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Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic severely mutilating disease caused by fungi of the order Chaetothyriales. Classically, Phialophora verrucosa has been listed among these etiologic agents. This species is known to occur in the environment and has been found to cause other infections like phaeohyphomycosis, while reported cases of chromoblastomycosis are scant. Phialophora is phylogenetically diverse, and thus retrospective confirmation of etiology is necessary. We studied ten proven cases of chromoblastomycosis from Mexico and further analyzed the population genetics and genomics of the Phialophora species to understand their pathogenicity and predilection. The clinical strains were molecularly identified as Phialophora americana (n = 4), Phialophora chinensis (n = 4), and Phialophora macrospora (n = 2). No genetic distinction between clinical and environmental strains was possible. Further analysis of strains from diverse origins are needed to address eventual differences in virulence and niche predilection between the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark septate endophytes (DSEs), one of the most common fungal colonizers of roots, are considered to overlap in function with mycorrhizal fungi. However, there is little knowledge on the distribution and identity of DSEs in ‘non-mycorrhizal’ plants. In the current study, colonization and diversity of DSEs colonizing the roots of eight typically ‘non-mycorrhizal’ families were assessed. In total, 120 root samples of 31 plant species were all colonized by DSEs. Intensity of DSE colonization varied greatly among different plant species, with a range of 0.56–47.56%, 8.13% on average. Cladosporium, Cyphellophora and Phialophora were the dominant genera, with a relative abundance of more than 60% over a total of 90 isolates. Our results showed that diverse DSE species colonized the roots of ‘non-mycorrhizal’ plants, especially they were more common in degraded mine tailings than in the undisturbed site, but their integral roles to the functional roots are in need of further experimental demonstration.

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic cutaneous and subcutaneous fungal infection caused by certain dematiaceous fungi (usually Fonsecaea, Phialophora , or Cladophialophora). Histologically, CBM is characterized by the presence of medlar bodies. However, the diagnosis is difficult because of the rarity of these pathognomonic presentations and the wide variety of presentations. Treatment of these infections is challenging as it lacks standardization. Herein, we report a case of chromoblastomycosis caused by Phialophora , in a 42-year-old immunocompetent male agriculturist from the humid and subtropical region of southern China. He had a 3-month history of pneumonia with intermittent fever, coughing, and expectoration. The infection subsequently spread to the bone and lymph nodes forming deep lesions and eventually resulting in osteolysis and lymphadenectasis. These subcutaneous nodules were observed after 9 months. Antifungal treatment was administered for 20 months leading to clinical improvement before the patient was lost to follow-up. This case is unique because such deep lesions are rare in immunocompetent individuals and because the initial onset was associated with pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, we used proteomics in conjunction with microscopy to study differences in the proteome and hyphal morphology of the copper tolerant soft rot fungus Phialophora malorum grown in media containing 0.064, 0.64% Cu as CuSO 4. Unique proteins were found in the control and the copper-treated (0.064% CuSO 4) samples. Of five unique proteins found in the 0.064% CuSO 4 treated cultures, ATP synthase subunit alpha is considered to play an important role in copper tolerance as it is involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and steroids and may relate to morphological changes associated with hyphal cell walls of the fungus when grown in the presence of copper. ICP-AES analyses showed total mycelial Cu to increase with media Cu with 5246- and 16535 μg Cu/g dry wt mycelia respectively found in 0.064 and 0.64% Cu-cultures after 6 weeks growth. Rubeanic acid staining of 0.064% mycelia showed Cu bound in intracellular bodies while most Cu was found as extracellular precipitates on the surfaces of hyphae in 0.64% Cu. SEM showed hyphal surfaces enrobed in fibrillar polysaccharides to which Cu was bound. Highlights • The soft rot fungus Phialophora malorum was studied to understand its mechanisms of high Cu-tolerance. • P. malorum mycelia grown in 0.064% CuSO4 media bound Cu intracellularly in deposits. • In 0.64% Cu cultures, Cu adsorbed as extracellular precipitates on hyphal surfaces. • Proteomics showed up-regulation of proteins in Cu-media indicating their likely involvement in Cu-tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic cutaneous and subcutaneous infection caused by melanized fungal species. We quantified the extractable melanin of 77 strains of CBM agents distributed within five genera. Moreover, resistance to oxidative stress was evaluated in strains exposed or not to the melanin inhibitor tricyclazole. The median percentage of melanin mass extracted from dry fungal mass varied from 0.69 (Rhinocladiella similis) to 3.81 (Phialophora americana). Inhibition of melanin synthesis decreased survival rates to hydrogen peroxide. Together, these data highlight the importance of melanin in CBM agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possible transmission pathways of fungi in indoor swimming pool facilities were assessed through fungal counting in different areas of the facilities and typing of the collected fungal isolates. Air, water and surface samples were collected from seven different indoor swimming pool facilities. Fungal species were identified based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Maximum fungal concentrations of 6.2 CFU/cm2, 1.39 CFU/100 mL, and 202 CFU/m³ were found on surfaces, in water and air, respectively. In total, 458 isolates were obtained, belonging to 111 fungal species, of which 50 species were clinically relevant. Phialophora oxyspora (13.3%) and Trichosporon dohaense (5.0%) were the most frequently isolated species and were merely detected on floors, as were the dermatophytes, Trichophyton interdigitale and T. rubrum. Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the dominant fungi in water and air. No typical patterns of fungal concentrations along the preferential pathways of pool visitors were observed, however, sites where pool visitors converge while moving from one room (e.g. dressing room) to another (e.g. shower room) and walking barefoot displayed the highest fungal concentrations thus posing the highest risk of contamination. The dispersal of fungi on floors is most likely facilitated by the pool visitors and cleaning tools. Clinically relevant fungi, including the ones rarely identified in nature, were widely detected on floors, in water and in air, as well as on cleaning tools and flexibeams. Preventive measures such as cleaning should minimize the prevalence of clinically relevant fungi in swimming pool facilities since these potentially pose health risks to those vulnerable for infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of review: Black yeast-like fungi are capable of causing a wide range of infections, including invasive disease. The diagnosis of infections caused by these species can be problematic. We review the changes in the nomenclature and taxonomy of these fungi, and methods used for detection and species identification that aid in diagnosis.Recent findings: Molecular assays, including DNA barcode analysis and rolling circle amplification, have improved our ability to correctly identify these species. A proteomic approach using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has also shown promising results. While progress has been made with molecular techniques using direct specimens, data are currently limited.Summary: Molecular and proteomic assays have improved the identification of black yeast-like fungi. However, improved molecular and proteomic databases and better assays for the detection and identification in direct specimens are needed to improve the diagnosis of disease caused by black yeast-like fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this present study was to isolate, identify and screen for potential fungal isolates from local wood chips with respect to xylanase production. The fungal strains were isolated from degrading wood chips. All the fungal strains were screened for their ability to produce xylanase by the plate screening method using Congo red as indicator. Two isolates were further selected among them and screened for the production of the enzymes in liquid medium and identified by 18S rRNA. Phialophora alba, had the highest xylanase activity of 24.43 U/ml with temperature optima at 50°C and 90°C respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysis of pre-treated sugarcane bagasse using crude enzyme resulted in the production of 0.36 g/ml reducing sugars after 48 hours. This is the first report of a thermophilic xylanase from Phialophora alba. These results suggest that the application of this xylanase in bioethanol production may be very promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density of fungal contamination and the fungal diversity in an indoor swimming pool facility were assessed. A total of 16 surface samples and 6 water samples were analysed by using a combination of different (semi-) selective culture media. Isolated fungal colonies were identified to the genus or species level by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The highest fungal counts in water and on surfaces were in the recreational pool (17CFU/100mL) and on a flexibeam (5.8CFU/cm2), respectively as compared with low counts (<0.1CFU/cm2) on the diving platform, bench tops and walls. The 357 obtained isolates belonged to 79 species and species complexes, 42 of which known as clinically relevant. Phialophora oxyspora (13.7%) and Phoma spp. (12.3%) were the most frequently identified groups. We demonstrated that despite chlorine treatment and regular cleaning of surfaces both water and surfaces were commonly infested with fungi, including many clinically relevant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phialophora as defined by its type species P. verrucosa is a genus of Chaetothyriales, and a member of the group known as 'black yeasts and relatives'. Phialophora verrucosa has been reported from mutilating human infections such as chromoblastomycosis, disseminated phaeohyphomycosis and mycetoma, while morphologically similar fungi are rather commonly isolated from the environment. Phenotypes are insufficient for correct species identification, and molecular data have revealed significant genetic variation within the complex of species currently identified as P. verrucosa or P. americana. Multilocus analysis of 118 strains revealed the existence of five reproductively isolated species apparently having different infectious potentials. Strains of the sexual morph Capronia semiimmersa cluster within P. americana. The newly defined taxa differ markedly in their predilection for the human host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark septate endophytes (DSEs), one of the most common fungal colonizers of roots, are considered to overlap in function with mycorrhizal fungi. However, there is little knowledge on the distribution and identity of DSEs in ‘non-mycorrhizal’ plants. In the current study, colonization and diversity of DSEs colonizing the roots of eight typically ‘non-mycorrhizal’ families were assessed. In total, 120 root samples of 31 plant species were all colonized by DSEs. Intensity of DSE colonization varied greatly among different plant species, with a range of 0.56–47.56%, 8.13% on average.Cladosporium,CyphellophoraandPhialophorawere the dominant genera, with a relative abundance of more than 60% over a total of 90 isolates. Our results showed that diverse DSE species colonized the roots of ‘non-mycorrhizal’ plants, especially they were more common in degraded mine tailings than in the undisturbed site, but their integral roles to the functional roots are in need of further experimental demonstration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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La denominación de cromoblastomicosis persiste por la costumbre, aunque ha sido objetada, porque los hongos que produce la afección no originan esporas ni formación de yemas (blastosporas) en su vida parasitaria. Es una micosis profunda de localización subcutánea y evolución extremadamente crónica, con formación de nódulos y placas verrugosas que pueden llegar a ulcerarse y dar lugar a masas tumorales papilomatosas, que presentan un aspecto en forma de coliflor característico. El agente causal son hongos clasificados en la familia de los dematiaceous, denominados por Borrelli “cromomicetos”, por ser de color negro y que ocasionalmente pueden diseminarse por vía linfática o sanguínea, y afectar ganglios linfáticos regionales, pulmonares y cerebrales.

A novel thermotolerant fungal strain P2 identified as Acrophialophora sp. was found to be a good source of cellulases and hemicellulases. A rapid approach was devised to purify different lignocellulolytic glycosyl hydrolases from secretome of Acrophialophora sp. employing separation of proteins by SDS-PAGE followed by renaturation, slicing of gel and elution of proteins in tandem with microtitre plate based method for assay of cellulases and hemicellulase activities. This approach resulted in purification of an array of glycosyl hydrolases i.e ., CBH I (42.0 kDa), EG I (64.0 kDa), EG II (32.0 kDa), EG III (22.0 kDa), EG IV (20.0 kDa), Xyl I (28.0 kDa), Xyl II (20.6 kDa), β-xylosidase (66.7 kDa) and α-arabinofuranosidase (66.0 kDa). The purified enzymes were analysed for physicochemical characters as well as substrate specificity. The enzyme extract from Acrophialophora sp. was evaluated for saccharification of alkali treated rice straw that primarily resulted in release of xylobiose, glucose, xylose, cellobiose and arabinose as the major hydrolysis products. Furthermore the proteome analysis by LTQ-Velos-Orbitrap mass spectrometry unveiled the identity of proteins involved in carbohydrate catabolism, stress as well as lipid and protein biosynthetic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies address the distribution and the diversity of dark septate endophytes (DSEs) in the literature, but little is known about their ecological role and their effect on host plants, especially in metal-polluted soils. Seven DSE strains belonging to Cadophora, Leptodontidium, Phialophora and Phialocephala were isolated from roots of poplar trees from metal-polluted sites. All strains developed on a wide range of carbohydrates, including cell-wall-related compounds. The strains evenly colonized birch, eucalyptus and ryegrass roots in re-synthesis experiments. Root and shoot growth promotion was observed and was both plant and strain dependent. Two Phialophora and Leptodontidium strains particularly improved plant growth. However, there was no correlation between the level of root colonization by DSEs and the intensity of growth promotion. All strains produced auxin and six also stimulated plant growth through the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). SPME-GC/MS analyses revealed four major VOCs emitted by Cadophora and Leptodontidium. The strains exhibited growth at high concentrations of several metals. The ability of metal-resistant DSE strains to produce both soluble and volatile compounds for plant growth promotion indicates interesting microbial resources with high potential to support sustainable production of bioenergy crops within the context of the phytomanagement of metal-contaminated sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown stem rot (BSR), caused by the fungus Phialophora gregata f. sp. sojae (Allington & D.W. Chamberlain) W. Gams (syn. Cadophora gregata), causes yield losses up to 38%. Three dominant BSR-resistant genes have been identified: Rbs1, Rbs2, and Rbs3. Additional BSR resistance loci will complement breeding efforts by expanding the soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] genetic base. The objective of this research was to determine if Pl 594637, Pl 594638B, Pl 594650A, and Pl 594858B con-tained novel BSR resistance genes. The accessions were crossed to three genotypes with known BSR resistance genes and populations were developed for allelism studies. A minimum of 60 F2:3 families tracing to individual F2 plants in each population were used, and six seeds from each F2:3 family were tested. Resistant and susceptible controls and parents were also included. The BSR symptoms were assessed under growth chamber conditions 5 wk after inoculation by measuring foliar and stem severities and recovery of P. gregata from stem sections. Allelism tests of F2:3 plants from crosses of Pl 594638B, Pl 594858B, and Pl 594650A with the resistant sources fit a 15:1 ratio, indicating that the resistant gene possessed by each of the PIs was nonallelic to Rbs1, Rbs2, and Rbs3. The three PIs contain at least one novel BSR resistance gene and have the potential to serve as donors to elite germplasm, increasing stability of host resistance to P. gregata. Allelism tests of Pl 594637 segregated in a 3:1 ratio and no significant difference was found between Pl 594637 and the susceptible controls, indicating that Pl 594637 is susceptible to BSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During our recent survey of fungi in the oligotrophic pine barrens ecosystem, five new Pseudophialophora species, Pseudophialophora angusta , P . dichanthii , P . magnispora , P . tarda , and P . whartonensis , were uncovered from the roots of switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) and tapered rosette grass ( Dichanthelium acuminatum ). The five new fungal species are described based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequences of SSU, ITS, LSU, MCM7 , RPB1 , and TEF1 genes. The 6-locus phylogeny indicates that Pseudophialophora species form a monophyletic clade in Magnaporthaceae of Magnaporthales. A key for all described species in Pseudophialophora is provided, including these five and three previously published species. Distinctions among the new species and other related species are discussed. The plant–fungal interaction experiment indicates that P. angusta , Pseudophialophora eragrostis , P. magnispora , Pseudophialophora schzachyrii , P. tarda , and P. whartonensis have negative effects on the growth of switchgrass. Runner hyphae were observed from the inoculated switchgrass roots, which are typical structures of root-infecting pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft rot decay of treated wood in ground contact and loss of service-life remains an important economic issue worldwide. This study determined the identity of unclassifiedPhialophorastrains (204-1, 35-1, TS4M3, 25M3) isolated from wood in-service. Phylogenetic analysis clustered strains into a single clade homologous withPhialocephala dimorphospora. Sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA showed minor differences at single bases for strains 35-1 and 25M3. Compatibility occurred between TS4M3, 25M3 and 204-1 but not 35-1,Phialophora lagerbergiiorPhialophora botulispora. Birch was more rapidly degraded than pine for all strains, with strain 35-1 least aggressive. Light microscopy showed Type I diffuse soft rot cavity formation reminiscent ofP. dimorphospora. Growth rates at 15, 20 and 26°C were similar for TS4M3, 25M3 and 204-1 but always less for 35-1. Strains 35-1 and TS4M3 showed highest Cu-tolerance on CuSO4and micronized copper incorporated into malt extract agar plates. Results indicate thePhialophoraspp. A strains representP. dimorphosporaas suggested by strong homology and decay morphology, although considerable intra-variation exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis commonly caused by Fonsecaea, Phialophora, and Cladophialophora spp. Out of these, Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the most common etiological agent, implicated in 70%-90% of the cases reported worldwide. The histopathological diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis is based on visualization of medlar or sclerotic bodies in the tissue. These sclerotic bodies divide by planar division. Rarely, budding is seen in these sclerotic bodies. As this entity can be confused with phaeohyphomycosis, it is important to be aware of such a presentation also. We report two cases of chromoblastomycosis that showed budding sclerotic bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on morphology and DNA sequences of SSU, ITS, LSU, MCM7, RPB1 and TEF1 genes, we describe four new species in Magnaporthaceae that are associated with grass roots collected from New Jersey Pine Barrens. A new genus, Pseudophialophora, is erected to accommodate three species, which is characterized by slow growth on potato dextrose agar, curved conidiogenous cells without a conspicuous collarette at the apex and oblong ellipsoidal conidia. Pseudophialophora eragrostis, P. panicorum and P. schizachyrii are assigned to this genus. A new species of Magnaporthiopsis also is reported and named as M. panicorum. Distinctions between them and phylogenetic relationships with other Magnaporthaceae taxa are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyphellophora is a genus of black yeast-like fungi characterised by having simple phialides with multiseptate, curved conidia. Judging from SSU and LSU data, Cyphellophora was found to be located in a well-supported clade within the Chaetothyriales comprising a number of species occurring on human skin and nail. Cyphellophora is phylogenetically close to Phialophora europaea, P. reptans and P. oxyspora, though morphologically these species produce single-celled phialoconidia rather than multiseptate ones. Pseudomicrodochium suttonii and P. fusarioides have dark colonies and phylogenetically fit in with Cyphellophora; the type species of Pseudomicrodochium, P. aciculare, has similar, septate conidia but has a hyaline thallus. In the present study, multilocus phylogenetic analyses were combined with morphology and physiology. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region, the DNA dependent RNA polymerase II largest subunit and the partial beta tubulin gene were analysed for a set of 30 strains. Two novel species, Cyphellophora pauciseptata and Phialophora ambigua were discovered. Cyphellophora eucalypti was reduced to synonymy of C. guyanensis. The role of the studied fungi between colonization and infection of human skin was discussed. Putative virulence factors for these black yeast-like fungi were hypothesized to be the ability to assimilate monoaromatic hydrocarbons, to produce melanin pigments, and to tolerate the temperature of epidermal human skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ants in the tribe Attini (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) maintain a 50 million-year-old lifestyle of co-evolution with symbiotic basidiomycetous fungi which they cultivate as essential source of nutrition. However, other microorganisms have been reported from ant habitats indicating a higher diversity of consistently associated species than established to date. Recently, black yeast-like fungi have been reported as a possible symbiont, like a competitor of the actinomycete bacteria that grow in the integument of the insects. During the mating season, gynes of Atta capiguara and A. laevigata were collected from nests located in Botucatu, SP, Brazil and sampled using flotation technique. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, partial 28S (LSU) and β-tubulin sequences revealed the occurrence of two novel species of Phialophora among the melanized fungi isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Xinshengin (1), the first tetracyclic altenusin with an unprecedented altenuene/tetrahydrofuran-fused skeleton core, has been obtained from cultures of an endolichenic fungal strain Phialophora spp. (No. 39-1-5-1), along with a new compound, phialophoriol (2), and a known compound, altenusin (3). The structures with absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were elucidated by analysis of NMR and quantum chemical ECD calculation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The genus Phialophora includes some of the most copper-tolerant and frequently isolated fungi causing soft rot of copper-treated wood in service. The aim of this work was to conduct a phylogenic analysis of different Phialophora species and strains isolated from treated wood, evaluate strain compatibility, and examine their copper-tolerance variability under liquid- and solid-culture conditions. Phylogenic analysis of Phialophora malorum (four strains), Phialophora mutabilis (two strains), Lecythophora mutabilis (one strain), and Phialophora sp. A. (three strains) originating from different parts of the world showed clustering into three major clades. Phialophora sp. A. refers to a number of fungal isolates identified as Phialophora spp. previously isolated by our laboratory from preservative-treated stakes and poles in Sweden. P. mutabilis strains fell into a single cluster together with Phialophora lignicola and Phialophora hoffmanii; P. malorum strains clustered in their own group (93% bootstrap value) and Phialophora sp. A. clustered together with Phialophora botulispora. Compatibility studies with the different Phialophora species/strains showed discriminative behavior. All Phialophora species showed mutual inhibition (incompatibility), as did strains of P. malorum and P. mutabilis. Phialophora sp. A. strains showed mutual intermingling but incompatibility with P. botulispora. Species/strain variability regarding copper tolerance was evaluated using in-vitro liquid and solid media containing different CuSO4 concentrations. P. malorum 211-C-15-1 showed the highest copper-tolerance growing on 6.4% CuSO4 supplemented agar and 3.2% CuSO4 in liquid cultures, followed by P. malorum ATCC 66716 (3.2% w/v CuSO4-agar). P. mutabilis strains and L. mutabilis showed growth on 0.64% CuSO4 incorporated in liquid and agar cultures and Phialophora sp. A. (25M3) at 0.32% w/v CuSO4 on agar. The results emphasize that copper tolerance varies greatly within and between species of Phialophora. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The colonization characteristics and diversity of dark septate endophytes (DSE) associated with plants growing in a lead and zinc slag heap with a more than 250-year history in southwestern China were assessed. A total of 117 plant samples belonging to 29 species and 19 families were examined, and 97% (28/29) were colonized by dark septate fungal hyphae or microsclerotia. DSE colonization intensity varied greatly across plant species and also across individuals of the same species, showing a hyphal colonization range of 0.0–35.7%. In total, 38 melanized root-associated fungi with various morphological characteristics were isolated and 82% (31/38) of fungi were closely related to well-known DSE fungi, such asExophialaspp.,Phialophora(=Cadophora) spp.,Phialocephalaspp., andLeptodontidiumspp. Among these,PhialophoraandExophialawere the dominant genera. Our results showed that DSE dominantly colonized the roots of the pioneer plants growing in such an ancient Pb-Zn slag heap. By contributing to metal tolerance and nutrient acquisition, DSE may be integral to the function of metal mine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]