A bacterial strain isolated from chilli pepper was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens using VITEK 2, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Designated SBCHGBA1, this strain was assessed for its ability to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus species and suppress aflatoxin synthesis. On trypticase soy agar, SBCHGBA1 exhibited strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus MTCC2798 and Aspergillus parasiticus MTCC411. Among 15 Aspergillus flavus strains tested, 13 produced detectable aflatoxin levels (7.0-257.4 µg/l) in trypticase soy broth after 14 days at 25 °C. Remarkably, co-cultivation with SBCHGBA1 completely inhibited aflatoxin production in all except in one strain. Additionally, a 77% reduction in aflatoxin content was observed in chilli pepper inoculated with Aspergillus flavus MTCC2798 when co-cultured with SBCHGBA1. These findings highlight Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SBCHGBA1 as a promising biocontrol agent for mitigating aflatoxin contamination in chilli peppers and related food systems.

Aspergillus flavus is the second most prevalent species of Aspergillus causing invasive aspergillosis, but its treatment efforts had been hindered by the continuous emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains, while the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of the chromatin remodeling factor Arp9 in A. flavus drug-resistant. We show that Arp9 up-regulates the chromatin accessibility of the Erg3 and Erg6 promoters, thereby increasing their transcription levels and enhancing ergosterol synthesis. Therefore, the absence of Arp9 enhances A. flavus sensitivity to amphotericin B (AMB). Additionally, by down-regulating chromatin accessibility of Erg11A gene promoter, Arp9 leads to the decrease of its transcription level and subsequently reduces A. flavus resistance to voriconazole (VOR). Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that Arp9 exists in both SWI/SNF and RSC complex. Drug susceptibility test results indicated that the drug sensitivity response induced by Arp9 may be unique to Arp9, as neither SWP82 of the SWI/SNF nor Sth1 of the RSC is required. The role of Arp9 in drug-resistance was also confirmed using the Galleria mellonella model. Furthermore, we found that VOR induces aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) biosynthesis in an Arp9-dependent manner at 35°C and 37°C, and the effect is dramatically magnified in the VOR-resistant A. flavus strain. This study demonstrates that Arp9 plays a critical role in regulating fungal drug-resistance in vitro and in vivo and revealed that Arp9 is an important factor in enhancing AFB1 biosynthesis under Mammalian physiological temperatures. This study provides potential new insights for the control of the infections caused by filamentous pathogenic fungi.

"Background: Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) comprises subtypes with varying epidemiology and outcomes. Global comparative data remain limited. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines (CRD42023481670), a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Cases were categorized into seven subtypes to assess variation across regions. Results: 2,031 studies (40,860 cases, 77 countries) were included. Non-invasive forms accounted for 60% (n=24,582) of cases, mainly fungal ball (35%, n=14,280) and allergic FRS (25%, n=10,302). Invasive subtypes were more frequent in tropical climates, with the hyperacute rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis predominating. This subtype differed from acute and subacute invasive FRS in risk factors (diabetes and COVID-19 vs. leukemia) and geography. Aspergillus species appeared in ~60% of cases: A. fumigatus dominated in temperate/continental zones, while A. flavus was frequent in dry/tropical regions. Non-invasive FRS showed high surgical cure rates (>64%), whereas invasive forms had substantial morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: FRS represents a substantial yet underrecognized global health concern. Non-invasive forms are predominating, while invasive subtypes cause major morbidity and mortality, especially in tropical regions. Notably, our findings reveal distinct geographic and climatic preferences for Aspergillus species: A. fumigatus in temperate/continental zones and A. flavus in dry/tropical regions. This ecological divergence underscores the importance of environmental surveillance and climate-informed diagnostic strategies."

Phylogenetic analysis and mycotoxin detection of Aspergillus species in Iraqi potato chips: A practical study on children's health

The capacity of Aspergillus fumigatus to cause invasive pulmonary aspergillosis depends on its ability to adapt to dynamic and stressful microenvironments within the host. Epigenetic regulation, including histone deacetylation, plays a critical role in fungal adaptation to stress. Here, we investigated the role of the class I histone deacetylase HosA in A. fumigatus stress resistance, host cell interactions, and virulence. A ΔhosA mutant had increased susceptibility to intracellular oxidant stress induced by menadione. It also had impaired capacity to invade and damage two pulmonary epithelial cell lines in vitro. In a corticosteroid-immunosuppressed mouse model of invasive aspergillosis, mice infected with the ΔhosA mutant survived significantly longer than those infected with the wild-type strain, despite having similar pulmonary fungal burden. The ΔhosA mutant also induced a weaker inflammatory response than the wild-type strain. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HosA regulates genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis and energy metabolism, functioning as both an activator and repressor of distinct gene sets. Collectively, these results indicate that HosA is a key epigenetic regulator that governs A. fumigatus interactions with host cells and virulence during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.IMPORTANCEEpigenetic modifications in Aspergillus fumigatus can be induced by environmental changes and stresses such as those induced by interaction with host cells. HosA, a class I histone deacetylase, has been shown to play a key role in regulating secondary metabolism in several Aspergillus species, but its function in A. fumigatus was previously unknown. We found that deletion of hosA increased susceptibility to intracellular, but not extracellular, oxidative stress. The ΔhosA mutant also exhibited significantly reduced pulmonary epithelial cell invasion and host cell damage, as well as attenuated virulence in immunosuppressed mice. Together, these findings indicate that HosA functions as a key epigenetic regulator that governs stress resistance, secondary metabolism, and fungal-host interactions. Defining the functions of HosA could provide critical insight into the epigenetic mechanisms that control fungal pathogenicity and may reveal a potential therapeutic target for invasive aspergillosis.

A BSTRACT Background: Aspergillus sensitization is increasingly recognized as a key factor in atopic diseases. This study aimed to measure the incidence of Aspergillus skin prick test (SPT) positivity among patients with atopic and nonatopic symptoms visiting a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based, analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 190 patients were enrolled using consecutive sampling and categorized into symptomatic (atopic) and asymptomatic (nonatopic) groups. SPTs for various Aspergillus species were performed, along with clinical evaluations. Moreover, absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were made using Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression. Results: The incidence of Aspergillus SPT positivity was significantly higher in symptomatic patients (atopic) (55.8%) including expectoration, chest tightness, allergic rhinitis (AR), eczema, wheezing, AEC positivity, and total serum IgE compared to asymptomatic patients (nonatopic) (10.5%). Allergens from Aspergillus species, such as Aspergillus fumigatus , Aspergillus flavus , and Penicillium spp., were more prevalent among symptomatic patients ( P < 0.01). Elevated AEC and serum IgE levels were strongly associated with Aspergillus positivity. Multivariate analysis identified chest tightness, dyspnea, AR, and smoking as significant predictors of Aspergillus sensitization. Furthermore, moderate disease severity was the most common presentation among Aspergillus -positive individuals. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant association of Aspergillus sensitization with atopic symptoms and disease severity. These findings emphasize the importance of early allergen identification and targeted management in atopic patients to mitigate disease progression and improve quality of life.

The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective enzyme production has driven research toward microbial fermentation using agro-residues as substrates. This study investigated dumpsite soils as reservoirs of α-amylase–producing fungi and evaluated corn cob and orange mesocarp as potential agro-residues for enzyme production. Fungi were isolated from soil samples (SA, SB, SC), enumerated, and identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Proximate analysis of corn cob and orange mesocarp was carried out to determine their nutritional composition, while fermentation parameters including time, inoculum size, pH, carbon ratio, and nitrogen concentration were optimized to enhance α-amylase yield. The results showed that fungal counts ranged from 3.3 × 10⁴ to 4.2 × 10⁴ CFU/g across the soils, with sample SB recording the highest load. The isolates included Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Fusarium, and Penicillium species, with isolate SB2 exhibiting the highest α-amylase activity (26 mm clearance zone), while SB3 produced the least (5 mm). Proximate composition revealed that corn cob contained higher carbohydrate content (75.87%) compared to orange mesocarp (68.79%), whereas orange mesocarp exhibited higher ash, lipid, and protein contents. Fermentation studies showed that α-amylase yield increased with time, peaking at 48 h (51.2 U/ml) before declining. Optimum production parameters were obtained at pH 7.0 (47.6 U/ml) and a 3.0 mL inoculum size (53.3 U/ml), while supplementation with a 2:2% corn cob:orange mesocarp mixture supported maximum enzyme production (61.3 U/ml). Further optimization with 0.50% nitrogen supplementation resulted in the highest α-amylase yield of 68.3 U/ml. It is concluded that dumpsite soils harbor metabolically diverse fungi, and that low-cost agro-residues such as corn cob and orange mesocarp can be effectively utilized for α-amylase production under optimized fermentation conditions.

SUMMARYIatrogenic central nervous system mold infections (ICNSMIs) are rare and occur as sporadic complications of neurosurgical procedures or device insertions. However, recent outbreaks have been reported in outpatient settings, following epidural injections with contaminated medicines. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of studies published without date restrictions through July 2025 on ICNSMIs. We identified 905 cases of such infections, with 4% occurring in non-outbreak settings and 96% associated with five documented outbreaks. In both non-outbreak and outbreak settings, infections were more common after spinal/epidural injections, with contaminated medicines or supplies being the primary source. Due to their angioinvasive tendencies, ICNSMI caused by Fusarium solani and Aspergillus species had a higher frequency of stroke/intracranial hemorrhage (P = 0.011), aneurysm formation (P = 0.012), and resulted in higher mortality compared with ICNSMI caused by other molds (P < 0.001). ICNSMI, as a result of catheter-associated fungemia, was very rare (only one case). Strategies to identify ICNSMI in exposed individuals during an outbreak have included (i) symptom-driven lumbar puncture, (ii) screening lumbar puncture regardless of symptoms, and (iii) screening brain MRI regardless of symptoms. Measurement of (1→3)-β-D-glucan in cerebrospinal fluid was a valuable tool to diagnose ICNSMI preemptively. Outcomes of ICNSMI following neurosurgical procedures were poor (90-day mortality of 35%) and depended on the route of inoculation, mold species, timing of diagnosis, and prompt initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy in combination with source control. Patients with ICNSMI often suffered long-term neurologic sequelae, even with the most optimal management strategies.

Fungal contamination of meat and meat products represents a significant concern for food safety, particularly due to the potential presence of mycotoxin-producing moulds. This scoping review aimed to map the occurrence and distribution of Aspergillus and Penicillium species along the meat production chain, from slaughterhouse environments to retail products, and to identify associated mycotoxins when reported. A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed database, complemented by a search in Google Scholar in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Eligible studies reported the isolation of Aspergillus and/or Penicillium species from meat, meat products, or meat-processing environments under natural contamination conditions. The results indicate that both genera are frequently detected throughout the production chain, particularly at processing and storage stages, with several studies reporting species known for mycotoxin production. In addition, the presence of these moulds in processing environments highlights potential implications for both food safety and occupational exposure. However, information on mould occurrence in meat, edible offal, meat products and meat processing environments remains scarce, fragmented and heterogeneous. Overall, this review highlights existing knowledge gaps and underscores the need for harmonised monitoring strategies and further research addressing fungal contamination and mycotoxin risks along the meat production chain.

Aflatoxin contamination of pistachios represents a significant global food safety challenge, posing substantial risks to public health and imposing considerable economic constraints on international trade. A periodic review of RASFF data indicates a persistent problem of aflatoxin contamination in nuts, particularly pistachios, within international trade, highlighting the need for sustainable and preventive control strategies. The primary etiological agents are toxigenic species of Aspergillus , principally A. flavus , which can colonize the nut during preharvest, harvest, and postharvest stages. A critical juncture for infection is the initial colonization in the orchard, frequently facilitated by early nut splitting, insect damage, and various abiotic stressors. The prevalence and severity of fungal colonization and subsequent aflatoxin biosynthesis are profoundly influenced by a complex interplay of environmental factors. Consequently, a multifaceted approach to mitigation is essential. Foundational strategies involve the implementation of sound horticultural and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), including optimizing orchard design, cultivar selection, irrigation, and nutrition, alongside timely harvesting and meticulous postharvest management. Among advanced control measures, biological control has emerged as a promising strategy. The application of competitive, nontoxigenic A. flavus strains, such as the commercially deployed AF36, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing aflatoxin contamination by up to 45%. This intervention, sanctioned by regulatory bodies and widely adopted in major production regions like California, serves as a paradigm for scalable and sustainable mycotoxin management in global pistachio production systems.

Background: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolite. It is produced by certain Aspergillus species, especially A. flavus and A. parasiticus. AFB1 is commonly detected in improperly stored food products, such as maize, peanuts, and grains, particularly in developing countries.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the presence and concentration of AFB1 in the serum of women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to investigate its potential association with glycemic control parameters, specifically fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).Methods: A case–control study was conducted on 100 women aged 35–65 years, including 50 diabetic patients and 50 healthy controls. Serum AFB1 levels were measured using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Glycemic status was evaluated using FBS and HbA1c. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between AFB1 and glycemic indicators.Results: AFB1 was detected in 90% of diabetic patients and 14% of controls using TLC, with a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.00001). HPLC analysis showed significantly higher AFB1 concentrations in the diabetic group. Additionally, FBS and HbA1c levels were markedly elevated in diabetic patients. A significant positive correlation was observed between AFB1 concentration and both FBS and HbA1c.Conclusion: The findings suggest that chronic exposure to AFB1 may be associated with poor glycemic control and possibly with the development or progression of T2DM. AFB1 may serve as a potential environmental risk factor for diabetes in vulnerable populations.

Climate change-driven geographical shifts in Aspergillus species and the implications for plant and human health.

In vitro impact of temperature and relative humidity on growth, sterigmatocystin production, and minimum inhibitory concentrations of Aspergillus creber.

Comparative overview of Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger: Pathogenicity, resistance, and public health significance.

Invasive fungal sinusitis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality influenced by multiple factors; however, evidence regarding prognostic determinants of survival remains limited. This study aims to evaluate survival outcomes and identify prognostic factors in patients with invasive fungal sinusitis to support evidence-based treatment planning. A retrospective study was conducted on patients with invasive fungal sinusitis treated between February 2000 and June 2018, with follow-up ending on 30 April 2021. Survival curves were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test, while Cox proportional hazards models were employed for univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors. One hundred sixteen patients were diagnosed with invasive fungal sinusitis, and these patients were further classified into an acute sinusitis group (80 patients (69.0%)) and a chronic sinusitis group (36 patients (31.0%)). The overall 1-year survival rate was 49.0% (median survival time of 9.8 months). Among acute invasive fungal sinusitis patients, the 1-year survival rate and median survival time were significantly shorter than those of chronic invasive fungal sinusitis patients. Compared with Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp. appeared to be more aggressive, which resulted in a shorter 1-year survival rate and median survival time in patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis. Conversely, chronic invasive fungal sinusitis patients with either Aspergillus spp. or Mucor spp. had nearly equivalent survival rates. Furthermore, factors predicting a poor prognosis included chemosis, altered consciousness and leukopenia. Invasive fungal sinusitis still has a high mortality rate, particularly in patients with chemosis, altered consciousness and leukopenia, necessitating aggressive treatment.

Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) is a widely popular fruit prized for its nutritional value and unique flavor. In September 2024, postharvest soft rot symptoms were observed on ‘Jinfeng’ kiwifruits harvested from an orchard in Fengxin, Jiangxi, China (28.34 °N, 114.45 °E). Approximately 5% (15/300) of kiwifruits exhibited similar disease symptoms, progressing from initial peel browning to advanced-stage flesh soft rot, characterized by circular water-soaked lesions with desiccated white centers. For pathogen isolation, lesion margins (5 × 5 mm) were surface-sterilized in 75% ethanol for 30 s, triple-rinsed with sterile distilled water, and cultured on PDA at 25 ℃ for 5 days. Six pure isolate (K2-a to K2-f) were obtained. The colonies were dense and velvety with flat margins and peripheral wrinkles, featuring black centers with white edges, black powdery particles on the surface and yellow radial patterns on the reverse side. Conidiophores were spherical or ellipsoidal, with the entire conidiophores structure (including conidia) measuring 30 to 50 µm in diameter (n=20). The spherical conidia were 3 to 5 µm in diameter (n=50). The morphological characteristics of the isolates corresponded to the characteristics of Aspergillus spp. (Qi 1997). Genomic DNA of the isolates was extracted with a fungi genomic DNA extraction kit (Solarbio, Beijing, China). ITS1/4, BT2a/b and NL1/4 primers were used to amplify the ITS, TUB2 and large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU) gene (White et al. 1990; Glass and Donaldson 1995). The ITS, TUB2 and LSU sequences of the isolates were deposited in GenBank and showed 97.81% to 100% identity with A. aculeatus. The phylogenetic analysis of ITS-TUB2 and ITS-LSU concatenated sequences showed the six isolates clustered with the A. aculeatus with 100% bootstrap support. To fulfill Koch’s postulates, 15 sterilized kiwifruits were wound-inoculated with spore suspension (10 µl, 106 spores/mL), while other 15 controls kiwifruits wound-inoculated with sterile distilled water, and all kiwifruits incubated at 25 ℃ under 80% RH in a controlled growth chamber. After 5 days, kiwifruits inoculated with spore suspension showed the same symptoms as the origin rot fruits, while the controls had no symptoms. A. aculeatus was reisolated from inoculated kiwifruits and confirmed using the methods described above. Although some Aspergillus species have been utilized for biological control and food fermentation, A. aculeatus has been reported to cause postharvest rots in citrus, peach and grape (Yodsing et al. 2018; Adisa and Fajola 1983; Kong et al. 2018; Tanapichatsakul et al. 2020). To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. aculeatus causing postharvest kiwifruit soft rot in China. This finding expands the known host range of this pathogenic fungus and underscores a potential phytosanitary threat for kiwifruit growers in the region.

Abstract Purpose of Review The purpose of this review was to evaluate the global epidemiology of fungal infections in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Recent Findings Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with MM; in these patients, IFIs are mainly caused by species of the genera Aspergillus and Candida ; however, in recent decades, an increase in infections caused by other opportunistic fungi has been reported. Summary Among the fungal pathogens reported in MM patients, the most frequent were Aspergillus spp. 37.7% (n = 311), Pneumocystis jirovecii 19.2% (n = 158), Candida spp. 7.6% (n = 63), Aspergillus fumigatus 3.6% (n = 30), in addition to isolated cases of Fusarium spp., Trichosporon spp., and Histoplasma capsulatum. The diagnostic methods used were diverse, with conventional cultures and galactomannan assays predominating, while molecular and histopathological techniques were less frequently reported. Treatment included azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins in varying combinations according to the agent and clinical context. Only a fraction of the studies described clinical outcomes, with mortality rates ranging from 20% to 100%. The geographic distribution showed a higher concentration of cases in Sweden (49.7%), Korea (18.9%), and the United States (11.6%), reflecting contrasts in epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic capacity. This review highlights the need to strengthen the diagnosis and reporting of IFIs in patients with MM to improve the epidemiological characterization and clinical management of these infections in this vulnerable population.

This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and risk factors of otomycosis. A case-control study included 160 patients with otomycosis as the case group and 320 healthy individuals as the control group. Clinical data were collected through a standardized questionnaire, including habitual ear picking, ear cleaning at salons, swimming habits, use of earphones/hearing aids, external auditory canal stenosis, and presence of diabetes. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors. The most common symptom was ear fullness/blockage (28.3%). Otoscopic examination before debridement most frequently revealed external auditory canal secretions (45.2%). Aspergillus species were the predominant pathogens, accounting for 80.0% of cases. Binary multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the following as significant risk factors for otomycosis: habitual ear picking (OR = 2.748, 95% CI: 1.669-4.525, P < .001), ear cleaning at salons (OR = 7.434, 95% CI: 3.023-18.281, P < .001), and external auditory canal stenosis (OR = 3.737, 95% CI: 2.384-5.857, P < .001). Swimming habits, frequent use of earphones/hearing aids, and diabetes were not significantly associated with otomycosis. Frequent ear picking, ear cleaning at salons, and external auditory canal stenosis are major risk factors for otomycosis.

Widespread chemical pesticide use in agriculture threatens environmental and human health, creating urgent demand for sustainable alternatives like entomopathogenic fungi. However, effective entomopathogenic fungi for Protaetia brevitarsis remain scarce. This study first isolated and identified the Aspergillus aculeatus strain JBQM-1 from naturally infected P. brevitarsis larvae. Its identity was confirmed via morphological analysis, ITS rDNA sequencing, and calmodulin gene phylogeny. The calmodulin gene was used to address the limitation of ITS alone in distinguishing closely related Aspergillus species, ensuring accurate identification. JBQM-1 spores showed time-dependent germination in potato dextrose broth(PDB)medium, reaching 96.75% by 8h. This rapid germination is key to timely host infection, supporting its biocontrol potential. Pathogenicity assays revealed JBQM-1's dose- and time-dependent virulence: 71% larval mortality at 1.0 × 10⁹ conidia per milliliter by day 7, with no mortality in the first 48h. A heat-inactivated control assay was conducted to rule out non-infectious factors. The heat-inactivated group had 6.67 ± 3.34% mortality, which was not statistically different from the control group's 4.44 ± 1.92% mortality. No hyphal outgrowth was observed on dead larvae from the heat-inactivated group after 72h incubation in moist chambers. This confirms JBQM-1's high virulence, expands A. aculeatus' host range, and highlights its potential as a biocontrol agent, providing new microbial resources for sustainable pest control.

European plum (Prunus domestica) orchards in the Kashi region, Xinjiang, China, suffer from fruit brown spot disease. The disease typically appears as red spots on the fruit surface that expand into brown necrotic lesions; affected fruit flesh can shrink, and fruits can harden and drop. We isolate and identify pathogens associated with this disease in this plum from five Kashi counties. Of 210 fungal isolates obtained through standard tissue isolation, Alternaria accounted for 84.8%, with the remainder comprising species of Aspergillus (9.5%), Diplodia (3.3%), and Neoscytalidium (2.4%). Using PCR amplification and sequencing of five loci, pathogens were identified using multi-gene phylogenetic analyses, combined with observations of colony and spore morphology. Multi-locus sequences of Alternaria isolates were highly homologous to those of the Alternaria alternata type strain, and we refer them to an A. alternata species complex. Pathogenicity tests confirm that Alternaria isolates reproduce brown spot symptoms on European plum fruits. By demonstrating that Alternaria is the primary pathogen causing brown spot disease in European plum in Xinjiang, we clarify both the fungal species composition and taxonomic placement of the dominant pathogen associated with this disease.