whole-genome sequencing – Page 3

Trichophyton indotineae Infection, São Paulo, Brazil, 2024

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A businessman from São Paulo, Brazil contracted a difficult-to-treat fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, which is resistant to the common antifungal drug terbinafine. After terbinafine failed to help over 9 weeks, doctors switched him to itraconazole, which worked well after 8 weeks. Genetic testing showed his fungal strain had a specific resistance mutation and was most similar to a strain from Germany, suggesting he may have caught it while traveling in Europe.

Genome characterization of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain PG12DES from Italy

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Researchers in Italy analyzed the genetic makeup of a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes that causes skin infections and appears to spread between people through sexual contact. The fungal strain studied was susceptible to all tested antifungal medications and shared similarities with a strain previously found in Moldova. This study helps doctors understand how this emerging fungal infection spreads globally and whether it’s developing resistance to treatments.

Biocontrol of citrus fungal pathogens by lipopeptides produced by Bacillus velezensis TZ01

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Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus velezensis that can protect citrus fruits from harmful fungi. This bacterium produces natural compounds called lipopeptides that kill disease-causing fungi without the need for chemical fungicides. The lipopeptides are stable and effective across different environmental conditions, making them promising for use in citrus farming as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pesticides.

Antiviral effects of Pediococcus acidilactici isolated from Tibetan mushroom and comparative genomic analysis

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Researchers found that bacteria from Tibetan mushrooms, particularly Pediococcus acidilactici, can effectively prevent rotavirus infection that causes diarrhea in children and animals. When tested in laboratory cells and in mice, this beneficial bacteria reduced virus levels significantly and protected the intestines from damage. Genetic analysis shows this probiotic strain has the right combination of genes to fight viral infections, making it a promising natural treatment option.

Aspergillus latus: A cryptic causative agent of aspergillosis emerging in Japan

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Researchers in Japan discovered that a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus latus, previously unknown in the country, has been causing infections since at least 2013. This fungus is difficult to identify because it looks similar to other related species and is actually a hybrid created from two different Aspergillus species. The study found seven cases of this fungus in clinical samples and discovered that it is resistant to some common antifungal medications, making accurate identification crucial for proper patient treatment.

Spread of Antifungal-Resistant Trichophyton indotineae, United Kingdom, 2017–2024

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A dangerous fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae is rapidly spreading across the United Kingdom, particularly among people with connections to South Asia. This infection causes stubborn skin rashes that don’t respond well to common antifungal treatments like terbinafine. The number of cases has skyrocketed, making up 38% of all dermatophyte infections by 2024, and doctors need to be aware of this emerging threat.

Multi-omics Analysis of Experimentally Evolved Candida auris Isolates Reveals Modulation of Sterols, Sphingolipids, and Oxidative Stress in Acquired Amphotericin B Resistance

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Researchers studied how the fungus Candida auris develops resistance to amphotericin B, an important antifungal drug. By evolving two laboratory strains of this fungus under drug pressure, they discovered two different ways the fungus can become resistant: one through stress management genes, the other through changes in its protective lipids. These findings help explain why some clinical infections with this dangerous fungus are so hard to treat.

The endophytic fungus Cosmosporella sp. VM-42 from Vinca minor is a source of bioactive compounds with potent activity against drug-resistant bacteria

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Scientists discovered a fungus living inside a medicinal plant called Vinca minor that produces compounds capable of killing drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. They isolated the main active compound, nectriapyrone, and found it effectively stops the growth of these dangerous bacteria in laboratory tests. The fungus appears to be a promising source of new antibacterial drugs that could help combat the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Clinical and Genomic Insights into Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus Isolates from Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand found that certain fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus are becoming resistant to common antifungal medications like voriconazole. They identified a specific genetic mutation called TR34/L98H in one patient sample that makes the fungus resistant to azole drugs used to treat these serious infections. By analyzing the genetic makeup of these resistant fungi, scientists discovered additional changes beyond the known resistance gene, suggesting these organisms may adapt in multiple ways to survive treatment. This is the first time this particular resistance mutation has been detected in a clinical patient sample in Thailand, indicating that antifungal resistance in Aspergillus is spreading and requires closer monitoring and testing.

Draft genome sequences for four isolates of the hemp (Cannabis sativa) fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum

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Scientists sequenced the complete genomes of four samples of a fungal disease that infects hemp plants. This fungus, called Neofusicoccum parvum, causes dying branches and damage to hemp crops. By mapping out the genetic code of these fungal samples, researchers now have important tools to better understand how this pathogen works and potentially develop strategies to protect hemp plants.

Research Keyword: whole-genome sequencing