cattle between serum and faecal Zn concentrations and daily intake of Zn supplemented with an oral drench; and whether total daily...
AIMS
To examine the relationship in dairy cattle between serum and faecal Zn concentrations and daily intake of Zn supplemented with an oral drench; and whether total daily intake (TDI) of Zn in dairy cattle can be predicted from single measurements of Zn concentration in serum or faeces.
METHODS
A convenience sample of 20 animals from three stock classes (lactating cows, dry cows, heifers), that had not received Zn supplementation in the previous 60 days, was enrolled in the study. From Days -7 to -1, animals received no Zn supplementation. On Day 0, 15 animals per class were assigned daily drenching with increasing doses of ZnSO.7HO while five remained controls. From Days 0-6, treatment animals received 12.5 mg/kg LWT of Zn/day; from Days 7-13, 25 mg/kg LWT Zn/day and from Days 14-20, 37.5 mg/kg LWT Zn/day. Animals co-grazed within each stock class. Pasture, serum and faecal samples were collected at the start and at weekly intervals before each increase in Zn supplementation. Mixed and non-parametric models were used to assess treatment effects and whether daily intake of Zn could be predicted from Zn concentrations in serum and faeces.
RESULTS
Dosing with 0, 12.5, 25.0 and 37.5 mg Zn/kg LWT resulted in serum Zn concentrations of 12.1, 16.7, 27.2 and 35.8 µmol/L in heifers, 13.3, 17.1, 26.4 and 40.0 µmol/L in dry and 11.9, 12.1, 23.4 and 27.2 µmol/L in lactating cows. Dosing with the same amounts of Zn resulted in faecal Zn concentrations of 2.95, 21.72, 40.32 and 53.27 mmol/kg DM in heifers, 2.81, 23.77, 55.16 and 68.20 mmol/kg DM in dry and 3.00, 12.71, 34.86 and 57.53 mmol/kg DM in lactating cows, respectively. Treatment elevated serum and faecal Zn concentrations above controls (p < 0.001). Supplemented lactating cows had lower serum Zn concentrations than dry cows or heifers (p < 0.01). Supplemented dry cows had faecal DM Zn concentrations higher than heifers or lactating cows (p < 0.05). Analysis showed serum and faecal Zn concentrations could predict TDI of Zn (p < 0.001). Concentrations of Zn in faeces estimated TDI of Zn within a narrower predictive interval than serum Zn concentrations.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Concentrations of Zn in serum and faeces were positively associated with TDI of Zn in dairy cattle and could predict TDI of Zn. When using serum and faecal Zn concentrations to estimate TDI Zn, stock class must be accounted for.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Zinc; Zinc Sulfate; Lactation; New Zealand; Dietary Supplements; Feces; Diet; Milk
PubMed: 37972406
DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2269131 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2022Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important annual crop known for its edible oil. Sunflower is susceptible to many fungal diseases including rusts, rotting,...
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important annual crop known for its edible oil. Sunflower is susceptible to many fungal diseases including rusts, rotting, mildews, and leaf spots that result in low crop yield. Presently, infected leaves with leaf spot disease symptoms were collected from Jallo Park, Botanical Garden; University of the Punjab, Canal road, and Johar Town, Lahore for pathogen/s isolation and identification. The identification was executed morphologically as well as genetically by nucleotide sequencing of rDNA using Internal spacer region (ITS) and Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) primers. Morphological characters demonstrated a rapidly growing colony on MEA reaching 5.0-5.5 cm in diameter without zonation. The mycelial growth was rough and cottony white from the front and light pink from the reverse side. Conidia were brown, verruculose, and ellipsoidal with three to five transverse septations and one longitudinal septum ranging from 15 to 30 ± 2 µm in the broadest part. Conidiophores were long, branched, septate, 70-80 × 3-4 µm in size. Based on morphological characteristics, the pathogen was identified as Pithomyces sacchari. In genetic characterization BLAST analysis of the rDNA-ITS region of the pathogen exhibited maximum (100%) homology with other P. sacchari GenBank strains. Similarly, 99% homology was found with partial glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). To confirm the pathogenicity, Koch's pathogenicity test was performed by inoculating artificial fungal suspension in pots and plate assays. The emergence of similar disease symptoms and re-isolation of the same pathogens verified Koch's pathogenicity postulates. Conclusively this study confirms the identification of this novel pathogen of sunflowers and necessitates the quick development of management tools.
Topics: Helianthus; Pakistan; Ascomycota; Asteraceae; DNA, Ribosomal
PubMed: 36539434
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25890-z -
Australian Veterinary Journal Jan 2023To evaluate a novel elemental zinc bolus compared with a registered positive control zinc oxide bolus and assess serum zinc concentrations following concomitant...
To evaluate a novel elemental zinc bolus compared with a registered positive control zinc oxide bolus and assess serum zinc concentrations following concomitant treatment with a capsule containing copper oxide needles. Forty Romney-cross ewes were randomly allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial design study. On Day 0, 20 ewes received novel boluses containing elemental zinc (Investigational Veterinary Product, IVP) while 20 received a zinc oxide bolus (control; CP). Half the animals in each zinc treatment group (n = 10) were treated with a copper oxide needle capsule [Copasure® - Ewe]. Weekly, from Day -7 to 56, all ewes were assessed for signs of photosensitization, and for 10 ewes from each zinc treatment groups, samples were collected for analysis of serum GGT activity, serum zinc concentrations, faecal zinc concentrations and on Days -7 and 56, liver copper concentrations. Multivariable random-effects models assessed the effects of zinc treatment, copper treatment, treatment interactions and time on all analytes. Regression models examined associations between serum and faecal zinc concentrations and GGT activity. Low spore numbers indicated low Pithomyces chartarum challenge. Serum zinc levels were significantly higher in the IVP than in the CP group [p < 0.0001] and varied by time [p < 0.001] and positively associated with faecal zinc concentration [p < 0.001]. Copper treatment did not affect serum zinc [p = 0.82] or faecal zinc [p = 0.92] concentrations. Liver copper concentrations did not differ between zinc treatment groups on Day -7 [p = 0.6] or Day 56 [p = 0.95]. Only the CP/no copper group had no increase in liver copper concentrations.
Topics: Animals; Sheep; Female; Zinc; Zinc Oxide; Copper; Eczema; Mycotoxicosis; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 36305368
DOI: 10.1111/avj.13211 -
Acta Medica Portuguesa May 2023Pithomyces, a dematiaceous fungus, is a common colonizer of dead leaves and stems of many different plants and is associated with facial eczema in some animals. We...
Pithomyces, a dematiaceous fungus, is a common colonizer of dead leaves and stems of many different plants and is associated with facial eczema in some animals. We report a case of invasive fungal pulmonary disease by Pithomyces chartarum in a healthy, nonimmunocompromised patient. We aim to demonstrate our diagnostic and therapeutic approach and focus on the major challenges arising from the lack of scientific evidence regarding infection by this fungus in humans.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mycoses; Aspergillus; Mitosporic Fungi; Lung; Neoplasms
PubMed: 35973433
DOI: 10.20344/amp.16859 -
The Journal of Organic Chemistry Aug 2022Leptochartamides A and B (± and ±), two pairs of enantiomeric hybrids with the same cyclo-bridged skeleton containing an unusual dioxa-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane core...
Leptochartamides A and B (± and ±), two pairs of enantiomeric hybrids with the same cyclo-bridged skeleton containing an unusual dioxa-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane core system, were isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus . Their structures were determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electronic circular dichroism calculations, and the total synthesis. Compounds and showed selective cytotoxicity against Ewings sarcoma cells A673, with IC values of 8.98 ± 0.23 and 4.18 ± 0.27 μM, respectively. The colony formation assay of compounds and against A673 cells was completed.
Topics: Ascomycota; Circular Dichroism; Crystallography, X-Ray; Molecular Structure; Stereoisomerism
PubMed: 35921599
DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c01347 -
Veterinary Pathology Nov 2022Pithomycotoxicosis (facial eczema) is a seasonal hepatogenous photosensitization of sheep caused by the ingestion of sporidesmin contained in the spores of the fungus ....
Pithomycotoxicosis (facial eczema) is a seasonal hepatogenous photosensitization of sheep caused by the ingestion of sporidesmin contained in the spores of the fungus . We describe 4 cases of obstructive rhinopathy associated with chronic pithomycotoxicosis naturally occurring in the north of Spain. Sheep were 5 to 7 years old and Latxa breed. A detailed clinical study was conducted together with computerized tomography examination and completed by necropsy and histopathology. All sheep developed a permanent narrowing of the nasal lumen close to the nostrils causing inspiratory dyspnea and snoring. Computerized tomography demonstrated a significant increase of soft tissue in the rostral nasal cavity. Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lipase were noted on serum biochemistry. At necropsy, liver atrophy and fibrosis associated with chronic pithomycotoxicosis was identified in 3 of the sheep. All sheep had whitish elevations and rough surfaces on the alar folds and areas adjacent to the nasal surfaces. Histopathologic assessments, which included histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques, of the nasal lesions identified moderate to severe arteriosclerosis in 21.5% to 61.9% of the small arteries evaluated with surrounding fibrosis and edema. No changes associated with hypersensitivity reactions were found. These lesions were similar to the ones described in blood vessels of the liver in chronic pithomycotoxicosis and in our cases. The results of this study suggest a direct action of the sporidesmin on the rostral nasal cavity. Further studies are needed to analyze the impact of the sporidesmin on the sheep nasal mucosa.
Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Fibrosis; Lipase; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Sporidesmins
PubMed: 35787065
DOI: 10.1177/03009858221109095