ITS-rDNA sequencing – mycolab.ai

Epidemiology of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients in northwest Iran: Rhizopus arrhizus as the predominant species

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, a dangerous fungal infection called mucormycosis was found in 63 patients in northwestern Iran. The infection was caused mainly by a fungus called Rhizopus arrhizus and most commonly affected the sinuses and brain. Most patients had been given high-dose steroids to treat their COVID-19, which weakened their immune systems and increased their risk of this serious fungal infection, especially those with diabetes.

Diversity and Community Structure of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Brown Seaweed Sargassum thunbergii in Coastal Regions of Korea

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Researchers collected brown seaweed samples from six coastal regions in Korea and identified 84 different fungal species living inside the seaweed tissues. These endophytic fungi help protect the seaweed by producing defensive chemicals and improving its ability to withstand environmental stress. The study found that water temperature and oxygen levels in the seawater significantly influence which types of fungi are present in each region, with the Tongyeong region hosting the most diverse fungal community.

Northwest Iranian dermatophyte isolates: anthropophilic and geophilic

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Researchers in northwestern Iran studied fungal infections of skin, hair, and nails by identifying different types of dermatophytes from patient samples and soil. They found that a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most common cause, but also discovered a rare fungus called Myriodontium keratinophilum causing nail infections. Using modern DNA testing methods, they identified seven different dermatophyte species and several other soil fungi, providing important information about fungal infections in this region.

Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of yeast strains isolated from dairy products in Isfahan, Iran

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Researchers tested 155 dairy product samples from Isfahan, Iran to identify yeast species present. They found 11 different yeast species, with some beneficial for flavor and fermentation, and others potentially harmful. Notably, a pathogenic yeast called Candida orthopsilosis was found in industrial milk and cheese, suggesting the need for better sanitation practices in dairy processing facilities.

Taxonomic characterization and cytotoxic potential of Vietnamese Ganoderma ellipsoideum against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

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Scientists discovered a mushroom species called Ganoderma ellipsoideum in Vietnam that shows promise in fighting breast cancer. When tested on cancer cells in the laboratory, extracts from this mushroom killed cancer cells effectively. Computer modeling showed that compounds from this mushroom fit perfectly into and block proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread. This discovery suggests the mushroom could be a natural source for developing new cancer drugs.

Candidemia due to Candida lambica in a neutropenic oncology patient: A rare case report

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A 56-year-old cancer patient developed a serious bloodstream infection caused by a rare yeast called Candida lambica despite taking antifungal medications. Doctors identified the infection using genetic sequencing and found that the organism was sensitive to a different antifungal drug called voriconazole. After switching medications and removing the patient’s central line, the infection cleared up. This case demonstrates the importance of accurately identifying fungal infections and testing which medications work best against them.

Epidemiology of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients in northwest Iran: Rhizopus arrhizus as the predominant species

mycolabadmin

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients developed a severe fungal infection called mucormycosis alongside their coronavirus infection. This study found that 63 COVID-19 patients in Iran developed mucormycosis, which primarily affected the sinuses and brain. The researchers identified that a fungus called Rhizopus arrhizus caused most infections, and patients who received corticosteroids (used to treat severe COVID-19) had a higher risk, especially those who developed diabetes from the steroids.

First case report of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton indotineae in Latin America

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A 21-year-old woman in Argentina developed a persistent skin infection caused by a fungus called Trichophyton indotineae, likely acquired during travel to Mexico. The infection did not respond to common antifungal medications like terbinafine, but responded well to treatment with a special formulation of itraconazole that was completely effective within four weeks. This case represents the first documented occurrence of this emerging fungal pathogen in Latin America and highlights the importance of molecular identification when standard treatments fail.

Spectrum of Fungal Infections in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: A 20-Year Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Care Center

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This study examined fungal infections in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) over 20 years at an Indian medical center. Researchers found that yeast infections, particularly Candida tropicalis, were more common than mold infections, with Aspergillus flavus being the most frequent mold. The study identified several rare and emerging fungi causing these serious infections and tested their susceptibility to antifungal medications. Results show that removing the dialysis catheter combined with appropriate antifungal treatment is crucial for patient survival.

Exploration of Mangrove Endophytes as Novel Sources of Tannase Producing Fungi

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Scientists discovered that fungi living inside mangrove plant tissues can produce tannase, an enzyme that breaks down tannins into a useful compound called gallic acid. Two fungal species, Phyllosticta capitalensis and Aspergillus chevalieri, were found to be particularly good at producing this enzyme. This discovery is significant because tannase has many industrial applications in making medicines, processing food, and cleaning up the environment. The researchers also figured out the best conditions (temperature, pH level, and time) for these fungi to produce the most enzyme.

Research Keyword: ITS-rDNA sequencing