Aphanoascus Fulvescens Research Articles

Survey of Keratinophilic Fungi from Feathers of Birds in Tuscany.

Simple SummaryBirds represent an effective mechanism for spreading microorganisms because they can travel great distances. The present study presents the results of an extensive survey carried out to evaluate the occurrence of keratinophilic molds on several avian species from Tuscany (central Italy). These fungal species encompass several keratin-degrading fungi, frequently responsible for skin disease in both human patients and animals. Despite the fact that molds more frequently isolated belong to dark fungi, keratinophilic species, including a dermatophyte species responsible for human and animal tinea, were cultured in large amounts, mostly from terrestrial avian species. This finding could be due to the high water content in nests of aquatic birds, which is unsuitable for the spreading of keratinophilic molds, and due to the antidermatophytic action of the larger amounts of uropygial gland secretions produced by waterfowls when compared to terrestrial birds. Our findings confirm the important role of migrating birds in the dispersal of pathogenic and saprophytic fungi to other environments, with an evolutionarily important consequence of genetic mixing of fungal population throughout the world.Although keratinophilic fungi on avian feathers have been widely described, data from European literature are quite lacking regarding Mediterranean countries. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the occurrence of fungal species on feathers of different avian species in Italy. A total of 378 feather samples from both aquatic (n = 254) and terrestrial birds (n = 124), for a total of 30 bird species, were cultured for keratinophilic fungi. Fungal isolates were recognized by their macro- and micro-scopical morphology, and results were corroborated by PCR and sequencing. Keratinophilic fungi belonging to 11 different species (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Trichophyton terrestre, Microsporum gypseum, Sepedonium sp., Chrysosporium pannorum, Myriodontium sp., Chrysosporium tropicum, Chrysosporium pruinosum, Chrysosporium luteum and Aphanoascus fulvescens) were isolated from 71 animals (18.8%). The frequency of isolation of keratinophilic species from terrestrial birds was significantly higher in waterfowl. Migratory birds in Italy have been proven to carry pathogenic fungi such as dermatophytes, (A. platyrhyncos, A. crecca, E. rubecula), besides saprophytic species.

Indole alkaloids from the coprophilous fungus Aphanoascus fulvescens

The Ascomycete fungus Aphanoascus fulvescens isolated from goose dung was investigated for its secondary metabolites, yielding five new indole alkaloids okaramines V–Z (1–5) and eleven known derivatives (6–16). Their structures were determined by 1D, 2D NMR spectra and HRMS data. Compounds 6, 8, 11 and 12 showed significant to moderate cytotoxicity against the mouse lymphoma cell line L5178Y with IC50 values ranging from 4.0 to 14.7 μM. Preliminary structure-activity relationships are discussed.

Restructured fungal community diversity and biological interactions promote metolachlor biodegradation in soil microbial fuel cells

Soil microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide an inexhaustible electron acceptor for the removal of metolachlor and in situ biocurrent stimulation for fungal activity was investigated. The metolachlor degradation rates enhanced by 33%–36% upon the introduction of electrodes after 23 d. In closed MFCs, the abundance of Mortierella as the most dominant genus increased to 43%–54% from 17% in the original soil, whereas those of Aphanoascus and Penicillium decreased to 0.24%–0.39% and 0.38–0.72% from 14% to 11%, respectively. Additionally, a 10-fold amplification of unique OTUs was observed, mainly from increase on the electrode surface. The different treatments were clustered, especially samples near the cathode. The linear discriminant analysis showed that Aphanoascus fulvescens acted as a biomarker between the original and treated soils. The co-occurrence networks demonstrated that Mortierella universally competed for growth with coexisting species while Cladosporium exhibited the most affiliations with species from the 36 other genera present. The correlation analysis indicated that the species associated with degradation belonged to Mortierella, Kernia, Chaetomium and Trichosporon, while the species associated with electrogenesis were Debaryomyces hansenii and Mortierella polycephala. Importantly, this study is the first to reveal fungal community structure in soil MFCs with degrading pollutants and producing electricity.

Aphanoascus fulvescens: A New Record from Crop Field Soil in Korea

Aphanoascus fulvescens: A New Record from Crop Field Soil in Korea

Biodegradation of feather waste keratin by a keratinolytic soil fungus of the genus Chrysosporium and statistical optimization of feather mass loss

This paper assesses the ability of strains of Aphanoascus fulvescens and Chrysosporium articulatum isolated from soil (phaesol) to degrade native feather keratin. Strains were identified based on phenotypic traits and nucleotide sequencing. Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize cultivation conditions exhibiting the highest keratinolytic activity. The experiments were based on Box-Behnken designs for the loss of substrate mass (chicken feathers). While substrate mass loss is an “economic coefficient” that reliably indicates feather keratin degradation, it has not been studied before. Stationary liquid cultures of five selected strains were conducted in laboratory conditions at 28 °C using poultry feathers (1 g) as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy. Enzymatic activities, keratin mineralization products and substrate mass loss were determined periodically. The mineralization of keratin proteins by strains yielded a high number of ammonium ions alkalinizing the medium. Increased ammonium ions inhibited the activity of caseinian protease and keratinase. A decrease in the concentration of these ions induced proteolytic enzymes, chiefly the activity of keratinase, at the end of fungal cultivation. Keratinase activity was related to protein- and peptide release and that of caseinian protease to sulfate ions. The highest loss of substrate mass in comparison to the reference strain CBS104.62 (35.4%) was recorded for Aphanoascus fulvescens B21/4-5 (65.9%). Based on a Box-Behnken design, the maximum loss of substrate mass for the Aphanoascus fulvescens strain (71.08%) can be achieved at pH 7.58 and temperature 28.7 °C.

Keratinolytic and keratinophilic fungi of mangrove's soil and air in the city of Qena and their response to garlic extract and onion oil treatments

Forty-eight species and l variety belonging to 25 genera were collected from 50 soil samples (41 species and l variety and 21 genera) and the atmosphere (27 species and l variety and 14 genera) of mangrove in the city Qena using hair baiting technique at 28"C. Twenty of these species was dermatophytes and closely related fungi. The most common and frequent species of the latter fungi were <i>Aphanoascus fulvescens</i> (telemorph of <i>Chrysosporium keratinophilum), A. terreus (C. indicum). Aphanoascus</i> sp. <i>(C. tropicum)</i> and <i>Chrysosporium xerophilum</i>. Sixty-eight isolates were tested for the abilites for growth on hair - sand medium. Most (73.5 %) had moderate growth rate. All keratinophilie fungi recovered in the present investigation were sensitive to garlic extract and onion oil.

Geophilic dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi in the nests of wetland birds

The frequency and species diversity of keratinophilic fungi in 38 nests of nine species of wetland birds were examined. Nine species of geophilic dermatophytes and 13 <em>Chrysosporium</em> species were recorded. <em>Ch. keratinophilum</em>, which together with its teleomorph (<em>Aphanoascus fulvescens</em>) represented 53% of the keratinolytic mycobiota of the nests, was the most frequently observed species. <em>Chrysosporium tropicum, Trichophyton terrestre</em> and <em>Microsporum gypseum</em> populations were less widespread. The distribution of individual populations was not uniform and depended on physical and chemical properties of the nests (humidity, pH).

Studies on the mycoflora associated with sugarcane factory waste and pollution of River Nile in upper Egypt

Sixty-nine species and four varieties that belong to 28 genera of terrestial fungi were recovered from polluted and non-polluted water and mud samples on glucose and cellulose-Czapek's agar at 28°C. The most common species from the two substrates on the two types of media were Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A.niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Mycosphaerella tassiana and Penicillium chrysogenum. Twenty-six species belonging to 14 genera were isolated from polluted (26 species and 14 genera) and non-polluted (17species and 10 genera) mud samples on Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 28°C. The most prevalent species were Acremonium retiulum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aphanoascus fulvescens, A. terreus, Aphanoascus sp., Penicillium funiculosum and Stachybotrys chartarum.

DERMATOPHYTES, RELATED KERATINOPHILIC AND OPPORTUNISTIC FUNGI IN INDOOR DUST OF HOUSES AND HOSPITALS

Dermatophytes, related keratinophilic and opportunistic fungi were isolated from indoor dust samples of 46 hospitals and 47 houses in Kanpur. A total of 19 fungi represented by 11 genera were isolated by the hair-baiting technique from 230 and 235 samples from hospitals and houses respectively. The isolated fungi are Acremonium implicatum (Indian Type Culture Collection) ITCC 5266, A. strictum (Germplasm Centre for Keratinophilic Fungi) GPCK 1137, Aphanoascus fulvescens GPCK 1081, Arthroderma simii GPCK 1275, Chrysosporium queenslandicum ITCC 5270, C. indicum ITCC 5269, C. pannicola GPCK 1022, C. tropicum GPCK 1269, Ctenomyces serratus ITCC 5267, Gymnoascus reessii ITCC 5265, Malbranchea fulva GPCK 1075, Malbranchea pulchella ITCC 5268, Micosporum gypseum GPCK 1038, Microsporum cookei GPCK 2001, M. fulvum GPCK 2002, Paecilomyces lilacinum GPCK 1080, Penicillium expansum GPCK 1082, Trichophyton mentagrophytes GPCK 2003 and T. terrestre GPCK 2004. In hospitals, the minimum frequency was of Ctenomyces serratus ITCC 5267 while the maximum frequency was of Arthroderma simii GPCK 1275. In houses, Chrysosporium queenslandicum ITCC 5270 and C. tropicum GPCK 1269 were with minimum and maximum frequencies respectively. This makes the first report of these fungi with keratinolytic ability in the indoor dust of hospitals and houses.

Keratinophilic fungi inhabiting floor dusts of student houses at the South Valley University in Egypt

Keratinophilic fungi include true fungi that vigorously degrade keratin as well as a number of important human pathogenic dermatophytes. We identified 41 species and one variety belonging to 19 genera in 50 floor dust samples following culture on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar medium at 28°C. Dermatophytes and closely related fungi were represented by six species—Aphanoascus fulvescens, Aphanoascus sp., Arthroderma cuniculi, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Gymnoascus uncinatus and Trichophyton rubrum. There were 35 species and one variety of other fungal species, with members of Aspergillus and Penicllium being the most prevalent. Twenty-seven species and 1 variety belonging to 14 genera were identified from 24 dust samples gathered at 2-week intervals from male student housing at El-Kenose during January–December 2005 that had been cultured on Sabauraud’s dextrose agar at 28°C. The monthly counts of keratinophilic fungi showed irregular fluctuations, with a peak in April and the lowest point in November. Dermatophytes and closely related fungi were represented by Aphanoascus fulvescens, Aphanoascus sp., Chrysosporium lucknowense, Gymnoascus uncinatus, and Trichophyton rubrum. In conclusion, the study reports the incidences of some dermatophytes found in the floor dust of student houses of South Valley University, Egypt.

SEASONAL BEHAVIOUR OF KERATINOPHILIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM PARKS SOIL IN MILAN

Soil samples collected from 10 parks in Milan were examined for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by the Orr’s hair baiting technique. The organisms isolated and their frequency were as follows: Arthroderma uncinatum and its anamorph Keratinomyces ajelloi were dominant and recovered from 22.5% - 43.7% and 40% - 50% of the soil samples collected in summer and winter respectively. Myceliophthora vellerea was isolated in 31.2% of the samples, particularly in winter, Microsporum gypseum in winter (20%) and Trichophyton terrestre (10%) in summer. Chrysosporium keratinophilum (16.2% in summer and 18.7% in winter) C. indicum (15% s- 23.7% w), C. pannicola (5% s - 37% w). Aphanoascus fulvescens was isolated in summer (23.7%). Among the cycloheximide-resistant keratinophilic fungi Alternaria alternata (27.5% s – 33.7% w), Paecilomyces lilacinus (26.2% s - 18.7% w) and Acremonium strictum (8.7% s - 20% w) also were observed. The distribution of the different species is discussed.

Studies on Fungi Isolated from Dermatomycoses Patients in Egypt

Fifty cases of dermatomycoses were recorded from adult male and female at Qena Gvernorates.These included tinea capitis (62% of total cases), tinea corporis (20%), tinea versicolor (12%) and tinea unguium (6%). Males are more susceptible to all cases of tinea than females. Thirty-one species and 2 varieties belonging to 16 genera were recovered from several infection sites. These were identified as Aphanoascus fulvescens, A. terreus, Arthroderma fulva, A. obtusa, Trichophyton rubrum and T. soudanense. Several saprophytes were also found. These were : Aspergillus flavus, A fumigatus, A. niger, A terreus, Cochliobolus lunatus, Mycosphaerella tassiana, Penicillium chrysogenum and P. citrinum. Twenty-one isolates were able to hydrolyze gelatin with variable capabilities. T. rubrum was the most active protease producer. The maximum production of protease was obtained at 8 days of incubation at 30°C in Sabouraud’s basal medium with maltose as a carbon source and pepton as a nitrogen source. The optinal pH for the maximum production of protease was pH 6.

ChemInform Abstract: WF14865A and B, New Cathepsins B and L Inhibitors Produced by Aphanoascus fulvescens. Part 1. Taxonomy, Production, Purification and Biological Properties.

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WF14865A and B, new cathepsins B and L inhibitors produced by Aphanoascus fulvescens. I. Taxonomy, production, purification and biological properties.

WF14865A and B, novel cathepsins B and L inhibitors, were produced and isolated separately from the culture mycelium of a fungal strain Aphanoascus fulvescens No. 14865. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that both WF14865A and B were composed of trans-epoxysuccinyl moieties, 1-H-imidazole-2-ylamine, and isoleucine or leucine. These compounds inhibited human cathepsins B and L with IC50 values in the range of 8.4 approximately 72nM in vitro. Though their in vitro properties were typical as trans-epoxysuccinyl type inhibitors, they exerted strong bone resorption inhibitory effects in low-calcium-diet-fed mouse model at 3.2 approximately 10 mg/kg.

A statistical evaluation of the occurrence of keratinolytic fungi in Catalonian river sediments (Spain)

The study was to determine the concurrent effects of selected physico-chemical and microbiological factors on the qualitative and quantitative composition of keratinolytic fungi in sediments of Catalonian river mouths (Spain). The stepwise forward regression analysis was used. The results were compared with those obtained by the simple linear correlation method. On the basis of the data obtained, several groups of keratinolytic fungi were recognised. Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Aphanoascus fulvescens and Chryscsporium tropicum were associated with water pollution factors. The correlations of Chrysosporium anamorph of Arthroderma curreyi and Chrysosporium pannicola with the factors were much weaker. Chrysosporium europae was negatively correlated with water pollution factors. Chrysosporium indicum with its teleomorph Apharoascus terreus was rather unassociated with the degree of water pollution. The results were compared with those from a similar Polish study.

A preliminary study of the occurrence of actidione-resistant fungi in sediments of Catalonian river mouths (Spain). I. Keratinolytic fungi and related Onygenales.

Sediments from eight river mouths along the Catalonian coast (Spain) were surveyed for keratinolytic fungi and related Onygenales. The actidione plating technique was employed. Of 532 actidione-treated sediment samples, 268 (50.3%) were positive for the fungi. Altogether, 384 fungal strains from 35 species were isolated from the samples. Narasimhella marginospora, Aphanoascus fulvescens, Neoarachnotheca keratinophila with its anamorph Myriodontium keratinophilum, Narasimhella hyalinospora, Beauveria alba, Sporothrix schenckii, Chrysosporium lobatum and Gymnoascus littoralis were the predominant species in sediments. Abundance of N. marginospora was clearly correlated with the degree of water pollution with sewage.

Molecular taxonomy and epidemiology of Blastomyces and Histoplasma species.

Cladistic analysis of partial 26S rRNA sequences was used to estimate evolutionary distances among species and varieties of the dimorphic onygenalean genera Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Emmonsia, Histoplasma and Paracoccidioides. With the exception of Coccidioides, all genera were closely related, with about 5% base differences and even less (1-2%) between Blastomyces and Emmonsia. These data were supported by a teleomorph in the same genus Ajellomyces. In a phylogenic study of a wide range of ascomycete orders and families, Coccidioides immitis was found to be closest to Aphanoascus fulvescens and Chrysosporium keratinophilum, and to have relative distances to the remaining dimorphic genera (family Onygenaceae) similar to those of the dermatophytes (family Arthrodermataceae). The sequencing data were confirmed by genomic comparisons. All dimorphic genera had a nuclear DNA base composition in the same range of 46.6-47.3% G + C. The DNA melting curves of Blastomyces and Histoplasma strains showed irregularities that were ascribed to the presence of AT-rich stretches in satellite DNA rather than in mitochondrial DNA. Derivative profiles proved to be highly reproducible within regional populations and coincided with differences in clinical behaviour of each species. Blastomyces dermatitidis generated two kinds of curves, corresponding to the geographically distinct serotypes 1 and 2. The African type (serotype 2) was characterized by a classical sigmoidal melting curve similar to that for all strains of Coccidioides, Emmonsia and Paracoccidioides. In contrast, the American type (serotype 1) contained satellite DNA (27% G + C). A rRNA base difference of 1.5% was observed between geographical types, a value slightly higher than that noted between Histoplasma capsulatum and its variety farciminosum (0.9%). All three H. capsulatum varieties presented irregularities in their DNA melting curves. The molecular data support the recognition of two of them as agents of blastomycosis and the assignment of more than one species and two varieties to the genus Emmonsia.

The occurrence of keratinolytic fungi in sediments of the river Tordera (Spain)

Sediments from the inflow of the river Tordera to the Mediterranean Sea (Catalonia, Spain) were examined for keratinolytic fungi. The horse hair baiting method was used. Out of 100 Petri dishes examined, 84 were found to be positive for keratinolytic fungi. Altogether, 169 of fungal strains belonging to 13 species were observed. Aphanoascus fulvescens (teleomorph+anamorph), Chrysosporium an. Arthroderma curreyi, Ch. keratinophilum, Ch. pannicola, Trichophyton ajelloi, and Ch. tropicum prevailed in the sediments. The qualitative and quantitative composition of keratinolytic fungi depended on both the natural and water pollution factors. The main factors influencing the keratinolytic mycoflora in sediments were: water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, dissolved substances, phosphates, ammonium, nitrates, fecal bacterial contamination, BOD 5, and strong summer insolation associated with low water levels.

Keratinophilic fungi in the antarctic environment

Results of a study on the diffusion of keratinophilic fungi in an Antarctic environment are given. Nine soil samples collected from as many sites along the coast of Ross Sea, and six dust samples inside the Italian scientific base were examined by direct inoculation and hair baiting methods for soil samples and plate dilution method for dust samples. As regards the variety of species isolated and the counting of the numbers of colonies, plate dilution method proved to be very effective. Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium sp., Dematiaceae, Fusarium sp., Geomyces pannorum v. pannorum, G. pannorum v. vinaceus, Mycelia sterilia, Penicillium spp. were isolated from soil. From the dust the following moulds were isolated: Aphanoascus fulvescens, Aspergillus sp., Beauveria sp., Chrysosporium carmichaelii, Dematiaceae, Geomyces pannorum v. pannorum, G. pannorum v. vinaceus, Malbranchea gypsea, Mycelia sterilia, Nectria inventa, Penicillium spp., Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Scopulariopsis sp. and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The presence of four colonies of Trichophyton mentagrophytes is emphasized and correlated with the anthropization process.

Forty four years of dermatophytes in a Chicago clinic (1944-1988).

Data are presented on 39,270 cultures taken over a 44 year span (1944-1988) at the University of Chicago's Dermatology Clinic. In the mid 1940's Microsporum audouinii accounted for 60-80% of isolates. It gradually decreased over the next two decades and disappeared altogether in the 1970's. Trichophyton rubrum, rare in the 1940's accounted for over 60% of isolates in the mid-1960's only to be overtaken by T. tonsurans. This species, not isolated till the mid 1950's, became and remains the dominant dermatophyte at the present time. Both T. mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum increased in the 1970's and decreased later. Unusual circumstances resulted in clusters of T. verrucosum, T. terrestre, and T. schoenleinii isolates. Infections were associated with rural dairy workers, zoo handlers and immigrant families respectively. M. canis and M. gypseum were steady at a low rate throughout the entire period. Rare isolates included M. cookei, M. persicolor, M. racemosum, T. simii, T. soudanense, T. violaceum, and the soil keratinophile, Aphanoascus fulvescens.