rDNA sequencing – mycolab.ai

Tuber torulosum: A new truffle species decorated with moniliform cystidia from Japan

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Scientists have discovered a new truffle species called Tuber torulosum in Japan. This truffle can be identified by its unique bead-like structures on its surface and distinctive spore patterns under a microscope. The discovery adds to our understanding of truffle diversity in East Asia and suggests these truffles may have a wider distribution across the region than previously known.

Two new species of Stilbochaeta (Chaetosphaeriaceae, Chaetosphaeriales) from freshwater and terrestrial habitats in China

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Scientists discovered two previously unknown species of fungi called Stilbochaeta in China. They used DNA analysis and microscopic examination to confirm these were new species distinct from known fungi. One species was found in a freshwater stream, while the other was discovered on decaying wood in a forest. This discovery increases the known diversity of these small fungi and shows how important it is to study different ecosystems around the world.

Fungi from Anopheles darlingi Root, 1926, larval breeding sites in the Brazilian Amazon

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Researchers discovered and identified 206 fungal strains from 30 different types living in mosquito breeding waters in the Amazon. These fungi come from three main groups, with the most common fungi being Paraconiothyrium, Fusarium, and Microsphaeropsis. The findings show that natural water habitats with vegetation and fish support more diverse fungi than human-altered environments. Some of these fungi could potentially be used to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes naturally.

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

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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.

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

mycolabadmin

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.

Fungal Keratitis Caused by Humicola sardiniae

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A 78-year-old man developed a serious fungal eye infection caused by Humicola sardiniae, a fungus rarely seen in humans. The infection was difficult to treat because the fungus was resistant to most antifungal medications, and continued use of steroid eye drops worsened the condition. After switching to appropriate antifungal treatment and stopping the steroids, the patient’s cornea eventually healed over four months, though this was the first documented case of this particular fungus infecting a human.

Disseminated histoplasmosis with bone marrow infiltration in a newly diagnosed HIV patient

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A Colombian patient living in Spain developed a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) that spread throughout his body and affected his bone marrow, which was discovered during his HIV diagnosis. Doctors identified the infection by examining bone marrow cells under a microscope and confirmed it with fungal culture and genetic testing. The patient was treated with antifungal medication (liposomal amphotericin B) along with HIV medications and recovered well, highlighting the importance of bone marrow testing in severely immunocompromised HIV patients.

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

mycolabadmin

An 82-year-old dialysis patient developed an unusual infection caused by a black mold called Arthrocladium tropicale, which had never been documented in humans before. The infection was traced to poor storage conditions and ant infestations near the patient’s dialysis supplies in Thailand during rainy season. Doctors identified the rare fungus using molecular genetic testing and treated it successfully with antifungal medication combined with removal of the dialysis catheter. This case highlights the importance of keeping dialysis equipment in clean, dry environments and preventing pest access to prevent serious infections.

Research Keyword: rDNA sequencing