-
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Aug 2022Eumycetoma is a chronic debilitating fungal disease endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, with Sudan featuring the highest eumycetoma incidence. Among the 50...
Eumycetoma is a chronic debilitating fungal disease endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, with Sudan featuring the highest eumycetoma incidence. Among the 50 species of fungi most commonly associated with eumycetoma Madurella mycetomatis (M. mycetomatis) is often referenced as the most common pathogen. However, there is an enormous knowledge gap related to this neglected disease and its pathogenesis, epidemiological features, and host-specific factors that could contribute to either the host susceptibility and resistance. In this study, we were able to utilize a metagenomic approach and samples collected from clinical black grains (BG) and familiar household environments aimed to assay both the habitat of eumycetoma-associated fungi and its possible connection with eumycetoma patients living in two different eumycetoma endemic villages within the White Nile State of Sudan. DNA sequencing targeting the fungal ITS2 domain was performed on soil, animal dung, housing walls and roofs, and Acacia-species thorn samples and compared with culture-dependent methods of fungal isolation. Additionally, we compared the soil samples obtained in the endemic zone with that from non-endemic zones, including Wagga village in Kassala State and Port Sudan suburb in Port Sudan State. Overall, a total of 392 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were detected by ITS2 metagenomics Eumycetoma causative organisms accounted for 10% of total ASVs which included 11 genera: Exserohilum (2%), Aspergillus (1.7%), Curvularia (1%), Alternaria (0.9%), Madurella (0.5%), Fusarium (0.4%), Cladosporium (0.2%) Exophiala (0.15%), and, in a lesser extent, Microascus (0.05%) Bipolaris and Acremonium (0.01%) for each. Only five genera were identified by culture method, which included Fusarium (29%), Aspergillus (28%), Alternaria (2.5%), Bipolaris (1.6%), and Chaetomium (0.8%). M. mycetomatis was detected within all the studied patients' houses, accounting for 0.7% of total sequences. It was the first common eumycetoma-associated agent detected in soil samples and the third common in the dung and wall samples. In contrast, it was not detected in the roof or thorn samples nor in the soils from non-endemic regions. Exserohilum rostratum, Aspergillus spp and Cladosporium spp were detected in all samples. M. mycetomatis and other eumycetoma-associated fungal identified in the patients' black grains (BG) samples by metagenomics were identified in the environmental samples. Only Acremonium alternatum and Falciformispora senegalensis, responsible for eumycetoma in two patients were not detected, suggesting the infections in these patients happened outside these endemic areas. The soil, animal dung, and houses built from the same soil and dung are the main risk factors for M. mycetomatis infection in these endemic villages. Furthermore, the poor hygienic and environmental conditions, walking barefooted, and the presence of animals within the houses increase the risk of M. mycetomatis and other fungi causing eumycetoma.
Topics: Animals; Madurella; Metagenomics; Mycetoma; Neglected Diseases; Soil
PubMed: 36040926
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010385 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2022-sativene sesquiterpenoids are an important member of phytotoxins and plant growth regulators isolated from a narrow spectrum of fungi. In this report, eight -sativene...
-sativene sesquiterpenoids are an important member of phytotoxins and plant growth regulators isolated from a narrow spectrum of fungi. In this report, eight -sativene sesquiterpenoids (-) were first analyzed using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique in positive mode, from which their mass fragmentation pathways were suggested. McLafferty rearrangement, 1,3-rearrangement, and neutral losses were considered to be the main fragmentation patterns for the [M+1] ions of -. According to the structural features (of different substitutes at C-1, C-2, and C-13) in compounds -, five subtypes (A-E) of -sativene were suggested, from which subtypes A, B/D, and E possessed the diagnostic daughter ions at / 175, 189, and 203, respectively, whereas subtype C had the characteristic daughter ion at / 187 in the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS profiles. Based on the fragmentation patterns of -, several known compounds (-) and two new analogues ( and ) were detected in the extract of plant pathogen fungus based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, of which , , , and were then isolated and elucidated by NMR spectra. The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS spectra of these two new compounds ( and ) were consistent with the fragmentation mechanisms of -. Compound displayed moderate antioxidant activities with IC of 0.90 and 1.97 mM for DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacity, respectively. The results demonstrated that -sativene sesquiterpenoids with the same subtypes possessed the same diagnostic daughter ions in the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS profiles, which could contribute to structural characterization of -sativene sesquiterpenoids. Our results also further supported that UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS is a powerful and sensitive tool for dereplication and detection of new analogues from crude extracts of different biological origins.
PubMed: 35356527
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.807014 -
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Aug 2020The activities of 11 antifungals against 84 dematiaceous fungi were tested. For most tested fungal species, the MIC values of ravuconazole and isavuconazole were lower...
The activities of 11 antifungals against 84 dematiaceous fungi were tested. For most tested fungal species, the MIC values of ravuconazole and isavuconazole were lower than those obtained with itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole. Ravuconazole and isavuconazole appear to be more efficient against most dematiaceous fungal infections than the other triazoles. However, some pigmented fungi, such as and , remain more susceptible to other triazoles or to echinocandins.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Ascomycota; Fungi; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nitriles; Pyridines; Thiazoles; Triazoles; Voriconazole
PubMed: 32571811
DOI: 10.1128/AAC.00643-20 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022The aim of our research was to study the endosphere of four halophytic plants: L., (R.Br.), (Pall.) and (L.) Schrad. from arid and saline areas of the Stavropol...
The aim of our research was to study the endosphere of four halophytic plants: L., (R.Br.), (Pall.) and (L.) Schrad. from arid and saline areas of the Stavropol Territory, Russia. In total, 28 endophyte strains were isolated from the roots and stems of these halophytic plants. Most of the isolates (23 out of 28) were identified as sp. while others belonged to the genera and . Three strains of sp. (Se5R, Se1-1R, and Se1-3S), isolated from the were capable of growth at 55 °C and in 10% of NaCl. Strains Se1-4S, Kp20-2S, and Bs11-2S sp. (isolated from the , and respectively) demonstrated strong plant growth promoting activity: 85-265% over control lettuce plants and a high degree of growth suppression (59.1-81.2%) of pathogenic fungi , and . Selected strains can be promising candidates for the development of bioinoculants to facilitate salt soil phytoremediation and be beneficial for mitigating the salt stress to the plants growing in salt-affected habitats.
PubMed: 36365445
DOI: 10.3390/plants11212992 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jan 2021Fungal keratitis is an uncommon condition that can occur after ocular surgery or trauma to the eye. Some cases have been reported after corneal refractive surgery. Most...
INTRODUCTION
Fungal keratitis is an uncommon condition that can occur after ocular surgery or trauma to the eye. Some cases have been reported after corneal refractive surgery. Most cases of keratitis following refractive surgery are due to gram-positive bacteria. However, there are a few reports in the literature of fungal and protozoal infections.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 29-year-old healthy male developed fungal keratitis Five days following photorefractive keratectomy.
CLINICAL FINDINGS AND INVESTIGATIONS
The patient was admitted to the hospital, corneal scraping was performed and sent for staining and routine cultures. A corneal swab was also performed and sent for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On day 10 post-admission, the fungal culture was positive for Bipolaris.
INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME
Intensive topical antifungal drops were started initially then tapered when clinical improvement was evident. The patient had good final outcome with preservation of good vision and free of symptoms six months following the infection.
RELEVANCE AND IMPACT
Fungal keratitis following corneal refractive surgery is rare. However, it is an infection that can potentially lead to poor outcomes if appropriate management is delayed. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required especially when multiple risk factors is present.
PubMed: 33412407
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.12.051 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024partitivirus 36 (BmPV36) is a mycovirus that can significantly reduce the virulence of the host , but its hypovirulence mechanism is not clear. To investigate the...
partitivirus 36 (BmPV36) is a mycovirus that can significantly reduce the virulence of the host , but its hypovirulence mechanism is not clear. To investigate the response of to BmPV36, the effects of BmPV36 on host cell structure and gene expression were studied via transmission electron microscopy and transcriptome sequencing using BmPV36-carrying and virus-free mycelium on the second and fifth culture. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that the cell wall microfibrils of were shortened, the cell membrane was broken, and membrane-bound vesicles and vacuoles appeared in the cells after carrying BmPV36. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that after carrying BmPV36, membrane-related genes were significantly up-regulated, but membrane transport-related genes were significantly down-regulated. Genes related to carbohydrate macromolecule polysaccharide metabolic and catabolic processes were significantly down-regulated, as were genes related to the synthesis of toxins and cell wall degrading enzymes. Therefore, we speculated that BmPV36 reduces the virulence of by destroying the host's cell structure, inhibiting the synthesis of toxins and cell wall degrading enzymes, and reducing cell metabolism. Gaining insights into the hypovirulence mechanism of mycoviruses will provide environmentally friendly strategies for the control of fungal diseases.
PubMed: 38392805
DOI: 10.3390/jof10020133 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2021Common root rot, caused by , is one of the most prevalent diseases of wheat and has led to major declines in wheat yield and quality worldwide. Here, strain XZ34-1 was...
Common root rot, caused by , is one of the most prevalent diseases of wheat and has led to major declines in wheat yield and quality worldwide. Here, strain XZ34-1 was isolated from soil and identified as based on the morphological, physiological, biochemical characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence. Culture filtrate (CF) of strain XZ34-1 showed a high inhibition rate against and had a broad antifungal spectrum. It also remarkably inhibited the mycelial growth and spore germination of . In pot control experiments, the incidence and disease index of common root rot in wheat seedlings were decreased after treatment with CF, and the biological control efficacy was significant, up to 78.24%. Further studies showed XZ34-1 could produce antifungal bioactive substances and had the potential of promoting plant growth. Lipopeptide genes detection with PCR indicated that strain XZ34-1 may produce lipopeptides. Furthermore, activities of defense-related enzymes were enhanced in wheat seedlings after inoculation with and treatment with CF, which showed induced resistance could be produced in wheat to resist pathogens. These results reveal that strain XZ34-1 is a promising candidate for application as a biological control agent against .
PubMed: 34832680
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111526 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Nov 2021The nasopharyngeal bacterial and fungal microbiota of normal horses and those with nasopharyngeal cicatrix syndrome (NCS) are unknown.
BACKGROUND
The nasopharyngeal bacterial and fungal microbiota of normal horses and those with nasopharyngeal cicatrix syndrome (NCS) are unknown.
HYPOTHESES/OBJECTIVES
To describe the microbiota from nasopharyngeal washes of healthy horses and of horses acutely affected with NCS.
ANIMALS
Twenty-six horses acutely affected with NCS horses and 14 unaffected horses.
METHODS
Prospective, observational cohort study. Horses were recruited by investigators through personal communications in central Texas. Bacterial (16s RNA) and fungal (internal transcribed spacer) microbiota from nasopharyngeal washes were evaluated. Polymerase chain reaction for detection of Pythium insidiosum was performed.
RESULTS
Results indicated that 6 fungal genera (Alternaria, Bipolaris, Microascus, Spegazzinia, Paraconiothyrium, Claviceps) and 1 bacterial genera (Staphylococcus) were significantly different between affected and unaffected horses. The fungal genus Bipolaris had increased abundance in NCS affected horses and on NCS affected farms. Pythium insidiosum was absent in the nasopharyngeal wash of all horses, irrespective of health status.
CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Significant differences were identified in the fungal microbiota in horses affected with NCS and farms affected with NCS compared to those unaffected. Therefore, Bipolaris warrants further investigation.
Topics: Animals; Cicatrix; Horse Diseases; Horses; Mycobiome; Prospective Studies; Pythium
PubMed: 34783081
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16307 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... Dec 2021The composition of endophytic communities is dynamic and demonstrates host specificity; besides, they have great intra- and interspecific genetic variability. In this...
The composition of endophytic communities is dynamic and demonstrates host specificity; besides, they have great intra- and interspecific genetic variability. In this work, we isolated leaf endophytic fungi from Serjania laruotteana, identify them using multilocus analysis, and evaluate the genetic variability using IRAP (inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism) and REMAP (retrotransposon-microssatellite amplified polymorphism). A total of 261 fungi were isolated and 58 were identified. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis using the partial sequences from the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions, elongation factor 1-alpha, β-tubulin, actin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and calmodulin genes identify that most strains belonged to the Colletotrichum and Diaporthe genera, other isolated genera were Xylaria, Phyllosticta, Muyocopron, Fusarium, Nemania, Plectosphaerella, Corynespora, Bipolaris, and Curvularia. The IRAP and REMAP analyzes were performed with Colletotrichum and Diaporthe genera and showed 100% of polymorphism and high intra- and interspecific variability. This is the first report of the diversity of endophytic fungi from S. laruotteana. In addition, it demonstrated that the IRAP and REMAP can be used to distinguish morphologically similar lineages, revealing differences even strains of the same species.
Topics: Biodiversity; Fungi; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Phylogeny; Retroelements; Sapindaceae
PubMed: 34491570
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00605-0 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2021Soil is considered an extensively explored ecological niche for microorganisms that produce useful biologically active natural products suitable for pharmaceutical...
Soil is considered an extensively explored ecological niche for microorganisms that produce useful biologically active natural products suitable for pharmaceutical applications. The current study aimed at investigating biological activities and metabolic profiles of three fungal strains identified from different desert sites in Saudi Arabia. Soil fungal isolates were collected from AlQasab, Tabuk, and Almuzahimiyah in Saudi Arabia and identified. Furthermore, their antibacterial activity was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli in blood, nutrient, and Sabouraud dextrose agars. Moreover, fungal extracts were evaluated on cell viability/proliferation against human breast carcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. To identify the biomolecules of the fungal extracts, High-performance liquid chromatography HPLC-DAD coupled to analytical LC-QTOF-MS method was employed for fungal ethyl acetate crude extract. Identified fungal isolates, Chaetomium sp. Bipolaris sp. and Fusarium venenatum showed varied inhibitory activity against tested microbes in relation to crude extract, microbial strain tested, and growth media. F. venenatum showed higher anticancer activity compared to Chaetomium sp. and Bipolaris sp. extracts against four of the tested cancer cell lines. Screening by HPLC and LC/MS-QTOF identified nine compounds from Chaetomium sp. and three from Bipolaris sp. however, for F. venenatum extracts compounds were not fully identified. In light of the present findings, some biological activities of fungal extracts were approved in vitro, suggesting that such extracts could be a useful starting point to find compounds that possess promising agents for medical applications. Further investigations to identify exact biomolecules from F. venenatum extracts are needed.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bipolaris; Cell Line, Tumor; Chaetomium; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Desert Climate; Drug Discovery; Fusarium; Humans; Mass Spectrometry; Metabolome; Saudi Arabia; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 33637771
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83556-8