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Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Apr 2024Paecilomyces species are rare fungi that are resistant to standard treatment and have increasing clinical relevance. The Purpureocillium lilacinum, formerly known as...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Paecilomyces species are rare fungi that are resistant to standard treatment and have increasing clinical relevance. The Purpureocillium lilacinum, formerly known as Paecilomyces lilacinus, has a unique sensitivity for the corneal surface. However, only a few cases have been documented globally. This case report presents the successful management of a patient with Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis with topical voriconazole and oral itraconazole.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 40-year-old woman came to our ophthalmology clinic complaining of right eye pain due to a severe corneal infection in her right eye. Corneal scraping and identification of the cultured pathogen were performed, which revealed Paecilomyces lilacinus. The corneal infection improved after being treated with hourly topical voriconazole (10 mg/ml) and oral traconozole.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Paecilomyces/Purpureocillium keratitis, which accounts for 5% of keratomycosis cases in tropical and subtropical areas, is extremely rare. It does not respond well to conventional antifungal treatment and frequently requires therapeutic surgery. Risk factors include wearing contact lenses, ocular trauma, ocular surgery, corticosteroids, and intraocular lens implantation.
CONCLUSION
For the treatment of Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis that is unresponsive to conventional antifungal medications, voriconazole may be helpful. Early organism detection and the appropriate therapy are necessary for the management of keratitis.
PubMed: 38576982
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001925 -
Heliyon Apr 2024The water quality in Karachi (Pakistan) is uncertain due to the occurrence of fungi and other microorganisms. A total of twenty-five water samples were collected from...
The water quality in Karachi (Pakistan) is uncertain due to the occurrence of fungi and other microorganisms. A total of twenty-five water samples were collected from public places, educational institutes, hospitals, water supply systems and surface water of the canal of Karachi (Pakistan). The different fungal species including sp., , sp., Fusarium sp., sp., , sp. , sp. and sp. were isolated from these drinking water samples. However, the bacteria, microalgae and some other microorganisms were present in low concentrations. The reason for fungi infection and production of mycotoxicity depends upon various factors and the availability of their nutrients in filtration plants. The major threats to human health are fungal mycotoxicity which is responsible for carcinogenic and other lethal diseases. Mostly, the genus was dominated and isolated with a maximum of 88-98% of occurrence in the different samples of drinking water by the direct plate-spread method. For the control of fungi, various Physico-chemical coagulation treatments were used, but Potassium alum, clay pot, and hot water treatment disinfected effectively 69-70% removal of the fungi and its spore or mycelia from the water. In addition, it is concluded that drinking water purifications such as chlorination, filtration and lime did not eliminate thermophilic fungal spores or mycelia including , and from the water.
PubMed: 38576549
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28926 -
Respiratory Medicine Case Reports 2024A 73-year-old man visited our hospital for persistent cough. Chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) showed infiltration shadows in lower lobes and diffuse ground glass...
A 73-year-old man visited our hospital for persistent cough. Chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) showed infiltration shadows in lower lobes and diffuse ground glass opacities in the upper lobes. Blood tests showed elevated white blood cell, C-reactive protein, surfactant protein D, and Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels. After an antigen avoidance test, his HRCT and blood test findings improved; we diagnosed him with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). A culture of the rotting interior walls within his home revealed , which we believe caused his HP. Given the few patients with induced HP, systematic approach was important to identify the inciting antigen.
PubMed: 38559328
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2024.102013 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Apr 2024This study evaluated the nutritional quality of different microbial biomass samples by assessing their protein digestibility and carbohydrate fermentability in the colon...
This study evaluated the nutritional quality of different microbial biomass samples by assessing their protein digestibility and carbohydrate fermentability in the colon using in vitro methods. Four microbial samples were produced: one hydrogen-oxidizing bacterial strain (Nocardioides nitrophenolicus KGS-27), two strains of filamentous fungi (Rhizopus oligosporus and Paecilomyces variotii), and one yeast strain (Rhodotorula babjevae). The microorganisms were grown in bioreactors, harvested and dried before analysis. The commercial fungal product Quorn was used as a reference. The protein digestibility of the microbial samples was analysed using the INFOGEST in vitro model, followed by quantification of N-terminal amine groups. An in vitro faecal fermentation experiment was also performed to evaluate the degradation of carbohydrates in microbial biomass samples and formation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). The fungal biomass samples had higher protein hydrolysis (60-75 %) than the bacterial sample (12 %) and Quorn (45 %), while the yeast biomass had the highest protein digestibility (85 %). Heat-treatment of the biomass significantly reduced its protein digestibility. Total dietary fibre (DF) content of fungal biomass was 31 - 43 %(DW), mostly insoluble, whereas the bacterial biomass contained mainly soluble DF (total DF: 25.7 %, of which 23.5 % were soluble and 2.2 % insoluble). After 24 h of colonic in vitro fermentation, SCFA production from the biomass of Paecilomyces, Quorn and Rhodotorula was similar to that of wheat bran, while 17 % and 32 % less SCFA were produced from the biomass of Rhizopus and the bacterial strain, respectively. Further studies are needed to clarify the reasons for the observed differences in protein digestibility and DF fermentability, especially regarding the cell wall structures and role of post-processing.
Topics: Fermentation; Proteolysis; Biomass; Dietary Fiber; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Bacteria; Colon; Fungi
PubMed: 38519176
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114146 -
Fish & Shellfish Immunology May 2024Paecilomyces variotii (a filamentous fungus), is a promising novel protein source in fish feeds due to its high nutritional value. Also, P. variotii has...
Differential expression of immune-related biomarkers in primary cultures from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) exposed to processed Paecilomyces variotii with or without inactivated Moritella viscosa.
Paecilomyces variotii (a filamentous fungus), is a promising novel protein source in fish feeds due to its high nutritional value. Also, P. variotii has Microbial-Associated Molecular Patterns (MAMPs) such as glucans and nucleic acids that could modulate the host's immune response. To understand the potential bioactive properties of this fungus in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), our study was conducted to evaluate the gene expression of immune-related biomarkers (e.g., cytokines, effector molecules and receptors) on primary cultures from salmon head kidney (HKLs) and spleen leukocytes (SLs) exposed to either UV inactivated or fractions from P. variotii with or without inactivated Moritella viscosa (a skin pathogen in salmonids). Moreover, the effect of the fermentation conditions and down-stream processing on the physical ultrastructure and cell wall glucan content of P. variotii was characterized. The results showed that drying had a significant effect on the cell wall ultrastructure of the fungi and the choice of fermentation has a significant effect on the quantity of β-glucans in P. variotii. Furthermore, stimulating Atlantic salmon HKLs and SLs with P. variotii and its fractions induced gene expression related to pro-inflammatory (tnfα, il1β) and antimicrobial response (cath2) in HKLs, while response in SLs was related to both pro-inflammatory and regulatory response (tnfα, il6 and il10). Similarly, the stimulation with inactivated M. viscosa alone led to an up-regulation of genes related to pro-inflammatory (tnfα, il1β, il6) antimicrobial response (cath2), intra-cellular signalling and recognition of M. viscosa (sclra, sclrb) and a suppression of regulatory response (il10) in both HKLs and SLs. Interestingly, the co-stimulation of cells with P. variotii and M. viscosa induced immune homeostasis (il6, tgfβ) and antimicrobial response (cath2) in SLs at 48h. Thus, P. variotii induces immune activation and cellular communication in Atlantic salmon HKLs and SLs and modulates M. viscosa induced pro-inflammatory responses in SLs. Taken together, the results from physical and chemical characterization of the fungi, along with the differential gene expression of key immune biomarkers, provides a theoretical basis for designing feeding trials and optimize diets with P. variotii as a functional novel feed ingredient for Atlantic salmon.
Topics: Animals; Salmo salar; Moritella; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-6; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Biomarkers; Anti-Infective Agents; Fish Diseases; Byssochlamys
PubMed: 38508541
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109506 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Four new polyketides (-) and seven known compounds (-) including three polyketides and four sterols were isolated from the fermented extracts of YMF1.00003. The new...
Four new polyketides (-) and seven known compounds (-) including three polyketides and four sterols were isolated from the fermented extracts of YMF1.00003. The new chemical structures were determined through the analysis of the nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and their configurations were subsequently confirmed by nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy, the calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, and quantum chemical calculations of the NMR data (qcc NMR). Based on the results of pre-activity screening and compound structure target prediction, certain metabolites were assayed to evaluate their cytotoxic and protein kinase Cα inhibitory activities. Results indicated that 3β-hydroxy-7α-methoxy-5α,6α-epoxy-8(14),22-dien-ergosta () exhibited potent cytotoxic activity, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 3.00 ± 0.27 to 15.69 ± 0.61 μM against five tumor cells, respectively. The new compound gunniiol A () showed weak cytotoxic activity at a concentration of 40 μM. At a concentration of 20 μg/mL, compounds , , and exhibited protein kinase Cα inhibition by 43.63, 40.93, and 57.66%, respectively. This study is the first to report steroids demonstrating good cytotoxicity and polyketides exhibiting inhibitory activity against protein kinase Cα from the extracts of .
PubMed: 38444802
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1347601 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2024Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a significant agricultural pest in palm plantations across tropical America, playing a critical role as a vector of...
Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a significant agricultural pest in palm plantations across tropical America, playing a critical role as a vector of the fungus Thielaviopsis paradoxa, which is the causative agent of stem bleeding disease in coconut palms. This disease has raised concerns due to its rapid spread and subsequent reduction in coconut production in northeastern Brazil. Additionally, this insect can establish mutualistic interactions with various fungi, including saprophytic, phytopathogenic, and entomopathogenic fungi, underscoring the importance of identifying its external mycobiota. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of T. paradoxa in the digestive tract and identify the cultivable mycobiota associated with the carapace of R. palmarum. To achieve this, a mycological study was conducted by culturing the external surface and digestive tract of field-caught adult insects (10 males and 10 females) on potato dextrose agar (PDA) in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. Fungal identification was performed by correlating microscopic features with the macroscopic characteristics of the obtained colonies. The results showed that T. paradoxa was detected in 15.0% of carapace isolates but was not found in the insects' intestinal tract. Additionally, nine fungal genera frequently associated with saprophytic or phytopathogenic behaviors were identified on the carapace. Eight of these genera belong to the Ascomycota phylum, while one is classified in the Basidiomycota phylum. The ubiquitous presence of Paecilomyces spp. and the occurrence of Trichosporon spp. in 95% of the assessed insects stand out. Furthermore, other potentially phytopathogenic fungi such as Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus spp., as well as fungi with entomopathogenic potential like Paecilomyces spp., Trichoderma spp., Metarhizium spp., and Beauveria bassiana, were detected. These findings enhance the understanding of the complex interactions between R. palmarum and its fungal hosts, providing insights for integrated pest management strategies.
Topics: Animals; Male; Female; Coleoptera; Weevils; Brazil; Animal Shells; Ascomycota; Insecta
PubMed: 38422254
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.275755 -
PloS One 2024Nematophagous fungi are the best alternatives to chemical nematicides for managing nematodes considering environmental health. In the current study, activity of...
Nematophagous fungi are the best alternatives to chemical nematicides for managing nematodes considering environmental health. In the current study, activity of metabolites from ten isolates of Purpureocillium lilacinum (Thom) Luangsa-ard (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) and two isolates of Paecilomyces variotii Bainier (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae), were examined to inhibit the hatching of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) eggs. At 100%, 50%, and 25% concentrations, respectively, the culture filtrate of the isolate P. lilacinum 6887 prevented 97.55%, 90.52%, and 62.97% of egg hatching. Out of all the isolates, Pl 6887, Pl 6553, and Pl 2362 showed the greatest results in the hatching inhibition experiment.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a variety of nematicidal compounds from different isolates. A total of seven nematicidal compounds, including four very potent nematicidal fatty acids were found in the isolate Pl 6553. Secondary metabolites of the same isolate possess the highest M. incognita juvenile mortality, i.e., 43.33% and 92% after 48 hrs of treatment at 100 and 200 ppm concentrations, respectively. Significant difference was observed in juvenile mortality percentage among the isolate having highest and lowest nematicidal compounds. Nematicidal fatty acids like myristic and lauric acid were found for the first time in P. lilacinum. Multiple vacuole-like droplets were found inside the unhatched eggs inoculated with the culture filtrate of isolate Pl 6887, and also in the juveniles that perished in the ethyl acetate extract of isolate Pl 6553.
Topics: Animals; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Hypocreales; Antinematodal Agents; Tylenchoidea; Fatty Acids; Byssochlamys
PubMed: 38358978
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297925 -
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Feb 2024Manogepix is a potent new antifungal agent targeting the fungal Gwt1 enzyme. Manogepix has previously demonstrated potent activity against clinical isolates of both...
Manogepix is a potent new antifungal agent targeting the fungal Gwt1 enzyme. Manogepix has previously demonstrated potent activity against clinical isolates of both (except ) and species. This study determined the activity of manogepix and comparators against a large collection of infrequently encountered yeast and molds. Manogepix demonstrated potent activity against infrequently encountered yeasts exhibiting elevated MIC values to other drug classes, including spp. (MIC, 0.008/0.12 mg/L), () (MIC, 0.03/0.06 mg/L), (MIC, 0.016-0.06 mg/L), (MIC, 0.016 mg/L), and (MIC, 0.03/0.12 mg/L). Similarly, manogepix was active against infrequently encountered mold isolates and strains exhibiting elevated MIC/MEC values to echinocandins, azoles, and amphotericin B, including (MEC, 0.004 mg/L), spp. (MEC, 0.016/0.06 mg/L), () species complex (MEC, 0.016/0.03 mg/L), (MEC, 0.03/0.06 mg/L), (MEC, 0.008 mg/L), spp. (MEC, ≤0.008/0.016 mg/L), (MEC, 0.06 mg/L), (MEC range, 0.016-0.12 mg/L), and spp. (MEC, 0.03/0.06 mg/L). Manogepix demonstrated potent activity against a majority of the infrequently encountered yeast and mold isolates tested including strains with elevated MIC/MEC values to other drug classes. Additional clinical development of manogepix (fosmanogepix) in difficult-to-treat, resistant fungal infections is warranted.
Topics: Triazoles; Antifungal Agents; Fungi; Aminopyridines; Yeasts; Candida; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Isoxazoles
PubMed: 38205999
DOI: 10.1128/aac.01132-23 -
Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and... Jan 2024The aim of this report is to describe the risk factors, clinical course, and characteristics of three cases of Paecilomyces keratitis presenting concurrently within...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this report is to describe the risk factors, clinical course, and characteristics of three cases of Paecilomyces keratitis presenting concurrently within three months in the same location. We used in vivo confocal microscopy and histopathology to corroborate our clinical findings.
OBSERVATIONS
Three eyes of three elderly patients with culture-proven Paecilomyces keratitis were included in this series. These patients resided within a 15-mile radius and presented to a tertiary care eye institute in Southern California between February and April 2022. All three eyes experienced a prolonged, recalcitrant course with recurrence of keratitis in donor corneal tissue despite antifungal therapy and multiple therapeutic penetrating keratoplasties. In vivo confocal microscopy, histopathology, and microbiologic findings corroborated the diagnosis of fungal keratitis with Paecilomyces. With surgical intervention and extensive medical therapy, all three cases resolved after the addition of oral Posaconazole.
CONCLUSIONS
Paecilomyces is a rare cause of infectious keratitis. Herein we report three similar cases in elderly patients. All had prolonged, recalcitrant infections that required multiple treatment modalities. Our cases, which were supported by in vivo confocal microscopy and histopathology, highlight the importance of timely and aggressive therapy to prevent recurrence.
PubMed: 38175332
DOI: 10.1186/s12348-023-00380-z