Species identification – Page 5

Identifying the “Mushroom of Immortality”: Assessing the Ganoderma Species Composition in Commercial Reishi Products

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Researchers tested 37 reishi mushroom products and kits sold in the United States and found that most were mislabeled. While products claimed to contain Ganoderma lucidum, over 93% of manufactured products actually contained Ganoderma lingzhi, a different Asian species. The study discovered that 86% of products tested contained something other than what the label claimed, which matters because different Ganoderma species have different chemical compositions and potentially different health benefits.

New insights into Cortinarius: Novel taxa from subtropical China

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Scientists discovered six new types of Cortinarius mushrooms in subtropical forests of China. These mushrooms form symbiotic relationships with tree roots. The researchers used genetic analysis combined with physical characteristics to identify and describe these new species, adding significantly to our understanding of fungal diversity in this region.

Epidemiology of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients in northwest Iran: Rhizopus arrhizus as the predominant species

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients developed a severe fungal infection called mucormycosis alongside their coronavirus infection. This study found that 63 COVID-19 patients in Iran developed mucormycosis, which primarily affected the sinuses and brain. The researchers identified that a fungus called Rhizopus arrhizus caused most infections, and patients who received corticosteroids (used to treat severe COVID-19) had a higher risk, especially those who developed diabetes from the steroids.

Two new Periconia species (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) in China

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Scientists discovered two previously unknown fungal species from the genus Periconia in China. One species was found growing on decaying wood in a freshwater stream in Guangxi Province, while the other was isolated from dead corn leaves in Yunnan Province. Through detailed microscopic examination and genetic testing, the researchers confirmed these are distinct new species with unique characteristics that set them apart from similar known species.

Torulaspora lindneri sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species isolated from China and Thailand

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Scientists discovered and formally described a new yeast species called Torulaspora lindneri, found in chestnut tree bark in China and soil in Thailand. This yeast belongs to a group known for various applications in fermentation and biotechnology. The species was identified through genetic sequencing and microscopic examination, showing it forms spherical spores with distinctive tapered structures. The findings contribute to our understanding of yeast diversity in natural forest environments.

Disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and a systematic literature review

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A 74-year-old man developed painful red masses on his arm and hand after being stuck by a tree branch. Tests identified the infection was caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii. Despite having a normal immune system, the infection had spread across his arm in an unusual pattern. Treatment with an antifungal medication called itraconazole completely healed the lesions within four months without any scarring.

Diverse, Cryptic, and Undescribed: Club and Coral Fungi in a Temperate Australian Forest

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Researchers surveyed mushroom-like fungi called club and coral fungi in a small Australian forest and used DNA testing to identify the species. They found that about 89% of the fungi they discovered were either new species or not yet recorded in scientific databases. This shows that even in a small area, there are many fungal species we have not yet discovered or properly studied.

Shifting etiological agents of dermatophytosis: a molecular epidemiological study from Iran

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Researchers in Iran studied fungal infections of the scalp and nails using modern DNA testing methods. They found that the main fungus causing scalp infections (T. tonsurans) remains the most common, but a new species (T. indotineae) is increasingly causing nail infections and is resistant to common antifungal medicines. The study shows that traditional identification methods often misidentify these fungi, highlighting the importance of molecular testing for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Simplicillium sinense sp. nov., a novel potential pathogen of tinea faciei

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Researchers identified a new fungal species called Simplicillium sinense that caused a facial skin infection (tinea faciei) in a 46-year-old man with diabetes. The fungus was resistant to most common antifungal medications but responded well to terbinafine treatment. This is the first reported case of a Simplicillium infection causing facial ringworm, expanding our understanding of rare fungal pathogens.

Fungi under fire: diagnostic capacities and antifungal availability in Peruvian healthcare facilities

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This study examined how well Peruvian hospitals can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections across the country. Researchers surveyed 54 healthcare centers and found that while basic fungal tests are available everywhere, advanced diagnostic tools and certain antifungal medications are mostly limited to the capital city of Lima. The research identifies major gaps in care that need to be addressed to help more patients survive these serious infections.

Research Keyword: Species identification