Fungal epidemiology – mycolab.ai

Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides infection mimicking ophidiomycosis in ball pythons (Python regius)

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A wild-caught boa snake developed severe skin lesions caused by a fungus called Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides. Within a week, six ball pythons housed nearby developed similar skin infections. Using DNA testing and microscopy, researchers confirmed this was the first documented case of this fungus infecting snakes, demonstrating how quickly fungal infections can spread between animals in shared environments.

What Do We Know About Cryptococcus spp. in Portugal? One Health Systematic Review in a Comprehensive 13-Year Retrospective Study (2013–2025)

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This study examines cryptococcosis, a fungal infection that affects both animals and humans, across Portugal from 2013-2025. Researchers found that about 4.5% of animal samples tested positive for Cryptococcus species, with infections most common in dogs and cats. The infections peaked during summer months and were most prevalent in central Portugal, with different fungal species affecting different animal types. The research emphasizes the importance of coordinated monitoring across animals, humans, and the environment to better understand and control this disease.

Addressing Critical Fungal Pathogens Under a One Health Perspective: Key Insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology

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Four dangerous fungal species pose growing threats to human health worldwide, especially for people with weakened immune systems. Portugal’s medical experts have reviewed the current situation, finding these fungi increasingly resistant to treatment, present in hospitals and the environment, and occasionally spreading from animals to people. The review emphasizes the need for better testing, coordinated tracking systems, and approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health together to combat this emerging crisis.

First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

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Researchers in Mexico discovered that a wood-decay fungus called Trametes hirsuta is infecting avocado trees in the country’s main avocado-growing region, Michoacán. The fungus causes a disease called white rot, which leads to yellowing leaves, tree defoliation, and eventually tree death. This is the first time this fungus has been identified as a disease-causing agent in avocado trees, and the researchers confirmed through laboratory tests that the fungus is indeed responsible for the damage being observed in avocado orchards.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Investigation of Clinical Aspergillus isolates from Iran Indicates Nosocomial Transmission Events of Aspergillus flavus

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Researchers studied fungal infections caused by Aspergillus species in Iranian hospitals from 2020 to 2023. They found that Aspergillus flavus was the most common cause of infection and discovered evidence of several hospital-related outbreaks through genetic analysis. All isolates tested were susceptible to current antifungal medications, but the discovery of hospital transmission suggests the need for better infection control measures like improved air filtration in hospitals.

Epidemiology, Biotic Interactions and Biological Control of Armillarioids in the Northern Hemisphere

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This paper reviews how armillarioid fungi, particularly Armillaria species, cause root rot disease in forests and orchards across the Northern Hemisphere. These fungi spread through underground root-like structures called rhizomorphs and can kill trees and damage crops over large areas. The authors discuss how to identify these fungi using modern genetic methods and explore environmentally friendly biological control options using beneficial bacteria, fungi, and nematodes as alternatives to chemical treatments.

Neonatal Invasive Candidiasis: Current Concepts

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Serious fungal infections (candidiasis) in newborns have become increasingly difficult to treat, especially in developing countries. The types of fungi causing these infections have changed dramatically, with many now resisting the standard fluconazole treatment. Modern medical care, like proper handwashing, environmental cleaning, and careful line care, is actually more effective at preventing these infections than giving preventive antifungal drugs. Healthcare providers need better tools for quickly identifying which fungal species is causing infection and which drugs will work against it.

Environmental sources of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in Kampala, Uganda: A preliminary study

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Researchers in Uganda identified where dangerous fungal organisms that cause meningitis live in the environment. They tested droppings from birds and chickens, and bark from eucalyptus trees. They found that a harmful fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans was present in marabou stork droppings and eucalyptus tree bark, but not in chicken droppings or another related fungus species called C. gattii. This helps explain why some people in Uganda get cryptococcal meningitis, a serious brain infection.

First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

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Scientists in Mexico discovered a wood-rotting fungus called Trametes hirsuta infecting avocado trees for the first time. The fungus causes white rot disease that damages tree wood and can kill trees within 3-5 years. Researchers found the fungus on 60% of avocado trees in Michoacán orchards and confirmed its destructive effects through laboratory tests. Treatment options include pruning infected areas and applying antifungal chemicals or biological control agents.

Research Topic: Fungal epidemiology