Research Keyword: β-tubulin gene

First molecular confirmation of Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing grapevine trunk disease in southern Egypt

Researchers in Egypt identified a fungus called Lasiodiplodia theobromae as the cause of a serious disease affecting grapevines in the southern region. Using both microscopic examination and genetic analysis, they confirmed the fungus causes dark streaking in grape vine trunks, leading to branch death and decline. When they tested the fungus on grape tissues in the laboratory, it successfully infected all tested samples, showing it is a highly virulent pathogen. The findings suggest farmers need to use disease-resistant grape varieties and implement management strategies to prevent losses.

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Fungal Keratitis Caused by Humicola sardiniae

A 78-year-old man developed a serious fungal eye infection caused by Humicola sardiniae, a fungus rarely seen in humans. The infection was difficult to treat because the fungus was resistant to most antifungal medications, and continued use of steroid eye drops worsened the condition. After switching to appropriate antifungal treatment and stopping the steroids, the patient’s cornea eventually healed over four months, though this was the first documented case of this particular fungus infecting a human.

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Comparison of the Filamentous Fungi Library v4.0 MALDI Biotyper Platform vs MSI-2 performance for identifying filamentous fungi from liquid cultures

This study compared two advanced technologies for identifying dangerous fungi in clinical samples. The MALDI Biotyper FFLv4.0 system identified about 96% of fungi correctly when using liquid culture samples, outperforming the MSI-2 database which identified about 78.5%. Both systems had difficulty with certain difficult-to-distinguish species, especially within Aspergillus and Fusarium groups, but performed well with Mucorales fungi. The findings suggest that continuous updating of these fungal identification libraries is essential for improving patient care.

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Four Unrecorded Species of Endophytic Diaporthe (Sordariomycetes) in Korea

Researchers in Korea discovered four new species of endophytic fungi called Diaporthe living inside plant tissues without causing visible disease. Using genetic testing and microscopic examination, they identified D. caryae, D. phoenicicola, D. stewartii, and D. unshiuensis as previously unrecorded in Korea. These fungi can potentially produce compounds with medicinal properties or help manage plant diseases. This discovery helps scientists better understand the hidden fungal diversity in Korean ecosystems.

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First report and diversity analysis of endophytic fungi associated with Ulva sp. from Iran

Researchers in Iran discovered 33 different fungi living inside a green algae called Ulva that grows along the Iranian coast. These fungi live symbiotically with the algae without harming it. Seven different species of fungi were identified for the first time in Iranian Ulva, including common fungi like Aspergillus and Penicillium. This discovery helps scientists understand the hidden relationships between fungi and marine algae in Iranian waters.

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