Species identification – Page 3

Targeted long-read sequencing analysis and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand studied a fungal infection called sporotrichosis by using advanced DNA sequencing technology to identify the exact species and understand how different strains are related to each other. They found that while current treatment options work, some strains are becoming resistant to the main drug used (itraconazole). The study shows that a newer, faster DNA sequencing method can be just as reliable as traditional methods for identifying these dangerous fungi and tracking how they spread between cats and humans.

Performance of the VITEK® MS system for the identification of filamentous fungi in a microbiological laboratory in Chile

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Researchers tested a fast machine called VITEK® MS for identifying dangerous mold infections in patients. The machine correctly identified over 91% of fungal samples, which is much better than waiting weeks for traditional laboratory methods. This technology could help doctors start treatment much faster for patients with serious mold infections, potentially saving lives.

Re-Identification of Aspergillus Subgenus Nidulantes Strains and Description of Three Unrecorded Species From Korea

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Researchers in Korea re-examined 53 fungal samples from the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection to accurately identify Aspergillus species. Using genetic analysis and microscopic examination, they confirmed 14 different species, including three that were new to Korea: A. griseoaurantiacus, A. puulaauensis, and A. sublatus. These findings help scientists better understand which fungal species are present in Korea and their potential impacts on food, air quality, and human health.

Two new species of Penicillium (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) from China based on morphological and molecular analyses

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Scientists in China discovered and formally described two new species of Penicillium fungi: P. lentum and P. tibetense. These fungi were identified using a combination of physical characteristics and genetic analysis. P. lentum grows slowly with dense colonies and produces a specific branching pattern, while P. tibetense grows rapidly with a different branching structure. This discovery adds to our understanding of fungal diversity in China and demonstrates the importance of using modern molecular methods alongside traditional microscopy in identifying new fungal species.

A Deep Learning and Explainable AI-Based Approach for the Classification of Discomycetes Species

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Researchers developed an artificial intelligence system to automatically identify 14 different types of cup fungi (Discomycetes) from photographs. Using a method called EfficientNet combined with explainable AI, the system achieved 97% accuracy in species identification. The technology could help scientists quickly and accurately catalog fungal biodiversity for conservation efforts and ecological studies without requiring expert mycologists to examine every specimen.

Prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida isolates among patients with candiduria: a multiplex PCR assay

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Researchers studied fungal infections in urine samples from hospitalized patients and found that while the common yeast Candida albicans was most prevalent, other Candida species were increasingly resistant to antifungal medications. Using advanced genetic testing methods, they identified seven different Candida species and tested their resistance to three common antifungal drugs. The findings highlight the growing problem of drug-resistant fungal infections and the need for better diagnostic tools to identify which species is causing infection so appropriate treatment can be selected.

Identification of Challenging Dermatophyte Species Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

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This study shows that MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is an effective method for quickly identifying skin fungal infections caused by dermatophytes. By combining commercial reference databases with a custom library created from local isolates, researchers achieved 90.7% accurate identification compared to only 16.1% using the commercial database alone. This improved method could help doctors diagnose and treat fungal skin infections more quickly and accurately in clinical laboratories.

Targeted long-read sequencing analysis and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand studied a fungal infection called sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii, which infects both cats and humans. Using advanced DNA sequencing technology from Oxford Nanopore, they identified and classified 26 fungal samples and tested how well common antifungal medications worked against them. They found that calmodulin gene sequencing was better than the standard ITS test for identifying the fungus species, and that about one-third of the samples showed reduced sensitivity to the main treatment drug, itraconazole.

Phylogenetic diversity of Colletotrichum species (Sordariomycetes, Glomerellales, Glomerellaceae) associated with plant diseases in Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand studied a common fungal plant pathogen called Colletotrichum that causes diseases like anthracnose and leaf spots on various plants. They identified eight different species of this fungus and discovered two previously unknown species. The study helps farmers and plant scientists better understand and identify these disease-causing fungi to protect their crops.

Spectrum of Fungal Infections in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: A 20-Year Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Care Center

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This study examined fungal infections in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) over 20 years at a major Indian hospital. Researchers identified various fungal species causing peritonitis, with Candida species being most common, but discovered increasingly rare fungi involved in these infections. The study found that proper identification of the specific fungus and testing for drug resistance is crucial for effective treatment, typically involving catheter removal and targeted antifungal medications.

Research Keyword: Species identification