phylogenetic analysis – Page 23

First Step on the Way to Identify Dermatophytes Using Odour Fingerprints

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Researchers have developed a new method to quickly identify fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes by detecting the unique smells (volatile compounds) they produce. Instead of waiting days or weeks for culture-based tests, this approach uses advanced chemical analysis to create a fingerprint of the fungus based on its odor. The study analyzed 47 different dermatophyte strains and found that each species and even individual strains have distinctive chemical signatures, which could one day allow doctors to diagnose infections rapidly using portable devices similar to electronic noses.

Clinical profiling, antifungal drug susceptibility, and biofilm formation ability in pulmonary mucormycosis

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This study examined 26 patients with a serious lung fungal infection called mucormycosis in a Beijing hospital. Most patients were older with health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure, and sadly about 4 in 10 died. Interestingly, most patients had other infections (viral or fungal) before developing mucormycosis. The researchers tested which antifungal drugs worked best against the fungus, finding that amphotericin B was most effective, though it can damage kidneys. They also discovered that most of the fungal strains could form protective biofilm structures, making treatment more difficult.

First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

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Researchers discovered a wood-destroying fungus called Trametes hirsuta causing serious disease in avocado trees in Mexico’s main avocado-growing region. The fungus attacks tree trunks and branches, causing white rot that can kill trees within 3-5 years. The study confirmed this is a new threat to avocado orchards and suggests controlling it through pruning, chemical fungicides, or biological control methods.

Two Cases of Curvularia geniculata Keratitis Successfully Treated with Natamycin-Based Therapy

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Two patients developed rare fungal eye infections caused by Curvularia geniculata after eye injuries from plant material. The infections caused corneal ulcers with characteristic feathery infiltrates. Both patients were successfully treated using natamycin eyedrops, either alone or combined with voriconazole, and both recovered excellent vision. Accurate identification of the fungus using genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis and helped guide treatment decisions.

Brown locusts, Locustana pardalina, host fluconazole-resistant Candidozyma (Candida) auris, closely related to Clade III clinical strains

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Scientists found that brown locusts in South Africa carry a dangerous yeast called Candida auris that is resistant to the antifungal drug fluconazole. This yeast is similar to strains that infect hospital patients and is highly adaptable, surviving extreme temperatures and salt levels found in locust guts. This discovery suggests that insects like locusts could play a role in spreading this emerging fungal pathogen in nature, which has important implications for understanding how dangerous microbes spread between animals and humans.

Morphological and molecular identification of Schizophyllum commune causing storage bulb rot disease of Lanzhou edible lily in China and its biological characteristics

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Researchers in China identified Schizophyllum commune as a fungal pathogen causing rot in stored edible lily bulbs, marking the first report of this disease. The fungus was identified using microscopic examination and genetic sequencing, and was shown to cause 100% infection on lily bulbs. The study found that the fungus grows best at 30°C with high humidity and darkness, providing important information for controlling this storage disease that causes significant crop losses.

Revisiting the emerging pathosystem of rice sheath blight: deciphering the Rhizoctonia solani virulence, host range, and rice genotype-based resistance

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Rice plants are affected by a fungal disease called sheath blight caused by a fungus named Rhizoctonia solani. This study found that different strains of this fungus vary in how aggressive they are, with some being much more damaging than others. By testing various rice varieties, researchers identified which ones naturally resist this disease better, and these resistant varieties could be used to breed new rice crops that are less affected by the disease.

Fungal diversity notes 1512–1610: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

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Scientists have identified and described 59 new fungal species from specimens collected around the world, from Australia to Brazil to China. They also documented 39 new places where previously known fungi were found and one new naming classification. All these discoveries were confirmed using both traditional microscopic examination and modern genetic analysis, contributing to our understanding of fungal diversity.

Novel genus and species of Diaporthostomataceae (Diaporthales) in China

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Researchers discovered a new genus of fungi called Tiania with three new species in Chinese forests. These fungi cause branch canker and leaf spot diseases on oak and stone oak trees. The study used DNA analysis and microscopy to identify and describe these rare fungi, which had never been fully documented before.

Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel hyphomycetous fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China

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Researchers discovered and described 12 new species of fungi found on medicinal plants in southwestern China. By examining the fungi’s appearance under microscopes and analyzing their DNA, scientists confirmed these were previously unknown species. Some of these fungi may produce beneficial compounds while others produce toxins, highlighting the importance of understanding which fungi live on medicinal plants to ensure their quality and safety for human use.

Research Keyword: phylogenetic analysis