Translational medical mycology guides clinical and laboratory practice on fungal diseases

Patients with fungal infection having skin lesions may consult a dermatologist, which is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Dermatologists take samples from the lesion to check the fungal elements under a microscope by KOH preparation and then treat the patient. This model has advanced from bedside to bench and from bench to bedside(B to B to B), which is defined as Translational Medical Mycology. Dermatologists have an advantageous position in finding, isolating and identifying the pathogenic fungi and treating the patient with antifungal drugs. Samples should be cultured in different media with or without chloramphenicol and cycloheximide and incubated at room temperature or 37 ℃. Non-culture techniques such as polymerase chain reaction based molecular identification, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, biochemistry tests and histopathology are also necessary to confirm the identification of the species, especially when the routine culture is negative. We start treatment upon obtaining evidence of fungal infection,i.e., positive KOH examination. Antifungal drugs such as itraconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine and amphotericin B can be used alone or in combination based on the fungal species and the location of the lesion. Practice on fungal infection includes screening of the patient, merging all of the laboratory techniques and methods from the microbiologists, pathologists, molecular researchers, identification of the pathogen and determination of the optimum antifungal drug.

真菌之概念

简述了真菌一词的历史渊源、内涵与外延的发展与演变,"Fungi"与"Mycology"的汉语对应词。建议按照国务院的批示,使用科学名词(术语);提出与使用新名词(术语)要符合国家有关规定等。

真菌之概念(续)

本文是一篇科普性的综述文章。简述了真菌一词的历史渊源、内涵与外延的发展与演变,"Fungi"与"Mycology"的汉语对应词。建议按照国务院的批示,使用科学名词(术语);提出与使用新名词(术语)要符合国家有关规定等。

Cardiac Toxicity of Azole Antifungals

Cardiac toxicity is an uncommon side effect of anti-fungal therapy. Until the recent reports of itraconazole (ITZ) associated cardiac failure, amphotericin was the antifungal most frequently reported with arrhythmias. We evaluated the cardiac effect of azole antifungals, specifically ITZ, and possible mechanisms of toxicity. Ex vivo live-heart studies were performed utilizing Sprague Dawley rats. Short exposure (<5 minutes), random crossover, dose ranging studies were performed with each pharmacologic agent. ITZ focused trials also included dose ranging utilizing a non-crossover design. The only azole found to have significant toxicity was ITZ. At ITZ ~ ED25 (2 - 2.5 ug/mL) exposures, contractility decreased by 22.2% ± 15.7% and amplitude of left ventricular pressure decreased by 11% ± 0.17%. Electron micrograph and alterations in mitochondrial respiration suggest mitochondrial toxicity as an underlying mechanism. In conclusion, ITZ was associated with reductions in contractility, possibly secondary to mitochondrial dysfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Diversity and bioactivity of cultured aquatic fungi from the High Arctic region

This study assessed the diversity and α-glycosidase inhibitory activity of cultured fungi isolated from four aquatic environments （stream, pond, glacial ice, and estuary） in the Ny-A.lesund region （Svalbard, Norway, High Arctic）. A total of 134 fungal isolates were obtained from 13 water samples. Based on morphological characteristics and sequence analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region, these fungal isolates were identified as belonging to 47 species, with 26 belonging to the Ascomycota, 20 to the Basidiomycota, and one to the Zygomycota. The most frequently detected fungal species were Vishniacozyma sp. 2, Cadophora sp. 2, Phenoliferia sp. 1, Dioszegia sp. 2, and Mortierella sp.; these species occurred in 10, eight, seven, six, and five of the samples, respectively. Among the 134 fungal isolates, 17 isolates of 15 species displayed high α-glycosidase inhibitory activity in culture. The results suggest that diverse and distinct populations of cultured fungi are present in Arctic aquatic environments, and they include taxa that are potential sources of bioactive molecules that may be used as prototype drugs for medicinal proposals.

Microfungal Community in Sandy Beaches Located in Kedah,Pahang and Sabah,Malaysia

Microfungi are fundamental organisms help in balancing the ecosystem.The aims of this study are to identify microfungi isolated from sandy beaches based on internal transcribed spacers(ITS)sequence analysis and to determine the phylogenetic relationship among the locations of sampling areas.Fifty-seven isolates of microfungi were obtained from six beaches located in Kedah(Chenang Beach),Pahang(Balok Beach)and Sabah(Mamutik Island,Manukan Island,Sapi Island and Tanjung Aru Beach)to be used in this study.From the finding,the highest identified species were Aspergillus species(27 isolates)followed by Trichoderma species(12 isolates),Penicillium species(10 isolates),Fusarium species(6 isolates),Bipolaris species(1 isolate)and Chaetomium species(1 isolate).ITS fragment of all isolates was amplified in within the size range of 533-658 bp.A phylogenetic tree was constructed using maximum likelihood(ML)method;the isolates were grouped into three clades according to their classes.In conclusion,diverse microfungi isolated from sandy beach soil depicting 19 species were discovered.Future studies are highly recommended to focus on intra-and interspecies diversity based on microsatellite markers analysis,consequently the originality and distribution of the fungal isolates.The outcome of this study includes a baseline data on the occurrence and species-diversity as well as important information on the status of microfungi in Malaysia beaches located in Kedah,Melaka and Sabah.It can be used as a checklist for future studies related to fungi distribution in the tropical beaches.

IMD:The first online database of documentation on Myxomycetes fungi from India

The Indian Myxomycetes Database(IMD)is the first on-line database of information on Myxomycetes in India.The database contains 394 records from 11 families,50 genera and 351 species,and can be accessed at www.fungifromindia.com.Every species from this much neglected group of fungi has been given a unique identity number that can be cited in publications where a new species is described.Every entry in this database has been linked with the globally recognized myco-database(www.mycobank.org).The IMD is part of an Indian initiative to promote international biodiversity documentation and form a global network of databases on biological information.

Effects of Priming in Combination with Fungicides on Germination and Infestation of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Two seed lots of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Krlowa Majowych were primed in polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000 at -1.25MPa for 7 days in dark at 20C. Two fungicide treatments combined with PEG were used to control fungi: 1) Funaben T(0.1%) and Apron 35 SD (0.02%) were added to -1.25 MPa PEG solution (PEG+F); 2) After seed priming and drying,Funaben T was mixed at 5 g kg-1 and Apron 35 SD at 1 g kg-1 of seeds (PEG then F dust). PEG, PEG+F and PEG then F dusttreatments reduced significantly thermodormancy and increased the seed germination at 35C in both lots. PEG then Fdust treatment had the best effect on reducing seed thermodormancy at 35C, and increased seed germination to 64.5% inlot 1 and 72.0% in lot 2 compared to 0 in untreated. PEG and PEG then F dust treatments have accelerated germinationspeed at 20 and 15C in both lots. There was a significant reduction in seed infestation in which the seeds were treatedwith PEG+F and PEG then F dust compared to untreated seeds and PEG primed seeds. PEG priming enhanced seedinfestation considerably by Alternaria alternata, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp. and Ulocladium spp. Mycologicalanalysis showed higher frequency of Alternaria alternata and Ulocladium spp. in untreated seeds at 20C. Priming incombination with fungicides significantly alleviated the infestation of fungi, especially Alternaria alternata infestation.

Evaluation of berries of Phytolacca dodecandra for growth inhibition of Histoplasma capsulatum var.farciminosum and treatment of cases of epizootic lymphangitis in Ethiopia

Objective:To evaluate the berries of Phytolacca dodecundra(P.dodecandra) for its effect on Histoplasma cupsulatum var.farciminosum(HCF) and for the treatment of cases of epizootic lymphangitis(ELi.Methods:Samples were collected from un-ruptured nodules of cases of EL at Debre Zeit and Akaki(central Ethiopia).Mycologieal culture and isolation of HCF were performed at the Akliln Lemma Institute of Pathobiology.Phytochemical screening was done for n-butanol extract of P.dodecandra to delect alkaloids,saponins,phenolic compounds and flavonoids.The minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations(MFCs) ol aqueous and n-butanol extracts of P.dodecandra against FICF were determined by agar dilution assay.For the in vivo trial.5%simple ointment was prepared from n-butanol extract and applied topically to 24(twelve early and twelve moderate) cases of F.L.Results:Phytochemical screening showed that n-butanol extract ol P.dodecandra was positive lor alkaloids.saponins and phenolic compounds but negative for flavonoids.The MFCs of n-butanol and aqueous extracts of P.dodecandra were(0.039%-0.078%) and(0.625%-1.250%),respectively.The MFCs of n-butanol and aqueous extracts of P.dodecandra were(0.078%t-0.156%)and(1.250%-2.500%),respectively.The MIC and MFC of ketoconazole(positive control) was(1.200×10^(-5)%-2.500×10^(-5)%) and(5.000× 10^(-5)%-1.000×10^(-4)%),respectively while growth was observed on free medium(negative control).From the total of 24 treated cases of EL,14(58.3%) responded lo treatment;however,10(41.7%) did not respond to treatment.There was no significant difference in the degree of response to treatment between early and moderate cases(χ~2=0.086:P=0.408.Conclusions:It can be concluded that n-butanol extract of P.dodecandra demonstrates antifungal effects while the aqueous extract shows no antifungal activity.

Colletotrichum species and complexes:geographic distribution,host range and conservation status

The taxonomy of the genus Colletotrichum has undergone tremendous changes over the last decade,with over 200 species being currently recognised and species complexes being informally used to cluster those species.Many of these species are important plant pathogens,some rather polyphagous and others host-specific,but several occur seldomly and some may in fact be ecologically endangered.Based mainly on literature from the past decade,in this work we review the occurrence,geographic distribution and host spectrum of currently recognised Colletotrichum species under phylogenetic,pathologi-cal/agronomic and ecological perspectives,providing a list arranged by Colletotrichum species and species complexes.A total of 257 species are listed and grouped into 15 species complexes.In this work we have recorded 1353 unique host species-Colletotrichum species association records from 720 hosts,with the Fabaceae as the family with higher number of hosts(52 host species)but with the Rosaceae as the family with the highest number of host species-Colletotrichum species association records(118 association records).According to occurrence data,88 species are common in nature,128 were considered as data deficient and 41 are threatened,some of which are likely extinct from nature and preserved only in cul-ture collections.Several species are relevant plant pathogens,in some cases geographically confined and thus of potential quarantine relevance.Based on the major changes that occurred on Colletotrichum taxonomy over the last decade,this work provides a comprehensive overview of occurrence data of Colletotrichum species,compiling host range and geographical distribution,with relevance for plant pathology and conservation mycology.The current taxonomic framework in Colle-totrichum is revealing numerous species but poses challenges to the employment of standard criteria for the evaluation of biological conservation of these fungi.We advocate that conservation mycology and taxonomy should find common routes simultaneously enabling the correct delimitation of species of Colletotrichum and the implementation of feasible criteria for the evaluation of conservation.The employment of new technologies,such whole genome sequencing(WGS),will help and support the description of new species and to gain a better understanding of the genetic bases of speciation processes.

The Longibrachiatum Clade of Trichoderma:a revision with new species

The Longibrachiatum Clade of Trichoderma is revised.Eight new species are described(T.aethiopicum,T.capillare,T.flagellatum,T.gillesii,T.gracile,T.pinnatum,T.saturnisporopsis,T.solani).The twenty-one species known to belong to the Longibrachiatum Clade are included in a synoptic key.Trichoderma parareesei and T.effusum are redescribed based on new collections or additional observations.Hypocrea teleomorphs are reported for T.gillesii and T.pinnatum.Previously described species are annotated.

Diversity and delimitation of Rhizopus microsporus

Rhizopus microsporus has been used for centuries in the production of oriental fermented foods,but the species is also known as a toxin producer and from severe human infections.To study the diversity and species delimitation of Rhizopus microsporus,48 isolates from the reference collection of the CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre,comprising nine environmental,ten clinical,and 23 foodborne strains,in addition to six strains from unknown sources and representing all existing varieties of the species,were examined.Sequence diversity was based on the internal transcribed spacer(ITS),and on a part of the actin(ACT)and translation elongation factor 1-α(TEF)genes.Differences in physiological properties were assessed including temperature relationships.Spore morphology was studied,mating type tests were performed,and MALDI-ToF profiles were generated.Clinical and food-associated strains as well as members of different varieties mated successfully and consequently they belong to a single biological species.Molecular differences did not match with any other parameter investigated.Based on these results the varieties of Rhizopus microsporus are reduced to synonyms.