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Fungal lung disease encompasses a wide spectrum of organisms and associated clinical conditions, presenting a significant global health challenge. The type and severity of disease are determined by underlying host immunity and infecting fungal strain. The most common group of diseases are associated with the filamentous fungus Aspergillus species and include allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, sensitisation, aspergilloma and chronic and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Fungal lung disease remains epidemiologically heterogenous and is influenced by geography, environment and host comorbidities. Diagnostic modalities continue to evolve and now include novel molecular assays and biomarkers; however, persisting challenges include achieving rapid and accurate diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited settings, and in differentiating fungal infection from other pulmonary conditions. Treatment strategies for fungal lung diseases rely mainly on antifungal agents but the emergence of drug-resistant strains poses a substantial global threat and adds complexity to existing therapeutic challenges. Emerging antifungal agents and increasing insight into the lung mycobiome may offer fresh and personalised approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Innovative methodologies are required to mitigate drug resistance and the adverse effects of treatment. This state-of-the-art review describes the current landscape of fungal lung disease, highlighting key clinical insights, current challenges and emerging approaches for its diagnosis and treatment.

Global epidemiological data show that the incidence of invasive fungal disease (IFD) has increased in recent decades, with the rising frequency of infections caused by Aspergillus and Mucorales order species. The number and variety of patients at risk of IFD has also expanded, owing in part to advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and other serious diseases, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and other therapies causing immune suppression. Isavuconazonium sulfate (active moiety: isavuconazole) is an advanced-generation triazole antifungal approved for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis that has demonstrated activity against a variety of yeasts, moulds, and dimorphic fungi. While real-world clinical experience with isavuconazole is sparse in some geographic regions, it has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in diverse patient populations, including those with multiple comorbidities who may have failed to respond to prior triazole antifungal therapy. Isavuconazole may be suitable for patients with IFD receiving concurrent QTc-prolonging therapy, as well as those on venetoclax or ruxolitinib. Data from clinical trials are not available to support the use of isavuconazole prophylactically for the prevention of IFD or for the treatment of endemic IFD, such as those caused by Histoplasma spp., but real-world evidence from case studies suggests that it has clinical utility in these settings. Isavuconazole is an option for patients at risk of IFD, particularly when the use of alternative antifungal therapies is not possible because of toxicities, pharmacokinetics, or drug interactions.

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease characterized by leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, and aspergillosis is a common complication in severe cases. Previous studies have reported cases of SFTS complicated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and central nervous system aspergillosis. Here, we present the first case of an immunocompetent patient with SFTS who progressed to IPA and Aspergillus endocarditis after glucocorticoid treatment, and embolism of the vegetations from the left ventricle led to multiple infarctions in the brain, kidney, and spleen. Case presentation: A 66-year-old male farmer developed altered mental status during SFTS. His consciousness improved during the treatment of glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and ribavirin, but he developed embolisms in the spleen and right kidney, initially attributed to atrial fibrillation, and the anticoagulant agent was not administered due to the high risk of bleeding. Later, He was diagnosed with SFTS-associated IPA (SAPA), for which voriconazole was administered. However, he subsequently experienced a recurrence of altered mental status, accompanied by headache, blindness, and muscle weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple cerebral embolisms and abscess. The echocardiography showed the vegetations in the left ventricle, suggesting multi-organ embolism caused by infective endocarditis (IE). Aspergillus fumigatus was confirmed through pathology and culture of the excised vegetations. The patient was eventually discharged with improved consciousness and muscle strength, but his vision showed minimal recovery. Conclusion: Clinicians should be wary of aspergillosis in severe patients with SFTS, particularly those receiving glucocorticoid treatment. In patients with SAPA, cerebral aspergillosis and embolic stroke caused by Aspergillus endocarditis should also be considered when mental status alters. Furthermore, the possibility of Aspergillosis in other organs should be considered in high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic pulmonary abscess usually results from bacterial or mycobacterium infection, but rarely from aspergillosis. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis is usually found in a person with structural lung disease or immunocompromise. Here, we report a case of chronic lung abscess of aspergillosis without immunocompromise, structural lung diseases or even clinical symptoms. Case presentation: A 43-year-old female was found a mass shadow with central liquid anechoic area in the apical posterior segment of the left upper lung lobe by chest computerized tomography for 1 month, but had no any systematic or respiratory complaints. The percutaneous abscess puncture was performed and 30 milliliters of yellow purulent fluid were aspirated from the liquid anechoic area. Then Aspergillus terreus was detected by both fluid culture and metagenomics next-generation sequencing. Interestingly, this patient had no history of tuberculosis or chronic pulmonary diseases. Other immunocompromised conditions were also denied through history inquest and laboratory tests. Ultimately, the catheterization and drainage of the lung abscess and 6 months of antifungal therapy with standard dose of voriconazole brought the woman a favorable outcome. Conclusion: Aspergillus lung abscess can occasionally occur in a person without pre-existent lung cavity and immune suppression, which is prone to misdiagnosis because of the rarity and the symptom-free. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi are a typical part of the microbiome of poultry houses, but some of the genera can be pathogenic for poultry and humans. An investigation was conducted on 200 duck eggs from 10 flocks to determine total fungal contamination on the eggshells. The colony types were identified morphologically and microscopically, and a representative group was identified using PCR. The resistance profiles for all obtained Aspergillus isolates were conducted. The dominating genera on eggshells were Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus and the number of fungal colonies ranged from 0 to 7100. Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from 9.5% eggshells, and all isolates were obtained from three flocks. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for A. fumigatus isolates ranged from 0.094–32 μg/mL for amphotericin B (MIC 50 1 mg/L and MIC 90 32 μg/mL), 0.125–32 μg/mL for caspofungin (MIC 50 0.38 μg/mL and MIC 90 32 μg/mL), 0.19–32 μg/mL for itraconazole (MIC 50 1.5 μg/mL and MIC 90 32 μg/mL), 0.047–12 μg/mL for posaconazole (MIC 50 0.5 μg/mL and MIC 90 8 μg/mL) and 0.023–32 μg/mL for voriconazole (MIC 50 0.19 μg/mL and MIC 90 32 μg/mL). A total of 73.7% of the isolates were resistant to posaconazole and 68.4% to itraconazole. Nearly half of the strains (47.4%) showed resistance to amphotericin B and 31.6% to voriconazole. Because of the lack of antifungals registered for poultry, hygiene and the regular disinfection of litter in particular are needed to prevent the contamination of the eggs by fungi for both animal and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of food crops pose severe public health risks, particularly in decentralized agricultural systems common in low-resource settings. Effective monitoring tools are critical for mitigating exposure, but their adoption is limited by barriers such as cost, infrastructure, and technical expertise. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate common AFB1 detection methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and lateral-flow assays (LFA), validated via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), focusing on their suitability for possible applications in decentralized, low-resource settings; and (2) to conduct a barriers-to-use assessment for commonly available AFB1 detection methods and their applicability in low-resource settings. Among four ELISA kits, the AgraQuant Aflatoxin B1 2/50 ELISA Kit demonstrated the highest accuracy and precision, reliably quantifying AFB1 in maize and tortillas across 5–150 ppb with minimal cross-reactivity. For LFA, a smartphone-based algorithm achieved a high presence/absence accuracy rate of 84% but struggled with concentration prediction. The barriers-to-use analysis highlighted the practicality of low-cost tools like moisture readers for field screening but underscored their qualitative limitations. Advanced methods like HPLC and LC-MS offer greater precision but remain impractical due to their high costs and infrastructure requirements, suggesting a potential role for adapted ELISA or LFA methods as confirmatory approaches. These findings support the development of multi-tiered frameworks integrating affordable field tools with regional or centralized confirmatory testing. Addressing systemic barriers through capacity building, partnerships, and improved logistics will enhance AFB1 monitoring in decentralized systems, protecting public health in vulnerable communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry feeds with cereal grain-based constituents are vulnerable to fungal contamination during the processing and storage stages. A total of 100 samples of compound poultry feedstuffs were collected from the cities of Riyadh, Alhassa, Qassim, and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. A quantitative enumeration of fungal colony-forming units (CFUs) was performed on Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC) and Czapek Iprodione Dichloran Agar (CZID) media. Aspergillus flavus was the most predominant species, accounting for 18.714 × 103 and 3.956 × 103 CFU/g, with frequencies of 84 and 42% in the feed samples on DRBC and CZID media, respectively. The levels of different mycotoxins were estimated by the HPLC technique. One hundred percent of the compound poultry feedstuff samples were contaminated by mycotoxins such as AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, FB1, DON, T2, OTA, and ZEN. Aflatoxins were recorded in 84% of the tested samples, of which 70 samples were contaminated by AFB1, ranging from 0.03 to 0.40 μg/kg. The aflatoxin analysis of the fungal species revealed that 89% and 100% of A. flavus and A. parasiticus isolates were aflatoxigenic, and all of them exhibited the presence of the aflR, omt-1, ver-1, and nor-1 genes. According to the PCR protocol based on FLA1, two primers were successful in directly and rapidly detecting A. flavus in the poultry feedstuff samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fungal rhinosinusitis is a significant and growing health concern in arid regions, with an increasing incidence over recent decades. Without timely and appropriate management, it can lead to severe complications, including potential intracranial spread. This study aims to establish efficient and rapid diagnostics for non-invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS), addressing the challenge of its difficult-to-culture diagnosis. Methods: Twenty-eight patients suspected of FRS were studied using endoscopic sinus surgery to obtain tissue samples for histopathology, direct microscopy, fungal culture, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) detection. A patented qPCR targeting prevalent Aspergillus species was evaluated. Results: The patient cohort had a male-to-female ratio of 9:14, with disease duration up to 50 years. Histopathologically, 23 out of 28 cases were positive. Fungal culture exhibited a sensitivity of 21.74%, with one false positive. qPCR and mNGS showed 100% sensitivity and specificity, with a 100% consistency rate for identification at the species level (23/23), and potential detection of cases with co-infections. The most common pathogen was A. flavus, followed by A. fumigatus and A. niger. Two cases involved mixed infections of A. fumigatus and A. flavus. Conclusion: qPCR and mNGS proved effective in rapidly identifying fungi from fresh sinus tissue that are challenging to culture, surpassing conventional methods. However, further evaluation and optimization with a larger cohort of patients are necessary. Histopathology is still recommended to confirm the clinical significance of the detected fungal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency of opportunistic fungal infections has been increasing, impacting agriculture, food, and health sectors. In this work, four thiosemicarbazone-chalcones (TC) were synthesized and evaluated by the radial diffusion method against filamentous fungi. All TCs were effective against Aspergillus parasiticus, especially the fluor-substituted one, with radial growth inhibition of 62,9% and 74,4% at the lower (0.209 µmol/ml) and highest (1.670 µmol/ml) concentrations tested, respectively. On the other hand, the non-substituted derivative was the most active against A. carbonarius, inhibiting radial growth by 47,9% and 74,1% at 0.222 µmol/ml and 1.777 µmol/ml, respectively. Additionally, the compounds were evaluated against the dimorphic fungi Sporothrix brasiliensis, S. schenckii, and a clinical strain of Sporothrix spp, exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range of 0.396–1.777 µmol/ml. When tested against four yeasts of the Candida genus, the thiosemicarbazone-chalcones demonstrated greater activity against C. krusei (MICs 0.011–0.026 µmol/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus and Fusarium are two economically important genera of fungi. They cause significant yield losses and contamination of crops with mycotoxins. In this study we aimed to evaluate the impact of 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4‐DAPG) on Aspergillus and Fusarium fungi. It is hypothesized that two fungal genera, which have different ecological strategies, react differently to stress caused by a secondary metabolite produced by rhizosphere Pseudomonas species. We found that 2,4‐DAPG was able to reduce biofilm formation of Aspergillus and Fusarium, as reflected in biomass and its chemical composition. Furthermore, subinhibitory concentrations of 2,4‐DAPG increased the levels of ergosterol and polysaccharides (α‐ and β‐glucans, chitin) in the cell membrane and cell wall of Aspergillus, while decreasing them in Fusarium. 2,4‐DAPG altered the production of secondary metabolites, especially mycotoxins and extracellular proteases. The production of ochratoxin A was decreased in A. ochraceus, and T‐2 toxin and zearalenone, on the contrary, were increased in F. culmorum and F. sporotrichioides, respectively. Thus, using 2,4‐DAPG we demonstrated that the ecological role of fungi determines their reaction to antibiotic substances produced by the plant microbiome. Our data contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms behind symbiotic relationships in natural communities, which are mediated by the biosynthesis of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence that bioactive substances produced by microbial endophytes have applicability in medicine, agriculture and industry. To enrich the bioactive substances, in our search for new bioactive metabolites from fungi Aspergillus, the phytochemical reinvestigation on the Aspergillus sp. 0338 was carried out, and this led to the isolation of three new (1-3) and five known alkaloids (4-8). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques, as well as comparison with literature values. Additionally, compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their anti-MRSA activities. The results revealed that compounds 1-3 exhibited good inhibitions with IZD of 15.2 ± 1.8, 14.6 ± 2.0, and 13.4 ± 2.2 mm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThree new terpenoid derivatives (1S,6R,7S)-hydrobenzosydowic acid (1), (1 R,6S,7S)-hydrobenzosydowic acid (2), and (7 R,10R)-11-dehydroxy-iso-10-hydroxysydowic acid (3), along with the known analogues (S)-2-(1-(4-nitrobenzoyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)benzoic acid (4) and trihydroxybutyl ester of 4-carboxydiorcinol (5) were isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus Aspergillus sydowii DFFSCS007. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis. Compound 4 with a nitrobenzene group was isolated from nature for the first time. The antibacterial activities of 1-5 and cytotoxicity of 1-3 were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus flavus is a pathogenic fungus with a broad host range, and its secondary metabolite, aflatoxin, recognized as the world's first naturally occurring carcinogen. Nonetheless, the current control measures for A. flavus are inadequate, thus, it is imperative to seek alternative control methods for this species. In the present study, we identified an antimicrobial peptide AMP-17, which was found to effectively inhibit the conidial germination, growth, conidiation, and aflatoxin production of A. flavus. Additionally, our investigation revealed that the inhibition of A. flavus by AMP-17 is primarily attributed to increase cell membrane permeability, modify cell surface morphology, and compromise cellular integrity, as observed through flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. Transcriptome analysis indicated significant transcriptional changes in several genes associated with cell wall, cell membrane, cell cycle, detoxification, and aflatoxin biosynthesis in response to AMP-17 treatment, suggesting disruption of these cellular processes and pathways in A. flavus. Furthermore, AMP-17 exhibited a broad-spectrum antifungal activity against Aspergillus spp. These findings provide a strong theoretical basis for the potential use of AMP-17 as an effective antifungal agent against A. flavus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fungal spondylitis often occurs in patients with immune dysfunction, and its diagnosis and treatment pose certain challenges. However, even in immunocompromised patients, Aspergillus spondylitis remains rare. This case reports the diagnostic and therapeutic experience of fungal spondylitis in a patient with consolidated cirrhosis and no significant immune impairment. Case presentation: A 45-year-old agricultural worker had chest and back pain for 6 months. The patient's pain was a persistent dull ache that worsened with chronic coughing and postural changes and decreased when he was laying down. Based on the patient's clinical presentation, biochemical tests and imaging, considered possible spinal tuberculosis. Empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment was not successful. Due to the failure of medication and the formation of an epidural abscess, the decision was made to proceed with surgical treatment. Intraoperative tissue specimens were subjected to high throughput testing for culture, tuberculosis gene X-pert and high-throughput detection of macro-gene infectious agents. It was confirmed that the spinal infection was caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Tuberculosis medication was ceased and antifungal therapy with voriconazole was started. Three months after surgery, the patient recovered well with no fever or pain. Discussion and conclusion: In summary, in addition to patients with low immune function who should be evaluated for fungal spondylitis, patients with infectious diseases of the spine who are immunocompetent but have comorbid cirrhosis should be evaluated when treatment fails. If the diagnosis cannot be made by conventional or unconventional methods, surgical methods should be used in a timely manner for diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Result Conclusion Fu Brick tea (FBT) extract has been demonstrated to lower blood lipids, protect liver, and prevent obesity. Despite these benefits, there are no products on the market that combine FBT with other foods or beverages.In this study, we developed a novel product by combining FBT with high‐alcohol Jiang‐flavor baijiu, resulting in FBT‐baijiu. High‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS) analysis revealed that FBT‐baijiu contains health‐promoting alkaloids, including eurocristatine (13.60 ± 0.13 mg/L), (−)‐neoechinulin A (10.26 ± 0.09 mg/L), neoechinulin D (7.89 ± 0.05 mg/L), variecolorin G (6.94 ± 0.05 mg/L), and echinulin (25.46 ± 0.27 mg/L), which are known to be present in FBT. The aroma compounds of the FBT‐baijiu and the base baijiu were analyzed using comprehensive gas chromatography‐olfactometry‐mass spectrometry (GC‐O‐MS) technology. The major volatile compounds of two baijiu samples were identified using relative odor activity values (r‐OAVs) analysis. The FBT‐baijiu showed a significant reduction in ester content, but a remarkable enhancement in aromatic properties. The findings show that combining FBT with baijiu not only offers functional components but also enhances the flavor profile.This study highlights the potential of utilizing FBT as a functional food ingredient or additive, paving the way for the development of new health‐promoting products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apples and apple-derived products can be contaminated with patulin and, to a lesser extent, aflatoxin B1 and fumonisins. Fruits were collected from Golden Delicious and Imperatore trees in three orchards in Veneto, Northern Italy, and analysed for the presence of fungi and mycotoxins. Sampling and analyses were also carried out from storage bins to final puree tanks along the apple-puree production chain. Alternaria spp. and Penicillium spp. were commonly isolated from apples collected in the field, but their presence varied with cultivar and orchard location. In contrast, Aspergillus section Flavi spp. and Fusarium spp. were only detected via direct isolation from chopped fruits. Patulin and Alternaria toxins were frequently identified in fresh fruits, while aflatoxins were also present in some fruits albeit at very low levels. Fungi were present in fruits entering the apple-puree production line, but not in apple puree after treatment at 95–105 °C. In contrast, the abovementioned mycotoxins were detected at all stages along the production line. Surprisingly, fumonisins were only detected after the apple puree was subjected to thermal treatment. Implications of these findings were discussed and few unresolved scientific questions were posed to stimulate further lines of study. • Mycotoxin-producing fungi of different genera confirmed to occur in apples. • Multiple toxins (patulin, Alternaria toxins, aflatoxins) detected in apple fruits. • Co-occurrence of mycotoxins confirmed in apple puree. • Apple processing make fumonisin detectable and seems to increase patulin quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionsVarious methods are available to screen for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in asthma, but their comparative performance remains uncertain.To identify the optimal screening algorithm for ABPA in asthmatic patients and evaluate the crude cost of various diagnostic approaches.We performed a post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data from consecutive adult asthmatic patients evaluated for ABPA. The diagnosis was based on the revised International Society for Human and Animal Mycology ABPA Working Group criteria. Initial evaluations included measurements of serum Aspergillus fumigatus-IgE (≥0.35 kUA/L), serum total IgE (≥500 IU/mL), serum A. fumigatus-IgG (≥27 mgA/L), blood eosinophil count (BEC ≥500 cells/μL), and chest CT findings. A decision tree was manually constructed using recursive partitioning to identify the most effective diagnostic pathway.Among 543 adult asthmatics, 106 were diagnosed with ABPA. Serum A. fumigatus-IgE was positive in 221 (40.7%) patients, while serum total IgE was elevated (≥500 IU/mL) in 300 (55.3%) patients. The serum total IgE-based approach required 196 additional tests during screening, compared to 115 in the A. fumigatus-IgE method. The BEC-based strategy missed 28 cases of ABPA. Although the CT-directed protocol had the fewest false positives, it required 437 additional screening radiographic procedures and missed eight ABPA cases. The A. fumigatus-IgE pathway emerged as the most cost-effective, whereas imaging-based strategies were the most expensive.Serum A. fumigatus-IgE is the optimal screening test for ABPA in asthma. It minimizes unnecessary testing while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy, making it a preferable approach in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine fungal keratitis represents a substantial portion of keratitis cases in horses, with fungal involvement identified in approximately half of all infectious keratitis cases. Despite its prevalence, more comprehensive retrospective analyses are needed to better understand this condition. Outcomes vary, with approximately two-thirds of cases achieving complete healing with retained vision, although enucleation is often necessary. Predominant pathogens include Aspergillus and Fusarium, with yeast reported in a minority of cases. Resistance to common antifungal agents among filamentous fungi posesa significantchallenge. Advances in diagnostics, including repeat cultureand antifungal susceptibility testing, as well as the incorporation of PCR technology, hold promise for improving detec-Non and guiding treatment decisions. Newer antifungals, combination therapies, and innovative modalities such as photodynamic therapy offer hope for improved outcomes. Continued research efforts are essential to further elucidate the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and optimal management strategies for this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus fumigatus is a widely distributed pathogen responsible for severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Triazoles are the primary treatments options for Aspergillus infections; however, the emergence of acquired resistance to this antifungal class is becoming a growing concern. In this study, we investigated the potential of the antiviral drug, lopinavir (LPV) to restore the susceptibility of A. fumigatus strains to a set of azoles, while also reducing the required azole dosage for treatment of susceptible isolates. The combination of LPV with either itraconazole (ITC) or posaconazole (POS) demonstrated potent synergistic interactions against 16 out of 23 (~70%) and 21 out of 23 (~91%) A. fumigatus isolates, respectively. Moreover, the combination showed synergistic activity against other clinically important Aspergillus species, including A. niger, A. flavus, and A. brasiliensis. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) for the combinations ranged from 0.18 to 0.313 for ITC and 0.091 to 0.313 for POS, indicating strong synergistic effects. Further investigation revealed that efflux pump inhibition contributed to the synergy observed between azole and LPV. Morphological examination of the fungal cells subjected to this combinational therapy at sub-inhibitory doses showed the presence of carbohydrate granules/patches. The identification of LPV as a promising adjunct therapy holds promise for addressing the emerging challenge of azole resistance in Aspergillus species and improving treatment outcomes for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mechanistic basis is described for assessment of resistance risk to medical antifungal treatments from agricultural use of fungicides of the same mode of action. The following need to occur in landscape environments for a risk to be posed by dual use: (i) emergence, whereby a resistant strain emerges by mutation and invasion; (ii) selection, whereby a mutation conferring a fitness advantage is selected for in the presence of fungicide; and (iii) exposure of humans to resistant strains from the landscape, potentially resulting in invasive fungal infection. We identify 20 human pathogens for which there is evidence that all three processes above could, in principle, occur. A model is derived to explore what determines resistance emergence and selection in human pathogens in landscape environments. Knowledge gaps are identified in key parameters. The analysis suggests that emergence and selection were particularly affected by fitness cost associated with the resistance mutation(s) and fungicide concentration. Emergence was also determined by the amount of pathogen reproduction (related to pathogen population size). If fungicide resistance is associated with even a small fitness cost, then environments with low fungicide concentrations, such as field soils, may not be conducive to resistance emergence or selection. These general findings were related to a specific case of observational data from the Netherlands for Aspergillus fumigatus. The analysis supports previous work that compost is towards the high‐risk end of the spectrum for this species. Agricultural soils, nonagricultural land and grassland were lower risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodegradation of petroleum by Aspergillus niger strain AM1 VKM F-4815D is studied. Visual observation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed that petroleum undergoes partial destruction, but cannot serve as the only source of carbon: the culture medium must contain glucose. An interesting fact is the change in consistency and hardening of petroleum under the influence of A. niger. This allows us to consider the possibility of using the strain for bioremediation of soils and waters contaminated with petroleum. No less interesting is that even earlier the strain was found to be able to metabolize a number of toxic phosphorus compounds, including even white and red phosphorus. However, most organic solvents have a noticeable toxic effect, slowing growth in the presence of glucose and not becoming sources of carbon in the absence of glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus species can colonize a wide range of substrates, and they are frequently found in a wide range of situations. More than 340 species make up the genus Aspergillus (family Aspergillaceae); some of these species are toxic to humans, animals, or plants and produce aflatoxins and ochratoxins. This research discovered a novel Aspergillus strain from the Aspergillus: section Circumdati in a soil sample taken from a region near Rosetta Lake at Wadi-El-Natron region, Egypt. It was originally identified as A. insulicola and deposited with the entry number MF075156 into the NCBI nucleotide database. Based on molecular analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and comparisons between the strain's macroscopic and microscopic characteristics with those of other species in section Circumdati, the strain was suggested as a novel species in the current research and given the name Aspergillus rosettanus. This novel species can be distinguished from the existing Aspergillus species in section Circumdati by having smaller conidial heads (45-65 µm), metulae (4-6 µm), and phialides (5-7 µm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ongoing climate change has led to increased insect damage to maize and the mycotoxigenic fungal infestation and subsequent mycotoxin contamination of maize meant for food and feed. A field study was conducted in two regions in Kenya to see how different maize–legume cropping systems affect the arthropod taxa that were most prevalent on maize at the flowering and grain-filling stages, the arthropods that were most damaging, those that could potentially disperse mycotoxigenic fungi on pre-harvest maize, and the aflatoxin contamination of the grain. Our work revealed that the main herbivore in maize is the fall armyworm (FAW), which was prevalent in both regions but was significantly diminished by the push–pull cropping system. The presence of Aspergillus and Fusarium verticillioides on the exoskeleton of maize weevils, sap beetles, earwigs, and carpenter ants suggests a potential passive dispersal of the fungi in pre-harvest maize. The fungi have previously been isolated from maize from the two regions of Kenya. They are associated with the production of aflatoxins and fumonisins, which present a serious hazard to human and animal health. To reduce maize contamination with mycotoxigenic fungi, farmers can apply targeted insect management strategies, including intercropping and push–pull technology. Maize productivity has remained low and has worsened in the wake of a changing climate, resulting in new invasive pests, with pests that were earlier designated as minor becoming major and with pathogens being transported by pests and/or entering their feeding sites. A study was conducted in 2021 in the Kisumu and Makueni counties, Kenya, to determine how different maize cropping systems affect insect diversity, insect damage to maize, and insects' ability to spread mycotoxigenic fungi in pre-harvest maize. The field experiments used a randomized complete block design, with the four treatments being maize monocrop, maize intercropped with beans, maize–bean intercrop with the addition of Trichoderma harzianum at planting, and push–pull technology. The FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was the most damaging pest in the two regions. The push–pull and the maize–bean intercropping technologies significantly reduced the maize foliage and ear damage caused by the FAW. Beetles passively spread mycotoxigenic Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium verticillioides on pre-harvest maize. Maize weevils, namely, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, 1855 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Carpophilus dimidiatus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), earwigs, namely, Forficula spp. L. (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), and carpenter ants, namely, Camponotus spp. L. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) carried the highest number of spores on their exoskeletons. This study stresses the role of insects in the spread of fungi on pre-harvest maize and their possible control by intercropping and other cropping technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high morbidity and mortality rates of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and the importance of early IA detection for successful treatment and subsequent outcome, this study aimed to determine a time course of detectable antigen in a mouse model of IA and correlate it with tissue invasion by using two novel monoclonal antibodies, 1D2 and 4E4, that can be used to detect the Aspergillus-derived glycoproteins. Immunocompromised mice were randomly divided into five groups: uninfected control, and inoculation with conidia from Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus. Conidia (2 × 106 cells/mL) were administered intravenously via tail vein injection. Three mice from each group were euthanised at each time point (6 h, 12 h, 18 h, 24 h, and 48 h) after inoculation. Urine and blood were collected for analysis using a double-sandwich ELISA using 1D2 and 4E4. Liver, spleen, and kidney tissues were harvested for tissue staining. The levels of liver injury in the IA mice progressively increased with time after inoculation with Aspergillus conidia. Following inoculation with A. fumigatus, swollen conidia were identified in the spleen, as well as antigens in blood after 18 h. Hyphae were detected in the spleen, liver, and kidney after 48 h. For A. flavus, the antibodies detected hyphae in the liver and spleen as well as circulating antigens in blood samples 48 h after inoculation. Tissue injury was observed in the mice inoculated with A. terreus and A. niger, but there was no evidence of fungal invasion or antigens in the blood. Antigens were not detectable in mouse urine but could be detected in glomeruli of the kidney by immunofluorescence. In conclusion, the mAb-based antigen detection double-sandwich ELISA results were consistent with the IHC results in this study. Novel monoclonal antibodies 1D2 and 4E4 can serve as tools for the early identification of IA in mice infected by A. fumigatus and A. flavus. This study also suggests the potential usefulness of this approach in human disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal infections significantly threaten public health, and many strains are resistant to antifungal drugs. Marine Actinobacteria have been identified as the generators of powerful bioactive compounds with antifungal activity and can be used to address this issue. In this context, strains of Actinomycetes were isolated from the marine area of Rachgoun Island, located in western Algeria. The isolates were phenotypically and genetically characterized. The most potent antifungal isolate was selected, and its crude extract was purified and characterized by the GC/MS method. The results revealed that the STR2 strain showed the strongest activity against at least one target fungal species tested on a panel of fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum. The molecular assignment of the STR2 strain based on the 16S rRNA gene positioned this isolate as a Streptomyces bacillaris species. The presence of safranal (2,3-dihydro-2,2,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde) in the crude chloroform extract of Streptomyces bacillaris STR2 strain was discovered for the first time in bacteria using chromatographic analysis of its TLC fractions. Moreover, certain molecules of biotechnological interest, such as phenols, 1,3-dioxolane, and phthalate derivatives, were also identified. This study highlights the potential of marine actinomycetes to produce structurally unique natural compounds with antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pemphigus is a life‐threatening autoimmune disease characterised by blistering skin and/or mucous membranes. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of fungal infections in the pemphigus population. Methods: Different databases were searched to gain access to all studies on the prevalence of fungal infections published up to the 31st of May 2024. The pooled rate prevalence of fungal infections with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the random effects model. Results: A total of 1012 studies were identified, out of which 18 were included in meta‐analyses. The random‐effects estimates of the prevalence of fungal infection in the pemphigus population were 0.18% (95% CI: 9%–31%). Based on the findings, it was determined that four genera of fungal infections were related to mucocutaneous lesions of individuals diagnosed with pemphigus. Among these fungi, the most prevalent were those belonging to the Candida species, with a particular emphasis on Candida albicans (87.61%). Additional isolated fungal species include Trichophyton rubrum (4.5%), Aspergillus species (1.8%), Pneumocystis jirovecii (1.2%), Malassezia furfur (0.78%), Microsporum canis (0.75%), Trichophyton mentagrohytes (0.65%), Microsporum audouinii (0.60%), and Trichophyton concentricum (0.45%). Conclusions: The current study highlights the significance of fungal infection in individuals with pemphigus, suggesting that pemphigus and administration of immunosuppressive medicines such as corticosteroids may trigger an increased risk of fungal infections. Additionally, prompt diagnosis of fungal infections in individuals with pemphigus could help healthcare professionals prevent and treat serious infections, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), and potentially alleviate the economic impact of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulch pneumonitis is a rare form of acute fungal pneumonitis that can occur in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) following exposure to decaying organic matter. A case study of an 8-year-old girl in Europe highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating this condition, which can lead to severe respiratory complications. The patient responded well to a combination of antifungal therapy and steroids, ultimately requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for long-term management. The case underscores the importance of timely testing and functional results in diagnosing CGD and optimizing therapeutic decisions. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Development of brain abscess following solid organ transplantation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We undertook a descriptive study to evaluate the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of brain abscess in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients at three major transplant centers in the United States. Methods: This is a retrospective study of adults with brain abscess following SOT between January 2000 and June 2021 at Mayo Clinic sites in Arizona, Minnesota, and Florida. Results: A total of 39 patients were diagnosed with a brain abscess following SOT. The most common pathogens were Nocardia sp. (24 cases, 61.5% [Nocardia farcinica, 37.5%]), followed by fungi (12 cases, 30.7% [Aspergillus sp., 83.3%]). The majority were kidney transplant recipients (59%). Median time to brain abscess diagnosis was 1.3 years (range, 29 days–12 years) after SOT; 10 of 12 patients (83%) with fungal brain abscess were diagnosed within 1 year after SOT. Twelve patients underwent brain biopsy for diagnosis (25% Nocardia vs. 50% fungal), eight (20.5%) underwent surgical resection of the abscess, and 31 (79.5%) received antimicrobial therapy alone. Median time to brain abscess resolution was 166 days for Nocardia and 356 days for fungal pathogens. Eleven of 39 patients (28.2%) died as a result of their brain abscess, including four of 24 patients (16%) with Nocardia and six of 10 patients (60%) with Aspergillus brain abscess. All‐cause mortality was 43.6%. Conclusion: Brain abscess remains an uncommon infectious complication following SOT. Nocardia and fungi accounted for 92% of pathogens in our cohort. Fungal brain abscess portends a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study outlines an easy, cheap, and environmentally friendly way to make Staphylococcus aureus-mediated bimetallic silver-copper nanocomposites (Ag/Cu) that can fight cancer and germs. The gram-positive S. aureus synthesized Ag, Cu, and their bi-metallic nanocomposites extracellularly. We aimed to prepare the bimetallic nanocomposite in two different ways, and we compared them in terms of characterization and biological applications. The first one is a bimetallic nanocomposite (Ag/Cub) that was made by mixing Ag and Cu metal ions in equal amounts (50:50). Then, the whole mixture was reduced. The second is the after-reduction bimetallic nanocomposite (Ag/Cua), in which each metal ion was reduced separately, and then the nanocomposites were mixed (50:50%) during biological applications. Nanocomposites were characterized using UV–visible spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that surface plasmon bands were at 320 nm for Ag NPs and 525 nm for Cu NPs, and a shift from these peaks was observed at 290 nm in the Ag/Cub bimetallic nanocomposite. The synthesized nanocomposites were confirmed to be in the nanoscale with 20, 40, and 80 nm spherical crystals, respectively. Nanocomposites were assayed for their antimicrobial activity against the gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the acid-fast Mycobacterium smegmatis, the gram-positive Bacillus cereus, and S. aureus, in addition to three fungal species, which were Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, and Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined. The Ag/Cua/Cuaetallic nanocomposite was the most potent antimicrobial compound. The anticancer activity of the tested compounds was assayed against the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG-2). Low cytotoxic activity was recorded in most assayed nanocomposites against the baby hamster kidney cell line (BHK). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections caused by the airborne fungal pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus, are increasing in severity due to growing numbers of immunocompromised individuals and the increasing incidence of antifungal drug resistance, exacerbating treatment challenges. Gallium has proven to be a strong candidate in the fight against microbial pathogens due to its iron-mimicking capability and substitution of Ga(III) in place of Fe(III), disrupting iron-dependent pathways. Since the antimicrobial properties of 2,2′-bipyridine and derivatives have been previously reported, we assessed the in vitro activity and proteomic effects of a recently reported heteroleptic Ga(III) polypyridyl catecholate compound against A. fumigatus. This compound has demonstrated promising growth-inhibition and impact on the A. fumigatus proteome compared to untreated controls. Proteins associated with DNA replication and repair mechanisms along with lipid metabolism and the oxidative stress responses were elevated in abundance compared to control. Crucially, a large number of mitochondrial proteins were reduced in abundance. Respiration is an important source of energy to fuel metabolic processes required for growth, survival and virulence, the disruption of which may be a viable strategy for the treatment of microbial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the Brazilian cave mycobiota has revealed a rich but highly diverse assemblage of fungi, with Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Talaromyces being the most frequently reported genera. The present study investigated the airborne fungi and fungi obtained from the bodies of bats, guano, and the soil/sediment from the caves Urubu (in the Atlantic Forest) and Furna Feia (in the Caatinga dryland forest) in the Northeast region of Brazil. Fungal strains were identified based on morphological features and multilocus phylogenetic analyses of ITS, beta-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) sequences. A total of 86 isolates were obtained, representing Aspergillus (34), Penicillium (20), Talaromyces (2), and 30 isolates belonging to other genera that will be reported on elsewhere. These isolates were identified as 18 Aspergillus, nine Penicillium, and one Talaromyces species. Eight of the species identified are reported for the first time from a cave environment. Four species showed unique morphological features and phylogenetic relationships, and are newly described. These include two new species of Aspergillus (A. alvaroi sp. nov. and A. guanovespertilionum sp. nov.), one of Penicillium (P. cecavii sp. nov.), and one of Talaromyces (T. potiguarorum sp. nov.). Our study increases the awareness and known richness of the Brazilian and global fungal diversity found in caves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus westerdijkiae is a major producer of ochratoxin A (OTA), a highly toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin found in various food and feed products. A. westerdijkiae produces excessive amount of OTA under various water activity (aw) conditions that occur during food and feed storage. The biosynthetic gene clusters associated with OTA production include OTAbZIP, which plays a key role in controlling mycotoxin production in response to environmental conditions. This study explored the regulation of OTA biosynthesis in A. westerdijkiae fc-1, focusing on the OTAbZIP gene's influence under aw stress. The mycelium growth of A. westerdijkiae fc-1 wild type and OTAbZIP mutant strains increased by 40.7% and 50.5% under high water activity (0.96 aw) respectively, at 6 days post-inoculation (dpi), indicating a stress on A. westerdijkiae fc-1. While OTAbZIP mutant did not produce OTA under both high and moderate aW conditions. The wild type produced OTA and OTA biosynthetic gene expression levels were downregulated under high (0.96 aw) and moderate (0.91 aw) water activity. The expression level of hog1 gene in OTAbZIP mutant was significantly lower than in the wild type. Pathogenicity tests revealed that deletion of OTAbZIP did not significantly affect disease infection. This study shows that deleting OTAbZIP gene greatly reduces OTA production, affecting the strain's adaptability to water activity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights distinct gut microbiome and metabolomic changes in dust-exposed workers, suggesting potential early biomarkers for silicosis risk. Understanding these alterations could inform preventive strategies and early detection, improving occupational health and reducing silicosis progression. Objectives: This study aimed to identify distinct gut microbiome and serum metabolic features in workers exposed to dust compared to healthy controls. Methods: A case-control study was conducted with dust-exposed workers without silicosis and age-matched healthy controls. Gut microbiome composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and serum and fecal metabolomic profiles were assessed by LC-MS. Results: Dust-exposed workers showed higher levels of Blautia and Trichoderma and lower levels of Anaplasma , Aspergillus , Plasmodiophoromycetes, and Escherichia coli-Shigella. Metabolites such as indole-3-acetate and gentamicin C1a were downregulated, while adenine, 2-phenylacetamide, and 4-pyridoxic acid were upregulated. Conclusions: Blautia spp. were linked to altered metabolites in dust-exposed workers, suggesting microbiome-metabolite interactions that may affect silicosis progression. However, the small sample size and cross-sectional design limit generalizability, and further longitudinal studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used tofu wastewater as medium to produce mannoprotein from Candida tropicalis (MCT), Pichia norvegensis (MPN), Aspergillus awamori (MAA), and Rhizopus oryzae (MRO). This study aimed to determine the optimum growth of yeast and mold in tofu wastewater as a medium for mannoprotein production. The purity was determined using FTIR and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The structural differences were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH radical scavenging activity. The highest yield of extract was obtained upon the use of MPN (28.09 ± 6.4%, w/w), followed by MCT (18.73 ± 5.5%, w/w), MRO (2.75 ± 1.7%, w/w), and MAA (2.54 ± 1.7%, w/w). Moreover, FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that MCT, MPN, MAA, and MRO were typical mannoproteins with absorption band at 824, 824, 818, and 812 cm−1, respectively. While the1H NMR spectra revealed the presence of protons at 5.11–5.46 ppm which confirmed the presence of α-(1,2)-mannoprotein for MCT, α-(1,6)(1,2)-mannoprotein for MPN, and α-(1,6)-mannoprotein for MAA, and MRO. Mold-based mannoprotein has a smaller particle size than yeast-based mannoprotein, furthermore, at 4000 ppm, MCT had the greatest DPPH-free radical inhibition value of 49.89%, followed by MRO (44.34%), MAA (40.81%), and MPN (28.54%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal oto-mastoiditis is a rare condition and is often associated with host immunodeficiency. It has to be considered as a differential diagnosis among patients presenting symptoms despite an adequate antibacterial therapy. A 23-year-old female presented to the ENT OPD with complaints of occasional left ear discharge, since 2 years which was associated with itching, pain and reduced hearing. There were no complaints of swelling or pain behind the ear. Otoscopic examination revealed bulging, congested, immobile tympanic membrane in the left ear. Pure tone audiometry revealed 48.33 dB moderate mixed type of hearing loss in the left ear and tympanometry done showed type B curve in the left ear. Patient was taken up for exploratory tympanotomy where middle ear and antrum was filled with granulation tissue and peculiar looking, unusual greenish-brown debris suspicious of fungal otomycotic debris. Ossicular mobility was attained after clearing the disease from the middle ear and cortical mastoidectomy was completed. KOH study of the debris removed was positive for fungal elements as seen. Histopathological examination revealed features suggestive of Chronic suppurative otitis media. Specimen was sent for fungal culture where Aspergillus species was isolated. Patient was started on Voriconazole orally twice a day for 2 weeks. Postoperative period was uneventful and patient's hearing improved. ® Fungal oto-mastoiditis is a rare but reported entity, which is usually seen in immunocompromised patients. A high index of suspicion is required to reach an early diagnosis and administer suitable treatment, especially when it presents in immunocompetent individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive fungal infections including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) generally have a poor prognosis, because the fungi spread throughout various organs. Therefore, it is important to accurately identify the fungal species for treatment. In this article, we present the results of pathological and molecular morphological analyses that were performed to elucidate the cause of respiratory failure in a patient who died despite suspicion of IPA and treatment with micafungin (MCFG). Pathological analysis revealed the existence of cystic and linear fungi in lung tissue. The fungi were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) by partial sequencing of genomic DNA. Correlative light microscopy and electron microscopy (CLEM) analysis confirmed that fungi observed with light microscopy can also be observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. SEM revealed an atypical ultrastructure of the fungi including inhomogeneous widths, rough surfaces, and numerous cyst-like structures of various sizes. The fungi showed several morphological changes of cultured A. fumigatus treated with MCFG that were previously reported. Our results indicate that integrated analysis of ultrastructural observation by SEM and DNA sequencing may be an effective tool for analyzing fungi that are difficult to identify by conventional pathological analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]