ITS sequencing – Page 8

Recalcitrant dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton indotineae: A case series from Sarawak, Malaysia

mycolabadmin

Three patients in Malaysia had persistent skin fungal infections caused by Trichophyton indotineae that did not respond to standard antifungal treatments. Genetic testing revealed these fungal strains carried a specific mutation making them resistant to terbinafine, the typical first-line treatment. While azole-based antifungals showed variable effectiveness depending on the specific drug and dose used, one patient achieved complete cure with voriconazole therapy. The study highlights the growing problem of drug-resistant fungal infections and the importance of targeted treatment based on laboratory testing.

Rhino sinusitis caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in a diabetic patient

mycolabadmin

A 56-year-old diabetic man developed a sinus infection caused by a rare fungus called Lasiodiplodia theobromae, which typically affects plants. The infection was diagnosed through laboratory testing and DNA sequencing, as traditional identification methods were inconclusive. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of sinus surgery and a six-week course of antifungal medication, showing complete recovery after one year of follow-up.

Endophytic fungal community composition and function response to strawberry genotype and disease resistance

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied fungi living inside three varieties of strawberry plants to understand why some varieties are more resistant to diseases. They found that disease-resistant strawberries like White Elves naturally harbor beneficial fungi such as Trichoderma and Talaromyces that fight off pathogens, while disease-susceptible varieties like Akihime have more harmful fungi. This discovery could help farmers grow healthier strawberries without relying solely on chemical pesticides by using natural beneficial fungi.

Disseminated Scedosporium boydii infection with pulmonary and cerebral involvement in a patient with COPD: A case report

mycolabadmin

A 51-year-old man with chronic lung disease developed a life-threatening brain infection caused by a rare fungus called Scedosporium boydii. The infection started in his lungs and spread to his brain, causing a fluid-filled abscess. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and surgery, the patient died because the initial treatment was incomplete and the infection had time to progress to his brain.

The association of Yarrowia lipolytica with onychomycosis

mycolabadmin

A 20-year-old woman had a persistent toenail infection that did not respond to multiple antifungal treatments. Researchers identified the cause as Yarrowia lipolytica, an unusual yeast that had never been found causing nail infections before. The yeast was resistant to several common antifungal medications, explaining why previous treatments failed. This case shows the importance of identifying the exact fungus causing an infection to develop effective treatment strategies.

Soil Fungal Diversity and Community Structure of Russula griseocarnosa from Different Sites

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied the soil fungi living around Russula griseocarnosa, a valuable wild edible mushroom that cannot be grown in farms. They found that the soil around this mushroom contains specific beneficial fungi like Penicillium and Trichoderma that help it grow, and that these fungal communities differ depending on geographical location. The study shows that using fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and beneficial fungi could help protect and increase the production of this wild mushroom.

The refractory nailbed ulceration caused by Candida parapsilosis after nail extraction

mycolabadmin

An 82-year-old woman developed a stubborn wound on her toenail bed after having her nail surgically removed to treat an infection. When the wound did not heal for six months, doctors discovered it was caused by a fungus called Candida parapsilosis, which is normally found on skin but can cause infections when given the opportunity through wounds. After identifying the fungus, doctors treated her with an antifungal medication called fluconazole for three months, and her wound completely healed. This case shows the importance of testing chronic nail infections for their specific cause before performing surgery.

Investigating fungal diversity through metabarcoding for environmental samples: assessment of ITS1 and ITS2 Illumina sequencing using multiple defined mock communities with different classification methods and reference databases

mycolabadmin

Scientists developed a comprehensive method for identifying different fungi in environmental samples using DNA sequencing technology called metabarcoding. They tested 37 mixtures of known fungi species to compare different approaches, including which DNA markers to use, which reference databases to search, and which computer analysis methods to apply. The study found that the choice of method significantly affects results, with some approaches better at genus-level identification and others at species identification, helping researchers select the best approach for their specific needs.

Root zone microbial communities of Artemisia ordosica Krasch. at different successional stages in Mu US Sandy Land: a metagenomic perspective with culturomics insights

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied the bacteria and fungi living around the roots of a desert plant called Artemisia ordosica that helps prevent sand dunes from spreading in China. By analyzing DNA and growing microbes in the lab, they found different communities of microorganisms at different stages of sand dune recovery. Key beneficial microbes like Bacillus and Penicillium were identified, which may help the plant survive in harsh, nutrient-poor sandy soils.

Emergence of resistant dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton indotineae: First case series in Thailand

mycolabadmin

Doctors in Thailand have identified a new drug-resistant fungal infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a fungus that doesn’t respond to common antifungal medication terbinafine. Five patients were diagnosed with this resistant skin infection that caused rashes on various body parts and failed to improve with standard treatments. The research shows that a simple urease test can help doctors quickly identify this resistant fungus, and a different drug called itraconazole appears to work better for treatment. This is the first time this resistant fungus has been confirmed in Thailand, suggesting it is spreading globally.

Research Keyword: ITS sequencing