Candida Lusitaniae Research Articles

Genital-oral transmission of Candida lusitaniae.

Candida lusitaniae is a vaginal commensal. Cases of vaginitis, vulvovaginitis and recurrent vulvovaginitis caused by this yeast are very rare. In the oral cavity, C. lusitaniae causes stomatitis in immunocompromised patients. We describe a case of stomatitis and angular cheilitis caused by C. lusitaniae in a female patient with type 2 diabetes. The infection was most likely transmitted following genital-oral intercourse with the patient's girlfriend, who was affected by C. lusitaniae vulvovaginitis.

Biological and genomic analyses of Clavispora sputumsp. nov., a novel potential fungal pathogen closely related to Clavispora lusitaniae (syn. Candida lusitaniae) and Candida auris

Several human fungal pathogens, including drug-resistant Candida auris and species of the Candida haemulonii complex, have emerged over the past two decades, posing new threats to human health. In this study, we report the isolation and identification of a novel species belonging to the genus Clavispora, herein named as Clavisporasputum, from a clinical sputum sample of a COVID-19 patient. Cl. sputum is phylogenetically closely related to fungal pathogens Clavispora lusitaniae (syn. Candida lusitaniae) and C. auris. When grown on CHROMagar Candida Plus medium, Cl. sputum exhibited a similar coloration to C. auris strain CBS12372. Cl. sputum was able to develop weak filaments on CM medium. Although Cl. sputum and Cl. lusitaniae are phylogenetically closely related, comparative genomic and synteny analyses indicated significant chromosomal rearrangements between the two species. Although Cl. sputum could not grow at 37 °C under regular culture condition, an increased fungal burden in the lung tissue of a mouse systemic infection model implies that it could be a potential opportunistic pathogenic yeast in humans.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis clinical signs, and distribution of Candida species

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a global issue of concern due to its association with economic costs, sexually transmitted infections, and ascending genital tract infection. The aim of this study was to determine clinical signs and species distribution of Candida species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December to June 2021-2024 among 400 women attending Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinics in Sana'a City. The study involved collecting vaginal swabs from each participant and analyzing them in a microbiology laboratory. The swabs were used to identify yeast cells, fungal culturing, and germ tube formation tests. The study also used the VITEK II system to confirm species identification, with the VITEK® 2 YST ID identification card being used to identify Candida species. Results: A study of 400 women found that 91.8% were infected with Candida albicans, while 8.2% were infected with other non-Candida albicans. The majority were aged 26-35, with secondary education being the most common. Most were married, with 1-3 pregnancies. The most common sign distribution was vaginal discharge with a 99.5% prevalence. Dysuria was the lowest, with a 65.0% prevalence. Candida species were most frequently isolated, with Candida albicans being the most common. Candida tropicalis was found in 1 out of 6 women, while Candida dubliniensis, Candida famata, Candida glabrata, and Candida lusitaniae were found in 1 out of 6 women. Conclusions: The high prevalence rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis and observation of a low prevalence rate of nonalbicans Candida species in the present study substantiate the importance of conducting continuous epidemiological surveys to measure changes in species distribution from C. albicans to non-albicans Candida species in Yemen.

Germplasm Resource Mining of Fen-Flavor Baijiu Brewing Micro-Organisms and Screening of Important Functional Strains

The exploration of microbial genetic resources for the production of fFen-flavor Baijiu has not only enriched the microbial library for baijiu production but has also laid the foundation for process improvement and strain optimization in baijiu brewing. In this study, a total of 177 fungal isolates were screened, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, non-Saccharomyces cerevisiae, molds, and some pathogenic bacteria. Among them, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the most abundant with 119 isolates, playing a major role in the fermentation of baijiu production. A total of 148 bacterial isolates were obtained from the fermentation mash samples, showing greater diversity compared to fungi. Bacillus species were the most abundant, with 94 isolates. Bacillus licheniformis, in particular, can produce a rich enzymatic system and flavor precursors, making it an important contributor to the sensory quality of baijiu. Lactic acid bacteria were the second most abundant, with 16 isolates. Additionally, five pathogenic fungal species were identified, including Candida pelliculosa, Candida lusitaniae, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani and Talaromyces marneffei. Six pathogenic bacterial species were also isolated, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus xylosus, Moraxella osloensis, Actinomyces meyeri and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Finally, two strains of high acetate ethyl ester-producing yeast and lactate-degrading bacteria with good tolerance to temperature, pH, and ethanol concentration were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus licheniformis, respectively.

Bioconversion of ricinoleic acid to (R)-γ-decalactone by Clavispora lusitaniae YJ26 cells in an ionic liquid–containing biphasic fermentation system

Microbial production of chiral γ-decalactone has received considerable attention due to its high market value. However, the inhibition of substrates and products on microorganisms has significantly limited the production of chiral γ-decalactone. In this study, a green biphasic fermentation system containing 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C4MIM]PF6) was developed to increase the synthesis of (R)-γ-decalactone from ricinoleic acid catalyzed by Clavispora lusitaniae YJ26. Under optimal conditions, the titer of γ-decalactone obtained using the biphasic system reached 2.04 g/L, which is 2.4 times that of the traditional aqueous fermentation system, and showed high enantioselectivity (e.e.> 99.0%). Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry results demonstrated that the addition of [C4MIM]PF6 significantly alleviated the damage of substrate and product to cell membrane and improved cell viability, thus increasing the titer of γ-decalactone. Furthermore, comparative transcriptomic analysis results suggested that the improved mechanism may be attributed to the up-regulation of genes associated with cell membrane component synthesis or cell tolerance enhancement. Overall, the experimental results provide valuable insights into the efficient microbial production of chiral decalactone in an ionic liquids–containing biphasic fermentation system.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Resistance and Virulence Markers in Candida spp. Isolated from Community-Acquired Infections in Bucharest, and the Impact of AgNPs on the Highly Resistant Isolates.

This study aimed to determine, at the phenotypic and molecular levels, resistance and virulence markers in Candida spp. isolated from community-acquired infections in Bucharest outpatients during 2021, and to demonstrate the efficiency of alternative solutions against them based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). A total of 62 Candida spp. strains were isolated from dermatomycoses and identified using chromogenic culture media and MALDI-TOF MS, and then investigated for their antimicrobial resistance and virulence markers (VMs), as well as for metabolic enzymes using enzymatic tests for the expression of soluble virulence factors, their biofilm formation and adherence capacity on HeLa cells, and PCR assays for the detection of virulence markers and the antimicrobial activity of alternative solutions based on AgNPs. Of the total of 62 strains, 45.16% were Candida parapsilosis; 29.03% Candida albicans; 9.67% Candida guilliermondii; 3.22% Candida lusitaniae, Candia pararugosa, and Candida tropicalis; and 1.66% Candida kefyr, Candida famata, Candida haemulonii, and Candida metapsilosis. Aesculin hydrolysis, caseinase, and amylase production were detected in the analyzed strains. The strains exhibited different indices of adherence to HeLa cells and were positive in decreasing frequency order for the LIP1, HWP1, and ALS1,3 genes (C. tropicalis/C. albicans). An inhibitory effect on microbial growth, adherence capacity, and on the production of virulence factors was obtained using AgNPs. The obtained results in C. albicans and Candida non-albicans circulating in Bucharest outpatients were characterized by moderate-to-high potential to produce VMs, necessitating epidemiological surveillance measures to minimize the chances of severe invasive infections.

Seasonal Dynamics of Culturable Yeasts in Ornithogenically Influenced Soils in a Temperate Forest and Evaluation of Extracellular Enzyme Secretion in Tausonia pullulans at Different Temperatures.

The culturable yeast communities in temperate forest soils under the ornithogenic influence were studied in a seasonal dynamic. To investigate the intense ornithogenic influence, conventional and "live" feeders were used, which were attached to trees in the forest and constantly replenished throughout the year. It was found that the yeast abundance in the soil under strong ornithogenic influence reached the highest values in winter compared to the other seasons and amounted to 4.8 lg (cfu/g). This was almost an order of magnitude higher than the minimum value of yeast abundance in ornithogenic soils determined for summer. A total of 44 yeast species, 21 ascomycetes and 23 basidiomycetes, were detected in ornithogenic soil samples during the year. These included soil-related species (Barnettozyma californica, Cyberlindnera misumaiensis, Cutaneotrichosporon moniliiforme, Goffeauzyma gastrica, Holtermanniella festucosa, Leucosporidium creatinivorum, L. yakuticum, Naganishia adeliensis, N. albidosimilis, N. globosa, Tausonia pullulans, and Vanrija albida), eurybionts (yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), inhabitants of plant substrates and litter (Cystofilobasidium capitatum, Cys. infirmominiatum, Cys. macerans, Filobasidium magnum, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, and Rh. babjevae) as well as a group of pathogenic and opportunistic yeast species (Arxiozyma bovina, Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, Clavispora lusitaniae, and Nakaseomyces glabratus). Under an ornithogenic influence, the diversity of soil yeasts was higher compared to the control, confirming the uneven distribution of yeasts in temperate forest soils and their dependence on natural hosts and vectors. Interestingly, the absolute dominant species in ornithogenic soils in winter (when the topsoil temperature was below zero) was the basidiomycetous psychrotolerant yeast T. pullulans. It is regularly observed in various soils in different geographical regions. Screening of the hydrolytic activity of 50 strains of this species at different temperatures (2, 4, 10, 15 and 20 °C) showed that the activity of esterases, lipases and proteases was significantly higher at the cultivation temperature. Ornithogenic soils could be a source for the relatively easy isolation of a large number of strains of the psychrotolerant yeast T. pullulans to test, study and optimize their potential for the production of cold-adapted enzymes for industry.

Identification and antifungal susceptibility profile of uncommon yeast species at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital in Tunisia.

Despite the severe impact of uncommon yeast fungal infections and the pressing need for more research on the topic, there are still few studies available on the identification, epidemiology, and susceptibility profile of those pathogens. The aims of the current study were to define the profile of uncommon yeast species at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital using phenotypic, molecular, and proteomic methods and to study their antifungal susceptibility profile. Pre-identified uncommon yeast species were collected from 2018 to 2021. These isolates were further identified using phenotypic methods (ID32C® system and Vitek2® YST), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and sequencing. The antifungal susceptibility profile was studied using the reference CLSI broth microdilution method. In total, 30 strains were collected during the study period. Referring to the sequencing, the most isolated uncommon species were Saprochaete capitata, Candida lusitaniae, Candida kefyr, Candida inconspicua, and Candida guilliermondii. A total of 90% of isolates were correctly identified by MALDI-TOF MS compared to 76.7% and 63.3% by ID32® C and VITEK® 2 YST, respectively. The isolated species showed variable responses to antifungals. Candida guilliermondii showed increased azole minimum inhibitory concentrations. Misidentification of uncommon yeast species was common using commercial phenotypic methods. The high percentage of concordance of MALDI-TOF results with sequencing highlights its high performance and usefulness as a routine diagnosis tool.

Identification of Yeast and Yeast-Like Fungi at a Tertiary Care Center: A Retrospective Study.

Background Fungal infections pose a significant global health challenge. Despite their substantial impact, these ubiquitous fungi can become pathogenic but have not received adequate attention in public health, leading to infections that are often underestimated by the general public and healthcare professionals. Candida species and Cryptococcus species play a key role in these infections, with emerging multidrug resistance in Candida species posing considerable challenges. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of yeast and yeast-like infections, particularly in the COVID-19 era, and to assess the antifungal susceptibility pattern. Methodology A retrospective observational study was conducted at a rural tertiary care medical college in Maharashtra, India. Retrospective records of samples processed for fungal culture were analyzed in the microbiology department. Yeast identification and antifungal susceptibility were performed using the VITEK-2 automated system. Results Among 95 fungal isolates, 86 (90.52%) were yeast isolates, primarily non-albicans Candida (NAC) species. Candida albicans accounted for 41 (47.67%) yeast isolates. In 14 isolates, NAC species were not identified by the VITEK-2 system up to the species level. Isolates from urine samples contributed the highest percentage of 61% (58) of yeast isolates. C. albicans showed high sensitivity to most antifungal agents. Other Candida species, such as Candida famata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida guilliermondii, were sensitive to all antifungal agents. Candida auris showed complete resistance to amphotericin B and fluconazole but sensitivity to other agents. Mixed sensitivity patterns were observed in Candida ciferri and Candida lusitaniae, with some resistance to voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin. Conclusions This study shows the increasing prevalence of yeast and yeast-like infections, particularly NAC, during the COVID-19 era. Improved yeast identification and susceptibility testing are crucial for guiding the appropriate treatment and mitigating the impact of these infections, emphasizing the need for comprehensive future studies in this area.

Candida lusitaniae Fungemia in Children: A multicenter case series of emerging pathogen.

Candida lusitaniae fungemia is a serious infection which is rarely reported in children. The aim of this study is to describe a case series of Candida lusitaniae fungemia and review previous publications regarding this rare pathogen. This is a multicenter case series of children diagnosed with Candida lusitaniae fungemia. Eighteen cases which occurred over a 15-year period in 5 tertiary hospitals were included. Additionally, a review of the literature regarding Candida lusitaniae fungemia in children was performed. Eighteen cases were enrolled, 11/18 (61%) were males, with a mean age of 2.3 years. All patients had severe underlying diseases and risk factors for opportunistic infection, most commonly prematurity and malignancies. More than one third of cases occurred during the last two years of the study period. All isolates were susceptible to all tested antifungals. Survival rate following the acute infection was 94% whereas survival rate of 14 previously published cases was 71% with the most common underlying diseases being CGD and malignancies. Candida lusitaniae fungemia is not a common event in the pediatric population, occurring exclusively in children with severe underlying diseases and significant risk factors. This cohort revealed better clinical outcomes than previously reported. All tested isolates were susceptible to all antifungal agents, variability in susceptibility as previously reported was not found in this study. The allegedly higher rate of infection in recent years is in need of further investigation in larger prospective studies in order to conclude if a real trend is at play.

Unconventional Yeasts Isolated from Chilean Honey: A Probiotic and Phenotypic Characterization.

This study explores the potential probiotic properties of yeasts isolated from various Chilean honeys, focusing on Ulmo, Quillay, and Mountain honeys. Six yeast strains were identified, including Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Candida sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Rhodosporidiobolus ruineniae, Clavispora lusitaniae, and Metschnikowia chrysoperlae. Phenotypic characterization involved assessing their fermentative performance, ethanol and hops resistance, and cross-resistance. Ethanol concentration emerged as a limiting factor in their fermentative performance. The probiotic potential of these yeasts was evaluated based on resistance to high temperatures, low pH, auto-aggregation capacity, survival in simulated in vitro digestion (INFOGEST method), and antimicrobial activity against pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis. Three yeasts, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Metschnikowia chrysoperlae, exhibited potential probiotic characteristics by maintaining cell concentrations exceeding 106 CFU/mL after in vitro digestion. They demonstrated fermentative abilities and resistance to ethanol and hops, suggesting their potential as starter cultures in beer production. Despite revealing promising probiotic and technological aspects, further research is necessary to ascertain their viability in producing fermented foods. This study underscores the innovative potential of honey as a source for new probiotic microorganisms and highlights the need for comprehensive investigations into their practical applications in the food industry.

The predominant lactic acid bacteria and yeasts involved in the spontaneous fermentation of millet during the production of the traditional porridge Hausa koko in Ghana

Spontaneous fermentation of cereals like millet involves a diverse population of microbes from various sources, including raw materials, processing equipment, fermenting receptacles, and the environment. Here, we present data on the predominant microbial species and their succession at each stage of the Hausa koko production process from five regions of Ghana. The isolates were enumerated using selective media, purified, and phenotypically characterised. The LAB isolates were further characterised by 16S rRNA Sanger sequencing, typed using (GTG)5 repetitive-PCR, and whole genome sequencing, while 28S rRNA Sanger sequencing was performed for yeast identification. The pH of the millet grains ranged from mean values of 6.02—6.53 to 3.51—3.99 in the final product, depending on the processors. The mean LAB and yeast counts increased during fermentation then fell to final counts of log 2.77–3.95 CFU/g for LAB and log 2.10–2.98 CFU/g for yeast in Hausa koko samples. At the various processing stages, the counts of LAB and yeast revealed significant variations (p < 0.0001). The species of LAB identified in this study were Limosilactobacillus pontis, Pediococcus acidilactici, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis, and Weissella confusa. The yeasts were Saccharomyces cf. cerevisiae/paradoxus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia kudriavzevii, Clavispora lusitaniae and Candida tropicalis. The identification and sequencing of these novel isolates and how they change during the fermentation process will pave the way for future controlled fermentation, safer starter cultures, and identifying optimal stages for starter culture addition or nutritional interventions. These LAB and yeast species are linked to many indigenous African fermented foods, potentially acting as probiotics in some cases. This result serves as the basis for further studies into the technological and probiotic potential of these Hausa koko microorganisms.

Emerging trends of invasive yeast infections and azole resistance in Beijing intensive care units

Invasive fungal infections pose a substantial threat to patients in healthcare settings globally. Recent changes in the prevalence of fungal species and challenges in conducting reference antifungal susceptibility testing emphasize the importance of monitoring fungi and their antifungal resistance. A two-phase surveillance project was conducted in Beijing, China, involving 37 centers across 12 districts, from January 2012 to December 2013 and from January 2016 to December 2017. We found that the proportion of Candida albicans in intensive care units (ICUs) during 2016–2017 exhibited a significant decline compared to the 2012–2013 period, although it remained the most predominant pathogen. In contrast, the prevalence of Nakaseomyces glabratus (formerly Candida glabrata) and Candida tropicalis notably increased during the two-phase surveillance. The high prevalence of C. tropicalis and its resistance to azole drugs posed a serious threat to patients in ICUs. The pathogens causing invasive fungal infections in Beijing were relatively sensitive to echinocandins. While C. albicans continued to exhibit susceptibility to azoles, the resistance and growth rates of C. tropicalis towards azoles were particularly prominent. Concerns were raised due to the emergence of multiple, short-term isolates of Clavispora lusitaniae and Candida parapsilosis complex in neonatal ICUs, given their similarity in antifungal susceptibilities. Such occurrences point towards the potential for transmission and persisting presence of these pathogens within the ICU environment. Our study complements existing data on the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections. It is imperative to exercise cautious medication management for ICU patients in Beijing, paying particular attention to azole resistance in C. tropicalis.

Inhibition of LPS-Induced Skin Inflammatory Response and Barrier Damage via MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway by Houttuynia cordata Thunb Fermentation Broth.

Houttuynia cordata Thunb is rich in active substances and has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Scanning electron microscopy and gel permeation chromatography were used to analyze the molecular characteristics of the fermentation broth of Houttuynia cordata Thunb obtained through fermentation with Clavispora lusitaniae (HCT-f). The molecular weight of HCT-f was 2.64265 × 105 Da, and the polydispersity coefficient was 183.10, which were higher than that of unfermented broth of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT). By investigating the active substance content and in vitro antioxidant activity of HCT-f and HCT, the results indicated that HCT-f had a higher active substance content and exhibited a superior scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals and hydroxyl radicals, with IC50 values of 11.85% and 9.01%, respectively. Our results showed that HCT-f could effectively alleviate the increase in the secretion of inflammatory factors and apoptotic factors caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, and had a certain effect on repairing skin barrier damage. HCT-f could exert an anti-inflammatory effect by down-regulating signaling in the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. The results of erythrocyte hemolysis and chicken embryo experiments showed that HCT-f had a high safety profile. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the application of HCT-f as an effective ingredient in food and cosmetics.

Virulence factors, antifungal susceptibility and molecular profile in Candida species isolated from the hands of health professionals before and after cleaning with 70% ethyl alcohol-based gel

Fungal infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are mainly related to Candida species, with high mortality rates. They are predominantly of endogenous origin, however, cross-infection transmitted by healthcare professionals' hands has occurred. The aim of this study was to identify Candida species isolated from the hands of healthcare professionals in a NICU before and after hygiene with 70% ethanol-based gel and evaluate virulence factors DNase, phospholipase, proteinase, hemolysin, biofilm biomass production, and metabolic activity. In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing and similarity by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) were also performed. C. parapsilosis complex was the most frequent species (57.1%); all isolates presented at least one virulence factor; three isolates (Candida parapsilosis complex) were resistant to amphotericin B, two (Candida famata [currently Debaryomyces hansenii] and Candida guilliermondii [currently Meyerozyma guilliermondii]) was resistant to micafungin, and six (Candida parapsilosis complex, Candida guilliermondii [=Meyerozyma guilliermondii], Candida viswanathi, Candida catenulata [currently Diutina catenulata] and Candida lusitaniae [currently Clavispora lusitaniae]) were resistant to fluconazole. Molecular analysis by RAPD revealed two clusters of identical strains that were in the hands of distinct professionals. Candida spp. were isolated even after hygiene with 70% ethanol-based gel, highlighting the importance of stricter basic measures for hospital infection control to prevent nosocomial transmission.

Antifungal Activity of 3-Hydrazinoquinoxaline-2-Thiol, a Novel Quinoxaline Derivative against Candida Species

Candida ranks as among the most frequently encountered fungal infections that associated with high morbidity and mortality. Quinoxaline derivatives are a group of small molecules that showed a promising antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to investigate the fungicidal effects of 3-hydrazinoquinoxaline-2-thiol against Candida in comparison with Amphotericin B in vitro as a reference. Also, we aim to assess the efficacy of 3-hydrazinoquinoxaline-2-thiol in vivo using mice oral candidiasis model. Fifty-six Candida isolates were subjected to susceptibility testing by broth microdilution method for 3-hydrazinoquinoxaline-2-thiol and Amphotericin B. Therefore, Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were assessed and compared. The oral candidiasis mice model was used to evaluate the activity of 3-hydrazinoquinoxaline-2-thiol in vivo. Microbiological evaluation of progression and ELISA were used in this study. 3-hydrazinoquinoxaline-2-thiol was more effective than Amphotericin B against most clinical isolates of Candida albicans. Higher effectiveness was seen against Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis isolates. However, the efficiency against Candida tropicalis isolates varies. 3-hydrazinoquinoxaline-2-thiol was also effective against Pichia kudriavzevii and Clavispora lusitaniae. 3-hydrazinoquinoxaline-2-thiol showed a good efficacy in mice model against C. albicans cells ATCC 10231. 3-hydrazinoquinoxaline-2-thiol has shown promising antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity against different Candida species. More tests and experiments are needed.

Agricultural Waste Management by Production of Second-Generation Bioethanol from Sugarcane Bagasse Using Indigenous Yeast Strain.

In the wake of rapid industrialization and burgeoning transportation networks, the escalating demand for fossil fuels has accelerated the depletion of finite energy reservoirs, necessitating urgent exploration of sustainable alternatives. To address this, current research is focusing on renewable fuels like second-generation bioethanol from agricultural waste such as sugarcane bagasse. This approach not only circumvents the contentious issue of food-fuel conflicts associated with biofuels but also tackles agricultural waste management. In the present study indigenous yeast strain, Clavispora lusitaniae QG1 (MN592676), was isolated from rotten grapes to ferment xylose sugars present in the hemicellulose content of sugarcane bagasse. To liberate the xylose sugars, dilute acid pretreatment was performed. The highest reducing sugars yield was 1.2% obtained at a temperature of 121°C for 15min, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:25 (% w/v), and an acid concentration of 1% dilute acid H2SO4 that was significantly higher (P < 0.001) yield obtained under similar conditions at 100°C for 1h. The isolated strain was statistically optimized for fermentation process by Plackett-Burman design to achieve the highest ethanol yield. Liberated xylose sugars were completely utilized by Clavispora lusitaniae QG1 (MN592676) and gave 100% ethanol yield. This study optimizes both fermentation process and pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse to maximize bioethanol yield and demonstrates the ability of isolated strain to effectively utilize xylose as a carbon source. The desirable characteristics depicted by strain Clavispora lusitaniae shows its promising utilization in management of industrial waste like sugarcane bagasse by its conversion into renewable biofuels like bioethanol.

Fungal-bacteria interactions provide shelter for bacteria in Caesarean section scar diverticulum.

Caesarean section scar diverticulum (CSD) is a significant cause of infertility among women who have previously had a Caesarean section, primarily due to persistent inflammatory exudation associated with this condition. Even though abnormal bacterial composition is identified as a critical factor leading to this chronic inflammation, clinical data suggest that a long-term cure is often unattainable with antibiotic treatment alone. In our study, we employed metagenomic analysis and mass spectrometry techniques to investigate the fungal composition in CSD and its interaction with bacteria. We discovered that local fungal abnormalities in CSD can disrupt the stability of the bacterial population and the entire microbial community by altering bacterial abundance via specific metabolites. For instance, Lachnellula suecica reduces the abundance of several Lactobacillus spp., such as Lactobacillus jensenii, by diminishing the production of metabolites like Goyaglycoside A and Janthitrem E. Concurrently, Clavispora lusitaniae and Ophiocordyceps australis can synergistically impact the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. by modulating metabolite abundance. Our findings underscore that abnormal fungal composition and activity are key drivers of local bacterial dysbiosis in CSD.

Fungal–bacteria interactions provide shelter for bacteria in Caesarean section scar diverticulum

Caesarean section scar diverticulum (CSD) is a significant cause of infertility among women who have previously had a Caesarean section, primarily due to persistent inflammatory exudation associated with this condition. Even though abnormal bacterial composition is identified as a critical factor leading to this chronic inflammation, clinical data suggest that a long-term cure is often unattainable with antibiotic treatment alone. In our study, we employed metagenomic analysis and mass spectrometry techniques to investigate the fungal composition in CSD and its interaction with bacteria. We discovered that local fungal abnormalities in CSD can disrupt the stability of the bacterial population and the entire microbial community by altering bacterial abundance via specific metabolites. For instance, Lachnellula suecica reduces the abundance of several Lactobacillus spp., such as Lactobacillus jensenii, by diminishing the production of metabolites like Goyaglycoside A and Janthitrem E. Concurrently, Clavispora lusitaniae and Ophiocordyceps australis can synergistically impact the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. by modulating metabolite abundance. Our findings underscore that abnormal fungal composition and activity are key drivers of local bacterial dysbiosis in CSD.

Advancements in Fermented Beverage Safety: Isolation and Application of Clavispora lusitaniae Cl-p for Ethyl Carbamate Degradation and Enhanced Flavor Profile.

Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a natural by-product in the production of fermented food and alcoholic beverages and is carcinogenic and genotoxic, posing a significant food safety concern. In this study, Clavispora lusitaniae Cl-p with a strong EC degradation ability was isolated from Daqu rich in microorganisms by using EC as the sole nitrogen source. When 2.5 g/L of EC was added to the fermentation medium, the strain decomposed 47.69% of ethyl carbamate after five days of fermentation. It was unexpectedly found that the strain had the ability to produce aroma and ester, and the esterification power reached 30.78 mg/(g·100 h). When the strain was added to rice wine fermentation, compared with the control group, the EC content decreased by 41.82%, and flavor substances such as ethyl acetate and β-phenylethanol were added. The EC degradation rate of the immobilized crude enzyme in the finished yellow rice wine reached 31.01%, and the flavor substances of yellow rice wine were not affected. The strain is expected to be used in the fermented food industry to reduce EC residue and improve the safety of fermented food.