fungal infection – Page 23

Improved Protoplast Production Protocol for Fungal Transformations Mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 in Botrytis cinerea Non-Sporulating Isolates

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Scientists have developed a better method to isolate protoplasts (fungal cells without cell walls) from non-sporulating varieties of gray mold fungus. By optimizing the incubation time, culture container, and enzyme used, they produced more viable protoplasts that can regenerate and be genetically modified. This advancement allows researchers to use CRISPR gene-editing technology to understand and potentially control gray mold, which causes significant crop losses worldwide.

Comparative gene expression analysis in closely related dermatophytes reveals secondary metabolism as a candidate driver of virulence

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A strain of fungal skin pathogen (Trichophyton benhamiae var. luteum) is spreading rapidly among guinea pigs and people in Europe, but scientists didn’t understand why it was more contagious than closely related strains. Researchers compared gene activity in four related fungal species and found that the epidemic strain produces higher levels of toxic compounds called secondary metabolites. These compounds help the fungus escape the body’s immune system and cause infection more effectively than in less dangerous relatives.

Whole-genome sequencing of Fusarium oxysporum K326-S isolated from tobacco

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Scientists sequenced the complete genome of a fungus that causes disease in tobacco plants. The fungus, Fusarium oxysporum, was isolated from diseased tobacco roots in China. The resulting genetic blueprint contains over 17,000 genes and will help researchers develop better ways to prevent and control this destructive plant disease.

Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel species and new records of Torula (Torulaceae, Pleosporales) from medicinal plants in China

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Researchers discovered two new species of fungi (Torula dispora and Torula strychnicola) living on medicinal plants in China. These fungi, which break down dead plant material, were identified using both physical characteristics and genetic analysis. The study also documented three additional species of Torula fungi on medicinal plants for the first time, suggesting that medicinal plants harbor greater fungal diversity than previously known.

Cryptococcus albidus (Naganishia albida) meningitis in a young patient with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

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A 16-year-old boy with blood cancer (T-ALL) developed a brain infection caused by a rare fungus called Cryptococcus albidus. Doctors initially thought he had a viral infection caused by herpes, but tests on his spinal fluid revealed the true fungal culprit. He was treated with antifungal medications that led to his recovery, emphasizing the importance of thorough testing when immunocompromised patients develop serious infections.

Integrated genome and transcriptome analysis reveals pathogenic mechanisms of Calonectria eucalypti in Eucalyptus leaf blight

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This research examines a dangerous fungus called Calonectria eucalypti that destroys eucalyptus trees worldwide. Scientists sequenced the fungus’s complete genetic code and tracked which genes turn on during infection, discovering that the pathogen uses different sets of genes at different stages of infection. By identifying key virulence genes and understanding how the fungus attacks plant cells, this research provides a foundation for developing better ways to prevent and manage eucalyptus leaf blight disease.

Advancing Patient Advocacy in Mycology: Cultivating Collaboration in Education, Research, and Policy

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Fungal infections are a serious public health problem, but unlike cancer and AIDS, they lack strong patient advocacy movements to raise awareness and secure funding. This paper argues that patients with fungal diseases have important insights about their care needs that could help improve policies and research if their voices were heard. The authors propose establishing unified advocacy organizations, like the MyCARE Foundation, to bring patients, doctors, and policymakers together to better address this neglected health challenge.

Twenty-nine new host records of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphaceae) in Taiwan with an updated checklist

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Researchers updated Taiwan’s list of powdery mildew fungi, which are harmful plant pathogens affecting crops and trees worldwide. By collecting specimens from various locations and analyzing them using genetic sequencing and microscopy, they identified 29 new host-fungus combinations, with six Erysiphaceae species documented in Taiwan for the first time. The updated checklist now includes approximately 109 powdery mildew species known to affect 246 different host plant species across 75 plant families in Taiwan.

Advances in Fungal Infection Research: From Novel Diagnostics to Innovative Therapeutics

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This editorial discusses the growing challenge of fungal infections worldwide, which disproportionately affect people with weakened immune systems. New diagnostic tools using molecular testing can now quickly identify fungal infections, while researchers are developing novel treatments including repurposed drugs and immune-boosting therapies. The article emphasizes that coordinated efforts among doctors, scientists, and public health officials are essential to combat rising antifungal resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Pomegranate Woody Mycobiota Associated with Wood Decay

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Pomegranate growers in Italy are facing a serious disease called wood decay syndrome that kills young trees. Researchers found that multiple fungi, especially Neofusicoccum parvum and several Diaporthe species, working together cause this disease. Cold winter temperatures appear to weaken the trees, making them vulnerable to these fungal infections. Using both traditional lab methods and modern DNA analysis, scientists identified the fungi and confirmed which ones are most dangerous.

Research Keyword: fungal infection