Research Keyword: melanized fungi

Black mold in the bag room: First case of Arthrocladium tropicale peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient

An 82-year-old dialysis patient developed an infection caused by a rare black mold called Arthrocladium tropicale, which had never been documented in humans before. The infection came from poor environmental conditions including moisture and ant infestations near the patient’s dialysis supply storage area. Doctors identified the fungus using genetic testing and treated it successfully with antifungal medication combined with removal of the dialysis catheter. This case shows how important it is to keep dialysis equipment areas clean and dry to prevent rare infections.

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Black mold in the bag room: First case of Arthrocladium tropicale peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient

A peritoneal dialysis patient contracted a rare fungal infection caused by Arthrocladium tropicale, a mold found in damp environments and associated with ant nests. The infection was diagnosed through microscopy and genetic testing, revealing resistance to one antifungal drug but susceptibility to amphotericin B. Treatment with this antibiotic and removal of the dialysis catheter led to full recovery, highlighting the importance of keeping medical equipment storage areas dry and pest-free.

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Contrasting stability of fungal and bacterial communities during long-term decomposition of fungal necromass in Arctic tundra

Scientists studied how dead fungal material breaks down in Arctic soil over three years. They found that melanized fungi, especially Pseudogymnoascus, are key decomposers that help break down tough fungal material containing melanin. While bacterial diversity increased over time, the fungal community remained relatively stable. Even after three years, about 20% of the fungal material remained undecomposed, suggesting it can help store carbon in Arctic soils.

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