Fungal Agents Research Articles

Occupational Infections Among Workers in Europe: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Workers may be exposed to different infectious agents, putting them at risk of developing occupational diseases. This can occur in many ways, through deliberate use of specific microorganisms or through potential exposure from close contact with biological material. Infection prevention and control measures against biohazards can reduce the risk of infection among workers. During the last few decades, an increasing proportion of workers in Europe have been exposed to infectious biological agents in their workplace. Knowledge gaps on this topic in Europe have limited our understanding of the overall phenomenon in occupational settings. This study aims to understand the extent and type of evidence on the epidemiology of occupational or work-related infections caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitical agents in European countries, the factors affecting their occurrence among workers, and the burden of disease among workers due to occupational risk. The review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. This review will consider studies that include data on the epidemiology of occupational infections, risk factors and determinants, and burden of disease among workers employed in specific occupational sectors in European countries in the period 2010-2023. The search will include MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Independent reviewers (including GD, SC, AR, PD, and SM) will screen the titles, abstracts, and full texts of the selected studies. Data extraction will be performed using a tool developed by the researchers. The data will be mapped and analyzed according to the type of extracted data. The literature search through different scientific databases started in April 2024 and is expected to be completed by December 2024. The findings will be extracted using an ad hoc data extraction tool, and relevant results will be presented in narrative and tabular form. This scoping review aims to provide rigorous evidence to fill the knowledge gap in the epidemiology of occupational or work-related infections in European countries, the factors affecting their occurrence, and the burden of disease in different professional settings. Such findings could improve the understanding of this complex occupational phenomenon in the European context, enabling more accurate and up-to-date surveillance of infections incurred in the workplace. PRR1-10.2196/59606.

Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for inflammation in a murine model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

BackgroundIn patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a sensitization to A. fumigatus has been related to a decline in lung function, but the role of fungal agents in the disease pathogenesis remains unclear. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate whether cell inflammation could worsen after exposure to A. fumigatus spores in vitro and then, in mice, following chronic exposure to cigarette smoke mimicking COPD.MethodsThe inflammatory response to cigarette smoke alone or with A. fumigatus was investigated in cell culture models of murine macrophages and alveolar epithelial cells. In an animal model, mice were exposed daily to two cigarettes smoke over 14 weeks, and two intranasal instillations of 105 spores at weeks 7 and 14. Then, their lungs were recovered to perform inflammatory and histopathological analyses.ResultsIn co-cultures of macrophages and epithelial cells treated with both cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) and A. fumigatus compared to CSE alone there were significant inductions in TNF-α (6.2-fold) and CXCL-2 (21.5-fold) gene expression, confirmed by significant increases in the corresponding protein secretion. In the murine model, histological analyses of the lung after chronic smoke exposure showed an increase in airspace enlargement. Moreover, a Bio-Plex approach on bronchoalveolar lavage of cigarette smoke and A. fumigatus-treated mice showed significant increases in multiple inflammatory proteins secreted in the lung.ConclusionsThere was a stronger inflammatory response after cigarette smoke exposure with A. fumigatus compared to cigarette smoke alone. These findings were correlated with histopathological changes in the mouse lung in vivo.

Interdigital and Plantar Foot Infections: A Retrospective Analysis of Molecularly Diagnosed Specimens in the United States and a Literature Review.

Up to one-quarter of the United States population is affected by tinea pedis (athlete's foot). Tinea pedis of the web space (interdigital tinea pedis) is a common clinical presentation causing skin macerations and fissures. A "dermatophytosis complex" (i.e., concomitant bacterial colonization) further complicates treatment. Here, we examined records of 14,429 skin specimens taken from the feet of dermatology and podiatry outpatients over a 4.6-year period; all specimens were subjected to multiplex qPCR diagnosis for the detection of dermatophytes, Candida, Corynebacterium minutissimum, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus. A literature search was conducted to review the reported prevalence of fungal and bacterial agents. In both interdigital and plantar foot specimens, dermatophytes (33.3-33.8%) and S. aureus (24.3-25%) were found to be the predominate pathogens. In the interdigital space, a higher prevalence of C. minutissimum (15.7% vs. 7.9%) and Pseudomonas (23.5% vs. 9.6%) was found. The detection of Pseudomonas was more likely to be observed in the presence of Candida, reflecting a higher risk of mixed infection. In dermatophyte-positive specimens, the "dermatophytosis complex" variant was observed at 45.5% (SD: 2.3). An analysis of patient characteristics showed male patients exhibiting higher likelihoods for dermatophyte, C. minutissimum, Pseudomonas and S. aureus detections. The elderly were disproportionately infected with Candida. In children, an S. aureus detection was more common, which could be attributed to impetigo. The recent literature lacks reporting on concomitant bacterial colonization in tinea pedis patients, likely due to the reliance on fungal culture supplemented with antibiotics. Geographical variation has been identified in the detection of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex. In conclusion, PCR diagnosis serves as a valuable tool for the management of tinea pedis. An accurate and timely detection of fungal pathogens and concomitant bacterial colonization can better inform healthcare providers of appropriate treatment selection.

Taxonomic contributions to Mycetomoellerius Solomon et al., 2019 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae): description of two new species and a key for the genus

Fungus-farming ants (Myrmicinae: Attini: Attina) form mutualistic associations with Agaricales fungi. The group is divided in lower and higher attine ants. Genera Trachymyrmex, Mycetomoellerius, and Paratrachymyrmex are part of higher attine ants, the latter two recently erected and composed of species that were all formerly within Trachymyrmex. Morphological characters to distinguish the three genera are scarce. This study describes two new species of Mycetomoellerius, provides a multi-entry key for the species of Mycetomoellerius, and complements the genus-level diagnosis of Mycetomoellerius, Paratrachymyrmex, and Trachymyrmex. The two new species, Mycetomoellerius janildae sp. nov. and Mycetomoellerius mesopleuralis sp. nov., increase to 32 the total number of extant species of the genus. Male genitalia traits were relevant in the delimitation of the new species. Our taxonomic results represent a step towards the understanding of Mycetomoellerius diversity, one of the most speciose genera among the fungus-farming ants.

Inhibition of Oral Biofilms and Enhancement of Anticancer Activity on Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells Using Caffeine-Coated Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles.

The fungus Candida albicans is a prominent cariogenic fungal agent that works in association with Streptococcus mutans to accelerate the formation of oral cancer and tooth decay. This study evaluates caffeine-encapsulated titanium oxide nanoparticles (CF-TiO2 NPs) for their potential to prevent biofilm formation on teeth and enhance oral anticancer treatment by influencing apoptotic gene regulation. The synthesized CF-TiO2 NPs were characterized using ultraviolet, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, and their antioxidant activity was confirmed through free radical quenching studies. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using a zone of inhibition test, revealing strong activity against dental pathogens with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 80 µg/mL. Molecular docking using AutoDock explored interactions between CF and biofilm target sites, supporting their inhibitory potential. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on KB cancer cells showed a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxic effects, with CF-TiO2 NPs promoting apoptotic gene upregulation at concentrations of 20-160 µg/mL. CF-TiO2 NPs demonstrated excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, showcasing their promise for oral therapeutic applications. This research highlights a novel approach to managing oral infections and associated complications while improving systemic oral health. Notably, this study is the first to report the biofilm-inhibitory and anticancer potential of CF-TiO2 NPs.

Efficacy of Metarhizium rileyi and Beauveria bassiana as Biocontrol Agents against Third-Instar Spodoptera frugiperda under Laboratory Conditions

Managing the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), a significant pest affecting maize, has become challenging due to widespread restrictions on synthetic pesticide use and the emergence of insecticide-resistant populations. As a sustainable alternative, entomopathogenic fungi have shown promise as biological control agents against S. frugiperda. In this study, commercial formulations of two fungal biocontrol agents, Metarhizium rileyi (Mr-18 strain) and Beauveria bassiana (Bb-52 strain), were assessed against third-instar larvae of S. frugiperda under laboratory conditions. Results showed that both M. rileyi and B. bassiana were similarly effective, with M. rileyi exhibiting a slightly lower LC50 value (1.648 x 10⁵ ppm) compared to B. bassiana (2.203 x 10⁵ ppm), particularly in populations from Telangana. These results highlight the potential of using effective strains of B. bassiana and M. rileyi at a concentration of 1 x 10⁵ conidia/ml as viable biocontrol strategies against S. frugiperda.

Identification of fungal agents associated with some conifer diseases and host-pathogen interaction

Identification of fungal agents associated with some conifer diseases and host-pathogen interaction

In vitro Antifungal Effects of Various Essential Oils against Aspergillus Crown Rot of Peanut

Synthetic fungicides that combat plant pathogenic fungi can enhance crop yields, ensuring stable crop production and market quality. However, the increase in the use of fungicides may cause to development of fungicide-resistant pathogen strains and the accumulation of fungicide residues in the food chain above safe limits. This situation underscores the need for improved fungal disease management through alternatives to synthetic fungicides. These alternatives include plant-derived compounds such as essential oils and extracts. Essential oils are known to be potent antifungal compounds against both human and plant pathogens. Aspergillus niger is a toxin-producing fungal disease agent that causes Aspergillus crown rot in peanuts. In this study, the antifungal activities of nine different essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare, Lippia citriodora, Origanum majorana, Origanum minutiflorum, Origanum onites, Origanum syriacum, Origanum vulgare, Salvia aramiensis and Thymus syriacus plants were evaluated against A. niger under in vitro conditions by using disc diffusion test. Among the nine essential oils tested, the highest antifungal activities were displayed by O. vulgare essential oil (with an inhibition zone diameter of 49.33 mm) which was followed by T. syriacus, O. onites, O. syriacum and O. minutiflorum essential oils (48.67, 47.00, 46.33 and 43.33 mm, respectively). The essential oils of F. vulgare, L. citriodora, and O. majorana showed relatively lower antifungal effects. The essential oil of S. aramiensis did not show antifungal effect against pathogen. The results indicated that plant essential oils could be valuable in promoting research aimed at developing new antifungal agent(s) for fungal disease management. However, further studies are needed to optimize the in vivo application conditions of essential oils against A. niger.

CRISPR-Cas9-mediated enhancement of Beauveria bassiana virulence with overproduction of oosporein

Biocontrol agents play a pivotal role in managing pests and contribute to sustainable agriculture. Recent advancements in genetic engineering can facilitate the development of entomopathogenic fungi with desired traits to enhance biocontrol efficacy. In this study, a CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein system was utilized to genetically improve the virulence of Beauveria bassiana, a broad-spectrum insect pathogen used in biocontrol of arthropod pests worldwide. CRISPR-Cas9-based disruption of the transcription factor-encoding gene Bbsmr1 led to derepression of the oosporein biosynthetic gene cluster resulting in overproduction of the red-pigmented dibenzoquinone oosporein involved in host immune evasion, thus increasing fungal virulence. Mutants defective for Bbsmr1 displayed a remarkable enhanced insecticidal activity by reducing lethal times and concentrations, while concomitantly presenting negligible or minor pleiotropic effects. In addition, these mutants displayed faster germination on the insect cuticle which correlated with higher density of free-floating blastospores in the hemolymph and accelerated mortality of the host. These findings emphasize the utility of genetic engineering in developing enhanced fungal biocontrol agents with customized phenotypic traits, and provide an efficient and versatile genetic transformation tool for application in other beneficial entomopathogenic fungi.

Molecular Identification of Etiological Agents in Fungal and Bacterial Skin Infections: United States, 2020-2024.

Background/Objectives: Cutaneous infections of fungal and bacterial origins are common. An accurate diagnosis-especially concerning pathogens that are difficult to isolate on culture-can be achieved using molecular methods (PCR) with a short turnaround time. Methods: We reviewed records of skin specimens (superficial scrapings) submitted by dermatologists across the United States with a clinically suspected dermatitis. As per physician's order, specimens were tested for infections either fungal (N = 4262) or bacterial (N = 1707) in origin. All unique specimens (one per patient) were subjected to real-time PCR assays where cases suspected of a fungal etiology were tested for dermatophytes, Malassezia and Candida, and cases suspected of a bacterial etiology were tested for Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and the mecA gene potentially conferring β-lactam resistance. Results: Fungal agents were detected in 32.8% (SD: 4.5) of the submitted specimens, with most attributed to dermatophytes (19.3% (SD: 4.9)), followed by Malassezia (8.7% (SD: 2.8)) and Candida (2.9% (SD: 1.0)). Dermatophyte detection was more common in the elderly (≥65 years) compared to young adults (18-44 years) (OR: 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5, 2.2)), whereas Malassezia was more commonly detected in younger age groups (12.1-13.6%) than the elderly (5.6%). Candida was more frequently observed in females while dermatophytes and Malassezia were more frequently observed in males. Approximately one quarter of the submitted skin specimens tested positive for S. aureus (23.6% (SD: 3.4)), of which 34.4% (SD: 9.8) exhibited concurrent detection of the mecA gene. An S. aureus detection was more frequently observed in males (OR: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.9)) and in children (OR: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2, 2.5)). Streptococcus pyogenes was rarely detected. Among specimens positive for dermatophytes, 12.0% (20/166) showed co-detection of S. aureus and mecA, which is in contrast to 6.8% (70/1023) detected in samples without a fungal co-detection and 6.2% (8/130) in samples positive for Malassezia. Conclusions: PCR testing, when available, can be valuable as a part of routine care for diagnosing patients with clinically suspected skin infections. Further studies are warranted to survey the prevalence of resistant S. aureus isolates in dermatology outpatients, in particular with regard to the association with dermatophyte infections.

Microbial Indoor Air Quality Within Greenhouses and Polytunnels Is Crucial for Sustainable Horticulture (Malopolska Province, Poland Conditions)

Sustainable horticulture is crucially based on the greenhouse production of vegetables under controlled conditions. In this study, we wanted to learn how cultivated plants may impact indoor air quality and whether the workers can be exposed to bioaerosols in a similar way in these settings. The study objective was to test the hypothesis that the microbial concentrations, distribution of bioaerosol particle sizes, and composition of the airborne microbiome are specific to greenhouses, polytunnels, and open-air sites. The air samples were collected to assess the concentration of total culturable bacteria (TCB), fungi, actinomycetes, and β-haemolytic bacteria and for the identification of bacterial and fungal strains. Higher concentrations of TCB and fungi were found in the greenhouse (log 3.71 and 3.49 cfu m−3, respectively) than in polytunnels (log 2.60–2.48 and 2.51–2.31 cfu m−3, respectively) during the vegetation of cucumbers. These airborne microbes were represented by a significant contribution of the respirable fraction with a distinct contribution of fine particles in size below 4.7 µm. Cultivation of cucumbers resulted in the higher emission of airborne microorganisms in contrast with growing herbs such as oregano and basil. In total, 35 different bacteria and 12 fungal species, including pathogenic or allergenic agents, were identified within the studied sites. The workers can be exposed to increased concentrations of TCB and fungi in the greenhouse during the plant vegetation. It might be recommended to properly manage greenhouses and polytunnels, dispose of dust sources, and maintain appropriate ventilation to sustain relevant air quality.

Detection of fungal and bacterial organisms from clinical uterine samples of horses using next-generation sequencing in comparison with culture

Fungal and bacterial culture is currently the primary method for pathogen detection and identification. Next-generation sequencing is a powerful method for detecting and identifying the presence of microbial DNA in samples. We evaluated the correlation between fungal and bacterial culture with next-generation sequencing in equine uterine samples. Fungal cultures (n=63) were evaluated based on their culture results. In culture positive (n=16) samples, next-generation sequencing identified the same organism in 10 samples (62.5%), 5 samples did not identify fungal agents, and 1 sample identified other species of fungal agents. In no growth samples (n=42), next-generation sequencing did not identify fungal agents in 37 samples (88.1%), 4 samples had a potential fungal pathogen identified, and one sample identified only non-pathogenic fungal organisms. Fungal culture and next-generation sequencing had an 80% agreement and moderate correlation by Kappa coefficient (0.508). Bacterial culture (n=57) was also evaluated based on bacterial culture results. In bacterial culture Positive samples (n=32), next-generation sequencing identified the same organism in 25 (78.1%) samples, and identified different organisms from the remaining 7 samples. In bacterial no growth samples (n=14), next-generation sequencing detected bacterial presence in 5 samples, and 9 samples had no bacterial DNA identified. The agreement between bacterial culture and next-generation sequencing was 74% with a moderate correlation by Kappa coefficient (0.46). In conclusion, culture and next-generation sequencing have moderate correlation, and next-generation sequencing has the potential as a diagnostic option for enhancing pathogen detection for equine endometritis.

Fungal Antagonists Mode of Action

Fungal plant pathogens are the primary factors responsible for significant losses to agricultural products annually. The predominant method of controlling fungal diseases has been the use of fungicides; however, there is a global shift towards reducing their application. Biocontrol agents offer a viable alternative to chemical control for the eradication of fungal diseases. Throughout their life cycle, plants interact with diverse pathogens that impact their health through various mechanisms. Fungal biocontrol agents employ multiple modes of action, including antibiosis, competition for nutrients and space, and mycoparasitism, with the specific mechanism varying according to the pathogen-host combination. While competition for space and nutrients is the primary mode of action for fungi, bacteria often produce antibiotics. These mechanisms may act consecutively, making it challenging to identify the association with specific antifungal actions. This summary provides an overview of the modes of action of fungal antagonists.

First Report of Colletotrichum siamense Causing Leaf Anthracnose on Jackfruit in Thailand.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is commonly grown in Thailand. In June 2023, leaf anthracnose on this plant was observed at a field in Chai Prakan District (19°42'24"N, 99°01'59"E), Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, with ~25% disease incidence in a 1000-m2 plantation area. The initial symptom had brown spots with a yellow halo, enlarged, elongated, 0.2 to 2 cm in diameter, irregular, sunken, brown, with a dark brown halo, and leaves withered and dried. Pale yellow conidiomata developed on the lesions in high humidity. Ten symptomatic leaves were used to isolate the fungal causal agents through a single spore isolation method (Tovar-Pedraza et al. 2020). Four fungal isolates (SDBR-CMU492 to SDBR-CMU495) with similar morphology were obtained. Colonies on potato dextrose agar (PDA) were 70 to 85 mm in diameter, white to grayish white with cottony mycelia, the reverse pale yellow after incubation at 25°C for 1 week. All isolates produced asexual structures. Setae were brown with 1 to 3 septa, 40 to 100 × 2.2 to 4.0 µm, a cylindrical base, and acuminate tip. Conidiophores were hyaline to pale brown, septate, and branched. Conidiogenous cells were hyaline to pale brown, cylindrical to ampulliform, 7.4 to 27.2 × 2.0 to 4.5 µm. Conidia were one celled, hyaline, smooth walled, cylindrical, ends rounded, guttulate, 11.1 to 15.7 × 3.4 to 6.1 µm. Appressoria were dark brown to black, oval to irregular, 8.8 to 24.9 × 3.6 to 10 µm. Morphologically, all isolates resembled the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex (Weir et al. 2012). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, actin (act), β-tubulin (tub2), calmodulin (CAL), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes were amplified using primer pairs ITS5/ITS4, ACT-512F/ACT-783R, T1/T22, CL1C/CL2C, and GDF1/GDR1, respectively (White et al. 1990; Weir et al. 2012). Sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS: PP068858, PP068859, PP446789, PP446790; act: PP079636, PP079637, PP460760, PP460761; tub2: PP079638, PP079639, PP460762, PP460763; CAL: PP079634, PP079635, PP460758, PP460759; GAPDH: PP079632, PP079633, PP460756, PP460757). Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated five genes identified all isolates as C. siamense. To pathogenicity test, the mature leaves of a healthy plant were surface disinfested using 0.1% NaClO for 3 min, rinsed three times with sterile water, and wounded. Conidia suspensions (15 µl of 1 × 106 conidia/ml) of each isolate grown on PDA at 25°C for 2 weeks were used to inoculate wounded and unwounded samples by the attached method. Control leaves were mock inoculated with sterile distilled water. Ten replications were conducted for each treatment and repeated twice. Plants were placed in a greenhouse at 25 to 30°C and 80 to 90% relative humidity. After 7 days, all inoculated leaves displayed brown lesions, while control leaves had no symptoms. Colletotrichum siamense was reisolated from inoculated tissues on PDA to complete Koch's postulates. Prior to this study, C. fructicola and C. gloeosporioides caused leaf anthracnose on jackfruit worldwide (Sangchote et al. 2003; Chitambar 2016). Leaf anthracnose on jackfruit caused by C. siamense has been reported from Australia (James et al. 2014) and Bazil (Borges et al. 2023). In Thailand, Bhunjun et al. (2019) reported that C. artocarpicola causes leaf anthracnose in jackfruit. Therefore, this is first report of C. siamense causing leaf anthracnose on jackfruit in Thailand. The finding will inform epidemiological investigations and future approaches to managing this disease.

Esting of Fungal Antagonists from The Rhyzosphere of Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) as a Fungal Control Agent Fusarium sp.

Esting of Fungal Antagonists from The Rhyzosphere of Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) as a Fungal Control Agent Fusarium sp.

Fungi Associated with Olive Tree (cv. 'Nocellara del Belice') Decay in Trapani Province (Sicily, Italy).

Recently, in several locations in the province of Trapani (Sicily, Italy), olive growers have reported cases of decaying olive trees of cv. 'Nocellara del Belice', showing symptoms of defoliation, branch drying, xylem browning, and reduced production. Internal symptoms include white and brown wood rot, starting from the base of the trunk. These alterations have been observed in trees irrigated using a pipe system at the trunk with spray sprinklers. To identify the causal agents of decay, some trees were eradicated and dissected, and woody samples were processed to isolate and identify the associated fungal micro-organisms. The most common colonies were identified using morphological (macro- and microscopical observation) and molecular (PCR amplification of the rDNA-ITS region) analyses. Nine fungal taxa were identified, of which four were associated with this decay syndrome (Coriolopsis gallica, Fomitiporia mediterranea, Kirschsteiniothelia sp., and Pleurostoma richardsiae), three were considered ubiquitous and opportunistic fungi (Alternaria spp., Aspergillus amstelodami, and Trichoderma sp.), and the other two were mycelia sterilia. Artificial inoculation satisfied Koch's postulates, confirming the pathogenicity of the aforementioned fungi, even though the infections in the fields seem to be related to the irrigation system. This hypothesis would seem to be confirmed by the progression of decay over time in the trees subjected to the irrigation system described but not reported in olive groves differently managed. It is therefore considered appropriate to conduct further and more in-depth investigations aimed at studying the correlation between the irrigation system, presence of fungal agents, and manifestation of the syndrome. A further ongoing investigation is aimed at the use of biostimulants (Agrusaver, Savory Sun, VA LLC) on symptomatic trees, with the aim of both improving the vegetative performance of the host and limiting the symptoms detected in the field.

Polyphasic approach to the selection of Esteya isolates for the control of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Pine wilt disease, caused by the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a major phytosanitary concern to pine forests worldwide. Managing pine wilt disease involves a complex logistical undertaking, with limited effectiveness and significant ecological repercussions. An increasing demand for biosolutions has sparked an interest in microbial antagonists capable of controlling the nematode. Esteya spp. are promising fungal biocontrol agents of the pinewood nematode. Here, we carry out an integrative characterization of Esteya vermicola and Esteya floridanum isolates, through biological, biochemical, and molecular methods, and provide insights into the selection of these isolates for the biological control of the pinewood nematode. Dual culture assays revealed that Esteya spp. can compete with ophiostomatoid fungi (Leptographium terebrantis and Ophiostoma ips) occurring in the pathosystem of pine wilt disease, an often-neglected ecological perspective that could hinder their success as biocontrol agents. Moreover, E. vermicola can metabolize more carbon sources than E. floridanum, which can have implications on their successful establishment in pine trees. Our experimental approach further shows that both Esteya spp. are equally competent in suppressing the pinewood nematode in vitro. Overall, our results suggest that a prophylactic application of Esteya in pine trees may be preferable for optimal bioprotective effects against the pinewood nematode and fungal pathogens.

Long-acting sustained release microcapsules of oregano essential oil-loaded gelatin/carrageenan for food preservation against Botrytis cinerea

As a food-derived natural component, oregano essential oil (OEO) exhibits excellent activity against Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea). However, its poor water solubility and chemical instability limit its application in preservation. In this study, we determined the composition of OEO and encapsulated it in microcapsules using gelatin/carrageenan (GE/CRG) as the capsule wall, achieving a particle size of 336.10 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 87.79 %. The microcapsules realize the slow-release duration of OEO to over 80 h. More importantly, due to the slow-release effect of OEO, OEO-GE/CRG microcapsules demonstrated excellent inhibitory activity against B. cinerea with an EC50 value of 0.18 mg/mL. The microcapsule treatment significantly prolonged the preservation period of cherry tomatoes in infection models with B. cinerea. These results indicate that OEO-GE/CRG microcapsules could serve as a potential fungal inhibitor and agent for fruit storage and preservation.

Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: The First Histopathological Study in Vietnam.

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IRFS) is a rare but highly fatal disease. The two primary groups of pathogens, Mucorales and Aspergillus, require different treatments and have distinct prognoses. This study aimed to analyze the histopathological features of IFRS. We conducted a retrospective study involving 57 IFRS cases. Demographic and comorbid characteristics were obtained from clinical records. Two pathologists independently examined the histopathological features using H&E, PAS, and GMS-stained slides. Fungal groups were identified with PCR under the guidance of histopathology. The mean age of IFRS was 58.9 ± 13.4. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. 100% of cases had diabetes comorbidity. Mucorales, Aspergillus, and other fungi were found in 61.4%, 33.3%, and 5.3% of cases, respectively. No Aspergillus and Mucorales co-infections were detected. Histopathology and PCR results were strongly concordant in classifying pathogens (Cohen's kappa = 84.2%, 95% CI 60.1% - 100%, p < 0.001). Mucormycosis exhibited higher rates of extensive necrosis and vascular invasion, and lower rates of pigment and spore presence than the non-Mucormycosis group (p < 0.001, p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.03, respectively). Extensive necrosis and vascular invasion were statistically significantly correlative (OR = 13.03, 95% CI 2.62-64.75, p = 0.002). IFRS predominantly affects older adults and males. Histopathology is a reliable method for differentiating between Mucorales and Aspergillus. When extensive necrosis is detected, it is critical to investigate for vascular invasion carefully. The vascular invasion, degree of necrosis, pigments, and spores are valuable factors for distinguishing fungal agents of IFRS.

Eco-friendly formulation preparation of fungal biopesticide Metarhizium anisopliae and its impact on the viability, insecticidal activity and pesticidal compatibility

Aim: The present investigation evaluated the effect of various formulations on the viability, pesticide compatibility and biocontrol potential of fungal biopesticidal agent Metarhizium anisopliae under laboratory conditions. Methodology: Soil isolate of M. anisopliae biomass was formulated with different oils like sunflower, groundnut, neem oil, water and diesel using green principles. Results: Sunflower oil recorded maximum viability among the formulations, revealing 91.4% formulation efficacy, followed by groundnut oil, which showed 87.2% efficacy. The viability of the fungal isolate was found to be low in diesel formulation, which showed 69.2% formulation efficacy. A compatibility study revealed that sunflower oil formulation showed high tolerance to all the tested pesticides. Sunflower oil formulation also showed a high rate of mortality against S. litura. Interpretation: The present study suggests using oil formulation as an effective carrier for the fungal biopesticide Metarhizium anisopliae with high compatibility and viability. Key words: Biopesticide, Fungal strains, Metarhizium anisopliae, Sunflower oil