Journal of Fungi

30 pages, 5307 KiB

Open AccessReview

by Pascal Arné, Veronica Risco-Castillo, Grégory Jouvion, Cécile Le Barzic and Jacques Guillot

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030241 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 8088

The ubiquitous fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus are able to proliferate in a large number of environments on organic substrates. The spores of these opportunistic pathogens, when inhaled, can cause serious and often fatal infections in a wide variety of captive and [...] Read more.

The ubiquitous fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus are able to proliferate in a large number of environments on organic substrates. The spores of these opportunistic pathogens, when inhaled, can cause serious and often fatal infections in a wide variety of captive and free-roaming wild birds. The relative importance of innate immunity and the level of exposure in the development of the disease can vary considerably between avian species and epidemiological situations. Given the low efficacy of therapeutic treatments, it is essential that breeders or avian practitioners know the conditions that favor the emergence of Aspergillosis in order to put adequate preventive measures in place. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycoses in Wildlife)

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10 pages, 669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Epidemiology of Candida auris in Qatar Reveals Hospital Transmission Dynamics and a South Asian Origin

by Husam Salah, Sathyavathi Sundararaju, Lamya Dalil, Sarah Salameh, Walid Al-Wali, Patrick Tang, Fatma Ben Abid and Clement K. M. Tsui

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030240 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3562

Abstract

Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that has become a public health threat with an increasing incidence of infections worldwide. Candida auris spreads easily among patients within and between hospitals. Infections and outbreaks caused by C. auris have been reported in [...] Read more.

Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that has become a public health threat with an increasing incidence of infections worldwide. Candida auris spreads easily among patients within and between hospitals. Infections and outbreaks caused by C. auris have been reported in the Middle East region including Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar; however, the origin of these isolates is largely unknown. Pathogen whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine the epidemiology and drug resistance mutations of C. auris in Qatar. Forty-four samples isolated from patients in three hospitals and the hospital environment were sequenced by Illumina NextSeq. Core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed that all isolates belonged to the South Asian lineage with genetic heterogeneity that suggests previous acquisition from foreign healthcare. The genetic variability among the outbreak isolates in the two hospitals (A and B) was low. Four environmental isolates clustered with the related clinical isolates, and epidemiologically linked isolates clustered together, suggesting that the ongoing transmission of C. auris could be linked to infected/colonized patients and the hospital environment. Prominent mutations Y132F and K143R in ERG11 linked to increased fluconazole resistance were detected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Candida auris 2.0)

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2 pages, 182 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: Antifungal Agents Recently Approved or under Development

by Ana Espinel-Ingroff and Eric Dannaoui

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030239 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2283

Abstract

Many thanks to all contributors to the Special Issue on “Antifungal Agents Recently Approved or Under Development (Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives)” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antifungal Agents Recently Approved or Under Development)

13 pages, 1010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostic Performance of (1→3)-β-D-Glucan Alone and in Combination with Aspergillus PCR and Galactomannan in Serum of Pediatric Patients after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

by Jan Springer, Jürgen Held, Carlo Mengoli, Paul Gerhardt Schlegel, Florian Gamon, Johannes Träger, Oliver Kurzai, Hermann Einsele, Juergen Loeffler and Matthias Eyrich

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030238 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2803

Abstract

Data on biomarker-assisted diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in pediatric patients is scarce. Therefore, we conducted a cohort study over two years including 404 serum specimens of 26 pediatric patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). Sera were tested prospectively twice weekly [...] Read more.

Data on biomarker-assisted diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in pediatric patients is scarce. Therefore, we conducted a cohort study over two years including 404 serum specimens of 26 pediatric patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). Sera were tested prospectively twice weekly for Aspergillus-specific DNA, galactomannan (GM), and retrospectively for (1→3)-β-D-glucan (BDG). Three probable IA and two possible invasive fungal disease (IFD) cases were identified using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSGERC) 2019 consensus definitions. Sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of probable IA and possible IFD was 80% (95% confidential interval (CI): 28–99%) and 55% (95% CI: 32–77%) for BDG, 40% (95% CI: 5–85%) and 100% (95% CI: 83–100%) for GM, and 60% (95% CI: 15–95%) and 95% (95% CI: 75–100%) for Aspergillus-specific real-time PCR. However, sensitivities have to be interpreted with great caution due to the limited number of IA cases. Interestingly, the low specificity of BDG was largely caused by false-positive BDG results that clustered around the date of alloSCT. The following strategies were able to increase BDG specificity: two consecutive positive BDG tests for diagnosis (specificity 80% (95% CI: 56–94%)); using an optimized cutoff value of 306 pg/mL (specificity 90% (95% CI: 68–99%)) and testing BDG only after the acute posttransplant phase. In summary, BDG can help to diagnose IA in pediatric alloSCT recipients. However, due to the poor specificity either an increased cutoff value should be utilized or BDG results should be confirmed by an alternative Aspergillus assay. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Diagnosis of Fungal Infections)

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20 pages, 3224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Ergosterol Biosynthesis Pathway in Ceratocystidaceae

by Mohammad Sayari, Magrieta A. van der Nest, Emma T. Steenkamp, Saleh Rahimlou, Almuth Hammerbacher and Brenda D. Wingfield

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030237 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3996

Abstract

Terpenes represent the biggest group of natural compounds on earth. This large class of organic hydrocarbons is distributed among all cellular organisms, including fungi. The different classes of terpenes produced by fungi are mono, sesqui, di- and triterpenes, although triterpene ergosterol is the [...] Read more.

Terpenes represent the biggest group of natural compounds on earth. This large class of organic hydrocarbons is distributed among all cellular organisms, including fungi. The different classes of terpenes produced by fungi are mono, sesqui, di- and triterpenes, although triterpene ergosterol is the main sterol identified in cell membranes of these organisms. The availability of genomic data from members in the Ceratocystidaceae enabled the detection and characterization of the genes encoding the enzymes in the mevalonate and ergosterol biosynthetic pathways. Using a bioinformatics approach, fungal orthologs of sterol biosynthesis genes in nine different species of the Ceratocystidaceae were identified. Ergosterol and some of the intermediates in the pathway were also detected in seven species (Ceratocystis manginecans, C. adiposa, Huntiella moniliformis, Thielaviopsis punctulata, Bretziella fagacearum, Endoconidiophora polonica and Davidsoniella virescens), using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The average ergosterol content differed among different genera of Ceratocystidaceae. We also identified all possible terpene related genes and possible biosynthetic clusters in the genomes used in this study. We found a highly conserved terpene biosynthesis gene cluster containing some genes encoding ergosterol biosynthesis enzymes in the analysed genomes. An additional possible terpene gene cluster was also identified in all of the Ceratocystidaceae. We also evaluated the sensitivity of the Ceratocystidaceae to a triazole fungicide that inhibits ergosterol synthesis. The results showed that different members of this family behave differently when exposed to different concentrations of triazole tebuconazole. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)

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16 pages, 4886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fullerol C₆₀(OH)₂₄ Nanoparticles and Drought Impact on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during Growth and Infection with Aspergillus flavus

by Tihomir Kovač, Tihana Marček, Bojan Šarkanj, Ivana Borišev, Maja Ižaković, Katarina Jukić, Ante Lončarić, Tamara Krska, Michael Sulyok and Rudolf Krska

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030236 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2822

Abstract

Fullerol C₆₀(OH)₂₄ nanoparticles (FNP)-wheat-A. flavus interaction outcome is more complicated in the presence of drought. This study sheds light on how the presence of FNP affects food and feed safety from the perspective of mycotoxin contamination. The study aims [...] Read more.

Fullerol C₆₀(OH)₂₄ nanoparticles (FNP)-wheat-A. flavus interaction outcome is more complicated in the presence of drought. This study sheds light on how the presence of FNP affects food and feed safety from the perspective of mycotoxin contamination. The study aims to determine the influence of FNP at environmentally plausible concentrations on wheat growth under drought stress and on the aggressiveness of A. flavus during wheat germination, as well as the influence of FNP on the secondary metabolite profile during the inappropriate wheat storage. The co-occurrence of drought and FNP inhibited germination and shoot growth, while an application of FNP alone had no negative effect on plant growth. Wheat pre-treated with FNP showed a concentration dependent resistance pattern to A. flavus aggressiveness. Nevertheless, using a LC-MS/MS based multi-mycotoxin method, six secondary fungal metabolites: 3-nitropropionic acid (<LOD −775.7336 ± 10.7752 ng mL⁻¹), aflatoxin B1 (<LOD −6.78 ± 0.43 ng mL⁻¹) and B2 (<LOD −0.07 ± 0.00 ng mL⁻¹), aflatoxicol (<LOD −0.37 ± 0.16 ng mL⁻¹), kojic acid (<LOD −1337.87 ± 189.04 ng mL⁻¹), and O-methylsterigmatocystin (<LOD −0.17 ± 0.00 ng mL⁻¹), were detected. FNP affected secondary metabolism of A. flavus during inappropriate wheat storage and increased the concentration of secondary metabolites in a concentration-dependent pattern (3-nitropropionic acid and kojic acid). In addition, aflatoxicol production was provoked in FNP treated samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi)

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17 pages, 7294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Commercial Fungicides against Onion (Allium cepa) Basal Rot Disease Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae and Fusarium acutatum

by Ofir Degani and Ben Kalman

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030235 - 21 Mar 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4436

Abstract

The onion basal rot disease is a worldwide threat caused by species of the genus Fusarium. Today, Israel’s control of this disease is limited to a four-year growth cycle and Metam sodium soil disinfection. Here, commercial chemical fungicides were evaluated as control treatments [...] Read more.

The onion basal rot disease is a worldwide threat caused by species of the genus Fusarium. Today, Israel’s control of this disease is limited to a four-year growth cycle and Metam sodium soil disinfection. Here, commercial chemical fungicides were evaluated as control treatments against two of the primary pathogens involved, F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae and F. Acutatum. Out of 10 fungicides tested on culture plates, 3, Prochloraz, Azoxystrobin + Tebuconazole, and Fludioxonil + Sedaxen, had strong inhibitory effects on mycelial growth and were selected and tested in seeds in vitro. The preparations were applied as a seed coating and tested in two commercial cultivars, Riverside (Orlando, white cv.) and Noam (red cv.). Prochloraz (0.3% w/w concentration), the most promising compound, was efficient in reducing the Noam cv. sprouts’ disease symptoms. This preparation had no harmful in situ-toxicity effect and did not influence the plants’ seed germination and early development. In Noam cv. potted 30-day-old sprouts, the Prochloraz treatment was able to reduce the harmful impact of F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae. on the seedlings’ wet biomass, but was not effective in the Riverside cv. or against the F. acutatum pathogen. This suggests that future protective strategies must include an effective protective suit tailored to each of the pathogen species involved and the onion cultivar. The methods presented in this work can be applied for rapidly scanning multiple compounds while gradually ruling out ineffective ones. Eventually, this screening will enable field testing of the highest potential fungicides that successfully pass the pot experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant and Fungal Interactions)

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20 pages, 2759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity and Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia spp. Isolates Associated with Red Cabbage in Samsun (Turkey)

by Ismail Erper, Goksel Ozer, Ruslan Kalendar, Sirin Avci, Elif Yildirim, Mehtap Alkan and Muharrem Turkkan

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030234 - 21 Mar 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4160

Abstract

A total of 132 Rhizoctonia isolates were recovered from red cabbage plants with root rot and wirestem symptoms in the province of Samsun (Turkey) between 2018 and 2019. Based on the sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region located between the [...] Read more.

A total of 132 Rhizoctonia isolates were recovered from red cabbage plants with root rot and wirestem symptoms in the province of Samsun (Turkey) between 2018 and 2019. Based on the sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region located between the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes and including nuclear staining, these 124 isolates were assigned to multinucleate Rhizoctonia solani, and eight were binucleate Rhizoctonia. The most prevalent anastomosis group (AG) was AG 4 (84%), which was subdivided into AG 4 HG-I (81%) and AG 4 HG-III (3%), followed by AG 5 (10%) and AG-A (6%), respectively. The unweighted pair group method phylogenetic tree resulting from the data of 68 isolates with the inter-PBS amplification DNA profiling method based on interspersed retrotransposon element sequences confirmed the differentiation of AGs with a higher resolution. In the greenhouse experiment with representative isolates (n = 24) from AGs on red cabbage (cv. Rondale), the disease severity index was between 3.33 and 4.0 for multinucleate AG isolates and ranged from 2.5 to 3.17 for AG-A isolates. In the pathogenicity assay of six red cabbage cultivars, one isolate for each AG was tested using a similar method, and all cultivars were susceptible to AG 4 HG-I and AG 4 HG-III isolates. Redriver and Remale were moderately susceptible, while Rescue, Travero, Integro, and Rondale were susceptible to the AG 5 isolate. The results indicate that the most prevalent and aggressive AGs of Rhizoctonia are devastating pathogens to red cabbage, which means that rotation with nonhost-crops for these AGs may be the most effective control strategy. This is the first comprehensive study of Rhizoctonia isolates in red cabbage using a molecular approach to assess genetic diversity using iPBS-amplified DNA profiling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)

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9 pages, 862 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Validation of the SavvyCheck™ Vaginal Yeast Test for Screening Pregnant Women for Vulvovaginal Candidosis: A Prospective, Cross-Sectional Study

by Philipp Foessleitner, Herbert Kiss, Julia Deinsberger, Julia Ott, Lorenz Zierhut and Alex Farr

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030233 - 20 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3180

Abstract

Pregnant women have an increased risk of vulvovaginal candidosis. Recurrent candidosis is under debate as a contributor to preterm birth, and vertical transmission may cause diaper dermatitis and oral thrush in the newborn. Apart from cultural methods, the gold standard for diagnosing candidosis [...] Read more.

Pregnant women have an increased risk of vulvovaginal candidosis. Recurrent candidosis is under debate as a contributor to preterm birth, and vertical transmission may cause diaper dermatitis and oral thrush in the newborn. Apart from cultural methods, the gold standard for diagnosing candidosis is Gram staining, which is time-consuming and requires laboratory facilities. The objective of this prospective study was to validate a point-of-care vaginal yeast detection assay (SavvyCheck™ Vaginal Yeast Test) and to evaluate it in asymptomatic pregnant women. We enrolled 200 participants, 100 of whom had vulvovaginal candidosis according to Gram stain (study group) and 100 were healthy pregnant controls (control group). Of these, 22 participants (11%) had invalid test results. The point-of-care test of the remaining 85 and 93 study participants in the study and control groups, respectively, showed a sensitivity of 94.1%, specificity of 98.9%, positive predictive value of 90.3%, and negative predictive value of 99.4% when compared with Gram stain. In conclusion, we found a high correlation between the SavvyCheck™ Vaginal Yeast Test and Gram-stained smears during pregnancy. This suggests a potential role of this point-of-care test as a screening tool for asymptomatic pregnant women in early gestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Diagnosis of Fungal Infections)

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10 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Activity of Ibrexafungerp against a Collection of Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus, Including Cryptic Species and Cyp51A Mutants, Using EUCAST and CLSI Methodologies

by Olga Rivero-Menendez, Juan Carlos Soto-Debran, Manuel Cuenca-Estrella and Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030232 - 20 Mar 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2950

Abstract

Ibrexafungerp is a new orally-available 1,3-β-D-glucan synthesis inhibitor in clinical development. Its in vitro activity and that of amphotericin B, voriconazole, and micafungin were evaluated against a collection of 168 clinical isolates of Aspergillus spp., including azole–susceptible and azole–resistant (Cyp51A mutants) Aspergillus fumigatus [...] Read more.

Ibrexafungerp is a new orally-available 1,3-β-D-glucan synthesis inhibitor in clinical development. Its in vitro activity and that of amphotericin B, voriconazole, and micafungin were evaluated against a collection of 168 clinical isolates of Aspergillus spp., including azole–susceptible and azole–resistant (Cyp51A mutants) Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto (s.s.) and cryptic species of Aspergillus belonging to six species complexes showing different patterns of antifungal resistance, using EUCAST and CLSI antifungal susceptibility testing reference methods. Ibrexafungerp displayed low geometric means of minimal effective concentrations (MECs) against A. fumigatus s.s. strains, both azole susceptible (0.040 mg/L by EUCAST and CLSI versus 1.231 mg/L and 0.660 mg/L for voriconazole, respectively) and azole resistant (0.092 mg/L and 0.056 mg/L, EUCAST and CLSI, while those for voriconazole were 2.144 mg/L and 2.000 mg/L). Ibrexafungerp was active against most of the cryptic species of Aspergillus tested, yielding MEC values only comparable to those of micafungin. Nevertheless, this new compound exhibited a moderate activity against A. ustus complex species, MECs ≥ 0.5 mg/L against Aspergillus insuetus and Aspergillus keveii strains, and was inactive against the Aspergillus alliaceus isolates tested (MEC₉₀s ≥ 16 mg/L). All in all, ibrexafungerp shows encouraging in vitro results against cryptic species of Aspergillus and azole–susceptible and azole resistant strains of A. fumigatus, some of which are difficult to treat using the available therapeutic options. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)

15 pages, 2066 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fungal-Induced Programmed Cell Death

by Thomas J. Williams, Luis E. Gonzales-Huerta and Darius Armstrong-James

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030231 - 20 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4713

Abstract

Fungal infections are a cause of morbidity in humans, and despite the availability of a range of antifungal treatments, the mortality rate remains unacceptably high. Although our knowledge of the interactions between pathogenic fungi and the host continues to grow, further research is [...] Read more.

Fungal infections are a cause of morbidity in humans, and despite the availability of a range of antifungal treatments, the mortality rate remains unacceptably high. Although our knowledge of the interactions between pathogenic fungi and the host continues to grow, further research is still required to fully understand the mechanism underpinning fungal pathogenicity, which may provide new insights for the treatment of fungal disease. There is great interest regarding how microbes induce programmed cell death and what this means in terms of the immune response and resolution of infection as well as microbe-specific mechanisms that influence cell death pathways to aid in their survival and continued infection. Here, we discuss how programmed cell death is induced by fungi that commonly cause opportunistic infections, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans, the role of programmed cell death in fungal immunity, and how fungi manipulate these pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Host Defense against Fungi)

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5 pages, 9522 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Proven Fatal Invasive Aspergillosis in a Patient with COVID-19 and Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia

by Frank van Someren Gréve, Romy du Long, Raju Talwar, Charlotte J. P. Beurskens, Huibertus J. Voerman and Karin van Dijk

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030230 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

There is increasing attention for opportunistic pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus complicating SARS-CoV-2 infections in the critically ill. For invasive fungal disease, establishing a clear diagnosis can be challenging due to the invasiveness of diagnostic procedures required for a proven case. Here we [...] Read more.

There is increasing attention for opportunistic pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus complicating SARS-CoV-2 infections in the critically ill. For invasive fungal disease, establishing a clear diagnosis can be challenging due to the invasiveness of diagnostic procedures required for a proven case. Here we present one of the first proven cases of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis by positive culture of post-mortem lung biopsy. Full article

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21 pages, 3365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

β-Galactosidase-Producing Isolates in Mucoromycota: Screening, Enzyme Production, and Applications for Functional Oligosaccharide Synthesis

by Bettina Volford, Mónika Varga, András Szekeres, Alexandra Kotogán, Gábor Nagy, Csaba Vágvölgyi, Tamás Papp and Miklós Takó

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030229 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3983

Abstract

β-Galactosidases of Mucoromycota are rarely studied, although this group of filamentous fungi is an excellent source of many industrial enzymes. In this study, 99 isolates from the genera Lichtheimia, Mortierella, Mucor, Rhizomucor, Rhizopus and Umbelopsis, were screened for [...] Read more.

β-Galactosidases of Mucoromycota are rarely studied, although this group of filamentous fungi is an excellent source of many industrial enzymes. In this study, 99 isolates from the genera Lichtheimia, Mortierella, Mucor, Rhizomucor, Rhizopus and Umbelopsis, were screened for their β-galactosidase activity using a chromogenic agar approach. Ten isolates from the best producers were selected, and the activity was further investigated in submerged (SmF) and solid-state (SSF) fermentation systems containing lactose and/or wheat bran substrates as enzyme production inducers. Wheat bran proved to be efficient for the enzyme production under both SmF and SSF conditions, giving maximum specific activity yields from 32 to 12,064 U/mg protein and from 783 to 22,720 U/mg protein, respectively. Oligosaccharide synthesis tests revealed the suitability of crude β-galactosidases from Lichtheimia ramosa Szeged Microbiological Collection (SZMC) 11360 and Rhizomucor pusillus SZMC 11025 to catalyze transgalactosylation reactions. In addition, the crude enzyme extracts had transfructosylation activity, resulting in the formation of fructo-oligosaccharide molecules in a sucrose-containing environment. The maximal oligosaccharide concentration varied between 0.0158 and 2.236 g/L depending on the crude enzyme and the initial material. Some oligosaccharide-enriched mixtures supported the growth of probiotics, indicating the potential of the studied enzyme extracts in future prebiotic synthesis processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi for Biotechnological Application and Environmental Cleanup)

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12 pages, 1756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of 11 DNA Automated Extraction Protocols for the Detection of the 5 Mains Candida Species from Artificially Spiked Blood

by Estelle Menu, Jordi Landier, Elsa Prudent, Stéphane Ranque and Coralie L’Ollivier

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030228 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3203

Abstract

The molecular detection of Candida plays an important role in the diagnosis of candidaemia, a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The sensitivity of this diagnosis is partly related to the efficiency of yeast DNA extraction. In this monocentric study, we investigated the [...] Read more.

The molecular detection of Candida plays an important role in the diagnosis of candidaemia, a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The sensitivity of this diagnosis is partly related to the efficiency of yeast DNA extraction. In this monocentric study, we investigated the suitability of 11 recent automated procedures for the extraction of low and high amounts of Candida DNA from spiked blood. The efficacy of the DNA extraction procedures to detect Candida spp. in blood samples ranged from 31.4% to 80.6%. The NucliSENS^TM easyMAG^TM procedure was the most efficient, for each species and each inoculum. It significantly outperformed the other procedures at the lower Candida inocula mimicking the clinical setting. This study highlighted a heterogeneity in DNA extraction efficacy between the five main Candida species (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei). Up to five automated procedures were appropriate for C. krusei DNA extraction, whereas only one method yielded an appropriate detection of low amount of C. tropicalis. In the era of the syndromic approach to bloodstream infection diagnosis, this evaluation of 11 automated DNA extraction methods for the PCR diagnosis of candidaemia, puts the choice of an appropriate method in routine diagnosis within the reach of laboratories. Full article

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12 pages, 7023 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Epidemiological Correlation of Pulmonary Aspergillus Infections with Ambient Pollutions and Influenza A (H1N1) in Southern Taiwan

by Jien-Wei Liu, Yee-Huang Ku, Chien-Ming Chao, Hsuan-Fu Ou, Chung-Han Ho, Khee-Siang Chan and Wen-Liang Yu

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030227 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2878

Abstract

An increase in fungal spores in ambient air is reported during a spike in particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) aerosols generated during dust or smog events. However, little is known about the impact of ambient bioaerosols on fungal infections in [...] Read more.

An increase in fungal spores in ambient air is reported during a spike in particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) aerosols generated during dust or smog events. However, little is known about the impact of ambient bioaerosols on fungal infections in humans. To identify the correlation between the incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis and PM-associated bioaerosols (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), we retrospectively analyzed data between 2015 and 2018 (first stage) and prospectively analyzed data in 2019 (second stage). Patient data were collected from patients in three medical institutions in Tainan, a city with a population of 1.88 million, located in southern Taiwan. PM data were obtained from the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network. Overall, 544 non-repeated aspergillosis patients (first stage, n = 340; second stage, n = 204) were identified and enrolled for analysis. The trend of aspergillosis significantly increased from 2015 to 2019. Influenza A (H1N1) and ambient PMs (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) levels had significant effects on aspergillosis from 2015 to 2018. However, ambient PMs and influenza A (H1N1) in Tainan were correlated with the occurrence of aspergillosis in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Overall (2015–2019), aspergillosis was significantly correlated with influenza (p = 0.002), influenza A (H1N1) (p < 0.001), and PM_2.5 (p = 0.040) in Tainan City. Using a stepwise regression model, influenza A (H1N1) (p < 0.0001) and Tainan PM₁₀ (p = 0.016) could significantly predict the occurrence of aspergillosis in Tainan. PM-related bioaerosols and influenza A (H1N1) contribute to the incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi)

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32 pages, 5419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Destructive Tree Pathogen Phytophthora ramorum Originates from the Laurosilva Forests of East Asia

by Thomas Jung, Marília Horta Jung, Joan F. Webber, Koji Kageyama, Ayaka Hieno, Hayato Masuya, Seiji Uematsu, Ana Pérez-Sierra, Anna R. Harris, Jack Forster, Helen Rees, Bruno Scanu, Sneha Patra, Tomáš Kudláček, Josef Janoušek, Tamara Corcobado, Ivan Milenković, Zoltán Nagy, Ildikó Csorba, József Bakonyi and Clive M. Brasier Show full author list Hide full author list

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030226 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 9134

Abstract

As global plant trade expands, tree disease epidemics caused by pathogen introductions are increasing. Since ca 2000, the introduced oomycete Phytophthora ramorum has caused devastating epidemics in Europe and North America, spreading as four ancient clonal lineages, each of a single mating type, [...] Read more.

As global plant trade expands, tree disease epidemics caused by pathogen introductions are increasing. Since ca 2000, the introduced oomycete Phytophthora ramorum has caused devastating epidemics in Europe and North America, spreading as four ancient clonal lineages, each of a single mating type, suggesting different geographical origins. We surveyed laurosilva forests for P. ramorum around Fansipan mountain on the Vietnam-China border and on Shikoku and Kyushu islands, southwest Japan. The surveys yielded 71 P. ramorum isolates which we assigned to eight new lineages, IC1 to IC5 from Vietnam and NP1 to NP3 from Japan, based on differences in colony characteristics, gene x environment responses and multigene phylogeny. Molecular phylogenetic trees and networks revealed the eight Asian lineages were dispersed across the topology of the introduced European and North American lineages. The deepest node within P. ramorum, the divergence of lineages NP1 and NP2, was estimated at 0.5 to 1.6 Myr. The Asian lineages were each of a single mating type, and at some locations, lineages of “opposite” mating type were present, suggesting opportunities for inter-lineage recombination. Based on the high level of phenotypic and phylogenetic diversity in the sample populations, the coalescence results and the absence of overt host symptoms, we conclude that P. ramorum comprises many anciently divergent lineages native to the laurosilva forests between eastern Indochina and Japan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oomycetes – Diversity, Taxonomy, Evolution, Ecology and Host-Pathogen Interactions)

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30 pages, 1629 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fungal–Metal Interactions: A Review of Toxicity and Homeostasis

by Janelle R. Robinson, Omoanghe S. Isikhuemhen and Felicia N. Anike

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030225 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 8803

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles used as antifungals have increased the occurrence of fungal–metal interactions. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how these interactions cause genomic and physiological changes, which can produce fungal superbugs. Despite interest in these interactions, there is limited understanding of [...] Read more.

Metal nanoparticles used as antifungals have increased the occurrence of fungal–metal interactions. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how these interactions cause genomic and physiological changes, which can produce fungal superbugs. Despite interest in these interactions, there is limited understanding of resistance mechanisms in most fungi studied until now. We highlight the current knowledge of fungal homeostasis of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and silver to comprehensively examine associated mechanisms of resistance. Such mechanisms have been widely studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but limited reports exist in filamentous fungi, though they are frequently the subject of nanoparticle biosynthesis and targets of antifungal metals. In most cases, microarray analyses uncovered resistance mechanisms as a response to metal exposure. In yeast, metal resistance is mainly due to the down-regulation of metal ion importers, utilization of metallothionein and metallothionein-like structures, and ion sequestration to the vacuole. In contrast, metal resistance in filamentous fungi heavily relies upon cellular ion export. However, there are instances of resistance that utilized vacuole sequestration, ion metallothionein, and chelator binding, deleting a metal ion importer, and ion storage in hyphal cell walls. In general, resistance to zinc, copper, iron, and manganese is extensively reported in yeast and partially known in filamentous fungi; and silver resistance lacks comprehensive understanding in both. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology)

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15 pages, 2837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Weed-Associated Fungal Endophytes as Biocontrol Agents of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 in Cavendish Banana

by Dennice G. Catambacan and Christian Joseph R. Cumagun

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030224 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6164

Abstract

The antagonistic activity of fungal endophytes isolated from weeds growing in Cavendish banana farms was determined against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 (Foc TR4) causing Fusarium wilt of Cavendish banana. Forty-nine out of the total 357 fungal endophytes from the roots [...] Read more.

The antagonistic activity of fungal endophytes isolated from weeds growing in Cavendish banana farms was determined against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 (Foc TR4) causing Fusarium wilt of Cavendish banana. Forty-nine out of the total 357 fungal endophytes from the roots of weeds exhibited antagonistic activity against Foc TR4. High inhibitory activity at 79.61–99.31% based on dual culture assay was recorded in endophytes Lasiodiplodia theobromae TDC029, Trichoderma asperellum TDC075, Ceratobasidium sp. TDC037, Ceratobasidium sp. TDC241, and Ceratobasidium sp. TDC474. All five endophytes were identified through DNA sequencing with 86–100% identity. Endophyte-treated Grand Naine and GCTCV 218 plantlets showed significantly lower disease incidence (p = 0.014), significantly lower degree of leaf yellowing (p = 0.037) and rhizome discoloration (p = 0.003). In addition, the cultivar Grand Naine was consistently highly susceptible compared with the tolerant cultivar GCTCV 218. Full article

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16 pages, 39715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Antimycotic and Antioxidant Potentials of Chemically Synthesized Zinc-Based Nanoparticles Derived from Different Reducing/Complexing Agents against Pathogenic Fungi of Maize Crop

by Anu Kalia, Jashanpreet Kaur, Manisha Tondey, Pooja Manchanda, Pulkit Bindra, Mousa A. Alghuthaymi, Ashwag Shami and Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030223 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3120

Abstract

The present study aimed for the synthesis, characterization, and comparative evaluation of anti-oxidant and anti-fungal potentials of zinc-based nanoparticles (ZnNPs) by using different reducing or organic complexing-capping agents. The synthesized ZnNPs exhibited quasi-spherical to hexagonal shapes with average particle sizes ranging from 8 [...] Read more.

The present study aimed for the synthesis, characterization, and comparative evaluation of anti-oxidant and anti-fungal potentials of zinc-based nanoparticles (ZnNPs) by using different reducing or organic complexing-capping agents. The synthesized ZnNPs exhibited quasi-spherical to hexagonal shapes with average particle sizes ranging from 8 to 210 nm. The UV-Vis spectroscopy of the prepared ZnNPs showed variation in the appearance of characteristic absorption peak(s) for the various reducing/complexing agents i.e., 210 (NaOH and NaBH₄), 220 (albumin, and thiourea), 260 and 330 (starch), and 351 nm (cellulose) for wavelengths spanning over 190–800 nm. The FT-IR spectroscopy of the synthesized ZnNPs depicted the functional chemical group diversity. On comparing the antioxidant potential of these ZnNPs, NaOH as reducing agent, (NaOH (RA)) derived ZnNPs presented significantly higher DPPH radical scavenging potential compared to other ZnNPs. The anti-mycotic potential of the ZnNPs as performed through an agar well diffusion assay exhibited variability in the extent of inhibition of the fungal mycelia with maximum inhibition at the highest concentration (40 mg L⁻¹). The NaOH (RA)-derived ZnNPs showcased maximum mycelial inhibition compared to other ZnNPs. Further, incubation of the total genomic DNA with the most effective NaOH (RA)-derived ZnNPs led to intercalation or disintegration of the DNA of all the three fungal pathogens of maize with maximum DNA degrading effect on Macrophomina phaseolina genomic DNA. This study thus identified that differences in size and surface functionalization with the protein (albumin)/polysaccharides (starch, cellulose) diminishes the anti-oxidant and anti-mycotic potential of the generated ZnNPs. However, the NaOH emerged as the best reducing agent for the generation of uniform nano-scale ZnNPs which possessed comparably greater anti-oxidant and antimycotic activities against the three test maize pathogenic fungal cultures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology)

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17 pages, 2685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enzyme Activities of Five White-Rot Fungi in the Presence of Nanocellulose

by Carolina Reyes, Alexandre Poulin, Gustav Nyström, Francis W. M. R. Schwarze and Javier Ribera

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030222 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4147

Abstract

White-rot fungi can degrade all lignocellulose components due to their potent lignin and cellulose-degrading enzymes. In this study, five white-rot fungi, Trametes versicolor, Trametes pubescens, Ganoderma adspersum, Ganoderma lipsiense, and Rigidoporus vitreus were tested for endoglucanase, laccase, urease, and glucose-6-phosphate [...] Read more.

White-rot fungi can degrade all lignocellulose components due to their potent lignin and cellulose-degrading enzymes. In this study, five white-rot fungi, Trametes versicolor, Trametes pubescens, Ganoderma adspersum, Ganoderma lipsiense, and Rigidoporus vitreus were tested for endoglucanase, laccase, urease, and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) production when grown with malt extract and nanocellulose in the form of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical) oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). Results show that temperature plays a key role in controlling the growth of all five fungi when cultured with malt extract alone. Endoglucanase activities were highest in cultures of G. adspersum and G. lipsiense and laccase activities were highest in cultures of T. versicolor and R. vitreus. Urease activities were highest in cultures of G. adspersum, G. lipsiense, and R. vitreus. Glucose-6-phosphate levels also indicate that cells were actively metabolizing glucose present in the cultures. These results show that TEMPO-oxidized CNF and CNC do not inhibit the production of specific lignocellulose enzymes by these white-rot fungi. The apparent lack of enzymatic inhibition makes TEMPO-oxidized CNF and CNC excellent candidates for future biotechnological applications in combination with the white-rot fungi studied here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Cell Biology, Metabolism and Physiology)

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13 pages, 2316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dexamethasone Creates a Suppressive Microenvironment and Promotes Aspergillus fumigatus Invasion in a Human 3D Epithelial/Immune Respiratory Model

by Maureen K. Luvanda, Wilfried Posch, Asma Noureen, Eliott Lafon, Viktoria Zaderer, Cornelia Lass-Flörl and Doris Wilflingseder

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030221 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4329

Abstract

Lung immunity and susceptibility to infections is subject to interactions between the epithelial layer and immune cells residing in the pulmonary space. Aspergillus (A.) fumigatus, the most prevalent pathogenic fungus, affects both upper and lower respiratory tracts of immunocompromised hosts. Several reports [...] Read more.

Lung immunity and susceptibility to infections is subject to interactions between the epithelial layer and immune cells residing in the pulmonary space. Aspergillus (A.) fumigatus, the most prevalent pathogenic fungus, affects both upper and lower respiratory tracts of immunocompromised hosts. Several reports implicate corticosteroids as a major risk factor due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, which are exacerbated by long-term treatment regimens. Here we demonstrate for the first time the influence of dexamethasone when it comes to germination and hyphae formation of A. fumigatus in the presence of macrophages within a highly differentiated air–liquid interphase (ALI) epithelial/immune lung model. We illustrate suppressed mucus production within the highly differentiated 3D respiratory model as well as significantly decreased cilia beat frequencies by dexamethasone treatment. This goes along with corticosteroid-mediated macrophage M2 polarization within the epithelial/immune microenvironment. Therefore, we here showed that corticosteroids promote enhanced fungal growth and invasion A. fumigatus by creating a suppressive environment affecting both epithelial as well as immune cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Host Defense against Fungi)

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6 pages, 5971 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Emergence of Candida auris in Brazil in a COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit

by João N. de Almeida, Jr., Elaine C. Francisco, Ferry Hagen, Igor B. Brandão, Felicidade M. Pereira, Pedro H. Presta Dias, Magda M. de Miranda Costa, Regiane T. de Souza Jordão, Theun de Groot and Arnaldo L. Colombo

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030220 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 14306

Abstract

In December 2020, Candida auris emerged in Brazil in the city of Salvador. The first two C. auris colonized patients were in the same COVID-19 intensive care unit. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed low minimal inhibitory concentrations of 1 µg/mL, 2 µg/mL, 0.03 µg/L, [...] Read more.

In December 2020, Candida auris emerged in Brazil in the city of Salvador. The first two C. auris colonized patients were in the same COVID-19 intensive care unit. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed low minimal inhibitory concentrations of 1 µg/mL, 2 µg/mL, 0.03 µg/L, and 0.06 µg/mL for amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole, and anidulafungin, respectively. Microsatellite typing revealed that the strains are clonal and belong to the South Asian clade C. auris. The travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the absence of travel history among the colonized patients lead to the hypothesis that this species was introduced several months before the recognition of the first case and/or emerged locally in the coastline Salvador area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Candida auris 2.0)

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14 pages, 3097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mold and Yeast-Like Fungi in the Seaside Air of the Gulf of Gdańsk (Southern Baltic) after an Emergency Disposal of Raw Sewage

by Małgorzata Michalska, Monika Kurpas, Katarzyna Zorena, Piotr Wąż and Roman Marks

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030219 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3410

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the meteorological factors and the number of molds and yeast-like fungi in the air in the five coastal towns in the years 2014–2017, and in 2018, after emergency disposal of raw sewage [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the meteorological factors and the number of molds and yeast-like fungi in the air in the five coastal towns in the years 2014–2017, and in 2018, after emergency disposal of raw sewage to the Gdańsk Gulf. In the years 2014–2018, a total number of 88 air samples were collected in duplicate in the five coastal towns of Hel, Puck, Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdańsk-Brzeźno. After the application of the (PCA) analysis, this demonstrated that the first principal component (PC1) had a positive correlation with the water temperature, wind speed, air temperature, and relative humidity. The second principal component (PC2) had a positive correlation with the relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature. In 2018, potentially pathogenic mold and yeast-like fungi (Candida albicans, Stachybotrys chartarum complex, Aspergillus section Fumigati) were detected in the seaside air. While the detected species were not observed in the years 2014–2017. We suggest that it is advisable to inform residents about the potential health risk in the event of raw sewage disposal into the water. Moreover, in wastewater treatment plants, tighter measures, including wastewater disinfection, should be introduced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Fungus)

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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and N₂O Production Potential of Fungi in an Oceanic Oxygen Minimum Zone

by Xuefeng Peng and David L. Valentine

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030218 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3431

Abstract

Fungi in terrestrial environments are known to play a key role in carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry and exhibit high diversity. In contrast, the diversity and function of fungi in the ocean has remained underexplored and largely neglected. In the eastern tropical North Pacific [...] Read more.

Fungi in terrestrial environments are known to play a key role in carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry and exhibit high diversity. In contrast, the diversity and function of fungi in the ocean has remained underexplored and largely neglected. In the eastern tropical North Pacific oxygen minimum zone, we examined the fungal diversity by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) and mining a metagenome dataset collected from the same region. Additionally, we coupled ¹⁵N-tracer experiments with a selective inhibition method to determine the potential contribution of marine fungi to nitrous oxide (N₂O) production. Fungal communities evaluated by ITS2 sequencing were dominated by the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota at most depths. However, the metagenome dataset showed that about one third of the fungal community belong to early-diverging phyla. Fungal N₂O production rates peaked at the oxic–anoxic interface of the water column, and when integrated from the oxycline to the top of the anoxic depths, fungi accounted for 18–22% of total N₂O production. Our findings highlight the limitation of ITS-based methods typically used to investigate terrestrial fungal diversity and indicate that fungi may play an active role in marine nitrogen cycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Fungus)

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12 pages, 595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Breakthrough Mucormycosis Developing on Mucorales-Active Antifungals Portrays a Poor Prognosis in Patients with Hematologic Cancer

by Dierdre B. Axell-House, Sebastian Wurster, Ying Jiang, Andreas Kyvernitakis, Russell E. Lewis, Jeffrey J. Tarrand, Issam I. Raad and Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030217 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2937

Abstract

Although breakthrough mucormycosis (BT-MCR) is known to develop on mold-active antifungals without Mucorales activity, it can also occur while on Mucorales-active antifungals. Herein, we retrospectively compared the characteristics and outcomes of patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) who [...] Read more.

Although breakthrough mucormycosis (BT-MCR) is known to develop on mold-active antifungals without Mucorales activity, it can also occur while on Mucorales-active antifungals. Herein, we retrospectively compared the characteristics and outcomes of patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) who developed BT-MCR on mold-active antifungals with or without Mucorales activity. Of the patients developing BT-MCR, 16 were on Mucorales-active antifungals (9 isavuconazole, 6 posaconazole, 1 amphotericin B), and 87 were on other mold-active agents (52 voriconazole, 22 echinocandins, 8 itraconazole, 5 echinocandin + voriconazole). Both groups were largely comparable in clinical characteristics. Patients developing BT-MCR while on Mucorales-active antifungals had higher 42-day mortality, from either symptom onset (63% versus 25%, p = 0.006) or treatment initiation (69% versus 39%, p = 0.028). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, exposure to Mucorales-active antifungals prior to BT-MCR had a hazard ratio of 2.40 (p = 0.015) for 42-day mortality from treatment initiation and 4.63 (p < 0.001) for 42-day mortality from symptom onset. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission and APACHE II score at diagnosis, non-recovered severe neutropenia, active HM, and amphotericin B/caspofungin combination treatment were additional independent predictors of 42-day mortality. In summary, BT-MCR on Mucorales-active antifungals portrays poor prognosis in HM/HSCT patients. Moreover, improvements in early diagnosis and treatment are urgently needed in these patients. Full article

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19 pages, 5992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Abundant Small Protein ICARUS Inside the Cell Wall of Stress-Resistant Ascospores of Talaromyces macrosporus Suggests a Novel Mechanism of Constitutive Dormancy

by Jan Dijksterhuis, Timon Wyatt, Micha Hanssen, Elena Golovina, Folkert Hoekstra and Luis Lugones

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030216 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2176

Abstract

Ascospores of Talaromyces.macrosporus belong to the most stress resistant eukaryotic cells and show a constitutive dormancy, i.e., no germination occurs in the presence of rich growth medium. Only an extreme trigger as very high temperature or pressure is able to evoke synchronized germination. [...] Read more.

Ascospores of Talaromyces.macrosporus belong to the most stress resistant eukaryotic cells and show a constitutive dormancy, i.e., no germination occurs in the presence of rich growth medium. Only an extreme trigger as very high temperature or pressure is able to evoke synchronized germination. In this study, several changes within the thick cell wall of these cells are observed after a heat treatment: (i.) a change in its structure as shown with EPR and X-ray diffraction; (ii.) a release of an abundant protein into the supernatant, which is proportional to the extent of heat activation; (iii.) a change in the permeability of the cell wall as judged by fluorescence studies in which staining of the interior of the cell wall correlates with germination of individual ascospores. The gene encoding the protein, dubbed ICARUS, was studied in detail and was expressed under growth conditions that showed intense ascomata (fruit body) and ascospore formation. It encodes a small 7–14 kD protein. Blast search exhibits that different Talaromyces species show a similar sequence, indicating that the protein also occurs in other species of the genus. Deletion strains show delayed ascomata formation, release of pigments into the growth medium, higher permeability of the cell wall and a markedly shorter heat activation needed for activation. Further, wild type ascospores are more heat-resistant. All these observations suggest that the protein plays a role in dormancy and is related to the structure and permeability of the ascospore cell wall. However, more research on this topic is needed to study constitutive dormancy in other fungal species that form stress-resistant ascospores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Formation and Function of Fungal Ascospores)

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21 pages, 4987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complete Utilization of the Major Carbon Sources Present in Sugar Beet Pulp Hydrolysates by the Oleaginous Red Yeasts Rhodotorula toruloides and R. mucilaginosa

by Luís C. Martins, Margarida Palma, Angel Angelov, Elke Nevoigt, Wolfgang Liebl and Isabel Sá-Correia

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030215 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3816

Abstract

Agro-industrial residues are low-cost carbon sources (C-sources) for microbial growth and production of value-added bioproducts. Among the agro-industrial residues available, those rich in pectin are generated in high amounts worldwide from the sugar industry or the industrial processing of fruits and vegetables. Sugar [...] Read more.

Agro-industrial residues are low-cost carbon sources (C-sources) for microbial growth and production of value-added bioproducts. Among the agro-industrial residues available, those rich in pectin are generated in high amounts worldwide from the sugar industry or the industrial processing of fruits and vegetables. Sugar beet pulp (SBP) hydrolysates contain predominantly the neutral sugars d-glucose, l-arabinose and d-galactose, and the acidic sugar d-galacturonic acid. Acetic acid is also present at significant concentrations since the d-galacturonic acid residues are acetylated. In this study, we have examined and optimized the performance of a Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain, isolated from SBP and identified at the molecular level during this work. This study was extended to another oleaginous red yeast species, R. toruloides, envisaging the full utilization of the C-sources from SBP hydrolysate (at pH 5.0). The dual role of acetic acid as a carbon and energy source and as a growth and metabolism inhibitor was examined. Acetic acid prevented the catabolism of d-galacturonic acid and l-arabinose after the complete use of the other C-sources. However, d-glucose and acetic acid were simultaneously and efficiently metabolized, followed by d-galactose. SBP hydrolysate supplementation with amino acids was crucial to allow d-galacturonic acid and l-arabinose catabolism. SBP valorization through the production of lipids and carotenoids by Rhodotorula strains, supported by complete catabolism of the major C-sources present, looks promising for industrial implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Yeast Biorefineries)

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7 pages, 450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Candida auris Whole-Genome Sequence Benchmark Dataset for Phylogenomic Pipelines

by Rory M. Welsh, Elizabeth Misas, Kaitlin Forsberg, Meghan Lyman and Nancy A. Chow

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030214 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3877

Abstract

Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant pathogen that represents a serious public health threat due to its rapid global emergence, increasing incidence of healthcare-associated outbreaks, and high rates of antifungal resistance. Whole-genome sequencing and genomic surveillance have the potential to bolster C. auris surveillance [...] Read more.

Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant pathogen that represents a serious public health threat due to its rapid global emergence, increasing incidence of healthcare-associated outbreaks, and high rates of antifungal resistance. Whole-genome sequencing and genomic surveillance have the potential to bolster C. auris surveillance networks moving forward. Laboratories conducting genomic surveillance need to be able to compare analyses from various national and international surveillance partners to ensure that results are mutually trusted and understood. Therefore, we established an empirical outbreak benchmark dataset consisting of 23 C. auris genomes to help validate comparisons of genomic analyses and facilitate communication among surveillance networks. Our outbreak benchmark dataset represents a polyclonal phylogeny with three subclades. The genomes in this dataset are from well-vetted studies that are supported by multiple lines of evidence, which demonstrate that the whole-genome sequencing data, phylogenetic tree, and epidemiological data are all in agreement. This C. auris benchmark set allows for standardized comparisons of phylogenomic pipelines, ultimately promoting effective C. auris collaborations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Candida auris 2.0)

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15 pages, 7374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Culture-Dependent and Amplicon Sequencing Approaches Reveal Diversity and Distribution of Black Fungi in Antarctic Cryptoendolithic Communities

by Laura Selbmann, Gerardo A. Stoppiello, Silvano Onofri, Jason E. Stajich and Claudia Coleine

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030213 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3591

Abstract

In the harshest environmental conditions of the Antarctic desert, normally incompatible with active life, microbes are adapted to exploit the cryptoendolithic habitat (i.e., pore spaces of rocks) and represent the predominant life-forms. In the rocky niche, microbes take advantage of the thermal buffering, [...] Read more.

In the harshest environmental conditions of the Antarctic desert, normally incompatible with active life, microbes are adapted to exploit the cryptoendolithic habitat (i.e., pore spaces of rocks) and represent the predominant life-forms. In the rocky niche, microbes take advantage of the thermal buffering, physical stability, protection against UV radiation, excessive solar radiation, and water retention—of paramount importance in one of the driest environments on Earth. In this work, high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches have been combined, for the first time, to untangle the diversity and distribution of black fungi in the Antarctic cryptoendolithic microbial communities, hosting some of the most extreme-tolerant microorganisms. Rock samples were collected in a vast area, along an altitudinal gradient and opposite sun exposure—known to influence microbial diversity—with the aim to compare and integrate results gained with the two approaches. Among black fungi, Friedmanniomyces endolithicus was confirmed as the most abundant taxon. Despite the much stronger power of the high-throughput sequencing, several species were not retrieved with DNA sequencing and were detectable by cultivation only. We conclude that both culture-dependent and -independent analyses are needed for a complete overview of black fungi diversity. The reason why some species remain undetectable with molecular methods are speculated upon. The effect of environmental parameters such as sun exposure on relative abundance was clearer if based on the wider biodiversity detected with the molecular approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Evolution of Black Fungi)

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9 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cryptococcus gattii in Patients with Lymphoid Neoplasms: An Illustration of Evolutive Host–Fungus Interactions

by Olivier Paccoud, Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux, Marie Desnos-Ollivier, Bruno Varet, Olivier Lortholary and Fanny Lanternier

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030212 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2577

Abstract

Recent outbreaks of Cryptococcus gattii (CG) infections in North America have sparked renewed interest in the pathogenic potential of CG, and have underscored notable differences with Cryptococcus neoformans in terms of geographic distribution, pathogen virulence, and host susceptibility. While cases of CG are [...] Read more.

Recent outbreaks of Cryptococcus gattii (CG) infections in North America have sparked renewed interest in the pathogenic potential of CG, and have underscored notable differences with Cryptococcus neoformans in terms of geographic distribution, pathogen virulence, and host susceptibility. While cases of CG are increasingly reported in patients with a wide variety of underlying conditions, only very few have been reported in patients with lymphoid neoplasms. Herein, we report a case of autochthonous CG meningitis in a patient receiving ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in France, and review available data on the clinical epidemiology of CG infections in patients with lymphoid neoplasms. We also summarise recent data on the host responses to CG infection, as well as the potential management pitfalls associated with its treatment in the haematological setting. The clinical epidemiology, clinical presentation, and course of disease during infections caused by CG involve complex interactions between environmental exposure to CG, infecting genotype, pathogen virulence factors, host susceptibility, and host immune responses. Future treatment guidelines should address the challenges associated with the management of antifungal treatments in the onco-haematological setting and the potential drug-drug interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Host Defense against Fungi)

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