fungal identification – Page 4

The predominance of Penicillium, Mucor, and Yarrowia among spoilage fungi in cultured dairy products produced by 3 manufacturers, as revealed by amplicon sequencing

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Researchers identified which molds and yeasts cause yogurt and other cultured dairy products to spoil by analyzing 200 contaminated samples from 3 manufacturers. Three types of fungi—Penicillium, Mucor, and Yarrowia—were responsible for over 70% of the spoilage cases. Interestingly, these fungi were still found in products containing preservatives, suggesting they can resist or break down common food preservatives. The study shows that using DNA sequencing to identify these organisms is more accurate and helpful than traditional methods, allowing dairy manufacturers to develop better strategies to prevent contamination.

First case of invasive Rasamsonia argillacea in a child with chronic granulomatous disease in Qatar

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A 16-year-old girl with a rare immune system disorder called chronic granulomatous disease developed a serious fungal infection caused by Rasamsonia argillacea, a fungus that is not commonly seen in clinical practice. The infection presented as a painful collection in her chest wall that required surgery and multiple antifungal medications. This is the first reported case of this particular fungal infection in the Arabian Peninsula, and successful treatment required a combination of drugs chosen based on laboratory testing of the fungus’s resistance patterns.

New Tricoderma Species and Six Unrecorded Species of Endolichenic Fungi Isolated from Lichens

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Researchers in South Korea discovered seven species of fungi living inside lichens, including one completely new species to science. By examining the fungi’s physical characteristics and analyzing their genetic material, scientists confirmed the identity of each species. These fungi, particularly those in the Trichoderma genus, show promise for producing useful compounds that could have applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry.

Larone’s Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identification, 7th Edition

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This is a practical guidebook for identifying disease-causing fungi in medical laboratories. The 7th edition uses color-coding and organized illustrations to help laboratory technicians and doctors quickly identify fungi from patient samples. It includes information about emerging fungal pathogens and is designed to be used as a quick reference at the laboratory bench rather than a comprehensive textbook.

Resin outpourings on conifers are inhabited by more members of Nectriaceae (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes) than previously thought

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Scientists discovered that tree resins from pine and fir trees host more fungi than previously known. This research identified two newly described fungi species, including an entirely new genus, living in these resinous tree wounds. The study shows that despite resins being toxic to most microorganisms, specialized fungi have adapted to thrive in this unique environment. This discovery expands our understanding of fungal diversity and how organisms adapt to extreme habitats in nature.

Performance of the VITEK® MS system for the identification of filamentous fungi in a microbiological laboratory in Chile

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This study tested a rapid fungal identification system called VITEK® MS in a Chilean hospital laboratory. The system uses mass spectrometry technology to identify mold species quickly and accurately, often within 48-72 hours. Results showed the system correctly identified over 91% of fungal samples without any mistakes, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing serious fungal infections in hospitalized patients.

The genus Thaxterogaster (Cortinariaceae): phylogeny and species diversity in Western China

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Researchers studied mushrooms of the genus Thaxterogaster, which are common fungi found in forests worldwide. This study focused on Western China and identified 15 different species in the region, including 8 species never before described by science. Using DNA analysis combined with traditional microscopy, the team created a family tree showing how these species are related to each other and provided a guide for identifying them.

Protein Coding Low-Copy rpb2 and ef1-α Regions Are Viable Fungal Metabarcoding DNA Markers Which Can Supplement ITS for Better Accuracy

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Researchers tested different DNA markers for identifying fungal species using DNA sequencing technology. They compared the standard fungal marker (ITS) with two alternative protein-coding markers (rpb2 and ef1-α) on closely related mushroom species. The results showed that using multiple markers together provides better and more reliable identification of fungal species compared to using just one marker, which is especially useful for environmental monitoring and species identification studies.

Shifting etiological agents of dermatophytosis: a molecular epidemiological study from Iran

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Researchers in Iran studied fungal infections of the scalp and nails using modern DNA testing methods. They found that the main fungus causing scalp infections (T. tonsurans) remains the most common, but a new species (T. indotineae) is increasingly causing nail infections and is resistant to common antifungal medicines. The study shows that traditional identification methods often misidentify these fungi, highlighting the importance of molecular testing for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

A case of corneal infection with Clonostachys rosea

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A 53-year-old patient developed a serious eye infection caused by a fungus called Clonostachys rosea, which had never been reported before as causing eye disease. The infection caused a painful ulcer on the cornea (the clear front part of the eye). Doctors treated the infection with antifungal medications applied as eye drops and taken as tablets, and the patient recovered well within about a month.

Research Keyword: fungal identification