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Potato (Solanum tuberosum) crops have experienced a 22% reduction due to attacks from microbial pathogens and pests. Dry rot disease occurred from risks in El-Minya governorate, Egypt, where potato is the major cultivated crop. Potato cultivar 'Cara' samples were collected from the markets of six regions in El-Minya for isolation. They were also tested for the application of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for disease management. The ability of Exserohilum rostratum to synthesize ZnONPs was documented via UV-visible, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Spherical shape and crystallite small size (51.0 ± 3.0 nm) were attributed to the created ZnONPs. The ZnONPs were applied in the bio-control of the causative agent (Fusarium nygamai) of dry rot disease and large economic loss of potato cv. 'Cara' productivity. The mycosynthesized ZnONPs by E. rostratum at 100 µg/ mL (3 mM) showed antifungal activity against F. nygamai with higher reducing value of mycelium growth diameter 2.0 ± 0.14 cm compared to Revanol 50%, traditional product with a diameter of 3.85 ± 0.10 cm. Overall, ZnONPs are an excellent agent that can be applied to repress the most common fungal disease of potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice spikelet rot disease occurs mainly in the late stages of rice growth. Pathogenicity and biological characteristics of the pathogenic fungus and the infestation site have been the primary focus of research on the disease. To learn more about the disease, we performed whole-genome sequencing of Exserohilum rostratum and Bipolaris zeicola for predicting potentially pathogenic genes. The fungus B. zeicola was only recently identified in rice.We obtained 16 and 15 scaffolds down to the chromosome level for E. rostratum LWI and B. zeicola LWII, respectively. The length of LWI strain was approximately 34.05 Mb, and the G + C content of the whole genome was 50.56%. The length of the LWII strain was approximately 32.21 Mb, and the G + C content of the whole genome was 50.66%. After the prediction and annotation of E. rostratum LWI and B. zeicola LWII, we predicted that the LWI strain and LWII strain contain 8 and 13 potential pathogenic genes, respectively, which may be related to rice infection. These results improve our understanding of the genomes of E. rostratum and B. zeicola and update the genomic databases of these two species. It benefits subsequent studies on the mechanisms of E. rostratum and B. zeicola interactions with rice and helps to develop efficient control measures against rice spikelet rot disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi (EPF) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbioses can promote the growth and productivity of several types of plants. This work aimed to investigate the effect of co-inoculation of an EPF Exserohilum rostratum NMS1.5 and an AMF Glomus etunicatum UDCN52867 g.5 on the growth and yields of sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) compared to the effects of full-dose and half-dose chemical fertilizer (15–15–15) under field conditions. Several plant growth parameters of the co-inoculated plants were significantly higher than the other treatments. Remarkably, such an effect was relatively equal to that of the full-dose chemical fertilizers. Moreover, the co-inoculation of EPF and AMF significantly improved the tuber yield production, even better than the use of a chemical fertilizer. This is the first report to show that plant growth promoting effects of the co-inoculation of EPF and AMF were exceptionally greater than those of the chemical fertilizer. Therefore, our EPF and AMF could potentially be used as a biofertilizer for promoting the growth and yield of sunchoke in the fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exserohilum species are environmental molds that may rarely cause skin and nasal infections, especially in immunocompromised children. We present a 3‐year‐old girl with acute leukemia who presented with a skin infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum. Previously published cases of skin infections by Exserohilum spp. in children are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The largest health care–associated infection outbreak in the United States occurred during 2012–2013. Following injection of contaminated methylprednisolone, 753 patients developed infection with a dematiaceous mold, Exserohilum rostratum. The long-term outcomes of these infections have not been described. Methods This retrospective cohort study of 440 of a total of 753 patients with proven or probable Exserohilum infection evaluated clinical and radiographic findings, antifungal therapy and associated adverse effects, and outcomes at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after diagnosis. Patients were grouped into 4 disease categories: meningitis with/without stroke, spinal or paraspinal infections, meningitis/stroke plus spinal/paraspinal infections, and osteoarticular infections. Results Among the 440 patients, 223 (51%) had spinal/paraspinal infection, 82 (19%) meningitis/stroke, 123 (28%) both, and 12 (3%) osteoarticular infection. Of 82 patients with meningitis/stroke, 18 (22%) died; among those surviving, 87% were cured at 12 months. Only 7 (3%) of 223 patients with spinal/paraspinal infection died, but at 12 months, 68% had persistent or worsening pain and only 47% were cured. For the 123 patients with both meningitis/stroke and spinal/paraspinal infection, 10 (8%) died, pain persisted in 72%, and 52% were cured at 12 months. Only 37% of those with osteoarticular infection were cured at 12 months. Adverse events from antifungal therapy were noted at 6 weeks in 71% of patients on voriconazole and 81% on amphotericin B. Conclusions Fungal infections related to contaminated methylprednisolone injections culminated in death in 8% of patients. Persistent pain and disability were seen at 12 months in most patients with spinal/paraspinal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Ｏｂｊｅｃｔｉｖｅｓ]Ｔｈｅ ｐｕｒｐｏｓｅ ｏｆ ｔｈｉｓ ｓｔｕｄｙ ｗａｓ ｔｏ ｅｘｐｌｏｒｅ ｔｈｅ ｏｐｔｉｍａｌ ｃｕｌｔｕｒｅ ｃｏｎｄｉｔｉｏｎｓ ｏｆ Ｅｘｓｅｒｏｈｉｌｕｍ ｒｏｓｔｒａｔｕｍ Ｙ９５１１ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｅ ｇｅｒｍｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ Ｅ􀆰 ｒｏｓｔｒａｔｕｍ ｃｏｍｂｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｗｉｔｈ ａｇｒｉｃｕｌｔｕｒａｌ ｃｈｅｍｉｃａｌｓ. [Ｍｅｔｈｏｄｓ]Ｓｔｒａｉｎ Ｙ９５１１ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ａｓ ｅｘｐｅｒｉｍｅｎｔａｌ ｍａｔｅ- ｒｉａｌ, ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｍｐｌｅｔｅ ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ｌａｃｋｉｎｇ ｃａｒｂｏｎ, ｎｉｔｒｏｇｅｎ, ｐｈｏｓｐｈｏｒｕｓ, ｓｕｌｆｕｒ, ｐｏｔａｓｓｉｕｍ, ｉｒｏｎ ａｎｄ ｍａｇｎｅｓｉｕｍ ｗｅｒｅ ｐｒｅ- ｐａｒｅｄ. Ｔｏ ｅｘｐｌｏｒｅ ｔｈｅ ｅｆｆｅｃｔ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｃａｒｂｏｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅ ａｎｄ ｎｉｔｒｏｇｅｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅ ｏｎ ｔｈｅ ｍｙｃｅｌｉａｌ ｇｒｏｗｔｈ ａｎｄ ｓｐｏｒｕｌａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｓｔｒａｉｎ, ｗｅ ｕｓｅｄ ｔｈｅ ｇｌｕｃｏｓｅ, ｍａｌｔｏｓｅ, ｓｏｌｕｂｌｅ ｓｔａｒｃｈ ａｎｄ α-ｌａｃｔｏｓｅ ｔｏ ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ ｃａｒｂｏｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｍｐｌｅｔｅ ｃｕｌｔｕｒｅ ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ａｎｄ ｕｓｅｄ ｔｈｅ Ｃａ( ＮＯ３ )２, (ＮＨ４)２ＳＯ４, ｓｏｙｂｅａｎ ｐｅｐｔｏｎｅ ｔｏ ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ ｎｉｔｒｏｇｅｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｍｐｌｅｔｅ ｃｕｌｔｕｒｅ ｍｅｄｉｕｍ, ｒｅｓｐｅｃｔｉｖｅｌｙ. Ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｕｌａｔｉｏｎ ａｎｄ ｓｐｏｒｅ ｇｅｒｍｉ- ｎａｔｉｏｎ ｒａｔｅ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｓｔｒａｉｎ ｗｅｒｅ ｅｘｐｌｏｒｅｄ ｕｎｄｅｒ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｄｉｔｉｏｎｓ ｏｆ ５－４０ ℃, ２４ ｈ ｌｉｇｈｔ/２４ ｈ ｄａｒｋ ａｎｄ ｐＨ３－９, ｒｅｓｐｅｃｔｉｖｅｌｙ. Ｔｏ ｅｘｐｌｏｒｅ ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｅ ｇｅｒｍｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｒａｔｅ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｓｔｒａｉｎ, ｗｅ ｍｉｘｅｄ ｓｔｒａｉｎｓ ｗｉｔｈ ｅｉｇｈｔ ｐｅｓｔｉｃｉｄｅｓ, ｓｕｃｈ ａｓ ｐｒｏｐｉｏｎａｍｉｄｅ, ｏｘａｚｏｌｙｌ ｏｘａｌａｍｉｄｅ, ｃｙａｎｏｆｌｕｏｒｏａｃｅｔａｔｅ, ａｔｒａｚｉｎｅ, ｃｈｕｎｌｅｉｍｙｃｉｎ, ｂｅｎａｚｏｘｙｓｔｒｏｂｉｎ, ｃａｒｂｅｎｄａｚｉｍ ａｎｄ ｂｅｎｚｏｐｒｏｐｉｏｎａｚｏｌｅ, ｒｅｓｐｅｃｔｉｖｅｌｙ. [Ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ] Ｔｈｅ ｇｒｏｗｔｈ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｓｔｒａｉｎ ｎｅｅｄｅｄ ｔｈｒｅｅ ｅｌｅｍｅｎｔｓ:Ｃ, Ｐ ａｎｄ Ｓ, ｉｎｈｉｂｉｔｅｄ ｂｙ Ｎ, Ｆｅ ａｎｄ ｔｒａｃｅ ｅｌｅｍｅｎｔｓ ｃｏｐｐｅｒ, ｚｉｎｃ. Ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｅ ｐｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｓｔｒａｉｎ ｏｎ ｔｈｅ ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ｌａｃｋｉｎｇ Ｋ ａｎｄ Ｃｕ ｗａｓ ｂａｓｉｃａｌｌｙ ｎｏｎ-ｓｐｏｒｕｌａｔｉｏｎ, ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｅ ｐｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ｌａｃｋｉｎｇ Ｓ ａｎｄ Ｚｎ ｗａｓ ｈｉｇｈｅｒ ｔｈａｎ ｔｈａｔ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｍｐｌｅｔｅ ｍｅｄｉｕｍ, ｗｈｉｃｈ ｗａｓ ３.７６×１０６ ｍＬ-１. Ａｍｏｎｇ ｔｈｅ ｆｉｖｅ ｃａｒｂｏｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅｓ, ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｅ ｐｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｍｅｄｉｕｍ ｕｓｉｎｇ ｓｕｃｒｏｓｅ ａｓ ｔｈｅ ｃａｒｂｏｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅ ｗａｓ ｔｈｅ ｌａｒｇｅｓｔ, ｗｈｉｃｈ ｗａｓ １.４７×１０６ ｍＬ-１. Ａｍｏｎｇ ｔｈｅ ｆｏｕｒ ｎｉｔｒｏｇｅｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅｓ, ＮＨ４ＮＯ３ ａｓ ｔｈｅ ｎｉｔｒｏｇｅｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅ ｐｒｏｄｕｃｅｄ ｔｈｅ ｌａｒｇｅｓｔ ａｍｏｕｎｔ ｏｆ ｓｐｏｒｅｓ, ｗｈｉｃｈ ｗａｓ １.４７×１０６ ｍＬ-１. Ｔｈｅ ｓｔｒａｉｎ Ｙ９５１１ ｗａｓ ｉｎｈｉｂｉｔｅｄ ｕｎｄｅｒ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｄｉｔｉｏｎｓ ｏｆ ｌｅｓｓ ｔｈａｎ １５ ℃ ａｎｄ ａｂｏｖｅ ３５ ℃, ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｅ ｐｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｏｎ ｒｅａｃｈｅｄ ｔｈｅ ｍａｘｉｍｕｍ ｖａｌｕｅ ８.１５×１０６ ｍＬ-１ ａｔ ３２ ℃. Ｗｈｅｎ ｔｈｅ ｐＨ ｗａｓ ｌｏｗｅｒ ｔｈａｎ ３.０２ ａｎｄ ｈｉｇｈｅｒ ｔｈａｎ ９.５０, ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｕｌａｔｉｏｎ ａｍｏｕｎｔ ｗａｓ ｌｏｗｅｒ, ａｎｄ ｗｈｅｎ ｔｈｅ ｐＨ ｖａｌｕｅ ｗａｓ ６.２４, ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｕｌａｔｉｏｎ ａｍｏｕｎｔ ｒｅａｃｈｅｄ ｔｈｅ ｍａｘｉｍｕｍ ｖａｌｕｅ ｏｆ ２.７７×１０６ ｍＬ-１. Ａｔ ３０ ℃, ｔｈｅ ｓｐｏｒｅ ｇｅｒｍｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｒａｔｅ ｗａｓ ｔｈｅ ｈｉｇｈｅｓｔ, ｒｅａｃｈｉｎｇ ９８.５％; ｗｈｅｎ ｔｈｅ ｐＨ ｖａｌｕｅ ｗａｓ ６.２４, ｔｈｅ ｈｉｇｈｅｓｔ ｇｅｒｍｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｒａｔｅ ｗａｓ ８５.８％. Ａｎｄ ｅｉｇｈｔ ｋｉｎｄｓ ｏｆ ｈｅｒｂｉｃｉｄｅｓ ｈａｄ ｉｎｈｉｂｉｔｏｒｙ ｅｆｆｅｃｔ ｏｎ ｃｏｎｉｄｉａ ｇｅｒｍｉｎａｔｉｏｎ, ｔｈｅ ｒａｎｇｅ ｏｆ ｉｎｈｉｂｉｔｉｏｎ ｒａｔｅ ｗａｓ ５.０％－８９.４％, ｓｔｒａｉｎ Ｙ９５１１ ｈａｄ ｔｈｅ ｂｅｓｔ ｃｏｍｐａｔｉｂｉｌｉｔｙ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｃｙｈａｌｏｆｏｐ-ｂｕｔｙｌ, ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｈｉｇｈｅｓｔ ｉｎｈｉｂｉｔｉｏｎ ｒａｔｅ ｗａｓ ｏｎｌｙ ７％ ｕｎｄｅｒ ｔｈｅ ｔｈｒｅｅ ｃｏｎｃｅｎｔｒａｔｉｏｎｓ; ｔｈｅ ｓｅｃｏｎｄ ｗａｓ ｃａｒｂｅｎｄａｚｉｍ, ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｉｎｈｉｂｉｔｉｏｎ ｒａｔｅ ｒａｎｇｅ ｗａｓ ７.８％-１９.５％ ｕｎｄｅｒ ｔｈｅ ｔｈｒｅｅ ｃｏｎｃｅｎｔｒａｔｉｏｎｓ, ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｗｏｒｓｔ ｃｏｍｐａｔｉｂｉｌｉｔｙ ｗａｓ ｂｅｎｚｏｘｙｓｔｒｏｂｉｎ, ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｉｎｈｉｂｉｔｉｏｎ ｒａｔｅ ｒａｎｇｉｎｇ ｆｒｏｍ ２５.１％ ｔｏ ８５.４％. [Ｃｏｎｃｌｕｓｉｏｎｓ] Ｔｈｅ ｏｐｔｉｍｕｍ ｔｅｍｐｅｒａｔｕｒｅ ｆｏｒ ｇｒｏｗｔｈ ｏｆ Ｅ􀆰 ｒｏｓｔｒａｔｕｍ ｉｓ ３２ ℃, ｐＨ ｖａｌｕｅ ｉｓ ６, ｍｅｄｉｕｍ Ｃ, Ｐ, Ｓ ａｒｅ ｅｓｓｅｎｔｉａｌ ｅｌｅｍｅｎｔｓ, ｔｈｅ ｍｏｓｔ ｓｕｉｔａｂｌｅ ｃａｒｂｏｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅ ｉｓ ｓｕｃｒｏｓｅ, ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｎｉｔｒｏｇｅｎ ｓｏｕｒｃｅ ｉｓ ａｍｍｏｎｉｕｍ ｎｉｔｒａｔｅ; ｔｈｅ ｏｐｔｉｍａｌ ｔｅｍｐｅｒａｔｕｒｅ ｆｏｒ ｃｏｎｉｄｉａｌ ｇｅｒｍｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｉｓ ３０ ℃, ｔｈｅ ｏｐｔｉｍａｌ ｐＨ ｖａｌｕｅ ｉｓ ６－７, ａｎｄ ｓｐｏｒｅ ｇｅｒｍｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｒａｔｅ ｉｓ ｎｏｔ ｓｕｂｓｔａｎｔｉａｌｌｙ ｉｎｈｉｂｉｔｅｄ ｍｉｘｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｃｙｈａｌｏｆｏｐ-ｍｅｔｈｙｌ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phaeohyphomycosis of the central nervous system (CNS) is a life-threatening infection associated with severe morbidity. New approaches to treatment of CNS phaeohyphomycosis are critically needed. We therefore studied posaconazole with or without caspofungin for treatment of experimental CNS phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exserohilum rostratum. Each clinical isolate of E. rostratum isolate was inoculated intracisternally with 1.0 × 106 microconidia to fully anesthetized New Zealand White rabbits. Profound persistent neutropenia and immunosuppression were established and maintained using cytarabine and methylprednisolone, respectively. Study groups consisted of posaconazole suspension administered as oral formulation at 10 (PSC10) or 20 (PSC20) mg/kg, caspofungin (CFG) at 2 mg/kg intravenously (IV), combinations of PSC10+CFG or PSC20+CFG, and untreated controls (UC). Posaconazole produced a significant reduction of residual fungal burden of E. rostratum in cerebrum, cerebellum, spinal cord, and paravertebral muscle (p < 0.01), in comparison to UC. The combination of PSC10+CFG and PSC20+CFG achieved full clearance of residual fungal burden from cerebrum, while only PSC20+CFG treated rabbits demonstrated clearance from cerebellum, spinal cord, and paravertebral muscle (p < 0.01). These data correlated with the significant reduction of CSF (1→3)-β-d-glucan levels in rabbits treated with PSC20 and PSC20+CFG in comparison to those of UC (p < 0.05). Posaconazole alone or in combination with caspofungin demonstrated significant antifungal efficacy in the treatment of experimental E. rostratum meningoencephalitis and warrants further study for treatment of CNS phaeohyphomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Exserohilum species are environmental moulds that can cause skin infection and sinusitis in both normal and immunosuppressed children. This study reviews paediatric cases of Exserohilum infection in Queensland, Australia, to identify the spectrum of disease and its clinical course. Methods: All culture‐positive samples of Exserohilum species in children <18 years of age were identified from the Queensland Health Laboratory database (April 2003‐April 2018). Clinical information was recorded from medical records. Results: Eleven children were identified, and all had isolated Exserohilum rostratum. The mean age was 7.4 years (range 2.3‐17.8) and 64% female. Four immunocompetent children (36%) had a skin infection (2/4), chronic sinusitis (1/4) or otitis externa (1/4). Seven children (64%) had an underlying oncological diagnosis with E. rostratum causing local skin infection (2/7), invasive rhinosinus disease (3/7) or disseminated infection (2/7). All oncological patients were empirically started on liposomal amphotericin B with addition, or switch, to posaconazole or voriconazole. Conclusion: Exserohilum rostratum infection of the skin has a favourable course, whereas rhinosinus infection can be rapidly invasive in the immunocompromised child requiring prompt surgical intervention and antifungal therapy. Susceptibility data support empiric use of liposomal amphotericin and/or posaconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report a case of fungal keratitis infected by Exserohilum rostratumin a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patient. Method: A retrospective study of the HIV patient with keratomycosis caused by E. rostratumwas reviewed for history, clinical characteristics, risk factors, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes. Results: A 48-year-old man with HIV infection presented with a history of trauma with an unknown species of insect in the right eye. He also had redness and blurred vision in the right eye. Biomicroscopic examination showed white infiltrate in the right cornea. A feathery edge, satellite lesion, and brownish pigmented deposits in the epithelial surface and anterior stroma were noted. Corneal scraping specimen showed numerous large dematiaceous septate hyphae and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified E. rostratum.Treatment was started with 5% natamycin eyedrops and oral itraconazole. The corneal lesion responded well to medication and debridement. Conclusions: Corneal phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exserohilumwas noted in an immunocompromised patient with ocular trauma. A brown pigmented lesion in an otherwise white infiltrate due to Exserohilumwas diagnosed with corneal scrapings and polymerase chain reaction. Antifungal medications and debridement were the mainstay of corneal fungal infection treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Exserohilum rostratum was confirmed as a causal pathogen of lettuce root rot. • Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis induced the defense genes in lettuce. • The encoded GTPase gene to activate protein synthesis in lettuce was up-regulated. • 50-day-old plants had a higher level of gene expression than the 25-day-old plants. Abstract Root rot diseases of plant are accountable for crop yield losses. Biological control of this disease is considered a feasible alternative and eco-friendly method. The root rot pathogens, Exserohilum rostratum HQ905473 and Fusarium oxysporum HQ905448, were isolated from lettuce plants. Biocontrol activity of Trichoderma harzianum JF419706 and Bacillus subtilis HQ656002 against lettuce root rot and their inducibility of the defense genes were evaluated. The results confirm the efficiency of T. harzianum and B. subtilis either singly or as a mixture in the control of the disease and alleviation of the negative effect of the pathogens on lettuce plants. The phytosanitary parameters of the plants, including plant height and weight, was greatly enhanced as a result of the application of bioagents. Content of photosynthetic pigments and primary metabolites (carbohydrates, proteins and proline) significantly increased in the treated plants. The Differential display PCR reaction (DD-PCR) revealed that 15 up- and down-regulated genes were detected in the treated plants. Among these genes, the encoded GTPase activating protein, that is an important gene in the plant defense mechanism, was identified. Gene expression was analyzed in inoculated plants after 25 and 50 days. The 50-day-old plants had a higher level of gene expression than the 25-day-old plants. The results confirmed the efficiency of the bioagents in enhancing the defense mechanism of plants against the disease and ensure the sustainability of this resistance throughout the life of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new oxacyclododecindione-type macrolactone, (13R,14S,15R)-13-hydroxy-14-deoxyoxacyclododecindione (1), has been obtained from the solid cultures of the fungus Exserohilum rostratum, a fungal strain endophytic in Gymnadenia conopsea. Its structure, including the absolute configuration, was extensively established by 1D and 2D NMR data, the modified Mosher method, and a combination of experimental and theoretically calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compound 1 showed weak selective cytotoxicity against the A549 lung cell line with an IC50 value of 9.2 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generating effective and stable strategies for resistance breeding requires an understanding of the genetics of host-pathogen interactions and the implications for pathogen dynamics and evolution. Setosphaeria turcica causes northern leaf blight (NLB), an important disease of maize for which major resistance genes have been deployed. Little is known about the evolutionary dynamics of avirulence (AVR) genes in S. turcica. To test the hypothesis that there is a genetic association between avirulence and in vitro development traits, we (i) created a genetic map of S. turcica, (ii) located candidate AVRHtl and AVRHt2 regions, and (iii) identified genetic regions associated with several in vitro development traits. A cross was generated between a race 1 and a race 23N strain, and 221 progeny were isolated. Genotyping by sequencing was used to score 2,078 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. A genetic map spanning 1,981 centimorgans was constructed, consisting of 21 linkage groups. Genetic mapping extended prior evidence for the location and identity of the AVRHtl gene and identified a region of interest for AVRHt2. The genetic location of AVRH12 colocalized with loci influencing radial growth and mycelial abundance. Our data suggest a trade-off between virulence on Htl and Ht2 and the pathogen's vegetative growth rate. In addition, in-depth analysis of the genotypic data suggests the presence of significant duplication in the genome of S. turcica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Invasive fungal disease is a serious infectious complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Exserohilum rostratum is a species causing phaeohyphomycosis, which rarely causes invasive disease in humans. We treated a case of sinusitis caused by E. rostratum after cord blood transplantation (CBT). A 60‐year‐old man with myelodysplastic syndrome, who had a medical history of an operation to correct deviation of the nasal septum, developed sinusitis caused by E. rostratum under prolonged profound neutropenia after a second CBT because of the graft rejection of the first transplantation. Liposomal amphotericin B improved the sinusitis. A literature review revealed nine reported cases of sinusitis caused by E. rostratum, including our case. Although five cases had severe neutropenia at onset (HSCT recipients, n = 2; aplastic anemia, n = 3), the remaining four had no preexisting immunosuppressive conditions. However, three of the four patients had preexisting nasal diseases with or without a history of surgery, as in our case. Excluding our case, the outcome was fatal in five neutropenic patients, whereas the four patients without neutropenia recovered. Although sinusitis caused by E. rostratum is rare, E. rostratum should be recognized as a possible pathogen causing sinusitis in highly immunosuppressed patients such as HSCT recipients. Preexisting nasal disease and/or nasal surgery could be risks for this infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbiota on cacao pod surfaces consists of an array of both pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. These beneficial microorganisms can easily be exploited for biological control of cacao pod pathogens as both have similar ecological niches. Bacteria population on pods of three cacao progenies, SCA 6, T85/799 and IFC 5, were determined using the plate count method on nutrient agar, Pseudomonas selective agar and tryptic soy agar. One hundred and six different isolates were obtained from the three cacao progenies. Out of this number, the antagonistic potential of 17 bacterial isolates against Phytophthora palmivora was investigated using agar plate and detached pod assays. The seventeen isolates were identified based on morphology, gram staining, biochemical tests compiled in API 20E plastic strips, biosurfactant production test and UV fluorescence assay. The 17 isolates could generally be classified into three genera: 15 were Pseudomonas, one Enterobacter sp. and another Neisseria sp. Thirteen out of the seventeen isolates significantly ( p < 0.001) inhibited mycelia growth of P. palmivora on plates. Molecular analysis of sequences of two of the best-performing Pseudomonas isolates, coded 96 and 97, and grouped as fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. 1, revealed 100% similarity to Pseudomonas putida. The data support the hypothesis that these indigenous Pseudomonas putida isolates with GenBank access numbers KY508310 and KY5083110 produce antagonistic activity against P. palmivora and can be exploited either alone as biological control agents or incorporated in an integrated disease management for cacao black pod disease control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turcicum leaf blight of maize caused by the fungus Setosphaeria turcica is a serious foliar disease of maize distributed widely throughout the world and causing significant yield losses. The disease is more prevalent in humid weather with temperature between 20-28 °C and causes small cigar-shaped lesions to complete destruction of the foliage. Though there are several management practices available, identification and deployment of host plant resistance is a pragmatic approach to control the disease. However, qualitative resistance is unstable and breaks down easily by emergence of new races of the pathogen in maize necessitating the development of durable TLB resistant cultivars. Application of modern molecular tools and availability of high-density molecular marker data are expected to accelerate efforts to develop resistant hybrids. This review provides a focuses on current status, and future research needs especially biological control and sustainable integrated management strategies of TLB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Setosphaeria rostrata, a common plant pathogen causing leaf spot disease, affects a wide range of plant species, mainly grasses. Fungi were isolated from brown spots on rice leaves throughout Peninsular Malaysia, and 45 isolates were identified as Setosphaeria rostrata. The isolates were then characterized using morphological and molecular approaches. The mating type was determined using PCR amplification of the mating type alleles, and isolates of opposite mating types were crossed to examine sexual reproduction. Based on nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region (ITS) and beta-tubulin (BT2) sequences, two phylogenetic trees were constructed using the maximum likelihood method; S. rostrata was clustered in one well-supported clade. Pathogenicity tests showed that S. rostrata isolates are pathogenic, suggesting that it is the cause of the symptoms. Mating-type analyses indicated that three isolates carried the MAT1-1 allele, and the other 42 isolates carried MAT1-2. After isolates with opposite mating types were crossed on Sach's medium and incubated for 3 wk, six crosses produced pseudothecia that contained eight mature ascospores, and 12 other crosses produced numerous pseudothecia with no ascospores. To our knowledge, this is the first report on S. rostrata isolated from leaf spots on rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of contamination of pharmaceutical products by melanized fungi and to consider control measures in relation to bioburden and cleanrooms. This study reviews and analyses pharmaceutical product recalls and offers incidence rates of fungal detection from a typical cleanrooms. The recalls include some serious cases which resulted in the loss of life. Of different types of fungal contamination incidences some of the most damaging have been due to melanized fungi ('black mould'), such as Exserohilum rostratum. The focus of the article is with melanized fungi. The study concludes that, from the review of recent pharmaceutical product recalls, fungal contamination is either increasingly common within cleanroom environments or the accuracy of sampling and the level of reporting has risen. The prevalence of melanized fungi in pharmaceutical facilities rests on specific virulence factors particular to these types of fungi, which are outlined. The article identifies a gap in the way that such fungi are screened for using available cultural methods. The article provides some control strategies, including assessing the suitability of disinfectants and biocides, for reducing the risk of melanized fungal incidences within the pharmaceutical facility. Understanding the fungal risk to pharmaceutical products remains a poorly understood and often overlooked aspect of pharmaceutical microbiology. This article helps to identify this risk and offer some guidance to those involved with pharmaceutical products manufacture in relation to bio-contamination control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), a member of the CCN superfamily of secreted cysteine-rich glycoproteins, is a central mediator of tissue remodeling and fibrosis. CTGF is suggested to be an important down-stream effector of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling and has therefore reached considerable pathophysiological relevance because of its involvement in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases, atherosclerosis, skin scarring, and other conditions with excess production of connective tissue. In a search for inhibitors of inducible CTGF expression from fungi, two new macrocyclic lactones, namely 4-dechloro-14-deoxy-oxacyclododecindione ( 1 ) and 14-deoxy-oxacylododecindione, ( 2 ) along with the previously described congener oxacyclododecindione ( 3 ) were isolated from fermentations of the imperfect fungus Exserohilum rostratum . The structure of the compounds were elucidated by a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Compounds 1 and 2 turned out to inhibit TGF-β induced CTGF promoter activity in transiently transfected HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC 50 values of 1.8 μM and 336 nM, respectively, and also antagonized TGF-β induced cellular effects including CTGF mRNA levels, CTGF protein expression and tube formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High concentrations of methylprednisolone (0.32 mg/mL) accelerated growth and attenuated spontaneous apoptosis of Exserohilum rostratum in vitro. Injection of E. rostratum conidia preexposed to 0.32 mg/mL of methylprednisolone for 7 days in immunocompetent flies led to increased mortality and a higher fungal burden. Exposure to methylprednisolone could enhance the virulence of E. rostratum. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recently oxacyclododecindione (Oxa), a macrocyclic lactone isolated from the imperfect fungus Exserohilum rostratum, has been described as a potent transcription inhibitor of inducible proinflammatory and profibrotic genes in cell culture models. As kidney disease in systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by aberrant expression of inflammatory mediators and infiltration of immune cells, we investigated the effect of Oxa in MRL-Faslpr mice, a model of systemic lupus erythematosus. These mice develop a spontaneous T-cell and macrophage-dependent autoimmune disease including severe glomerulonephritis that shares features with human lupus. Comparable to the results of in vitro models, we found a reduced expression of the cytokines IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α and the chemokines CCL2, RANTES, and CSF-1 on mRNA and protein level in the kidney of Oxa-treated MRL-Faslpr mice. Accordingly, Oxa treatment reduced the infiltration of immune cells and the frequency of activated proinflammatory T cells in the kidney. Moreover, kidney disease, measured by histopathology, IgG and collagen deposition, and proteinuria, was ameliorated in Oxa-treated MRL-Faslpr mice compared with the control group. Thus, Oxa is a new effective anti-inflammatory compound, which may serve as base structure for the development of new therapeutics for the treatment of chronic inflammatory and/or fibrotic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogen host shifts represent a major source of new infectious diseases. There are several examples of cross-genus host jumps that have caused catastrophic epidemics in animal and plant species worldwide. Cross-kingdom jumps are rare, and are often associated with nosocomial infections. Here we provide an example of human-mediated cross-kingdom jumping of Exserohilum rostratum isolated from a patient who had received a corticosteroid injection and died of fungal meningitis in a Florida hospital in 2012. The clinical isolate of E. rostratum was compared with two plant pathogenic isolates of E. rostratum and an isolate of the closely related genus Bipolaris in terms of morphology, phylogeny, and pathogenicity on one C3 grass, Gulf annual rye grass (Lolium multiflorum), and two C4 grasses, Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) and bahia grass (Paspalum notatum). Colony growth and color, as well as conidia shape and size were the same for the clinical and plant isolates of E. rostratum, while these characteristics differed slightly for the Bipolaris sp. isolate. The plant pathogenic and clinical isolates of E. rostratum were indistinguishable based on morphology and ITS and 28S rDNA sequence analysis. The clinical isolate was as pathogenic to all grass species tested as the plant pathogenic strains that were originally isolated from plant hosts. The clinical isolate induced more severe symptoms on stilt grass than on rye grass, while this was the reverse for the plant isolates of E. rostratum. The phylogenetic similarity between the clinical and plant-associated E. rostratum isolates and the ability of the clinical isolate to infect plants suggests that a plant pathogenic strain of E. rostratum contaminated the corticosteroid injection fluid and was able to cause systemic disease in the affected patient. This is the first proof that a clinical isolate of E. rostratum is also an effective plant pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: On 18 September 2012, an alert physician caring for a patient with fungal meningitis who had received an epidural methylprednisolone acetate injection approximately 6 weeks earlier, recognized its possible significance and reported this case to the Tennessee Department of Health, who in turn notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shortly thereafter, additional cases of fungal meningitis were reported, and so began a large, unprecedented, multistate fungal meningitis outbreak. The predominant etiologic agent was Exserohilum rostratum, a black mould that was not known to have previously caused an outbreak of such devastating disease of this magnitude. The contaminated medication was prepared and distributed by a compounding pharmacy located in Massachusetts. This article reviews (i) the development and handling of the outbreak; (ii) the clinical manifestations and management of the infections; (iii) the detection, identification, and characteristics of E. rostratum, including the factors that might enhance its virulence; (iv) the regulatory concerns for microbiological quality control; and (v) what we have learned from this experience. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Overview of the genus Setosphaeria. [•] Summary of literature on mechanisms of pathogenicity/virulence to plant hosts. [•] The Setosphaeria turcica and maize interaction dialogue. [•] Lessons from the Setosphaeria turcica genome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This commentary focuses on critical challenges in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, host defense, laboratory detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the ongoing tragedy of iatrogenic meningitis caused by Exserohilum rostratum. Advances in understanding of this infection may reduce suffering and save lives.The tragedy of the ongoing epidemic of meningitis caused by Exserohilum rostratum brings into focus the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of a multitude of opportunistic mold infections of the central nervous system. Herein we provide our perspective regarding the translational research objectives of this infection that are needed to make an impact on this important healthcare crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A recent large outbreak of fungal infections by Exserohilum rostratum from contaminated compounding solutions has highlighted the need to rapidly screen available pharmaceuticals that could be useful in therapy. The present study utilized two newly-developed high throughput assays to screen approved drugs and pharmaceutically active compounds for identification of potential antifungal agents. Several known drugs were found that have potent effects against E. rostratum including the triazole antifungal posaconazole. Posaconazole is likely to be effective against infections involving septic joints and may provide an alternative for refractory central nervous system infections. The anti-E. rostratum activities of several other drugs including bithionol (an anti-parasitic drug), tacrolimus (an immunosuppressive agent) and floxuridine (an antimetabolite) were also identified from the drug repurposing screens. In addition, activities of other potential antifungal agents against E. rostratum were excluded, which may avoid unnecessary therapeutic trials and reveals the limited therapeutic alternatives for this outbreak. In summary, this study has demonstrated that drug repurposing screens can be quickly conducted within a useful time-frame. This would allow clinical implementation of identified alternative therapeutics and should be considered as part of the initial public health response to new outbreaks or rapidly-emerging microbial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on unprecedented outbreak of fungal infections which are being associated with contaminated methylprednisolone injections. It explores the role of Exserohilum (E.) rostratum on the outbreak, saying that E. rostratum is widely found on plant debris, soil and in water. It states that fungal infection patients had symptoms of meningitis for weeks before they were diagnosed with the said infection.

Green foxtail (Setaria viridis), one of the most common and troublesome weeds worldwide, is becoming very difficult to manage because of the lack of registered herbicides and the appearance of herbicide-resistant populations. Among the new and possible environment-friendly strategies, the use of biological control methods seems to have potential. Drechslera gigantea, Exserohilum rostratum and Exserohilum longirostratum have previously proved to be promising bioherbicide agents against several grass weeds in field trials. While previous studies have established the susceptibility of S. viridis under greenhouse conditions, so far no attempt has been made to establish the effectiveness and feasibility of these fungi as bioherbicides for green foxtail. When spore suspensions were applied as foliar sprays to green foxtail seedlings in a greenhouse, all three fungi caused severe damage by 1 day after application, and seedlings in most cases died within 1 week. The fungi were compatible with several agro-chemicals and host specific when tested against major vegetable crop species grown in the Mediterranean. The demonstrated technological feasibility of producing large amounts of quickly germinable conidia (i.e., asexual spores) on inexpensive solid media increases the potential of these fungi to be used as bioherbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a patient with aggressive lymphoma who contracted an ethmoidal sinus infection due to Exserohilum rostratum after non-myeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. E. rostratum is an extremely rare causative pathogen of invasive fungal infection. Phylogenetic tree analysis of the D1/D2 domains within the LSU rDNA identified the molecular structure of isolates. We believe this is the first description of E. rostratum infection in a patient who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Microorganisms poorly pathogenic for man may become significant causes of morbidity and mortality when inadvertently inoculated into normally sterile sites. Compounding pharmacies in the USA, not strictly overseen by the US Food and Drug Administration but by individual states, have been implicated in a number of clusters of such events. Recognized in the fall of 2012, fungus-tainted corticosteroid manufactured by a Massachusetts compounding pharmacy has caused the largest outbreak of this kind, affecting 751 people with, to date, 64 deaths. The etiology of the cases of meningitis, perispinal infection and septic arthritis was found to be, mostly, Exserohilum rostratum, a very uncommon human fungal pathogen. Prevention of future outbreaks such as this one will require an overhaul of the control over these industrialized compounding pharmacies and, until then, making both clinicians and patients alike aware of this issue in order for them to make informed decisions about these products and the risk of their use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] An outbreak of E. rostratum meningitis was caused by injections of contaminated drug. [•] Rapid response by public health authorities prevented a much larger tragedy. [•] Outbreak highlights the potential threats to human and animal health from the fungal kingdom. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fungal meningitis transmitted through injections of methylprednisolone contaminated with Exserohilum rostratum affected 753 persons and caused 61 deaths in the United States in 2012. We report a case of infection recurrence after 24-months with the unique manifestation of an intradural fungal abscess. Fungal disease should remain on the differential diagnosis list for previously exposed patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outbreaks of healthcare-associated fungal infections have repeatedly been described over recent years, often caused by new or uncommon species. Candida auris, a recently described multidrug-resistant yeast species, is certainly the most worrisome species having caused several severe healthcare outbreaks of invasive infections, on four continents. Also, large nosocomial outbreaks due to uncommon fungal species such as Exserohilum rostratum and Sarocladium kiliense, were both linked to contamination of medical products, however the source of another outbreak, caused by Saprochaete clavata, remains unresolved. Furthermore, these outbreaks identified new populations under threat in addition to those commonly at risk for invasive fungal infections, such as immunosuppressed and intensive care unit patients. All of these outbreaks have highlighted the usefulness of a high level of awareness, rapid diagnostic methods, and new molecular typing tools such as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), prompt investigation and aggressive interventions, including notification of public health agencies. This review summarizes the epidemiological and clinical data of the majority of healthcare-associated outbreaks reported over the last 6 years caused by uncommon or new fungal pathogens, as well as the contribution of WGS as support to investigate the source of infection and the most frequent control measures used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]