antifungal activity – Page 25

Odontogenic-onset mucormycosis: A case series from a tertiary care institute in North India

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Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that can develop after dental procedures like tooth extraction or root canal therapy, especially in people with poorly controlled diabetes. This case study from India describes five patients who developed this infection within weeks of dental work. The infection destroys bone in the upper jaw and palate but usually doesn’t spread to the sinuses like other forms of mucormycosis. All patients improved with antifungal medications and surgical cleaning, highlighting the importance of proper sterilization during dental procedures.

Discovery of the antifungal compound ilicicolin K through genetic activation of the ilicicolin biosynthetic pathway in Trichoderma reesei

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Scientists used genetic engineering to activate a dormant gene cluster in the fungus Trichoderma reesei, enabling it to produce the antifungal compound ilicicolin H in high quantities. During this process, they discovered a new related compound called ilicicolin K that shows even stronger antifungal properties. These compounds could potentially overcome limitations of current antifungal treatments, especially against drug-resistant fungi like Candida auris.

Carabrone inhibits Gaeumannomyces tritici growth by targeting mitochondrial complex I and destabilizing NAD⁺/NADH homeostasis

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Researchers identified how carabrone, a natural compound from plants, kills a fungus that causes wheat disease. The compound works by blocking a key energy-producing system (complex I) inside the fungus’s cells, which prevents it from producing enough energy to survive. This discovery is important because many current fungicides are losing effectiveness due to resistance, and this compound offers a new way to attack fungi. The findings could help develop new and more effective fungicides for protecting crops.

Antifungal effect of soil Bacillus bacteria on pathogenic species of the fungal genera Aspergillus and Trichophyton

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Researchers found that certain bacteria called Bacillus, naturally occurring in soil, can effectively kill dangerous fungi that cause infections in humans. These bacteria produce compounds that are as effective or more effective than standard antifungal medications. This discovery could lead to new treatments for fungal infections, especially as fungi increasingly develop resistance to current drugs.

Molecular epidemiology, diversity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental mucorales: a five-year multicenter study in Iran (2018–2023)

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This research examined dangerous mold infections (Mucormycosis) that became more common after COVID-19. Scientists identified the types of molds causing these infections in Iran by testing 116 patient samples and 65 soil samples from across the country. They tested these molds against 13 different antifungal medications to find which drugs work best. The results showed that amphotericin B and posaconazole were the most effective medications, and patient samples were more susceptible to these drugs than environmental soil samples.

Antimicrobial effects and mechanisms of hydrogen sulphide against nail pathogens

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Researchers discovered that hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a small gas molecule, can effectively kill the fungi and bacteria that cause painful nail infections. Unlike current treatments that struggle to penetrate into the nail, hydrogen sulphide easily diffuses through the nail plate. The study found that H2S works by damaging the fungi’s respiratory system and creating harmful reactive oxygen species, while also modifying proteins in a way that disrupts their normal function. This innovative approach could offer patients a new topical treatment option for nail infections that have been difficult to treat with existing medications.

Antagonistic mechanism of Bacillus velezensis HX0039 as a biocontrol agent against Trichoderma virens-induced ‘Sanghuang’ green mold

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Scientists discovered a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis HX0039 that can protect ‘Sanghuang’ mushrooms from harmful green mold disease. This bacteria produces natural antifungal compounds like iturin A that stop the disease without harming the mushrooms or the environment. Testing showed it was 83% effective at preventing green mold and was completely safe for both mushroom cultivation and animal consumption, making it a promising alternative to chemical fungicides.

Bacillus velezensis LMY3-5 for the biocontrol of soft rot in kiwifruit: antifungal action and underlying mechanisms

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Scientists discovered a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis that can effectively prevent soft rot disease in kiwifruit, which causes serious damage during storage. The bacteria works by producing natural antimicrobial compounds that damage the fungal pathogen’s cell walls and membranes, stopping it from growing. This biocontrol approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides, reducing pesticide residues while maintaining fruit quality and safety.

Antifungal activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Fusarium equiseti phytopathogen isolated from tomato plant in Nepal

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Researchers in Nepal developed a natural way to fight tomato plant diseases by creating tiny zinc oxide nanoparticles from tea leaves. These nanoparticles successfully stopped the growth of a harmful fungus called Fusarium equiseti that was damaging tomato crops. Unlike chemical fungicides that can harm the environment, this eco-friendly approach damaged the fungus’s cell structures without posing risks to surrounding ecosystems, offering farmers a safer way to protect their crops.

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part III

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This research tested how essential oils from common cooking herbs like oregano, thyme, and cinnamon can prevent fungal diseases on bananas after harvest. Scientists identified five different fungi causing banana rot, then tested six plant-based oils at different strengths to see which ones worked best. Thyme oil was most effective, completely stopping fungal growth at the highest concentration tested. These natural oils could replace harsh chemical fungicides while being safer for people and the environment.

therapeutic action: antifungal activity