environmental mycology

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.

Mapping Histoplasma spp. in bats and cave ecosystems: evidence from midwestern Brazil

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Researchers studied caves in midwestern Brazil and found that a fungal pathogen called Histoplasma, which causes a serious lung disease called histoplasmosis, is present in cave environments and in bats. They developed a quick DNA test to detect this fungus in cave soil samples and bat tissue samples. The study identified specific caves with high levels of the fungus, which could help warn visitors and cave explorers about the risk of infection.

Diversity and Ecology of Fungi from Underexplored and Extreme Environments

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This research collection explores fungi living in extreme environments like salty lagoons, Arctic lakes, and polluted soils. Scientists discovered that many fungi have special abilities to survive harsh conditions and can even help clean up contaminated areas. The findings suggest that understanding these remarkable fungi could lead to new applications in environmental cleanup and sustainable agriculture. The research emphasizes the need to combine traditional laboratory methods with modern genetic techniques to fully understand fungal diversity.

Mapping Histoplasma spp. in bats and cave ecosystems: evidence from midwestern Brazil

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Researchers studied caves in Brazil to find where a fungus called Histoplasma that causes histoplasmosis disease is located. They tested soil from caves and tested bats that live in these caves. They found the fungus in about 20% of cave soil samples and in one-third of the bats tested. Multiple bat species were carriers of the fungus, and researchers even found it in bat brains for the first time.

Identification of novel polyethylene-degrading fungi from South African landfill soils: Arthrographis kalrae, Lecanicillium coprophilum, and Didymosphaeria variabile

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Researchers in South Africa discovered three previously unknown fungi that can break down plastic waste, particularly low-density polyethylene used in shopping bags. These fungi were isolated from landfill soils and showed the ability to degrade plastic strips through oxidative processes, with chemical changes detectable using advanced analysis techniques. This discovery offers hope for developing local, biologically-based solutions to South Africa’s serious plastic waste problem.

Insights into Persian Gulf Beach Sand Mycobiomes: Promises and Challenges in Fungal Diversity

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Researchers studied fungi found in sand and water at beaches along Iran’s Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman coastlines. They discovered high levels of potentially harmful fungi, particularly Aspergillus terreus, which can cause respiratory infections. The study found that while some antifungal drugs like voriconazole were effective, some fungi showed resistance to common treatments. This information is important for protecting swimmers and beach visitors from fungal health risks.

Prevalence of fungi and their antifungal and disinfectant resistance in hospital environments: insights into combating nosocomial mycoses

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This study examined how fungal infections spread in hospital settings by testing air and surfaces in Iranian hospital intensive care units. Researchers found that dangerous fungi like Aspergillus and Rhizopus were commonly present, especially in air ducts, and many of these fungi could resist common antifungal medications and disinfectants. The findings suggest that hospital environments serve as sources of infection for vulnerable patients and that better cleaning and air filtration systems are needed to protect hospitalized patients.

Insights into Persian Gulf Beach Sand Mycobiomes: Promises and Challenges in Fungal Diversity

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Researchers studied fungi living in beach sand and seawater along Iran’s Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman coastlines to understand potential health risks. They found that dangerous fungi, particularly Aspergillus species, were present at levels exceeding safe thresholds for swimmers and beach visitors. Many of these fungi showed resistance to common antifungal medications, which is concerning for people with weakened immune systems. The study suggests that beaches need better monitoring and sanitation programs to protect public health.

The frequency distribution of Aspergillus section Nigri from clinical and environmental samples in Iran

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Researchers studied black mold species (Aspergillus section Nigri) found in hospitals and the environment across Iran. They identified eight different species and found that certain types like A. welwitschiae were more common in ear infections while A. tubingensis was more prevalent in soil and air. These findings are important because some of these molds cause serious infections in humans and understanding where they live helps doctors predict and treat infections.

Mapping Histoplasma spp. in bats and cave ecosystems: evidence from midwestern Brazil

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Researchers found that caves in Brazil harbor a dangerous fungus called Histoplasma that can cause a serious lung disease in humans. The study detected the fungus in soil samples from several caves and in multiple bat species living in those caves. The findings show which caves are most dangerous and emphasize the need for warning signs and protective measures for cave visitors and workers in the region.

Research Topic: environmental mycology