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Aspergillus vadensis CBS 113365, a close relative of A. niger , has been suggested as a more favourable alternative for recombinant protein production as it does not acidify the culture medium and produces very low levels of extracellular proteases. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying cause of the non-amylolytic and non-proteolytic phenotype of A. vadensis CBS 113365. Our results demonstrate that the non-functionality of the amylolytic transcription factor AmyR in A. vadensis CBS 113365 is primarily attributed to the lack of functionality of its gene's promoter sequence. In contrast, a different mechanism is likely causing the lack of PrtT activity, which is the main transcriptional regulator of protease production. The findings presented here not only expand our understanding of the genetic basis behind the distinct characteristics of A. vadensis CBS 113365, but also underscore its potential as a favourable alternative for recombinant protein production. • Restoration of amylolytic activity of A. vadensis by introduction of A. niger amyR. • Promoter non-functionality of amyR causes low amylase activities in A. vadensis. • The prtT promoter has non-functional significance in A. vadensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic code expansion technology allows the incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) into proteins, which is useful in protein engineering, synthetic biology, and gene therapy. Despite its potential applications in various species, filamentous fungi remain unexplored. This study aims to address this gap by developing these techniques in Aspergillus nidulans. We introduced an amber stop codon into a specific sequence within the reporter gene expressed in A. nidulans and replaced the anticodon of the fungal tRNATyr with CUA. This resulted in the synthesis of the target protein, confirming the occurrence of amber suppression in the fungus. When exogenous E. coli tRNATyr CUA (Ec. tRNATyr CUA) and E. coli tyrosyl-tRNA (Ec.TyrRS) were introduced into A. nidulans , they successfully synthesized the target protein via amber suppression and were shown to be orthogonal to the fungal translation system. By replacing the wild-type Ec.TyrRS with a mutant with a higher affinity for the UAA O -methyl-L-tyrosine, the fungal system was able to initiate the synthesis of the UAA-labeled protein (UAA-protein). We further increased the expression level of the UAA-protein through several rational modifications. The successful development of a genetic code expansion technique for A. nidulans has introduced a potentially valuable approach to the study of fungal protein structure and function. • Amber suppression in A. nidulans requires the exogenous amber suppressor. • E. coli tRNATyr CUA /Tyr-tRNA synthetase incorporates unnatural amino acids in fungus. • Increasing tRNA transcription improves unnatural amino acid incorporation efficiency in fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) had been reported, and raised concern about this secondary infection due to the high mortality. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for CAPA. The enrolled 114 COVID-19 patients were further divided into CAPA group and non-CAPA group. Demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, laboratory parameters and therapeutic schedule between the two groups were compared to identify the independent risk factors for CAPA by univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of independent risk factors were confirmed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Univariate analysis showed that renal transplant, IL-6 and CRP levels, decreased CD4 + T cell and CD8 + T cell, duration of antibiotics therapy, and prolonged mechanical ventilation were risk factors for development of CAPA. These factors were further analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis and the results indicated that elevated IL-6 level, decreased CD4 + T cell and prolonged mechanical ventilation could be recognized as independent risk factors for CAPA in COVID-19 patients. Identification of these risk factors is essential to initiate antifungal therapy as soon as possible to improve outcome of patients with CAPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal pathogens exhibit extensive strain heterogeneity, including variation in virulence. Whether closely related non-pathogenic species also exhibit strain heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively characterized the pathogenic potentials (i.e., the ability to cause morbidity and mortality) of 16 diverse strains of Aspergillus fischeri, a non-pathogenic close relative of the major pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. In vitro immune response assays and in vivo virulence assays using a mouse model of pulmonary aspergillosis showed that A. fischeri strains varied widely in their pathogenic potential. Furthermore, pangenome analyses suggest that A. fischeri genomic and phenotypic diversity is even greater. Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic profiling identified several pathways and secondary metabolites associated with variation in virulence. Notably, strain virulence was associated with the simultaneous presence of the secondary metabolites hexadehydroastechrome and gliotoxin. We submit that examining the pathogenic potentials of non-pathogenic close relatives is key for understanding the origins of fungal pathogenicity. Examination of Aspergillus fischeri, a non-pathogenic close relative of the major fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, revealed extensive strain heterogeneity in virulence and identified an association with specific metabolic differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on assessing the prevalence of allergic sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus (AS) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, comparing smokers and non-smokers. It explores the association between AS and factors like tobacco smoking, biomass fuel exposure, and the prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), particularly in those who smoke bidis or cigarettes.

BACKGROUND: Fresh ginseng is typically accompanied by soil after harvest, leading to contamination with harmful fungi during storage and distribution. In this study, we investigated the incidence of fungal contamination in fresh ginseng (5–6 years old) purchased from 22 different stores in Geumsan, Korea. RESULTS: The incidence of fungal contamination in the samples was 67.4–111.5%. Fusarium solani was the most abundant species in the head (38.5%) and fine root (19.3%) parts of the ginseng samples, whereas F. oxysporum was the most abundant in the main root (22.0%) part. We isolated Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium spp. (total number of isolates: 395) from the ginseng samples, and 138 isolates were identified using phylogenetic analysis. Polymerase chain reaction‐based screening of 65 mycotoxin‐producing species revealed that two P. expansum isolates were positive for citrinin and/or patulin, and five F. oxysporum isolates were positive for fumonisin biosynthesis gene. One P. expansum isolate produced 738.0 mg kg−1 patulin, and the other produced 10.4 mg kg−1 citrinin and 12.0 mg kg−1 patulin on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Among the 47 representative F. oxysporum isolates, 43 (91.5%) produced beauvericin (0.1–15.4 mg kg−1) and four of them (8.5%) produced enniatin B and enniatin B1 (0.1–1.8 mg kg−1) as well. However, none of these toxins was detected in fresh ginseng samples. CONCLUSION: Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum were the most abundant species in fresh ginseng samples. Most F. oxysporum (43) and P. expansum (2) strains isolated from fresh ginseng produced beauvericin and enniatins (B and B1), and patulin or citrinin, respectively, on PDA medium. This is the first report of the mycotoxigenic potential of P. expansum and F. oxysporum strains isolated from fresh ginseng. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of atropisomers secofumitremorgins C (1a) and D (1b), together with fifteen known alkaloids (2-16), were isolated from a saltern-derived fungus Aspergillus fumigatus GXIMD00544. The structures of atropisomers 1a and 1b were elucidated by the detailed spectroscopic data, chemical reaction and quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 1 and 8 displayed antifungal spore germination effects against plant pathogenic fungus associated with sugarcane Fusarium sp. with inhibitory rates of 53% and 77% at the concentration of 100 µM, repectively. Atropisomers 1 also exhibited antifouling potential against Balanus amphitrite larval settlement with an inhibitory rate of 96% at the concentration of 100 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improper disposal of plastic waste has become a significant problem, with only a small amount recycled and the rest ending up in landfills or being burned, leading to environmental pollution. In addition, the cost of electric energy has risen by over 100% in the last 20 years, making it unaffordable for remote areas to access this service due to high installation costs, leaving people living far from major cities without electricity. This study proposes an innovative solution to these issues using microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology to simultaneously reduce plastic waste and generate electric energy by utilizing the fungus Aspergillus sp. As a substrate for 45 days. The MFCs reached maximum values of 0.572 ± 0.024 V and 3.608 ± 0.249 mA of voltage and electric current on the thirty-first day, with the substrate operating at a pH of 6.57 ± 0.27 and an electrical conductivity of 257.12 ± 20.9 mS/cm. Furthermore, it was possible to reduce the chemical oxygen demand by 73.77% over the 45 days of MFC operation, while the recorded internal resistance was 27.417 ± 9.810 Ω, indicating a power density of 0.124 ± 0.006 mW/cm2. The initial and final transmittance spectra, obtained using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), showed the characteristic peaks of polyethylene (plastic), with a noticeable reduction in the final spectrum, particularly in the vibration of the C-H compound. After 45 days of fungus operation, the plastic surface used as a sample exhibited perforations and cracks, resulting in a thickness reduction of 313.56 µm. This research represents an initial step in using fungi for plastic reduction and electric energy generation in an alternative and sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sawdust, a by-product of wood workplaces, poses environmental contamination and reduces workspace efficiency. This research aimed at recycling sawdust from rain tree by incorporating its extracts into gelatin films to create active films with antifungal properties against Aspergillus flavus. Research method: Sawdust was extracted by microwave with various solvents and electrical powers. The extract (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2%) were then tested for A. flavus inhibition. The extract was also incorporated with gelatin for making wrapped films and tested for inhibition potential on garlic inoculated with A. flavus. Findings: The optimal microwave extraction condition utilized a solvent mixture comprising distilled water and 95% ethanol in a 1:1 v/v ratio, applying 100 watts of electrical power for 30 seconds, repeated 5 times. This method yielded 23.26 mg/g of tannin. Furthermore, the 2% concentration of the extract significantly inhibited both mycelium growth and spore germination of A. flavus (P<0.05) when tested on a petri dish. Additionally, incorporating 2% of the crude extract into gelatin film resulted in the most favorable outcome. This treatment demonstrated the capability to prolong the shelf life of wounded-inoculated garlic for more than 12 days. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: Sawdust originating from a rain tree can be recycled biodegrable actine gelatin films against A. flavus, a field-bomepathogen in garlic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMycotoxin contamination of food and feed is a major global concern. Chronic or acute dietary exposure to contaminated food and feed can negatively affect both human and animal health. Contamination occurs through plant infection by toxigenic fungi, primarily Aspergillus and Fusarium spp., either before or after harvest. Despite the application of various management strategies, controlling these pathogens remains a major challenge primarily because of their ability to adapt to environmental changes and selection pressures. Understanding the genetic structure of plant pathogen populations is pivotal for gaining new insights into their biology and epidemiology, as well as for understanding the mechanisms behind their adaptability. Such deeper understanding is crucial for developing effective and preemptive management strategies tailored to the evolving nature of pathogenic populations. This review focuses on the population-level variations within the two most economically significant toxigenic fungal genera according to space, host, and pathogenicity. Outcomes in terms of migration patterns, gene flow within populations, mating abilities, and the potential for host jumps are examined. We also discuss effective yet often underutilized applications of population genetics and genomics to address practical challenges in the epidemiology and disease control of toxigenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of agricultural and industrial products by Aspergillus section Circumdati becomes a true problem, especially, because a lot of species in this section can yield ochratoxins and other toxins. In this study, morphological criteria and partial calmodulin gene were used to identify 34 strains belonging to Aspergillus section Circumdati isolated from Vitis vinifera and Calotropis procera plants. The population is characterised by A. insulicola, A. ochraceopetaliformis, A. ochraceus, and A. pseudoelegans. The polyketide synthase (pks) gene involved in ochratoxins (OTA) production was investigated by Aopks1, 2 and AoLc35–12L, R primers. Fifteen strains belonging to A. ochraceus were positive for pks gene, whilst A. insulicola, A. ochraceopetaliformis, and A. pseudoelegans were negative. All tested strains were able to produce ochratoxin A with different levels of 0.020–53 ppm except one isolate of A. ochraceus (IAEMAo6). The green synthesised ZnO-NPs have a significant inhibitory effect on OTA production by A. insulicola and A. pseudoelegans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid, named (+)-8-dehydroxylaustrosene (1), along with ten known compounds, penicibisabolanes E (2) and G (3), (+)-austrosene (4), (S)-(+)-11-dehydrosydonic acid (5), sydonic acid (6), (7S,11S)-(+)-12-hydroxysydonic acid (7), (−)-(R)-hydroxysydonic acid (8), pseudaboydin A (9), (−)-(7 R,10R)-iso-10-hydroxysydowic acid (10), lumichrome (11), were identified from the fungus Aspergillus sydowii BTBU20213012 isolated from a marine sediment sample from the Western Pacific. The structures of the compounds were identified by HRESIMS and NMR data analysis. Compound 11 showed weak antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 200 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS) is a novel molecular diagnostic technique. For nucleic acid extraction methods, both whole-cell DNA (wcDNA) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are widely applied with the sample of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We aim to evaluate the clinical value of mNGS with cfDNA and mNGS with wcDNA for the detection of BALF pathogens in non-neutropenic pulmonary aspergillosis. Methods: mNGS with BALF-cfDNA, BALF-wcDNA and conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) were performed in suspected non-neutropenic pulmonary aspergillosis. The diagnostic value of different assays for pulmonary aspergillosis was compared. Results: BALF-mNGS (cfDNA, wcDNA) outperformed CMTs in terms of microorganisms detection. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated BALF-mNGS (cfDNA, wcDNA) was superior to culture and BALF-GM. Combination diagnosis of either positive for BALF-mNGS (cfDNA, wcDNA) or CMTs is more sensitive than CMTs alone in the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis (BALF-cfDNA+CMTs/BALF-wcDNA+CMTs vs. CMTs: ROC analysis: 0.813 vs.0.66, P=0.0142/0.796 vs.0.66, P=0.0244; Sensitivity: 89.47% vs. 47.37%, P=0.008/84.21% vs. 47.37%, P=0.016). BALF-cfDNA showed a significantly greater reads per million (RPM) than BALF-wcDNA. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for RPM of Aspergillus detected by BALF-cfDNA, used to predict "True positive" pulmonary aspergillosis patients, was 0.779, with a cut-off value greater than 4.5. Conclusion: We propose that the incorporation of BALF-mNGS (cfDNA, wcDNA) with CMTs improves diagnostic precision in the identification of nonneutropenic pulmonary aspergillosis when compared to CMTs alone. BALFcfDNA outperforms BALF-wcDNA in clinical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although synthetic preservatives and antioxidants may have high antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, they are usually associated with adverse effects on human health. Currently, there is a growing interest in natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two medicinal plant extracts and one active compound. Olive leaf extracts (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4% w/v), oleuropein (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% w/v), thyme oil (0.1%), and oleuropein in combination with thyme oil (0.4% w/v and 0.1% v/v) were used against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) and two fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). Results: The use of oleuropein resulted in complete antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. In this context, a reduction of 7 logs was achieved during the storage period (4 weeks). Oleuropein showed no fungal activity at low concentrations (0.2%), but Aspergillus niger was reduced by 2.35 logs at higher concentrations (0.6% w/v). Similar antibacterial and antifungal properties were observed for the olive leaf extracts. Oleuropein at a concentration of 0.4 w/v and a mixture of oleuropein and thyme at concentrations of 0.4 and 0.1 (v/v) showed strong antimicrobial activity against the studied microorganisms. Conclusion: Olive leaf extract, thyme oil, and oleuropein have strong antibacterial and weak antifungal properties. There was a good synergistic effect between oleuropein and thymol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the antibacterial activity of 10 honeys at three concentrations 50%, 25%, and 12.5% was tested against two G- and two G+ strains, also the microbiological quality of the honeys in terms of the representation of total count of bacteria, coliforms, yeasts, and filamentous fungi was evaluated, and micromycetes to the species level were identified. Antibacterial activity of the honeys was assayed using well diffusion method, determination of microbial groups by the pour plate method and diversity of mycobiota in honey according to macro- and micromorphological characteristics. Results showed the antibacterial effects of Slovak honey collected from the Spiš region, against bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, which are among the most common bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections. We found that honeydew honey was very effective against E. coli and S. aureus, rapeseed honey against P. fluorescens, and mixed honey (no. 10) against E. faecalis. Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible bacteria tested for all honeys. The presence of both yeasts and molds was detected in 3 honey samples at concentrations ranging from <4x101 to 3.6x101 CFU/g, while the total count of bacteria was detected in 9 samples at concentrations ranging from 2.3x101 to 3.6x102 CFU/g (in 1 sample, the occurrence of microorganisms was not recorded even at the lowest dilution of 10-1). Coliforms were not isolated. A total of 3 strains belonging to the Aspergillus section Nigri were identified. The microbiological analyses of the samples indicates that the honeys were produced, processed and stored in accordance with the rules of good hygiene practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, many patients in intensive care units (ICUs) were affected by invasive fungal infections, including aspergillosis, contributing to a high mortality rate. Diagnosing proven COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) requires clinical and radiological evaluations, along with laboratory testing of bronchoalveolar lavage samples or lung biopsies. However, these procedures and equipment are often inaccessible in developing countries or regions with limited resources, including Brazil. Consequently, alternative diagnostic methods, such as measuring Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) in tracheal aspirate (TA), have been explored for CAPA diagnosis. Nonetheless, research on the efficacy of TA‐based diagnostic tests is limited. This study aimed to assess the performance of the IMMY® Sona Aspergillus lateral flow assay (LFA) for GM detection in TA samples from 60 ICU patients with suspected CAPA at two tertiary hospitals in Campo Grande, Brazil. The ELISA method (Platelia Aspergillus AG, Bio‐Rad®) was used to detect Aspergillus GM in TA samples, serving as the microbiological criterion and reference test. Fifteen patients (12.4%) were identified as having possible CAPA. The overall accuracy of LFA was 94%, and the tests demonstrated an agreement of 93.1% (Cohen's kappa of 0.83). Based on our findings, the LFA for Aspergillus GM detection in TA samples exhibited excellent performance, proving to be a valuable diagnostic tool for potential CAPA. In a systematic review, two studies were included, and the meta‐analysis revealed pooled estimates provided a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 80%–91%) and specificity of 93% (95% CI, 86%–97%). The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for identification of Aspergillus using LFA was 103.38 (95% CI, 38.03–281.03). Despite its lower sensitivity compared to our study, the LFA appears to be a promising diagnostic option for CAPA, particularly in suspected cases that have not received antifungal therapy. This enables timely antifungal treatment and could reduce mortality rates in regions where bronchoscopy is unavailable or limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid galactomannan tests, such as the sõna Aspergillus GM Lateral Flow Assay (GM‐LFA) and the Aspergillus Galactomannan Ag VIRCLIA® Monotest (GM‐Monotest), which are suitable for the analysis of single samples, have the potential to accelerate diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Objectives: To compare the performance of the GM‐Monotest and the GM‐LFA for the diagnosis of IA. Patients/Methods: Two patient cohorts were analysed: adults who had received an allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplant (alloHSCT‐cohort) and patients with proven/probable IA from a 5‐year period (cross‐sectional IA‐cohort). In the alloHSCT‐cohort, weekly serum samples were tested, whereas in the cross‐sectional IA‐cohort sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were analysed. The diagnostic performance was calculated using two definitions for positivity: (1) a single positive GM result and (2) at least two positive GM results from consecutive samples. IA classification followed EORTC/MSG 2019. Results: The alloHSCT‐cohort included 101 patients. Four had proven/probable IA, 26 possible IA and 71 no IA. The specificity for one positive serum and two consecutively positive sera was 88.7% and 100% (GM‐Monotest) and 85.9% and 98.6% (GM‐LFA). Comparison of ROC curves in the alloHSCT‐cohort showed no significant difference. The cross‐sectional IA‐cohort included 59 patients with proven/probable IA. The sensitivity for one positive sample and two consecutively positive samples was 83.1% and 55.1% (GM‐Monotest) and 86.4% and 71.4% (GM‐LFA). Conclusions: Both assays showed comparable diagnostic performance with a higher sensitivity for the GM‐LFA if two consecutive positive samples were required for positivity. However, due to poor reproducibility, positive GM‐LFA results should always be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoviruses are viruses that infect fungi and are widespread across all major fungal taxa, exhibiting great biological diversity. Since their discovery in the 1960s, researchers have observed a myriad of fungal phenotypes altered due to mycoviral infection. In this review, we examine the nuanced world of mycoviruses in the context of the medically and agriculturally important fungal genus, Aspergillus. The advent of RNA sequencing has revealed a previous underestimate of viral prevalence in fungi, in particular linear single-stranded RNA viruses, and here we outline the diverse viral families known to date that contain mycoviruses infecting Aspergillus. Furthermore, we describe these novel mycoviruses, highlighting those with peculiar genome structures, such as a split RNA dependent RNA polymerase gene. Next, we delineate notable mycovirus-mediated phenotypes in Aspergillus, in particular reporting on observations of mycoviruses that affect their fungal host's virulence and explore how this may relate to virus-mediated decreased stress tolerance. Furthermore, mycovirus effects on microbial competition and antifungal resistance are discussed. The factors that influence the manifestation of these phenotypes, such as temperature, fungal life stage, and infection with multiple viruses, among others, are also evaluated. In addition, we attempt to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underpin these phenotypes, examining how mycoviruses can be targets, triggers, and even suppressors of RNA silencing and how this can affect fungal gene expression and phenotypes. Finally, we highlight the potential therapeutic applications of mycoviruses and how, in an approach analogous to bacteriophage therapy, their ability to produce hypovirulence in Aspergillus might be used to attenuate invasive aspergillosis infections in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne Aspergillus spp. are critical pathogens that cause nosocomial infections in hospitals. Despite their importance, little is known about the distribution of Aspergillus species in the indoor air of hospitals in Brazil. We investigated Aspergillus spp. in the indoor air of critical areas in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Air samples (n = 238) were collected from the intensive care unit (ICU), medical clinic unit (MCU), and urgency and emergency unit (UEU) using an air sampler (100 L/min). Of the 324 Aspergillus isolates, 322 were identified using phenotypic methods, and 37 were identified using DNA sequencing. Aspergillus spp. was grouped into five sections: Fumigati (29.3%), Nidulantes (27.8%), Nigri (27.5%), Flavi (11.7%), and Terrei (3.1%). The predominant species identified via sequencing were Aspergillus sydowii (n = 9), Aspergillus flavus (n = 7), and Aspergilus fumigatus (n = 6). The number of Aspergillus spp. and their sections varied according to the collection day. A. fumigatus was isolated more frequently during winter and in the ICU. This study is the first to demonstrate the diversity of airborne Aspergillus (saprophytic, allergenic, toxigenic, and potentially pathogenic) strains in a hospital located in the Midwest region of Brazil. It contributes to the knowledge of the diversity of cryptic species in the hospital environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is a severe infection that affects the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, often seen in individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and hemato-oncological diseases. This study aims to retrospectively analyze patients diagnosed with AIFRS from 2014 to 2023. Methods: The study was a single-center, descriptive investigation focusing on demographic details, clinical presentation, radio-pathological features, and suggested management of AIFRS patients. Results: Of the 25 patients involved in the study, with a mean age of 48 years, hematooncological diseases were the most common underlying condition (44%), followed by diabetes mellitus (28%). Fungal analysis revealed Aspergillus species (32%) and Mucor (24%). The most frequently involved site was the middle turbinate (84%), while the least affected was the inferior turbinate (36%). The mortality rate was 48%, primarily due to underlying hemato-oncological diseases (32%). Aspergillus (16%) and Mucor (16%) were the most commonly encountered pathogens in fatal cases. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes mellitus, hemato-oncological diseases, or secondary immunodefciency undergoing steroid treatment should be vigilantly screened for AIFRS. Early diagnosis and prompt management are crucial to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal pathogens have a major, yet greatly underappreciated, impact on global human health, infecting billions and killing more than 3.75 million individuals each year. Over the past few decades, the discovery of novel antifungals for therapeutic development has been limited, with only three main antifungal classes available to treat systemic fungal infections: polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins. Fortunately, the deployment of interdisciplinary approaches for antifungal discovery is yielding breakthroughs in drug development that have not been seen in decades. Improvements to current antifungals, discovery of novel compound combinations, structure-guided approaches, and functional genomic screening to identify novel cellular targets are all important in expanding the antifungal armamentarium. Pathogenic fungi are an increasing public health concern. The emergence of antifungal resistance coupled with the scarce antifungal arsenal highlights the need for novel therapeutics. Fortunately, the past few years have witnessed breakthroughs in antifungal development. Here, we discuss pivotal interdisciplinary approaches for the discovery of novel compounds with efficacy against diverse fungal pathogens. We highlight breakthroughs in improving current antifungal scaffolds, as well as the utility of compound combinations to extend the lifespan of antifungals. Finally, we describe efforts to refine candidate chemical scaffolds by leveraging structure-guided approaches, and the use of functional genomics to expand our knowledge of druggable antifungal targets. Overall, we emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in the endeavor to develop innovative antifungal strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites harmful to humans and animals. Patulin (PAT) is a toxin found in different food products but especially in apples and their derivative products. The most common fungi producers of this compound are Aspergillus clavatus and Penicillium expansum. The production of patulin, as other mycotoxins, can be impacted by diverse phenomena such as water and nutrient availability, UV exposure, and the presence of antagonistic organisms. Consequently, gaining a comprehensive understanding of climate and environmental conditions is a crucial step in combating patulin contamination. In this study, moulds were isolated from 40 apple samples collected from seven locations across Hungary: Csenger, Damak, Pallag, Lövőpetri, Nagykálló, and Újfehértó. A total of 183 moulds were morphologically identified, with 67 isolates belonging to the Alternaria, 45 to the Aspergillus, and 13 to the Penicillium groups. The location possessed a higher influence than farming method on the distribution of mould genera. Despite the requirement of higher temperature, Aspergillus species dominated only for the region of Újfehértó with approximately 50% of the isolates belonging to the genus. Four of the seven locations assessed: Csenger, Debrecen-Pallag, Nyírtass and Nagykálló, were dominated by Alternaria species. All isolates belonging to the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium were tested for the presence of the isoepoxidone dehydrogenase (idh) gene, a key player in the patulin metabolic pathway. To guarantee patulin production, this ability was confirmed with TLC assays. The only Aspergillus strain that presented a positive result was the strain Aspergillus clavatus B9/6, originated from the apple cultivar Golden Reinders grown in Debrecen-Pallag by integrated farming. Of the Penicillium isolates only one strain, B10/6, presented a band of the right size (500-600 bp) for the idh gene. Further sequencing of the ITS gene showed that this strain should be classified as Talaromyces pinophilus. The TLC tests confirmed this microorganism as the only patulin producer under the studied conditions for its cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Aspergillosis is an important fungal disease occurring in avian fauna, especially in birds kept in captivity. In Psittaciformes, severe disease occurs in the lungs and air sacs, with the development of white-to-yellow caseous nodules and plaques in the organs, in addition to greenish-grey fungal growth in the air sacs. Herein, we report the presence of disseminated infection with Aspergillus fumigatus in a 3-year-old male scarlet macaw parrot (Ara macao) that was presented to the Exotic Animal Clinic at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences (Iași, Romania) for its postmortem examination. The confirmation of the fungal infection was achieved using histopathological, microbiological, and molecular methods. Since birds suffering from Aspergillus spp. do not always show respiratory issues, or their clinical signs are non-specific, this may create diagnostic difficulty for clinicians unfamiliar with the parrots' pathology. Therefore, for a definitive diagnosis, the demonstration of fungal presence by cytology or histopathology and its identification using culturing and molecular techniques is required. A 3-year-old male scarlet macaw parrot (Ara macao) was presented to the Exotic Animal Clinic at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences (Iași, Romania) for its postmortem examination. According to the owner, the parrot had been raised only in captivity and after 5 days of inappetence, lethargy, and mild respiratory clinical signs, the parrot died. The post mortem examination revealed various-sized granulomas and caseous plaques in the lungs, air sacs, spleen, intestinal serosa, and liver. Microscopically, the granulomas were characterized by a necrotic center and the infiltration of numerous multinucleated giant cells and epithelioid-like cells and by the presence of hyphae typical of Aspergillus spp. Moreover, in the liver tissue, a diffuse inflammation, with numerous fungal hyphae, was noted. The fungal culture and the PCR assay allowed for the isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigatus from the lung and liver samples. The macroscopical lesions and the histopathological findings, with the fungal isolation and molecular confirmation of Aspergillus fumigatus by nested PCR, provided the basis for the diagnosis of disseminated aspergillosis. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first report of disseminated infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a scarlet macaw parrot (Ara macao). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The ocular surface is perpetually exposed to the external environment, rendering it susceptible to microbial contamination. The ocular surface microbiota consists of non-pathogenic microorganisms that inhabit the conjunctiva and cornea. This study's objective was to extensively review the prevalence of bacterial and fungal organisms in the conjunctiva of healthy and diseased cats. (Herpes-and Calici-infected groups). Materials and Methods: The current study was performed on 240 cats that had visited veterinary health centers (Tehran, Iran) for examination. Sterile swabs from each cat's eyes were investigated for microbiological assessment. After sample collection, viral pathogens (Herpes and Calici viruses) were isolated and identified using the PCR method. The ages of the investigated group were 3.76, 3.93, and 4.15 months. Results: The highest frequency of bacteria in the normal, Herpes-infected/Calici-infected, and Herpes/Calici-infected groups were associated with Staphylococcus intermedius and Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus intermedius, respectively. In addition, it was found that the high prevalence of fungal microorganisms in the isolated samples was related to yeasts, Aspergillus (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger), and Penicillium species. Conclusion: Bacterial prevalence was significantly higher in all groups than the prevalence of fungi in the eyes of cats. The statistical comparison between the study groups regarding microbial and fungal frequency showed that significant differences were found between them, such that the frequency was higher in all disease groups, against the control group. In addition, a significant relation was observed between the Herpes-infected and Calici-infected groups regarding microbial and fungal prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common airborne allergen of the Aspergillus family. However, allergies to Aspergillus spp. are increasing, and subsequently, allergies to Aspergillus species other than fumigatus are also on the rise. Commercial diagnostic tools are still limited to Aspergillus fumigatus. Hence, there is a need for improved tests. We decided to investigate the correlation between serological sensitization to A. fumigatus and other Aspergillus species. Methods: Hundred and seven patients with positive skin prick tests to A. fumigatus were included in this study. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations against A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger, A. flavus, and A. versicolor were measured from specimens by fluorescent enzyme-linked immunoassays. Results: Patients showed considerably higher IgE concentrations against A. fumigatus (6.00 ± 15.05 kUA/L) than A. versicolor (0.30 ± 1.01 kUA/L), A. niger (0.62 ± 1.59 kUA/L), A. terreus (0.45 ± 1.12 kUA/L), or A. flavus (0.41 ± 0.97 kUA/L). Regression analysis yielded weak positive correlations for all Aspergillus spp., but low r2 values and heteroscedastic distribution indicate an overall poor fit of the calculated models. Conclusion: Serological sensitization against A. fumigatus does not correlate with sensitization against other Aspergillus spp. To detect sensitization against these, other diagnostic tools like a skin prick test solution of different Aspergillus spp. are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To build and merge a diagnostic model called multi-input DenseNet fused with clinical features (MI-DenseCFNet) for discriminating between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) and Aspergillus pneumonia (ASP) and to evaluate the significant correlation of each clinical feature in determining these two types of pneumonia using a random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. This will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing between SAP and ASP. Methods: In this study, 60 patients with clinically confirmed SAP and ASP, who were admitted to four large tertiary hospitals in Kunming, China, were included. Thoracic high-resolution CT lung windows of all patients were extracted from the picture archiving and communication system, and the corresponding clinical data of each patient were collected. Results: The MI-DenseCFNet diagnosis model demonstrates an internal validation set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Its external validation set demonstrates an AUC of 0.83. The model requires only 10.24s to generate a categorical diagnosis and produce results from 20 cases of data. Compared with high-, mid-, and low-ranking radiologists, the model achieves accuracies of 78% vs. 75% vs. 60% vs. 40%. Eleven significant clinical features were screened by the random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. Conclusion: The MI-DenseCFNet multimodal diagnosis model can effectively diagnose SAP and ASP, and its diagnostic performance significantly exceeds that of junior radiologists. The 11 important clinical features were screened in the constructed random forest dichotomous diagnostic model, providing a reference for clinicians. Clinical relevance statement: MI-DenseCFNet could provide diagnostic assistance for primary hospitals that do not have advanced radiologists, enabling patients with suspected infections like Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia or Aspergillus pneumonia to receive a quicker diagnosis and cut down on the abuse of antibiotics. Key points: • MI-DenseCFNet combines deep learning neural networks with crucial clinical features to discern between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Aspergillus pneumonia. • The comprehensive group had an area under the curve of 0.92, surpassing the proficiency of junior radiologists. • This model can enhance a primary radiologist's diagnostic capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bronchoalveolar lavage is commonly used in clinical practice for unresolved pneumonia. However, bronchoalveolar lavage is not suitable for all patients as it is an invasive procedure and can worsen oxygenation. The diagnostic value of bronchial wash and sputum has been debated extensively over the years. In this study, we aim to compare the diagnostic value in several pathogens of bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial wash, and secondarily bronchoalveolar lavage and sputum. Methods: We retrospectively included all adult patients in our hospital who underwent bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial wash, and where sputum sampling was done between January 1st of 2018 and December 31st of 2021. The intraclass correlation coefficient was computed for the three tests. Results: In total, 308 patients were included. We found a level of correlation of 0.819 and 0.865, respectively, between bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial wash for two pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Aspergillus fumigatus, we found an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.568 and 0.624, respectively. Between bronchoalveolar lavage and sputum, we found varying levels of agreement. Conclusion: Our study shows reasonably well agreement levels between bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial wash, suggesting that bronchial wash could potentially be an alternative to bronchoalveolar lavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that commonly occurring mold fungi have the ability to develop very quickly on the surface of wood chips and the ongoing studies on finding the ways to use degraded wood, the conducted research was aimed at determining the physical and mechanical properties of chipboards containing various amounts (0%, 30%, 50%, and 70%) of pine chips inoculated with Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi, varying in a degree of infestation. The inoculation did not cause significant changes in the chemical composition of chips; however, it caused a decrease in the pH of their surface after nine-week incubation. While using them, lowered pH caused a deterioration in the mechanical characteristics of the boards and increased their thickness swelling and water absorption. Moreover, no changes in density, formaldehyde content and decomposition by brown-rot fungi were found. Overall, it was concluded that the addition of partially infested chips did not significantly affect any properties of the board; however, in the case of complete overgrowth, the amount of degraded chips should be less than 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus section Flavi (Flavi) is a diverse group of fungal species whose common members include A. flavus and A. parasiticus. These are well-known for the production of aflatoxin (AF) B and G and other toxic metabolites, like cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). They are saprophytic soil dwellers and also become crop opportunistic epiphytes. The consequence is contamination of the crop with mycotoxins, such as carcinogenic AF. We investigated the Flavi community structure of maize and that of their surrounding soil, including their mycotoxigenicity. Furthermore, we investigated the link of the maize Flavi diversity with preharvest maize AF levels. The study was carried out in four selected districts of Zambia, in a low rainfall zone. The Flavi characterisation was triphasic, involving morphological (colony colour and sclerotia formation), metabolic (AF and CPA production) and genetic (calmodulin gene polymorphism) analyses. Flavi abundance was determined by dilution plate technique on modified rose Bengal agar. Results showed that Flavi communities on maize and in soil differed. Maize had a higher Flavi species diversity than soil. A. parasiticus dominated the soil community by frequency of field appearance (85%), while maize was dominated by A. minisclerotigenes (45%). CPA-producers with or without AF production dominated the maize (65%) while producers of only AF (B/G) dominated the soil (88%). The ratio between maize A. parasiticus and A. minisclerotigenes abundance seemed to have had a bearing on the levels of AF in maize, with a ratio close to 1:1 having higher levels than a pure community of either A. parasiticus or A. minisclerotigenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the potential of a fungal strain Aspergillus costaricensis KS1 for modulating growth and nutrient mobilization in rice. At laboratory conditions, there was a decline in pH of the medium on inoculation with the strain and the production of citric acid was observed under broth conditions. Similarly, there was higher solubilization of tricalcium phosphate and siderophore production in liquid medium on inoculation with the strain. The effect of inoculation of KS1 was studied in rice and higher growth and yield were observed on inoculation compared to control. The content of phosphorus and iron in stem and roots of KS1 inoculated plants was higher in comparison with uninoculated control. There was also increased availability of phosphorus and iron content in soil grown with KS1 inoculated plants. In addition, inoculation with strain resulted in a higher content of volatile organic compounds such as linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and ethyl isoallocholate in stem of rice. A. costaricensis KS1 can be used for improving phosphorus and iron nutrition and impart tolerance against stresses in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhinosinusitis is a common inflammatory disease of the sinonasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. The pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis involves a variety of factors, including genetics, nasal microbiota status, infection, and environmental influences. Pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, have been proven to target the cilia and/or epithelial cells of ciliated airways, which results in the impairment of mucociliary clearance, leading to epithelial cell apoptosis and the loss of epithelial barrier integrity and immune dysregulation, thereby facilitating infection. However, the mechanisms employed by pathogenic microorganisms in rhinosinusitis remain unclear. Therefore, this review describes the types of common pathogenic microorganisms that cause rhinosinusitis, including human rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus species, etc. The damage of mucosal cilium clearance and epithelial barrier caused by surface proteins or secreted virulence factors are summarized in detail. In addition, the specific inflammatory response, mainly Type 1 immune responses (Th1) and Type 2 immune responses (Th2), induced by the entry of pathogens into the body is discussed. The conventional treatment of infectious sinusitis and emerging treatment methods including nanotechnology are also discussed in order to improve the current understanding of the types of microorganisms that cause rhinosinusitis and to help effectively select surgical and/or therapeutic interventions for precise and personalized treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal keratitis is a rare yet severe infection of the cornea. Fungal species distribution depends on the climate and socioeconomic status and can show regional variation. This retrospective single-center study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center and the collaborating Institute of Medical Microbiology in Switzerland. On investigating all fungal-positive corneal scrapings and contact lens assessments of patients with keratitis from January 2012 to December 2023, 206 patients were identified, of which 113 (54.9%) were female. The median age was 38 (IQR 29.8, [18–93]), and 154 (74.8%) applied contact lenses. The most commonly found pathogen was Candida spp., followed by Fusarium spp. Molds were 1.8 times more common than yeasts. Linear regression showed no significant increase or decrease in the infection rate over time (p = 0.5). In addition, 10 patients (4.9%) were found to have coinfections with Acanthamoeba, 11 (5.3%) with HSV-1, none with HSV-2, and 4 (1.9%) with VZV. This study provides a long-term overview of fungal-positive corneal scrapings and contact lens specimens of patients with fungal keratitis. Based on our results, coinfections with Acanthamoeba, HSV, and VZV are frequent, especially in patients wearing contact lenses. Thus, wearing contact lenses may facilitate coinfection in fungal keratitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical spectrum of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) has expanded in recent decades. A large group of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) is indeed susceptible to the development of IPA. Although timely diagnosis and antifungal therapy of IPA in this expanding population is crucial to prevent IPA-related deaths, the magnitude of the favorable prognostic impact of antifungal therapy is difficult to measure precisely. In our opinion, the development of standardized research definitions could have favorable implications for further improving our ability both to measure the favorable effect of antifungal treatment and to prevent IPA-related death in ICU patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Aspergillus consists of a vast number of medically and environmentally relevant species. Aspergillus species classified in series Versicolores are ubiquitous in the environment and include the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus sydowii, which is associated with onychomycosis and superficial skin infections. Despite frequent clinical reports of A. sydowii and related series Versicolores species, antifungal susceptibility data are scarce, hampering optimal treatment choices and subsequent patient outcomes. Here, we employed antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) based on microbroth dilution on a set of 155 series Versicolores strains using the common antifungals amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole and micafungin with the addition of luliconazole and olorofim. All strains were identified using partial calmodulin gene sequencing, with 145 being A. sydowii, seven A. creber and three A. versicolor, using the latest taxonomic insights. Overall, tested antifungals were potent against the entire strain collection. In comparison to A. fumigatus, azole and amphotericin B MICs were slightly elevated for some strains. AFST with luliconazole and olorofim, here reported for the first time, displayed the highest in vitro activity, making these antifungals interesting alternative drugs but clinical studies are warranted for future therapeutic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on evaluating the sequential fermentation (SF) method for FFase production from Aspergillus tamarii URM4634 using soybean bran as substrate. The SF was performed using soybean bran as substrate at 72 h and 30 °C and the maximum hydrolytic activity (44.00 U mL−1), corresponding to an increase of 2.98-fold to about SmF using sucrose as substrate. Already the maximum transfructosylating activity was 26.10 U mL−1. The FFase presents maximum hydrolytic activity at pH 5.0–6.0 and transfructosylating at pH 6.0 and 60 °C for both enzyme activities. The enzyme showed a typical hydrolytic kinetic profile evidenced by more affinity by sucrose hydrolysis reaction than the fructosyl transfer one. From kinetic and thermodynamic data of thermal denaturation, it was observed that the enzyme presents suitable at 55 °C, evidenced by the large half-life (990.21 min) and D values (3289.41 min). The maximum release of reducing sugars (8.45 g L−1) was obtained in hydrolysis of 20% sucrose during 180 min. The results obtained for FFase production by SF proved that this method can be used satisfactorily for sucrose-degrading enzymes and can contribute to the development of the SF technique to produce different industrial-interest enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Root-knot nematodes (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) are among the highly prevalent and significantly detrimental pathogens that cause severe economic and yield losses in crops. Currently, control of RKN primarily relies on the application of chemical nematicides but it has environmental and public health concerns, which open new doors for alternative methods in the form of biological control. Methods: In this study, we investigated the nematicidal and attractive activities of an endophytic strain WF01 against Meloidogyne incognita in concentration-dependent experiments. The active nematicidal metabolite was extracted in the WF01 crude extract through the Sephadex column, and its structure was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data. Results: The strain WF01 was identified as Aspergillus tubingensis based on morphological and molecular characteristics. The nematicidal and attractive metabolite of A. tubingensis WF01 was identified as oxalic acid (OA), which showed solid nematicidal activity against M. incognita, having LC50 of 27.48 μg ml–1. The Nsy-1 of AWC and Odr-7 of AWA were the primary neuron genes for Caenorhabditis elegans to detect OA. Under greenhouse, WF01 broth and 200 μg ml–1 OA could effectively suppress the disease caused by M. incognita on tomatoes respectively with control efficiency (CE) of 62.5% and 70.83%, and promote plant growth. In the field, WF01-WP and 8% OA-WP formulations showed moderate CEs of 51.25%–61.47% against RKN in tomato and tobacco. The combined application of WF01 and OA resulted in excellent CEs of 66.83% and 69.34% toward RKN in tomato and tobacco, respectively. Furthermore, the application of WF01 broth or OA significantly suppressed the infection of J2s in tomatoes by upregulating the expression levels of the genes (PAL, C4H, HCT, and F5H) related to lignin synthesis, and strengthened root lignification. Conclusion: Altogether, our results demonstrated that A. tubingensis WF01 exhibited multiple weapons to control RKN mediated by producing OA to lure and kill RKN in a concentration-dependent manner and strengthen root lignification. This fungus could serve as an environmental bio-nematicide for managing the diseases caused by RKN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Primary antifungal prophylaxis with mold-active azoles is used to prevent invasive fungal infections in patients with high-risk hematological disorders; however, breakthrough infections occur, and the reasons for treatment failure are still not fully understood. To help inform clinical decisions, we sought to define microbiological, clinical, and pharmacological characteristics of proven and probable breakthrough invasive fungal infections (bIFIs) in patients with high-risk hematological disorders receiving voriconazole or posaconazole prophylaxis. Methods We performed a systematic review of the literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy was last conducted on 19 April 2023. Results We assessed 5293 studies for eligibility, and 300 were selected for data extraction. These studies described 1076 cases of bIFIs occurring under voriconazole (42.5%) or posaconazole (57.5%). The most commonly found pathogens were Aspergillus (40%), Mucorales (20%), Candida (18%), and Fusarium (9%) species. Mucorales were more frequent among voriconazole-emerging cases, whereas Aspergillus and Fusarium were more prevalent among posaconazole-emerging cases. Definitive, putative, or probable antifungal resistance was found in 31% of cases. Therapeutic drug monitoring showed subtherapeutic azole concentration in 32 of 90 (36%) cases. Infection-related mortality was reported in 117 cases and reached 35%. Conclusions In our systemic review, the most common bIFIs were aspergillosis, mucormycosis, candidiasis, and fusariosis. Antifungal resistance explains only a minority of cases. Subtherapeutic prophylaxis was frequent but rarely reported. Prospective studies are needed to better understand these infections and to establish optimal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new chromone derivative, aspergione A (1), along with seven known metabolites, was isolated from a mangrove endophytic fungus, Aspergillus sp. GXNU-B1, which was collected from mangrove Acanthus ilicifolius L. Their structures and the absolute configuration of 1 were elucidated based on the analysis of HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and ECD calculation. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects on the production of nitricoxide (NO). Compounds 1 and 8 have potent inhibitory effects against NO production in activated macrophages with IC50 values of 38.26 and 44.30 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory infections caused by the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of mortality for immunocompromised patients. Exposure to these pathogens occurs through inhalation, although the role of the respiratory epithelium in disease pathogenesis has not been fully defined. Employing a primary human airway epithelial model, we demonstrate that fungal melanins potently block the post-translational secretion of the chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL8 independent of transcription or the requirement of melanin to be phagocytosed, leading to a significant reduction in neutrophil recruitment to the apical airway both in vitro and in vivo. Aspergillus-derived melanin, a major constituent of the fungal cell wall, dampened airway epithelial chemokine secretion in response to fungi, bacteria, and exogenous cytokines. Furthermore, melanin muted pathogen-mediated calcium fluxing and hindered actin filamentation. Taken together, our results reveal a critical role for melanin interaction with airway epithelium in shaping the host response to fungal and bacterial pathogens. Here, Reedy et al. use a human airway culture model to show that fungal melanin blocks the secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines resulting in diminished immune responses to Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aegerolysin proteins are involved in various interactions by recognising a molecular receptor in the target organism. The formation of pores in combination with larger, non‐aegerolysin‐like protein partners (such as membrane attack complex/perforin proteins [MACPFs]) is one of the possible responses in the presumed competitive exclusion of other organisms from the ecological niche. Bicomponent pairs are already observed at the gene level. Fungi growing under extreme conditions can be divided into ubiquitous and extremotolerant generalists which can compete with mesophilic species and rare, isolated extremophilic and extremotolerant specialists with narrow ecological amplitude that cannot compete. Under extreme conditions, there are fewer competitors, so fungal specialists generally produce less diverse and complicated profiles of specialised molecules. Since extremotolerant and extremophilic fungi have evolved in numerous branches of the fungal tree of life and aegerolysins are unevenly distributed across fungal genomes, we investigated whether aegerolysins, together with their partner proteins, contribute to the extreme survival ecology of generalists and specialists. We compiled a list of 109 thermo‐, psihro‐, acido‐, alkali‐, halo‐, metallo‐ and polyextremo‐tolerant/‐philic fungal species. Several challenges were identified that affected the outcome: renaming fungal species, defining extremotolerant/extremophilic traits, identifying extremotolerant/extremophilic traits as metadata in databases and linking fungal isolates to fungal genomes. The yield of genomes coding aegerolysins or MACPFs appears to be lower in extremotolerant/extremophilic fungi compared to all fungal genomes. No candidates for pore‐forming gene pairs were identified in the genomes of extremophilic fungi. Aegerolysin and MACPFs partner pairs were identified in only two of 69 species with sequenced genomes, namely in the ubiquitous metallotolerant generalists Aspergillus niger and A. foetidus. These results support the hypothesised role of these pore‐forming proteins in competitive exclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: An 18-year-old immunocompetent man presented with symptomatic lumbar canal stenosis, discharging sinuses, and cold abscess for 3 years treated with multiple incision drainage procedures with cottonoid packing antibiotic therapy. Radiographic imaging showed a soft tissue mass in the canal causing bony destruction. Postoperative histopathological examination showed an Aspergillus fungal ball. Patient showed improvement at 6-month follow-up with medical management. Conclusion: As far as we know, this is the first case report showing an aspergilloma involving the vertebral column. Inadequate antibiotic treatment and blind introduction of a foreign body into sinus tracts can lead to fungal infections mimicking tuberculosis, causing disastrous outcomes. Fungal cultures are recommended routinely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated a deleterious mutation in the β-xylosidase gene, xylA (AkxylA), in Aspergillus luchuensis mut. kawachii IFO 4308 by constructing an AkxylA disruptant and complementation strains of AkxylA and xylA derived from A. luchuensis RIB2604 (AlxylA), which does not harbor the mutation in xylA. Only the AlxylA complementation strain exhibited significantly higher growth and substantial β-xylosidase activity in medium containing xylan, accompanied by an increase in XylA expression. This resulted in lower xylobiose and higher xylose concentrations in the mash of barley shochu. These findings suggest that the mutation in xylA affects xylose levels during the fermentation process. Because the mutation in xylA was identified not only in the genome of strain IFO 4308 but also the genomes of other industrial strains of A. luchuensis and A. luchuensis mut. kawachii , these findings enhance our understanding of the genetic factors that affect the fermentation characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mold contamination in post‐harvest grain storage degrades grain quality and produces mycotoxins, causing economic losses and health issues. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of six essential oils (cinnamon, clove, eugenol, orange terpenes, oregano, and thyme oil) on total and specific mold genera growth using potato dextrose agar (PDA) and selective media plates, respectively, at different concentrations of EOs (0–0.8 mg/mL). The antifungal index (AI) of each treatment were measured after 7 days incubation at 22°C. The fungicidal activity of EOs in stored organic corn grains was tested using a simulated fumigation method, and the aflatoxin contents in the corn grains were determined biweekly for 6 weeks. Results: Results indicate that the tested EOs, except orange terpenes, significantly inhibited mold growth. Overall, eugenol demonstrated the highest effectiveness against total mold growth with cinnamon oil following closely behind. The cinnamon oil also consistently showed highest AI and lowest IC50 (0.065 mg/mL) against the growth of Aspergillus and Penicillium followed by clove oil with IC50 being 0.12 mg/mL. The Fusarium spp. was more sensitive to EOs, particularly cinnamon oil (IC50 = 0.006 mg/mL), and eugenol and oregano oil (IC50 = 0.01 mg/mL). In the simulated fumigation tests, cinnamon, oregano, and thyme oils at 0.05 mL/25 g corn significantly inhibited the mold growth and aflatoxin production at water activity 0.85, and temperature 25 and 35°C over a period of 42 days storage. Conclusion: The EOs tested in this study except orange terpenes can potentially serve as alternatives to toxic synthetic fungicides/fumigants for organic corn grain protection during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary aspergillosis is a prevalent opportunistic fungal infection that can lead to mortality in pediatric patients with underlying immunosuppression. Appropriate and timely treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis can play a crucial role in reducing mortality among children admitted with suspected infections. Case presentation: The present study reports three cases of inappropriate treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus flavus in two Iranian pediatric patients under investigation and one Afghan patient. Unfortunately, two of them died. The cases involved patients aged 9, 1.5, and 3 years. They had been diagnosed with pulmonary disorders, presenting nonspecific clinical signs and radiographic images suggestive of pneumonia. The identification of A. flavus was confirmed through DNA sequencing of the calmodulin (CaM) region. Conclusion: A. flavus was the most prevalent cause of pulmonary aspergillosis in pediatric patients. Early diagnosis and accurate antifungal treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis could be crucial in reducing the mortality rate and also have significant potential for preventing other complications among children. Moreover, antifungal prophylaxis seems to be essential for enhancing survival in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponge-associated marine fungi are potential source for secondary metabolite compounds. The aim of this research was to investigate sponge-associated marine fungus as secondary metabolite producers against Escherichia coli. The fungus was isolated from Indonesian marine sponge Stylissa sp. and identified as Aspergillus hortai through a combination of morphological and molecular characteristics of ITS DNA and β-tubulin genes. The fungus was tested against E. coli using fungal broth and mycelial extracts. The optimized condition was achieved by fungal broth grown in corn meal broth at 6-days of shaking incubation. Fungal extract was produced using three liters of filtered fungal broth and extracted in ethyl acetate. The antibiotic activity of the extract is vulnerable to 45°C heat and basic or acidic conditions. Therefore, the extraction was done at pH 7 with evaporation at 40°C. The extract shows 7 major bands on TLC with 1 band shows activity against E. coli (Rf 0.81) on bioautogram. The band was observed as a yellow color and turned black in short-wave UV and did not show any fluorescence in long-wave UV. This research shows that sponge- associated marine fungi obtained from Indonesia has the potential as anti E. coli worth to be explored for searching new antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The serum galactomannan test (GM test) and the (1,3)-β-D-glucan test (G test) are utilized in diagnosing invasive fungal sinusitis. However, their effectiveness in detecting paranasal sinus fungus balls (FBs) has not been established. This study aimed to explore their diagnostic value in patients with FBs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 105 patients (42 with FBs and 63 with chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS]) who underwent serum GM and G tests between June 2020 and May 2021. Olfactory test results and demographics were also analyzed. Results: There were 42 FB patients (10 men, 32 women) and 63 CRS patients (27 men, 36 women). The positivity rates for serum GM (7.1% in the FB group vs. 3.2% in the CRS group, p=0.640) and G test (9.5% in the FB group vs. 11.1% in the CRS group, p=0.482) did not differ significantly between groups. The sensitivities of the GM and G tests were 7.1% and 9.5%, respectively, and their specificities were 96.8% and 88.9%, respectively. The positive predictive values were 60.0% for the GM test and 36.3% for the G test, and the negative predictive values were 61.0% for the GM test and 59.6% for the G test. Conclusion: Serum GM and G tests demonstrated low sensitivity and high specificity, indicating limited effectiveness in differentiating between patients with FBs and those with CRS. Histological examination remains the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis of FBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the Safety and wholesomeness of broiler feeds by identifying Aspergillus species, and detecting contamination with total aflatoxins in both starter (mashed) and finisher feed used to feed poultry (broilers). Samples were collected from six different farms in the Tartous Governorate - Syria, during the period from September 2023 to January 2024. The samples were grown in the laboratory on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) culture. Feed samples were analyzed for total aflatoxin content using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) device. Four species of Aspergillus fungi were identified in the studied feed samples: Aspergillus terreus (60%), followed by A. niger (37.1%), A. flavus (1.9%), and A. nidulans (1%), as it was found that A. terreus was the most prominent species isolated from starter (mashed) feed with a frequency of (96.6%), while A. niger was the most prominent species isolated from finished feed with a frequency of (78.7%).The results of determining total aflatoxins from the studied samples showed that three samples of starter (mashed) feed (50%) and four samples of finished feed (66.7%) contained aflatoxins at an average of 0.7 µg/kg and 1.2 µg/kg in the starter (mashed) and finisher feed, respectively. This study concludes that the ready-made broiler feed used in the studied farms was contaminated with different types of Aspergillus spp. fungi, and with low levels of total aflatoxins, which poses a threat to the poultry industry due to toxins produced by some fungal species, due to their cumulative effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for industrially and biotechnologically significant enzymes, such as phytase, is expanding daily as a result of the increased use of these enzymes in a variety of operations, including the manufacture of food, animal feed, and poultry feed. This study sought to characterize purified phytase from A. awamori AFE1 isolated from longhorn beetle for its prospect in industrial applications. Ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography, and gel-filtration chromatography were used to purify the crude enzyme obtained from submerged fermentation using phytase-producing media, and its physicochemical characteristics were examined. The homogenous 46.8-kDa phytase showed an 8.1-fold purification and 40.7% recovery. At 70 C and pH 7, the optimum phytase activity was noted. At acidic pH 4–6 and alkaline pH 8–10, it likewise demonstrated relative activity of 88–95% and 67–88%, respectively. It showed 67–70% residual activity between 30 and 70 C after 40 min, and 68–94% residual activity between pH 2 and 12 after 2 h. The presence of Hg+, Mg2+, and Al3+ significantly decreased the enzymatic activity, whereas Ca2+ and Cu2+ enhanced it. Ascorbic acid increased the activity of the purified enzyme, whereas ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and mercaptoethanol inhibited it. The calculated values for Km and Vmax were 55.4 mM and1.99 μmol/min/mL respectively. A. awamori phytase, which was isolated from a new source, showed unique and remarkable qualities that may find use in industrial operations such as feed pelleting and food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus terreus has attracted interest due to its application in industrial biotechnology, particularly for the production of itaconic acid and bioactive secondary metabolites. As related species also seem to possess a prosperous secondary metabolism, they are of high interest for genome mining and exploitation. Here, we present draft genome sequences for six species from Aspergillus section Terrei and one species from Aspergillus section Nidulantes. Whole-genome phylogeny confirmed that section Terrei is monophyletic. Genome analyses identified between 70 and 108 key secondary metabolism genes in each of the genomes of section Terrei, the highest rate found in the genus Aspergillus so far. The respective enzymes fall into 167 distinct families with most of them corresponding to potentially unique compounds or compound families. Moreover, 53% of the families were only found in a single species, which supports the suitability of species from section Terrei for further genome mining. Intriguingly, this analysis, combined with heterologous gene expression and metabolite identification, suggested that species from section Terrei use a strategy for UV protection different to other species from the genus Aspergillus. Section Terrei contains a complete plant polysaccharide degrading potential and an even higher cellulolytic potential than other Aspergilli, possibly facilitating additional applications for these species in biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]