Mycology

Review Microbiology

A Review of the Fungi That Degrade Plastic

Anusha H. Ekanayaka, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Donqin Dai, Ruifang Xu, Nakarin Suwannarach, Steven L. Stephenson, Chengjiao Dao, Samantha C. Karunarathna

Summary: Plastic has become an essential basic need for daily life worldwide, with global production exceeding 300 million tons annually. The slow degradation rate of plastics leads to a massive accumulation of plastic waste in nature. It is essential to develop effective plastic biodegradation processes to address the issue of plastic waste.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Article Microbiology

Endophytic Colletotrichum Species from Aquatic Plants in Southwest China

Hua Zheng, Zefen Yu, Xinwei Jiang, Linlin Fang, Min Qiao

Summary: This study investigated the diversity and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species in aquatic plants in southwest China. Thirteen new Colletotrichum species were identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis. Pathogenicity tests revealed a wide diversity in pathogenicity and aggressiveness among these species.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Article Mycology

Phylogeny and taxonomy of powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe species on Lupinus hosts

Michael Bradshaw, Uwe Braun, Monika Goetz, Wayne Jurick

Summary: The study conducted phylogenetic and taxonomic analyses on Erysiphe species infecting hosts of the leguminous genus Lupinus, discovering a new species Erysiphe lupini and confirming Erysiphe intermedia as a North American lupine powdery mildew. The study also discussed morphological and biological differences between Erysiphe species and emphasized the necessity of maintaining these species.

MYCOLOGIA (2022)

Article Microbiology

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Clinical Profile of Candidemia and the Incidence of Fungemia Due to Fluconazole-Resistant Candida parapsilosis

Antonio Ramos-Martinez, Ilduara Pintos-Pascual, Jesus Guinea, Andrea Gutierrez-Villanueva, Edith Gutierrez-Abreu, Judith Diaz-Garcia, Angel Asensio, Reyes Iranzo, Isabel Sanchez-Romero, Maria Munoz-Algarra, Victor Moreno-Torres, Jorge Calderon-Parra, Elena Munez, Ana Fernandez-Cruz

Summary: Severely ill COVID-19 patients have a high risk of acquiring infections in the hospital, and the incidence of candidemia increased significantly during the pandemic period. Candidemia due to fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis (FRCP) was more common in patients admitted for COVID-19.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Review Mycology

Fungal and oomycete pathogens and heavy metals: an inglorious couple in the environment

Joanna Gajewska, Jolanta Floryszak-Wieczorek, Ewa Sobieszczuk-Nowicka, Autar Mattoo, Magdalena Arasimowicz-Jelonek

Summary: Heavy metal contamination is a global problem, and microorganisms such as fungi and oomycetes have a relatively high tolerance to these pollutants. HM stress affects their growth, morphology, and oxidative balance, but these pathogens may have detoxification mechanisms that enable their survival in highly HM-polluted environments.

IMA FUNGUS (2022)

Article Microbiology

Fungal Proteases as Emerging Biocatalysts to Meet the Current Challenges and Recent Developments in Biomedical Therapies: An Updated Review

Muhammad Naeem, Saba Manzoor, Mashhud-Ul-Hasan Abid, Muhammad Burhan Khan Tareen, Mirza Asad, Sajida Mushtaq, Nazia Ehsan, Dua Amna, Baojun Xu, Abu Hazafa

Summary: This review discusses the origin, nature, mechanism of action, genetic engineering, and genome editing of fungal proteases. It also explores the role of fungal proteases in environmental protection and mitochondrial function. Furthermore, the extensive use of fungal proteases in the food industry is emphasized.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Article Dermatology

Point mutations in the squalene epoxidase erg1 and sterol 14-α demethylase erg11 gene of T indotineae isolates indicate that the resistant mutant strains evolved independently

Anke Burmester, Uta-Christina Hipler, Peter Elsner, Cornelia Wiegand

Summary: The T indotineae population exhibits a high level of terbinafine and azole resistance due to various mutations in the erg1 and Erg11 genes. It is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying azole resistance and the need to analyze genes involved in resistance mechanisms to improve fungal treatment strategies.

MYCOSES (2022)

Article Microbiology

Fatal Breakthrough Candidemia in an Immunocompromised Patient in Kuwait Due to Candida auris Exhibiting Reduced Susceptibility to Echinocandins and Carrying a Novel Mutation in Hotspot-1 of FKS1

Inaam Al-Obaid, Mohammad Asadzadeh, Suhail Ahmad, Khaled Alobaid, Wadha Alfouzan, Ritu Bafna, Maha Emara, Leena Joseph

Summary: Candida auris is an emerging yeast pathogen that has caused major outbreaks worldwide. This study presents a case of C. auris infection in an immunocompromised patient who had previously received antifungal treatment, and highlights the challenges in treating invasive C. auris infections due to developing drug resistance and novel mutations.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Article Microbiology

Epiphytic Yeasts and Bacteria as Candidate Biocontrol Agents of Green and Blue Molds of Citrus Fruits

Rania Hammami, Maroua Oueslati, Marwa Smiri, Souhaila Nefzi, Mustapha Ruissi, Francesca Comitini, Gianfranco Romanazzi, Santa Olga Cacciola, Najla Sadfi Zouaoui

Summary: In this study, yeast and bacterial isolates with antagonistic activity against Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum on citrus fruits were screened and identified. These isolates significantly reduced the incidence of green and blue mold caused by these pathogens on citrus fruits, and effectively prevented fungal infection during low-temperature storage. Moreover, they did not have any negative effect on fruit quality and shelf life. These selected isolates have multiple modes of action and show promise as biocontrol agents for postharvest green and blue molds of citrus fruits.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Article Microbiology

Variation in Fungal Community in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) Nursery Stock Depends on Nursery, Variety and Rootstock

Sarah B. Lade, Dora Straus, Jonas Oliva

Summary: Nurseries, rootstocks, and varieties have significant effects on the fungal community structure and disease of grapevines, with graft unions having a higher pathogen load compared to root collars.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Article Microbiology

Antifungal and Antiaflatoxinogenic Effects of Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, and Cymbopogon schoenanthus Essential Oils Alone and in Combination

Ignace Sawadogo, Adama Pare, Donatien Kabore, Didier Montet, Noel Durand, Jalloul Bouajila, Elisabeth P. Zida, Hagretou Sawadogo-Lingani, Philippe Augustin Nikiema, Roger Honorat Charles Nebie, Imael Henri Nestor Bassole

Summary: This study investigated the antifungal and antiaflatoxinogenic activities of essential oils from different species of Cymbopogon plants. The results showed that these essential oils exhibited inhibitory activities against Aspergillus species and could also inhibit the synthesis of aflatoxins. Combinations of different essential oils showed synergistic effects, and some combinations were able to completely inhibit the production of aflatoxins.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Review Mycology

Role and genetic basis of specialised secondary metabolites in Trichoderma ecophysiology

Isabel Vicente, Riccardo Baroncelli, Rosa Hermosa, Enrique Monte, Giovanni Vannacci, Sabrina Sarrocco

Summary: The fungal genus Trichoderma is known for its versatile lifestyle, high adaptability to environmental conditions, and ability to interact with other organisms. Trichoderma spp. are commonly used as biopesticides and biofertilizers due to their ability to combat plant pathogens and trigger plant defense responses. This review explores the roles of specialized metabolites (SMs) in fungal biology, with a focus on the genus Trichoderma and how divergence in SMs genetic structure influences Trichoderma lifestyles. Trichoderma genomes possess a significant number of SMs biosynthetic genes, and understanding the genetic basis of their biosynthesis is crucial for determining the role of these metabolites in Trichoderma ecophysiology and expanding their application in crop protection.

FUNGAL BIOLOGY REVIEWS (2022)

Article Microbiology

Insecticidal Efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae Derived Chemical Constituents against Disease-Vector Mosquitoes

Perumal Vivekanandhan, Kannan Swathy, Amarchand Chordia Murugan, Patcharin Krutmuang

Summary: Insecticides derived from microbial sources have no environmental consequences and have significant toxicity against mosquito species, while showing minimal harm to non-target organisms. The chemical constituents of these insecticides are effective and pollution-free, making them a potential alternative to conventional chemical insecticides.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Review Mycology

Ten decadal advances in fungal biology leading towards human well-being

Ausana Mapook, Kevin D. Hyde, Khadija Hassan, Blondelle Matio Kemkuignou, Adela Cmokova, Frank Surup, Eric Kuhnert, Pathompong Paomephan, Tian Cheng, Sybren de Hoog, Yinggai Song, Ruvishika S. Jayawardena, Abdullah M. S. Al-Hatmi, Tokameh Mahmoudi, Nadia Ponts, Lena Studt-Reinhold, Florence Richard-Forget, K. W. Thilini Chethana, Dulanjalee L. Harishchandra, Peter E. Mortimer, Huili Li, Saisamorm Lumyong, Worawoot Aiduang, Jaturong Kumla, Nakarin Suwannarach, Chitrabhanu S. Bhunjun, Feng-Ming Yu, Qi Zhao, Doug Schaefer, Marc Stadler

Summary: This paper highlights the potential of fungi in product development, including important research progress in areas such as disease treatment and biodegradation. It is hoped that through these examples, the importance of fungi can be recognized, leading to the development and application of more fungal products.

FUNGAL DIVERSITY (2022)

Review Microbiology

Pharmacodynamics, Mechanisms of Action and Resistance, and Spectrum of Activity of New Antifungal Agents

Nathan P. Wiederhold

Summary: Several new antifungals with novel pharmacodynamics/mechanisms of action are being developed, as well as modified agents within established classes. These drugs have the potential to combat fungal strains with reduced susceptibility or acquired resistance to current antifungals, and may improve clinical outcomes for patients with invasive fungal infections.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Review Microbiology

The Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia

Anna Apostolopoulou, Jay A. Fishman

Summary: Pneumocystis jiroveci is an important fungal pathogen in immunocompromised hosts. The environmental reservoir remains unknown. Pneumonia mainly occurs through airborne transmission, with the highest incidence within 6 months after organ transplantation and in patients with intensified or prolonged immunosuppression. Despite being well-established, the pathogenesis of PJP remains poorly understood.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Article Microbiology

Biocontrol Activity of Trichoderma Species Isolated from Grapevines in British Columbia against Botryosphaeria Dieback Fungal Pathogens

Jinxz Pollard-Flamand, Julie Boule, Miranda Hart, Jose Ramon Urbez-Torres

Summary: This study identified several Trichoderma species from grapevines in British Columbia and evaluated their biocontrol activity against BD fungi. The results showed that these isolates were able to significantly inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens and provide protection for pruning wounds for up to 21 days. They also exhibited similar or better control compared to commercial products.

JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)

Article Dermatology

COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA): Risk factors and development of a predictive score for critically ill COVID-19 patients

Jorge Calderon-Parra, Patricia Mills-Sanchez, Victor Moreno-Torres, Sandra Tejado-Bravo, Isabel Romero-Sanchez, Barbara Balandin-Moreno, Marina Calvo-Salvador, Francisca Portero-Azorin, Sarela Garcia-Masedo, Elena Munez-Rubio, Antonio Ramos-Martinez, Ana Fernandez-Cruz

Summary: A clinical prediction score was developed to stratify critically ill COVID-19 patients according to the risk of developing CAPA. This score can help target preventive measures.

MYCOSES (2022)

Review Dermatology

South Asian (Clade I) Candida auris meningitis in a paediatric patient in Iran with a review of the literature

Hossein Mirhendi, Arezou Charsizadeh, Shima Aboutalebian, Masoud Mohammadpour, Bahram Nikmanesh, Theun de Groot, Jacques F. Meis, Hamid Badali

Summary: Candida meningitis is a rare and life-threatening yeast infection usually affecting immunocompromised or pediatric patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures or shunt placement. The disease is challenging to diagnose due to diverse clinical manifestations, potentially leading to underestimation of affected patients. Urgent epidemiological surveillance studies are needed to understand the prevalence of this emerging multidrug resistance pathogen.

MYCOSES (2022)

Article Mycology

Taxonomy, phylogeny and identification of Chaetomiaceae with emphasis on thermophilic species

X. W. Wang, P. J. Han, F. Y. Bai, A. Luo, K. Bensch, M. Meijer, B. Kraak, D. Y. Han, B. D. Sun, P. W. Crous, J. Houbraken

Summary: This study provides an up-to-date overview of the taxonomy and phylogeny of genera and species belonging to the Chaetomiaceae family, including a comprehensive analysis of thermophilic strains. Through multigene phylogenetic analysis, 50 genera and 275 species are identified, along with the proposal of six new genera, six new species, 45 new combinations, and three new names.

STUDIES IN MYCOLOGY (2022)