ITS sequencing – Page 14

Talaromyces pinophilus Strain HD25G2 as a Novel Biocontrol Agent of Fusarium culmorum, the Causal Agent of Root and Crown Rot of Soft Wheat

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A fungus called Talaromyces pinophilus shows promise as a natural pest controller against Fusarium culmorum, which damages wheat crops worldwide. When applied early to wheat seeds, this beneficial fungus produces enzymes that break down the harmful fungus’s cell walls, completely preventing damage and toxin contamination. However, timing is critical—if applied too late, it can paradoxically increase toxin production, suggesting it works best as a preventative treatment before infection occurs.

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 study examined dangerous mold infections called mucormycosis that became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Iran. Researchers tested over 180 fungal samples from patients and soil to understand which types of molds cause infections and which antifungal medicines work best against them. They found that two medicines, amphotericin B and posaconazole, were most effective, while fungi from soil samples were often more resistant to treatment than those from infected patients. This research helps doctors choose the right treatments for patients with these serious infections.

A Case of Pulmonary Infection Due to Magnusiomyces capitatus in a Non-Immunocompromised Patient with Cerebral Palsy

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A young man with cerebral palsy developed a rare lung infection caused by Magnusiomyces capitatus, a fungus that usually only affects people with weakened immune systems. Doctors diagnosed the infection by analyzing fluid from his lungs and identified the fungus using advanced laboratory techniques. The patient improved after being treated with an antifungal medication called voriconazole. This case highlights that this rare fungal infection can occur in otherwise healthy people, especially those with conditions affecting their ability to clear lung secretions.

Deep cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora boppii: A case report

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A 69-year-old woman with breast cancer developed a skin infection caused by a rare fungus called Cladophialophora boppii while taking dexamethasone for cancer treatment. Doctors diagnosed the infection through skin biopsy and fungal testing, then removed the infected area surgically. After three weeks of antifungal medication (itraconazole), the infection cleared completely and did not return during four months of follow-up. This case suggests that surgery combined with short-term antifungal treatment may be sufficient for this type of infection.

Bioactivity and chemical screening of endophytic fungi associated with seaweeds Gracilaria sp. and Sargassum sp. of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

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Researchers discovered several types of fungi living inside seaweed from Bangladesh’s Bay of Bengal coast. These fungi produce natural compounds that can fight bacteria, reduce harmful oxidative damage, and potentially kill cancer cells. The study identified specific chemical compounds responsible for these beneficial properties, suggesting these fungi could be useful sources for developing new medicines.

Identification of a Novel Pathogen of Peanut Root Rot, Ceratobasidium sp. AG-A, and the Potential of Selected Bacterial Biocontrol Agents

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Scientists in China discovered a new fungal disease causing peanut root rot, identified as Ceratobasidium sp. AG-A. They tested three types of beneficial bacteria as natural pest control agents and found they effectively inhibited the disease-causing fungus while promoting peanut plant growth. These findings offer farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for managing this newly identified threat to peanut crops.

High-Throughput Sequencing Uncovers Fungal Community Succession During Morchella sextelata Development

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Researchers studied how the community of fungi in soil changes as morel mushrooms grow through different stages. They found that the diversity of soil fungi decreases once morels are planted, and dangerous fungi that cause diseases increase significantly as the fruiting bodies develop. This information can help farmers prevent diseases and improve morel production by managing soil fungal communities more effectively.

The Brief Case: Cutaneous ulceration associated with acalabrutinib treatment

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A 72-year-old patient being treated with acalabrutinib for blood cancer developed a slowly growing skin ulcer on the thigh. Testing identified a fungal infection caused by Alternaria alternata, a mold found in soil and air. The patient was successfully treated with an antifungal medication called posaconazole, with the ulcer healing over one month. This case highlights that doctors should check for fungal infections in chronic skin wounds of patients taking BTK inhibitor medications.

Myco-Ed: Mycological curriculum for education and discovery

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Myco-Ed is an educational program that teaches students about fungi while helping scientists discover new fungal species. Students collect fungi from their environment, learn laboratory and computing skills, and send samples to be sequenced to create reference genomes. This program both trains the next generation of fungal experts and expands our understanding of fungal diversity, which is important for medicine, agriculture, and the environment.

Mycobiome of Stool, Blood, Thrombus and Vessel Wall in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Patients

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This study examined fungal communities in blood, stool, and damaged aorta tissues from patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm, a serious condition where the main blood vessel weakens and bulges. Researchers found that healthy blood vessels contain protective fungi called Tomentella, while damaged vessels have high levels of harmful fungi called Malassezia. Interestingly, the fungi found in damaged vessel walls may not come directly from the gut, suggesting they originate from other body parts like the mouth or skin. These findings suggest that controlling fungal communities with targeted antifungal treatments might help prevent or slow aneurysm development.

Research Keyword: ITS sequencing