Mycology – Page 13

Frequency, Interval, and Patient Factors Associated With Recurrence of Disseminated Cutaneous Coccidioidomycosis

mycolabadmin

This study looked at how often a serious fungal skin infection called coccidioidomycosis comes back after treatment. Researchers found that about 25% of patients experienced at least one recurrence after stopping antifungal medications, with the average time before it returned being 14 months. Some patients had multiple recurrences, and most of the time the infection returned to the same location on the body.

Controlled inoculation provides insight into western redcedar resistance to multiple root- and butt-rot pathogens

mycolabadmin

Scientists tested western redcedar trees with eight different wood-decaying fungi to understand which ones cause disease and how resistant the trees are. They used two methods to infect young trees in a greenhouse and tracked disease development over 18 months. They discovered that while some fungi caused visible damage, others caused hidden infections that still harmed tree growth even without obvious symptoms. These findings can help tree breeders develop redcedar varieties that better resist these diseases.

Two Cases of Fungal Melanonychia

mycolabadmin

This paper describes two unusual cases where fungal infections of the toenails caused dark pigmentation (melanonychia). The first patient had a combination of two fungi (Aspergillus hiratsukae and Trichosporon faecale) causing black nail streaks, while the second had Exophiala xenobiotica and Trichophyton interdigitale causing dark-brown discoloration. Both patients were successfully treated with an antifungal medication called efinaconazole over several months.

Identification and growth-promoting effect of Paecilomyces lilacinus a biocontrol fungi for walnut rot disease

mycolabadmin

Scientists identified a beneficial fungus called Paecilomyces lilacinus from walnut soil that can fight walnut rot disease more safely than chemical fungicides. Testing showed this fungus not only kills the disease-causing pathogen but also boosts walnut seed germination and seedling growth by up to 98%. This natural solution could help walnut farmers protect their crops while avoiding harmful chemical pesticides.

PCR enables rapid detection of dermatophytes in practice

mycolabadmin

This study shows that a new rapid DNA-based test (PCR) is much faster and more effective than traditional methods for diagnosing fungal skin, hair, and nail infections. While traditional culture methods took about 19 days to get results, the new PCR test gives results in just 16 hours. The PCR test detected more infections and is now the preferred diagnostic method in Northern Finland, helping doctors treat patients more quickly and avoid unnecessary antifungal medications.

Bifunctional Sesquiterpene/Diterpene Synthase Agr2 from Cyclocybe aegerita Gives Rise to the Novel Diterpene Cyclocybene

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that a fungal enzyme from the black poplar mushroom (Cyclocybe aegerita) can produce two different types of beneficial compounds called terpenes. Using a baker’s yeast relative as a host organism, they found that the enzyme makes both a known sesquiterpene and an entirely new diterpene compound they named cyclocybene. This discovery shows that fungi can be better factories for producing these valuable compounds than bacteria previously used, opening doors for developing new medicines, fragrances, and biofuels.

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

mycolabadmin

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.

Single-center retrospective analysis of 454 culture-positive patients with tinea capitis and measurement of pathogens regarding thermal tolerance at 37°C

mycolabadmin

Tinea capitis, commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults, especially postmenopausal women. This study of 454 patients in Hangzhou, China found that the most common cause is Microsporum canis (a fungus from cats and dogs), representing a shift from previous decades when different fungi were dominant. Researchers tested how well these fungi grow at human body temperature (37°C) versus room temperature, finding that most fungi adapt well to the warmer temperature, particularly Nannizzia gypsea, which grew equally well at both temperatures. Treatment typically involves oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole, sometimes combined with topical treatments or steroids for inflammatory cases.

Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Marine Macroalga Dictyopteris pacifica in Korea

mycolabadmin

Researchers in Korea discovered three species of fungi living inside a brown seaweed called Dictyopteris pacifica. These fungi were previously unknown in Korea and were identified using genetic analysis. The fungi have mutualistic relationships with the seaweed and may produce compounds useful for medicines and treating diseases.

Nuclear behavior in Coprinus comatus from Japan and estimation of the lifecycle

mycolabadmin

Coprinus comatus, also known as the shaggy mane mushroom, is a nutritious edible mushroom with antioxidant properties. Researchers examined the genetic structure of this mushroom by counting nuclei in its spores and cells to understand how it reproduces. They discovered that the mushroom produces unique spores containing two nuclei and identified a new reproductive structure called oidia. This research will help farmers and breeders develop better cultivation and breeding strategies for this mushroom.

Research Topic: Mycology