fungal infection – Page 4

Infection of Norway spruce by Chrysomyxa rhododendri: ultrastructural insights into plant–pathogen interactions reveal differences between resistant and susceptible trees

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Researchers studied how a rust fungus infects Norway spruce trees at the microscopic level, comparing healthy, resistant trees with ones that get severely infected. In resistant trees, the plant quickly builds protective barriers and accumulates compounds called tannins that slow down the fungus. Understanding these natural defenses could help foresters choose and grow spruce trees that better resist this devastating disease in high-altitude forests.

Overview of hirsutella-like anamorphs in Ophiocordyceps (Sordariomycetes, Ophiocordycipitaceae): introducing two new species and one new record from China

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Scientists discovered and described two new species of parasitic fungi that infect insect larvae in China. These fungi, belonging to the Ophiocordyceps genus, have special asexual reproductive structures called hirsutella-like anamorphs. The research provides a comprehensive catalog of all known Ophiocordyceps species with these structures and how they differ from each other based on their shape and size.

A Case of Superficial Mycoses in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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A 52-year-old woman with lupus developed a widespread fungal skin infection that was initially mistaken for worsening lupus symptoms. The infection affected her scalp, face, and nails with two different types of fungi. After six months of treatment with antifungal medications, her symptoms resolved completely with no return of the infection during follow-up.

Mapping Histoplasma spp. in bats and cave ecosystems: evidence from midwestern Brazil

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Researchers studied caves in midwestern Brazil and found that a fungal pathogen called Histoplasma, which causes a serious lung disease called histoplasmosis, is present in cave environments and in bats. They developed a quick DNA test to detect this fungus in cave soil samples and bat tissue samples. The study identified specific caves with high levels of the fungus, which could help warn visitors and cave explorers about the risk of infection.

A rare case of white piedra caused by Candida orthopsilosis

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A young girl developed small knots on her scalp hair caused by a yeast fungus called Candida orthopsilosis. This is extremely rare, as white piedra is typically caused by different fungi. Doctors identified the fungus using DNA testing and treated it successfully with antifungal creams and shampoo. This case shows that doctors should not dismiss Candida growth as contamination when found on hair.

First Report of Colletotrichum kahawae Causing Anthracnose on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) in China and Biological Characterization of the Pathogen

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Researchers in China identified a fungus called Colletotrichum kahawae causing a serious disease called anthracnose in buckwheat crops for the first time. The fungus also has the potential to infect other important crops like wheat, oats, potatoes, and corn. Scientists determined the ideal conditions for this fungus to grow and tested its ability to infect different plants. This discovery will help farmers develop better strategies to prevent and manage this disease in buckwheat and other crops.

First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

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Researchers discovered that a wood-decay fungus called Trametes hirsuta is causing serious damage to avocado trees in Michoacán, México, the world’s largest avocado-producing region. The fungus infects tree trunks and branches, causing white rot that eventually kills the trees. About 60% of surveyed avocado trees showed signs of infection. Laboratory experiments confirmed that this fungus, previously known only as a decomposer of dead wood, can actively infect and destroy living avocado trees through wounds in the bark.

Population structure in a fungal human pathogen is potentially linked to pathogenicity

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Aspergillus flavus is a common fungal infection found in both hospitals and the environment. Researchers studied the genetic makeup of 300 fungal samples from patients and the environment across multiple countries. They discovered that clinical isolates cluster into specific genetic groups, with one group containing most patient-derived samples. This finding suggests that certain genetic populations of this fungus may be better adapted to infecting humans than others.

Dynamic proteomic changes and ultrastructural insights into Pochonia chlamydosporia’s parasitism of Parascaris equorum eggs

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Researchers studied how a parasitic fungus called Pochonia chlamydosporia infects and destroys the eggs of harmful parasitic worms found in horses. Using advanced imaging and protein analysis, they discovered that the fungus uses different strategies at different stages of infection: first it attaches and creates damage, then it breaks down the egg shell, and finally it consumes the contents. This fungus could be used as a natural, eco-friendly solution to control parasitic worm infections in animals.

Pathogen Enzyme-Mediated Alkoxyamine Homolysis as a Killing Mechanism of Aspergillus fumigatus

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Researchers have developed a new type of antifungal drug that uses the fungus’s own enzymes against it. The drug is inactive until it encounters an enzyme produced by Aspergillus fumigatus, where it releases toxic molecules that kill the fungus. Importantly, this approach works against both normal and drug-resistant strains of the fungus, offering hope for treating serious fungal infections that don’t respond to current treatments.

Research Keyword: fungal infection