Fungal Species: Not applicable

Optimization of cultural conditions for pectinase production by Diaporthe isolate Z1-1N and its pathogenicity on kiwifruit

Researchers studied a fungus called Diaporthe that causes soft rot disease in kiwifruit, which is an important crop. They found that the fungus produces special enzymes (pectinases) that help it break down the fruit’s protective cell walls, causing decay. By testing different temperatures, pH levels, and incubation times, they determined the best conditions to produce these harmful enzymes and confirmed they play a major role in disease development.

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A rare case of invasive necrotizing myositis of the thigh caused by Basidiobolus ranarum: a multi-pronged approach to successfully managing a near-fatal polybacterial mycotic infection

A 46-year-old man developed a severe fungal infection caused by a rare fungus called Basidiobolus ranarum in his thigh, which started from an insect bite two years earlier. The infection caused tissue death and was complicated by bacterial superinfection, requiring aggressive treatment with multiple antibiotics and antifungal medications along with several surgeries. Doctors used a combination approach including voriconazole, potassium iodide, and itraconazole to finally control the infection, though amputation was necessary due to the extent of tissue damage. The case highlights the importance of early medical care and demonstrates that rare fungal infections can be life-threatening even in otherwise healthy people.

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

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.

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Microcycle Conidia Production in an Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana: The Role of Chitin Deacetylase in the Conidiation and the Contribution of Nanocoating in Conidial Stability

Scientists studied how a fungus called Beauveria bassiana can produce spores more efficiently for pest control. They found that creating spores directly from other spores (microcycle conidiation) produces five times more spores in less time. Coating these spores with special nano-sized particles made them more stable in heat and sunlight while keeping them deadly to pest insects like the tobacco armyworm.

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Candida krusei Empyema: A Lung Transplant Case and Systematic Review of the Literature

Candida krusei is a dangerous fungus that can cause fluid buildup around the lungs (empyema), particularly in transplant patients. Unlike common fungal infections that respond to fluconazole, this species is naturally resistant to this drug, making it harder to treat. The fungus forms protective biofilms that shield it from treatment, requiring combination antifungal medications and sometimes surgery to drain the fluid and remove infected tissue for successful recovery.

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Endogenous Endophthalmitis: An underestimated serious complication in patients with disseminated fusariosis

An 18-year-old boy with acute leukemia developed a serious fungal infection caused by Fusarium mold that spread throughout his body, including to both eyes. Despite receiving intensive antifungal medications injected directly into his eyes along with systemic treatment, he lost his vision. However, through aggressive combined therapy, doctors were able to save both eyes and continue his cancer treatment successfully.

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A case report of Saksenaea vasiformis mucormycosis infection of a lower segment caesarean section wound

A young woman developed a rare fungal infection (mucormycosis) in her caesarean section wound seven days after surgery. Despite initial antibiotic treatment, she required multiple surgical debridement procedures combined with antifungal medications to eliminate the infection. The surgical team successfully reconstructed her abdominal wall using specialized mesh and skin grafting techniques, resulting in complete healing.

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The Novel Disease Vicia unijuga Caused by Colletotrichum tofieldiae in China: Implications for Host Growth, Photosynthesis, and Nutritional Quality

Scientists in China discovered that a fungus called Colletotrichum tofieldiae causes a disease called anthracnose in perennial vetch (Vicia unijuga), an important forage crop used for animal feed. When plants get infected with this fungus, they become weak, their ability to photosynthesize decreases, and the nutritional quality of the plant drops significantly, reducing its value as animal feed. The fungus can also infect other legume crops like alfalfa and clover, showing it has a broad range of potential host plants.

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Complete mitochondrial genome of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. palmarum responsible for fusarium wilt of palms

Scientists sequenced the complete genetic material found in the mitochondria of a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum that causes a disease in palm trees. This fungus, which was collected from a sick Mexican fan palm in Florida, destroys palm fronds and can kill the tree. By mapping out this genetic information, researchers now have a better tool to quickly identify and track this harmful pathogen, which will help protect ornamental palm trees.

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Saprotrophic Arachnopeziza Species as New Resources to Study the Obligate Biotrophic Lifestyle of Powdery Mildew Fungi

Scientists have discovered that two types of fungi called Arachnopeziza species are the closest living relatives to powdery mildew fungi, which cause plant diseases. Unlike powdery mildews, these Arachnopeziza fungi can be easily grown in the lab and genetically modified. By studying these more manageable fungi, researchers can better understand how powdery mildew fungi became obligate parasites that must live on plants, potentially leading to better ways to control this widespread plant disease.

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