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Mycobiology 2024The species within the family Cunninghamellaceae during an investigation of soil microfungi in Korea, in which three strains were isolated from Gangwon, Chungbuk, and...
The species within the family Cunninghamellaceae during an investigation of soil microfungi in Korea, in which three strains were isolated from Gangwon, Chungbuk, and Gyeongbuk provinces, designated as KNUF-22-121A, KNUF-22-126A, and KNUF-22-316, respectively. Because the morphological and molecular analyses of these three strains were identical, KNUF-22-316 underwent further detailed study. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region and the large subunit 28S rRNA gene revealed that the strain belonged to the genus , but occupied a distinct phylogenetic position. The strain KNUF-22-316 was compared with closely related species CGMCC 3.16257 and CGMCC 3.16259, morphologically different with shorter sporangiophores, smaller sporangia and columellae, and the consistent presence of collars. Here, we provide a detailed description and images of this proposed new species, which we have named sp. nov.
PubMed: 38948449
DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2024.2366047 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The aim of this study was to obtain new halolactones with a gem-dimethyl group in the cyclohexane ring (at the C-3 or C-5 carbon) and a methyl group in the lactone ring...
The aim of this study was to obtain new halolactones with a gem-dimethyl group in the cyclohexane ring (at the C-3 or C-5 carbon) and a methyl group in the lactone ring and then subject them to biotransformations using filamentous fungi. Halolactones in the form of mixtures of two diasteroisomers were subjected to screening biotransformations, which showed that only compounds with a gem-dimethyl group located at the C-5 carbon were transformed. Strains from the genus carried out hydrolytic dehalogenation, while strains from the genus carried out hydroxylation of the C-7 carbon. Both substrates and biotransformation products were then tested for antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant strains of both bacteria and yeast-like fungi. The highest antifungal activity against and strains was obtained for compound , while antimicrobial activity against MRSA was obtained for compound .
Topics: Lactones; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biotransformation; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Fusarium; Antifungal Agents; Absidia; Molecular Structure; Candida albicans; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
PubMed: 38930886
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122820 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2024The aim of this paper was to evaluate the degree of mycological air contamination and determine the taxonomic diversity of airborne fungi residing in the air of 20...
The aim of this paper was to evaluate the degree of mycological air contamination and determine the taxonomic diversity of airborne fungi residing in the air of 20 different animal facilities in a zoological garden. The concentrations of fungi in the zoological garden were measured using a MAS-100 air sampler. The collected microorganisms were identified using the combination of molecular and morphological methods. The fungal concentration ranged from 50 to 3.65 × 10 CFU/m during the whole study. The quantitative analysis of the fungal aerosol showed that the obtained concentration values were lower than the recommended permissible limits (5 × 10 CFU/m for fungi). Environmental factors, including temperature and relative humidity, exerted a varying effect on the presence and concentration of isolated fungi. Relative humidity was shown to correlate positively with the concentration of fungal spores in the air of the facilities studied (rho = 0.57, p < 0.0021). In parallel, no significant correlation was established between temperature and total fungal concentration (rho = - 0.1, p < 0.2263). A total of 112 fungal strains belonging to 50 species and 10 genera were isolated. Penicillium was the dominant genera, including 58.9% of total fungal strains, followed by Aspergillus 25.89%, Cladosporium 3.57%, Talaromyces 3.57%, Mucor 1.78%, Schizophyllum 1.78%, Syncephalastrum 0.89%, Alternaria 0.89%, Absidia 0.89%, and Cunninghamella 0.89%. Our preliminary studies provide basic information about the fungal concentrations, as well as their biodiversity in zoological garden. Further studies are needed to generate additional data from long-term sampling in order to increase our understanding of airborne fungal composition in the zoological garden.
PubMed: 38890249
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33926-2 -
Allergologie Select 2024None.
None.
PubMed: 38756207
DOI: 10.5414/ALX02444E -
PeerJ 2024Plastic waste is a global environmental issue that impacts the well-being of humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Microplastic contamination has been previously...
BACKGROUND
Plastic waste is a global environmental issue that impacts the well-being of humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Microplastic contamination has been previously reported at Kung Wiman Beach, located in Chanthaburi province along with the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. Our research aimed to study the microbial population of the sand and plastisphere and isolate microorganisms with potential plastic degradation activity.
METHODS
Plastic and sand samples were collected from Kung Wiman Beach for microbial isolation on agar plates. The plastic samples were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Plastic degradation properties were evaluated by observing the halo zone on mineral salts medium (MSM) supplemented with emulsified plastics, including polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Bacteria and fungi were identified by analyzing nucleotide sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, respectively. 16S and ITS microbiomes analysis was conducted on the total DNA extracted from each sample to assess the microbial communities.
RESULTS
Of 16 plastic samples, five were identified as polypropylene (PP), four as polystyrene (PS), four as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), two as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and one sample remained unidentified. Only 27 bacterial and 38 fungal isolates were found to have the ability to degrade PLA or BHET on MSM agar. However, none showed degradation capabilities for PS or PVC on MSM agar. Notably, sp. PP5 showed the highest hydrolysis capacity of 1.64 ± 0.12. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed 13 bacterial genera, with seven showing plastic degradation abilities: , , , , , , and . This study reports, for the first time of the BHET-degrading properties of the genera and . Additionally, The ITS analysis identified nine fungal genera, five of which demonstrated plastic degradation abilities: , , , , and . Microbial community composition analysis and linear discriminant analysis effect size revealed certain dominant microbial groups in the plastic and sand samples that were absent under culture-dependent conditions. Furthermore, 16S and ITS amplicon microbiome analysis revealed microbial groups were significantly different in the plastic and sand samples collected.
CONCLUSIONS
We reported on the microbial communities found on the plastisphere at Kung Wiman Beach and isolated and identified microbes with the capacity to degrade PLA and BHET.
Topics: Actinomycetales; Agar; Bacteria; Microbiota; Plastics; Polyesters; Polystyrenes; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sand
PubMed: 38590706
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17165 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... May 2024An 8-y-old Pygora doe was presented to the University of California-Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital because of non-healing facial swelling of 2-wk duration.... (Review)
Review
An 8-y-old Pygora doe was presented to the University of California-Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital because of non-healing facial swelling of 2-wk duration. The lesion grew despite medical treatment, causing discomfort masticating, little-to-no airflow from the right nasal passage, and led to euthanasia. On gross examination, a large facial mass with a draining tract through the skin and hard palate was identified. On section, the mass was brown-pink, homogeneous, and friable. Abscess-like masses were identified in the lungs and kidney. Histopathology of the face, including oral and nasal cavities, salivary glands, and lymph nodes, as well as the lung and kidney lesions, revealed large areas of necrosis with numerous wide ribbon-like, mostly aseptate, fungal hyphae consistent with zygomycetes. PCR for fungal organisms performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from the face identified (formerly ) of the order and an sp. The lesion was suspected to have started either as a fungal rhinitis or dental feed impaction, subsequently spreading to the face and systemically to the lungs and kidney. We describe here the lesions associated with facial mucormycosis in a goat and present a literature review of infection in veterinary species and fungal infections in goats.
Topics: Animals; Mucormycosis; Goats; Goat Diseases; Face; Mucorales; Male; Absidia
PubMed: 38465904
DOI: 10.1177/10406387241236751 -
Frontiers in Epidemiology 2023The prevalence of fungal infection is increasing globally due to an increase in the immunocompromised and aging population. We investigated epidemiological changes in...
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of fungal infection is increasing globally due to an increase in the immunocompromised and aging population. We investigated epidemiological changes in fungemia in one of the major centers in Medina over seven years period with 87,447 admissions.
METHODS
Retrospective search of records for causative agents of fungemia in inpatients at King Fahad Hospital (KFH) in 2013-2019. Fungal-positive blood cultures, demographic, and treatment data were extracted.
RESULTS
A total of 331 fungemia episodes proven by blood culture were identified in 46 patients. The annual prevalence of fungemia increased from 0.072 in 2013 to 1.546 patients per 1,000 in 2019. The mean age of fungemia episodes was 56 years, and 62% of episodes occurred in females. Samples from central blood incubated aerobically yielded the highest fungemia rate, accounting for 55% ( = 182). Among yeast species, was responsible for the highest number of episodes 37% ( = 122), followed by (32%; = 107), (29%; = 94), and (1%; = 4). Among molds, ( species was the most common (1%; = 3). Yeast-like fungi accounted for (0.003% = 1). The use of antifungal treatment has increased (96%) over the years (2013-2019). An increase in resistance rate of 2% was found in and C. . The most prevalent comorbidity was renal disease (24.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
was the leading cause of fungemia. The association of renal disease with increased candidemia was alarming. This study is a fundamental resource to establish management policies for fungal infection in the region.
PubMed: 38455891
DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2023.1180331 -
Journal of Applied Microbiology Feb 2024To investigate fatty acid, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and cerebroside production of a large diversity of fungi from the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and...
AIMS
To investigate fatty acid, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and cerebroside production of a large diversity of fungi from the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota phyla.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Seventy-nine fungal strains were grown in Kavadia medium using a microcultivation system, i.e. Duetz microtiter plates. Following cultivation, fatty acid and cerebroside contents were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), respectively. Mucoromycota fungi appeared as the most promising candidates for omega-6 PUFA production. The best omega-6 producer, including γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6), was Mucor fragilis UBOCC-A109196 with a concentration of 647 mg L-1 total omega-6 PUFA (representing 35% of total fatty acids) and 225 mg L-1 GLA (representing 12% of total fatty acids). Arachidonic acid concentration (20:4n-6) was the highest in Mortierella alpina UBOCC-A-112046, reaching 255 mg L-1 and 18.56% of total fatty acids. Interestingly, several fungal strains were shown to produce omega-7 monounsaturated fatty acids. Indeed, Torulaspora delbrueckii strains accumulated palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) up to 20% of total fatty acids, reaching 114 mg L-1 in T. delbrueckii UBOCC-A-214128, while C. elegans UBOCC-A-102008 produced mainly paullinic acid (20:1n-7) with concentrations up to 100 mg L-1. Concerning cerebroside production, HPTLC appeared as a relevant approach for their detection and quantification. Promising candidates belonging to the Mucoromycota phylum were found, especially in the Absidia genus with A. spinosa UBOCC-A-101332 as the best producer (12.7 mg L-1).
CONCLUSIONS
The present study highlighted PUFA and cerebroside production in a large diversity of fungi and the fact that members of the Mucoromycota phylum are good producers of PUFA as well as cerebrosides.
Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Arachidonic Acid; Fatty Acids
PubMed: 38323436
DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae030 -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Jan 2024Mucormycosis is a potentially lethal mycosis. We reviewed peer-reviewed publications on mucormycosis to assess therapeutic outcomes. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mucormycosis is a potentially lethal mycosis. We reviewed peer-reviewed publications on mucormycosis to assess therapeutic outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic literature search using the Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases identified manuscripts describing human mucormycosis diagnosed according to European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group criteria with therapeutic outcomes published from 2000 to 2022.
RESULTS
In 126 articles, 10 335 patients were described, most from Asia (n = 6632, 66%). Diabetes was the most frequent underlying disease (n = 6188, 60%); 222 (2.1%) patients had no underlying diseases. The dominant clinical form was rhino-orbitocerebral (n = 7159, 69.3%), followed by pulmonary (n = 1062, 10.3%). Of 5364 patients with outcome data, amphotericin B monotherapy (n = 3749, mortality 31.5%) was most frequent, followed by amphotericin B + azole (n = 843, mortality 6.6%; < .0001), amphotericin B followed by azole (n = 357, mortality 13.7%; < .0001), posaconazole only (n = 250, mortality 17.2%; < .0001), and isavuconazole only (n = 65, mortality 24.6%; = .24). Duration and dose of antifungals varied widely. Documented outcomes from surgical resections in 149 patients found that 47 of 125 died (37.6%), compared with 16 of 24 (66.7%) patients who did not undergo surgery ( = .008).
CONCLUSIONS
Mucormycosis is more frequently reported in Asia than in Europe and is often linked to diabetes. Antifungal therapy, usually with surgery, is frequently effective for mucormycosis.
PubMed: 38288347
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad704 -
Medycyna Pracy Dec 2023The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) in reducing odour nuisances in agricultural work environment. Additionally, an...
BACKGROUND
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) in reducing odour nuisances in agricultural work environment. Additionally, an assessment was conducted on the microbiological contamination of FFRs and the functionality of Time4Mask application in enhancing workplace safety.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Two types of FFRs were used for the study: with absorbing properties and reference ones. The research was carried out in 6 livestock rooms during a 1-week period in early spring (February-March 2021) on a farm in central Poland. The microclimate conditions (thermoanemometer), and particulate matter concentrations (laser photometer) were assessed. Additionally, the odour content in the studied rooms and the breathing zone of FFR users (gas chromatography with mass spectrometry) were evaluated. The number of microorganisms on the respirators was determined (cultivation method), followed by their identification (biochemical tests, taxonomic keys). Breakthrough curves were determined for both FFR types to assess absorption capabilities.
RESULTS
The average temperature in the livestock rooms was about 13°C, relative humidity - 53%, air flow velocity - 0.21 m/s, and particulate matter concentration - 0.216 mg/m. A significant variety of odorants was found in the environment and the breathing zone under the FFRs. Bacterial counts ranged between 2.4 × 10 and 2.6 × 10 CFU/cm, fungi between 3.2 × 10 and 5.4 × 10 CFU/cm, xerophilic fungi from 4.4 × 10 to 4.0 × 10 CFU/cm, mannitol-positive staphylococci between 1.6 × 10 and 1.0 × 10 CFU/cm, and haemolytic staphylococci from 2.2 × 10 to 4.5 × 10 CFU/cm, depending on the respirator type. Respirators were colonized by bacteria from the genera: , , actinobacteria sp., and fungi: , , , , and . Respirators with absorbing properties had over 8-times longer breakthrough time than reference ones.
CONCLUSIONS
Respirators with activated carbon effectively improved work comfort when exposed to odours. Due to growth of microorganisms in the respirator materials, periodic replacement is necessary. It is crucial to provide workers with information about the safe-use time of respirators, considering environmental conditions. This is achievable using modern IT tools like Time4Mask application. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;76(5):363-75.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Occupational Exposure; Odorants; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Particulate Matter; Ventilators, Mechanical; Fungi; Bacteria; Respiratory Protective Devices
PubMed: 38104337
DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.01441