ITS sequencing – Page 10

A case report of childhood onychomycosis caused by the rare yeast Kodamaea ohmeri

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A 5-year-old girl in Vietnam developed a nail infection caused by a rare yeast called Kodamaea ohmeri, which typically affects adults with diabetes or weak immune systems. The infection, appearing as white discoloration on the nails, was successfully treated with a topical antifungal cream applied three times daily for one month. This is the first reported case of this rare yeast causing nail infection in a child in Vietnam, and it demonstrates that topical treatment can be effective for fungal nail infections in children whose nails are thinner than adults.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Trichomerium koreanum sp. nov. and Exophiala radicis Belonging to Chaetothyriales Fungi in Korea

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Scientists discovered a new type of black yeast fungus in Korea called Trichomerium koreanum, found on a longhorn beetle. They also identified another fungus called Exophiala radicis in Korean soil for the first time. These fungi are related to species that can sometimes cause infections in humans and animals. The researchers used genetic testing and microscopy to confirm these findings and understand how these fungi are related to other similar species.

Molecular epidemiology, diversity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental mucorales: a five-year multicenter study in Iran (2018–2023)

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This research examined dangerous mold infections (Mucormycosis) that became more common after COVID-19. Scientists identified the types of molds causing these infections in Iran by testing 116 patient samples and 65 soil samples from across the country. They tested these molds against 13 different antifungal medications to find which drugs work best. The results showed that amphotericin B and posaconazole were the most effective medications, and patient samples were more susceptible to these drugs than environmental soil samples.

Schizophyllum radiatum: An uncommon culprit of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in an immunocompetent patient – A case report from India

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A 32-year-old healthy woman in India developed a serious fungal infection in her sinuses caused by an unusually rare fungus called Schizophyllum radiatum. Doctors removed the infected material through surgery and identified the fungus using genetic sequencing when standard methods failed. Treatment with antifungal medication successfully cleared the infection, and the patient fully recovered.

Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China

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Scientists discovered three previously unknown species of Talaromyces fungi in soil samples from China. These fungi were identified by examining their physical appearance under microscopes and analyzing their genetic material. Each new species has unique characteristics and belongs to different groups within the Talaromyces genus. These discoveries add to our understanding of fungal diversity and highlight the importance of studying these organisms that can be valuable for producing enzymes and medicines.

Sarocladium implicatum: an unusual agent of opportunistic infection in a COVID-19 patient

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A 64-year-old man hospitalized with COVID-19 developed a serious fungal infection from Sarocladium implicatum, an unusual fungus rarely found in humans. The infection appeared in his bloodstream and lungs while his immune system was severely weakened by the virus and medications. Doctors identified the fungus using genetic testing and successfully treated him with voriconazole antifungal medication. This case highlights how COVID-19 patients in intensive care are vulnerable to rare opportunistic infections that require specialized laboratory testing to identify and treat.

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part III

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This research tested how essential oils from common cooking herbs like oregano, thyme, and cinnamon can prevent fungal diseases on bananas after harvest. Scientists identified five different fungi causing banana rot, then tested six plant-based oils at different strengths to see which ones worked best. Thyme oil was most effective, completely stopping fungal growth at the highest concentration tested. These natural oils could replace harsh chemical fungicides while being safer for people and the environment.

Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Feline Sporotrichosis in the Brazilian Amazon: PCR-Based Identification of Sporothrix brasiliensis

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This research studied a fungal disease called sporotrichosis that affects cats in the Brazilian Amazon and can spread to humans. Most infected cats were young males that roamed freely outdoors and had skin lesions on their faces and paws. Researchers tested different laboratory methods to identify the fungus and found that a specific technique extracted DNA best. They confirmed that Sporothrix brasiliensis was the cause and tested how well common antifungal medications work against it, finding that some drugs work better than others.

Treatment and diagnostic challenges associated with the novel and rapidly emerging antifungal-resistant dermatophyte, Trichophyton indotineae

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A new type of fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae has emerged and spread globally, particularly from India. It causes widespread skin infections that are difficult to treat because the fungus resists common antifungal medications. Doctors and laboratories need to be aware of this infection to properly identify it and choose effective treatments, especially for patients with travel history to affected regions.

Phialomyces koreanus sp. nov., A Novel Soil Fungus from Korea

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Scientists in Korea discovered a new species of fungus in forest soil and named it Phialomyces koreanus. Using both microscopic examination and genetic analysis, they determined this fungus was distinctly different from previously known species in the same genus. This discovery adds to our understanding of the diverse fungi living in Korean soils and may have potential applications in pest control and environmental cleanup. This is the first Phialomyces species ever documented from Korea.

Research Keyword: ITS sequencing