Filamentous fungi – Page 2

Identification of Challenging Dermatophyte Species Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

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This study shows how MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, a rapid laboratory technique, can accurately identify different types of dermatophyte fungi that cause ringworm and other skin infections. By creating a customized reference library combining commercial and locally-collected fungal samples, researchers improved identification accuracy from 16% to 91%. This advancement helps doctors identify the specific fungus causing a skin infection more quickly and accurately, enabling better treatment decisions.

Frequency and Distribution of Broncho-Alveolar Fungi in Lung Diseases in Martinique

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This study examined fungal samples from the lungs of over 1500 patients in Martinique using a special procedure called broncho-alveolar lavage. Researchers found that fungi were very common in respiratory samples, with specific types of fungi appearing more frequently in different lung diseases. For example, certain mold-like fungi were more common in patients with bronchiectasis (damaged airways), while yeast-like fungi were more common in patients with pneumonia. The findings suggest that tropical climate and environmental conditions significantly influence which fungi colonize the lungs.

Morphological Engineering of Filamentous Fungi: Research Progress and Perspectives

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Filamentous fungi are microscopic organisms used to produce important enzymes and chemicals in industries. However, their growth forms during fermentation vary significantly and affect product quality. Scientists are developing methods to control how these fungi grow, both by adjusting fermentation conditions like temperature and oxygen levels, and by using genetic engineering to modify their growth patterns. These approaches help improve industrial production of medicines, enzymes, and other useful compounds.

Optimized Protocol for RNA Isolation from Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus fumigatus Strains

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Scientists developed an improved method for extracting RNA from common mold fungi like Penicillium and Aspergillus. The study compared two extraction techniques and found that using a mechanical bead-beater device combined with a chemical solvent called chloroform produced the best results. This optimized method yields high-quality RNA suitable for studying gene expression in these fungi and can be easily used in regular laboratory settings.

Toward the consensus of definitions for the phenomena of antifungal tolerance and persistence in filamentous fungi

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Scientists have proposed clear definitions and testing methods for two drug-resistance phenomena in fungi that cause infections. Unlike typical drug resistance, tolerance and persistence allow fungi to survive antifungal medications but in different ways: tolerance affects most spores while persistence affects only a small fraction. By standardizing how these phenomena are tested using fungal spores and measuring how quickly drugs kill them, researchers can better understand treatment failures and develop better therapies.

A case of rare fungal keratitis caused by Pseudoshiraia conidialis

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A 61-year-old woman scratched her eye with a bamboo branch and developed a serious fungal eye infection caused by a rare fungus called Pseudoshiraia conidialis. This is the first reported case of this particular fungus infecting human eyes. Although initial treatment with antifungal medications showed promise, the infection proved difficult to cure due to the fungus being resistant to multiple antifungal drugs. The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of fungal eye infections.

Oxaloacetate anaplerosis differently contributes to pathogenicity in plant pathogenic fungi Fusarium graminearum and F. oxysporum

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Two important crop-destroying fungi, Fusarium graminearum and F. oxysporum, rely differently on a metabolic enzyme called pyruvate carboxylase to cause disease. Researchers found that removing this enzyme completely eliminates the ability of F. oxysporum to infect tomato plants by blocking its capacity to penetrate roots and break down plant cell walls. However, the same enzyme deletion has minimal effect on F. graminearum’s ability to infect wheat, suggesting these fungi have evolved different metabolic strategies for attacking their hosts.

Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by Fusarium: a case report and literature review

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A 61-year-old farmer with kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis developed a rare fungal infection caused by Fusarium, a fungus found in soil and water. After initial antibiotics failed, doctors identified the fungus and switched to an antifungal medication called voriconazole. By carefully monitoring drug levels in the patient’s blood and adjusting doses, pharmacists helped achieve a successful recovery with complete resolution of symptoms.

Fungal Keratitis Caused by Humicola sardiniae

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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.

Identification of Filamentous Fungi: An Evaluation of Three MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Systems

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This study compared three laboratory machines that identify fungi using a technique called MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Researchers tested 77 different fungal samples on each machine to see which one worked best. All three machines were useful for routine lab work, but they each worked best at different time points after the fungi started growing. The study shows that labs should be aware of when to test their samples for the most accurate results.

Research Keyword: Filamentous fungi