Fungal Exposure Research Articles

Practices of Maize Handling and Nixtamalization to Reduce Fungal Toxin Exposure in Rural Guatemala

Fungal toxins in local food supplies are a critical environmental health risk to communities globally. To better characterize hypothesized toxin control points among households, we conducted household surveys across four departments (first administrative division) in Guatemala. Data gathered included maize harvesting, processing, storage, and traditional nixtamalization practices. In total, n=33 households participated in the survey and were from 4 unique departments, 17 unique municipalities, and represented 4 different languages. The results suggested that the majority of households consumed a combination of personally cultivated and purchased maize. There was significant variation in how this maize was stored, in regards to pre-processing (kernel vs whole cob), as well as storage system type. For nixtamalization, the largest differences in practices (e.g., cooking time) were based on household size while the majority of households reported practices that aligned with previously reported best practices. Lastly, all reported maize-based food products produced by households utilized the nixtamalization process except one. Current maize handling and nixtamalization practices reported by a majority of households aligned with best practices, however, with locally tailored and culturally sensitive guidance disseminated by key stakeholders, the prevalence of best practice use among households can be improved. Further community-based research on traditional farming and nixtamalization practices can improve these recommendations.

RALF22 is a key modulator of the root hair growth responses to fungal ethylene emissions in Arabidopsis.

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh), exposure to volatile compounds (VCs) emitted by Penicillium aurantiogriseum promotes root hair (RH) proliferation and hyper-elongation through mechanisms involving ethylene, auxin and photosynthesis signaling. In addition, this treatment enhances the levels of the small signalling peptide RAPID ALKALINIZATION FACTOR 22 (RALF22). Here we used genetics to address the role of RALF22 in fungal VC-promoted RH growth and to identify the bioactive fungal VC. We found that RHs of ralf22 and feronia (fer-4) plants impaired in the expression of RALF22 and its receptor FERONIA, respectively, responded weakly to fungal VCs. Unlike in WT roots, fungal VC exposure did not enhance RALF22 transcript levels in roots of fer-4 and ethylene- and auxin- insensitive mutants. In ralf22 and fer-4 roots, this treatment did not enhance the levels of ERS2 transcripts encoding one member of the ethylene receptor family and those of some RH-related genes. RHs of ers2-1 and the rsl2rsl4 double mutants impaired in the expression of ERS2 and the ethylene- and auxin-responsive ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6-LIKE 2 and 4 transcription factors, respectively, weakly responded to fungal VCs. Moreover, roots of plants defective in photosynthetic responsiveness to VCs exhibited weak RALF22 expression and RH growth responses to fungal VCs. VCs of ΔefeA strains of P. aurantiogriseum cultures impaired in ethylene synthesis weakly promoted RH proliferation and elongation in exposed plants. We conclude that RALF22 simultaneously functions as a transcriptionally regulated signaling molecule that participates in the ethylene, auxin and photosynthesis signaling-mediated RH growth response to fungal ethylene emissions and regulation of ethylene perception in RHs.

Effect of Different Post-Harvest Temperatures on Fungal Quality and Mycotoxin Contents of Irvingia Gabonensis

Irvingiagabonensis is a valuable food commodity in West and Central Africa, but post-harvest fungal contamination and mycotoxin accumulation pose significant challenges to itsquality and safety. This study investigated the effects of post-harvest temperature treatments(50, 60, 70, and 80°C) on fungal growth and mycotoxin levels in I. gabonensis kernels.Fungal growth was assessed by determining the colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g),while mycotoxin levels (aflatoxins and fumonisins) were quantified using high-performanceliquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that higher temperature treatments,particularly at 70°C and 80°C, significantly reduced both fungal growth and mycotoxin levelscompared to lower temperature treatments (50°C and 60°C). The 80°C treatment was themost effective, resulting in an 82.9% reduction in fungal growth, an 82.5% reduction in totalaflatoxins, and a 73.2% reduction in total fumonisins compared to the 50°C treatment. Thefindings highlight the importance of post-harvest temperature management in ensuring thequality and safety of I. gabonensiskernels and provide a basis for the development ofimproved post-harvest practices to reduce fungal contamination and mycotoxin exposure.

Modifying the radiation ratio of tonewoods through wood degradation

ABSTRACT This work investigates different wood modification techniques to modify the acoustical properties of tonewoods, in particular the sound radiation ratio (R). The treatments used were heat- and fungal exposure, as well as immersion into NaOH and Na2SO3 solution and a combination of the most successful treatments. All initial experiments were performed on pine wood (Pinus patula) due to cost factors, before replicating the best-performing treatment on high-quality spruce tonewood (Picea abies). The main objective was to reduce the hemicellulose content without severely degrading cellulose, which results in a reduction of density, while maintaining, or even improving the elasticity (MOE L ), which results in an increase of R. Overall, the combined heat–fungal and heat–sodium treatments performed best and increased R by up to 20%. Sodium treatment led to the best increases in R, but compromised the wood structure in spruce and the treatment protocol needs to be developed further. Consequently, the most successful wood treatment to improve acoustical properties was determined to be exposure to white rot combined with heat treatment.

Two-Sex Life Table Analysis for Optimizing Beauveria bassiana Application against Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly dispersive, polyphagous insect pest that severely defoliates crops. Excessive reliance on synthetic insecticides leads to ecological pollution and resistance development, urging scientists to probe eco-friendly biopesticides. Here, we explore the virulence of an entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, against S. exigua, resulting in 88% larval mortality. Using an age-stage, two-sex life table, we evaluated the lethal and sublethal effects of B. bassiana on the demographic parameters of S. exigua, including survival, development, and reproduction. Sublethal (LC20) and lethal concentrations (LC50) of B. bassiana impacted the parental generation (F0), with these effects further influencing the demographic parameters of the first filial generation (F1). The infected F1 offsprings showed a reduced intrinsic rate of increase (r), mean generation time (T), and net reproduction rate (R0). Larval developmental duration varied significantly between the control (10.98 d) and treated groups (LC20: 10.42; LC50: 9.37 d). Adults in the treated groups had significantly reduced lifespans (M: 8.22; F: 7.32 d) than the control (M: 10.00; F: 8.22 d). Reduced fecundity was observed in the B. bassiana-infected groups (LC20: 313.45; LC50: 223.92 eggs/female) compared to the control (359.55 eggs/female). A biochemical assay revealed elevated levels of detoxification enzymes (esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and acetylcholinesterase) in the F0 generation after B. bassiana infection. However, the enzymatic activity remained non-significant in the F1 generation likely due to the lack of direct fungal exposure. Our findings highlight the enduring effects of B. bassiana on the biological parameters and population dynamics of S. exigua, stressing its use in eco-friendly management programs.

The influence of car traffic on airborne fungal diversity in Tianjin, China

ABSTRACT Little is known about the effect of car traffic on airborne fungal communities. We investigated the environmental factors affecting the diversity and concentration of airborne fungi at high-traffic density junctions, in Tianjin, China. A total of 244 fungal strains belonging to 78 species and 45 genera of Ascomycota (78.69%) and Basidiomycota (21.31%) were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular analysis. Aspergillus was the species-richest genus, with 9 recorded species, followed by Alternaria and Cladosporium, both with 8 species. Coprinellus radians was the most abundant fungal species, with 31 isolated strains, followed by Alternaria alternata (26 strains), Cladosporium cladosporioides (21), Alternaria compacta (13), and Cladosporium tenuissimum (11). We found a higher diversity and concentration of airborne fungi in the analysed urban air environments when the road traffic was at its highest intensity. Higher level of car traffic resulted in higher concentrations of fungal particles in the air for various taxa, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium, which are known to cause respiratory allergies and infections. This result suggests that reducing vehicular traffic could be an effective measure to control airborne fungal exposure and microbial pollution.

Fungal chitin is not an independent mediator of allergic fungal asthma severity.

Chitin, a polysaccharide found in the fungal cell wall and the exoskeletons of house dust mites and cockroaches, has garnered attention as a potential immunoreactive allergen. Mammals have evolved to express chitin-degrading chitinases (acidic mammalian chitinase/AMCase and chitotriosidase) that may modulate immune responses to chitin. We have previously reported that mice deficient in AMCase (Chia-/-) demonstrated better lung function during allergic fungal asthma. As expected, we show that mice overexpressing AMCase (SPAM mice) had worse airway hyperreactivity (AHR) during allergic fungal asthma. We further demonstrate that chitin-positive Aspergillus fumigatus conidia are detectable in the allergic lung during chronic exposure. Lung function in Chia-/- and SPAM mice is directly correlated with the level of chitinase activity during chronic fungal exposure (Chia-/- mice, negligible chitinase activity, lower AHR; SPAM mice, heightened chitinase activity, higher AHR), suggesting that the breakdown of chitin promoted AHR. However, chronic exposure of normal mice to purified A. fumigatus chitin resulted in only moderate inflammatory changes in the lung that were not sufficient to induce AHR. Moreover, despite having dramatic differences in chitinase activity, chronic exposure of Chia-/- and SPAM mice to purified A. fumigatus chitin likewise did not modulate AHR. Collectively, these results indicate that chronic exposure to fungal chitin alone is incapable of driving AHR. Furthermore, our data suggest that the chitinase-mediated degradation of chitin associated with A. fumigatus conidia may facilitate unmasking and/or liberation of other fungal cell wall components that drive inflammatory responses that contribute to AHR.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Humans with asthma sensitized to fungi often have more severe asthma than those who are not fungal-sensitized. Chitin makes up a significant portion of the cell wall of fungi and has been implicated as a pathogenic factor in allergic asthma. Ellis et al. demonstrate that chronic exposure to fungal chitin alone is unable to modulate lung function, even in the presence of differential lung chitinase activity.

Risk of fungal exposure in the homes of patients with hematologic malignancies

BackgroundPatients with hematological malignancies are at a high risk of developing invasive fungal infections (IFI) because they undergo several cycles of treatment leading to episodes of neutropenia. In addition, they alternate between hospital stays and periods spent at home. Thus, when an IFI is diagnosed during their hospital stays, it is highly challenging to identify the origin of the fungal contamination. The objective of this study was to analyze at home fungal exposure of 20 patients with leukemia by taking air and water samples in their living residence. MethodsAir was sampled in 3 rooms of each home with a portable air system impactor. Tap water was collected at 3 water distribution points of each home. For positive samples, fungi were identified by mass spectrometry or on the basis of their morphological features. Results85 % of homes revealed the presence in air of Aspergillus spp. and those belonging to the section Fumigati presented the highest concentrations and the greatest frequency of isolation. Concerning mucorales, Rhizopus spp. and Mucor spp. were isolated in air of 20 % and 5 % of dwellings, respectively. In 4 homes, more than 70 % of the fungal species identified in air were potential opportunists; these were mainly Aspergillus spp. with concentrations greater than 20 cfu/m3. The water samples revealed the presence of Fusarium in 3 dwellings, with concentrations up to 80 cfu/L. Finally, for one patient, fungal species isolated during a period of hospitalization were phenotypically similar to those isolated in samples taken at home. For a second patient, a PCR Mucorale was positive on a sample of bronchoalveolar fluid while air samples taken at his home also revealed also the presence of mucorales. ConclusionThe presence of opportunistic fungal species in the air of all the explored homes suggests the need for strengthened preventive measures in the home of immunocompromised patients. It would be interesting to compare the fungi isolated (from patients and from their environment) by genotyping studies aimed at specifying the correspondence existing between fungal species present in the patients’ homes and those responsible for IFI in the same patients.

The role of food preservatives in shaping metabolic profile and chemical sensitivity of fungi - an extensive study on crucial mycological food contaminants from the genus Neosartorya (Aspergillus spp.)

Food preservatives are crucial in fruit production, but fungal resistance is a challenge. The main objective was to compare the sensitivity of Neosartorya spp. isolates to preservatives used in food security applications and to assess the role of metabolic properties in shaping Neosartorya spp. resistance. Sodium metabisulfite, potassium sorbate, sodium bisulfite and sorbic acid showed inhibitory effects, with sodium metabisulfite the most effective. Tested metabolic profiles included fungal growth intensity and utilization of amines and amides, amino acids, polymers, carbohydrates and carboxylic acids. Significant decreases in the utilization of all tested organic compound guilds were observed after fungal exposure to food preservatives compared to the control. Although the current investigation was limited in the number of predominately carbohydrate substrates and the breadth of metabolic responses, extensive sensitivity panels are logical step in establishing a course of action against spoilage agents in food production being important approach for innovative food chemistry.

BTK drives neutrophil activation for sterilizing antifungal immunity.

We describe a previously-unappreciated role for Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) in fungal immune surveillance against aspergillosis, an unforeseen complication of BTK inhibitors (BTKi) used for treating B-cell lymphoid malignancies. We studied BTK-dependent fungal responses in neutrophils from diverse populations, including healthy donors, BTKi-treated patients, and X-linked agammaglobulinemia patients. Upon fungal exposure, BTK was activated in human neutrophils in a TLR2-, Dectin-1-, and FcγR-dependent manner, triggering the oxidative burst. BTK inhibition selectively impeded neutrophil-mediated damage to Aspergillus hyphae, primary granule release, and the fungus-induced oxidative burst by abrogating NADPH oxidase subunit p40phox and GTPase RAC2 activation. Moreover, neutrophil-specific Btk deletion in mice enhanced aspergillosis susceptibility by impairing neutrophil function, not recruitment or lifespan. Conversely, GM-CSF partially mitigated these deficits by enhancing p47phox activation. Our findings underline the crucial role of BTK signaling in neutrophils for antifungal immunity and provide a rationale for GM-CSF use to offset these deficits in susceptible patients.

Assessing Worker and Pedestrian Exposure to Pollutant Emissions from Sidewalk Cleaning: A Comparative Analysis of Blowing and Jet Washing Techniques

Sidewalk cleaning operations are essential to maintaining a clean and safe urban environment. Despite their vital role, these activities, particularly the blowing of road dust, can lead to the resuspension of road dust and associated pollutants, which poses risks to human health and the environment. While the role of blowers on particulate matter resuspension has been investigated, there is limited information on emitted bioaerosols. This study aimed to compare the occupational exposure of operators and passersby during sidewalk cleaning using two manual methods—blowing and jet washing—in two distinct urban environments. The study focused on metal road traffic tracers (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)) and cultivable/non-cultivable microorganisms. We showed that blowing resuspends inhalable particles containing metals (Cu, Zn, and Mn, but not Cd or Pb) and bioaerosols (fungi and Gram-negative bacteria) throughout the year. This represents an important source of exposure for the blower operators and poses a potential long-term respiratory health risk for them. Operators working in cabs are shielded from such exposure, but passersby, especially vulnerable populations, may be at risk. While jet washing reduces operator exposure to Gram-negative bacteria in comparison to blowing, it does not mitigate fungal exposure, particularly in vegetated sites. These findings underscore the necessity for the implementation of effective protective measures and the development of alternative cleaning methods to mitigate exposure risks.

Seasonal discrepancy of airborne fungal diversity and community structure in Lentinula edodes factory

ABSTRACT Understanding the composition and community of airborne mycobiota associated with fungal diseases was critical for mushroom production and disease control. In this study, we first investigated airborne fungi concentrations in different function areas of a Chinese shiitake factory. Then, high-throughput sequencing was employed to characterise the airborne fungal compositions and communities of this factory during high and low incidence seasons of shiitake artificial log rot disease (SLRD). The lowest concentration of culturable airborne fungi was observed in spawn-running greenhouse (250–450 CFU/m3), while the airborne fungi concentrations in cultivation greenhouses were up to 7,000–8,500 CFU/m3. The airborne fungal communities across distinct function areas showed convergence. The four major mushroom contaminants, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus were the stable core fungi. Seasonal shifts in compositions, abundances, and communities of airborne fungi were systematically analysed and found to be associated with SLRD. Compared with the SLRD low incidence season, the airborne fungal communities were rich but uneven in the SLRD high incidence season, in which Trichoderma was dominant. Further analysis indicated that the favourable temperature and humidity caused the proliferation of Trichoderma and then affected the fungal communities, which presented an SLRD-seasonal variation. SLRD incidence could be significantly reduced by reasonably increasing the ambient temperature. For the first time, we comprehensively characterised the dynamics of airborne fungal communities across the SLRD occurrence in the shiitake factory. Findings here also provided valuable information for fungal exposures in the mushroom industry.

Effect of entomopathogenic fungi on behavior and physiology of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).

In an ant colony, a large number of nestmates with a similar gene pool coexist, making them more vulnerable to pathogenic attacks. These pathogens influence the behavior and physiology of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren. Here, we evaluated the impact of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Metarhizium anisopliae on the behavior (locomotion and foraging) and physiology (biological molecules, anti-fungal activity, and survival) of S. invicta. Distance traveled and velocity significantly decreased, while turn angle and angular velocity significantly increased in ants exposed to a higher concentration of M. anisopliae compared to ants exposed to control after 36 h, which showed disturbed locomotion. Fungus infection significantly affected the foraging behavior of ants. Fungus-exposed ants spent significantly less time in the food zone (area with food) than in the inner zone (area without food). The activities of 4 enzymes, peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and carboxylesterase were significantly decreased. In contrast, catalase and anti-fungal activities were increased after fungal exposure compared to the control. The activity of acetylcholinesterase, which hydrolyses the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine, also decreased after fungal application compared to the control. Survival of ants was also significantly reduced after fungus infection compared to the control. Our findings help to understand the influence of M. anisopliae on the behavior and physiology of S. invicta, which will help in the management of S. invicta using the EPF M. anisopliae.

Acquired resistance or tolerance? – in search of mechanisms underlying changes in the resistance profile of Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis as a result of exposure to methotrexate

The increasing prevalence of fungal strains showing acquired resistance and multidrug resistance is an increasing therapeutic problem, especially in patients with a severely weakened immune system and undergoing chemotherapy. What is also extremely disturbing is the similarity of the resistance mechanisms of fungal cells and other eukaryotic cells, including human cells, which may contribute to the development of cross-resistance in fungi in response to substances used in e.g. anticancer treatment. An example of such a drug is methotrexate, which is pumped out of eukaryotic cells by ABC transmembrane transporters - in fungi, used to remove azoles from fungal cells.For this reason, the aim of the study was to analyze the expression levels of genes: ERG11, MDR1 and CDR1, potentially responsible for the occurrence of cross-resistance in Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis as a result of fungal exposure to methotrexate (MTX).In vitro exposure of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis strains to methotrexate showed a high increase in resistance to fluconazole and a partial increase in resistance to voriconazole. Analysis of the expression of resistance genes showed varied responses of the tested strains depending on the species. In the case of C. albicans, an increase in the expression of the MDR1 gene was observed, and a decrease in ERG11 and CDR1. However, for C. parapsilosis there was an increase in the expression of the CDR1 gene and a decrease in ERG11 and MDR1.We noted the relationship between the level of resistance to voriconazole and the level of ERG11 gene expression in C. albicans. This indicates that this type of relationship is different for each species. Our research confirms that the mechanisms by which fungi acquire resistance and develop cross-resistance are highly complex and most likely involve several pathways simultaneously. The emergence of multidrug resistance may be related to the possibility of developing tolerance to antimycotics by fungi.

The effect of ectomycorrhizal fungal exposure on nursery-raised Pinus sylvestris seedlings: plant transpiration under short-term drought, root morphology and plant biomass.

Drought is a major environmental stressor that limits seedling growth. Several studies have found that some ectomycorrhizal fungi may increase the drought tolerance of nursery-raised seedlings. However, the precise role that different ectomycorrhizal fungi species play in drought tolerance remains unclear. We evaluated the transpiration rate of Pinus sylvestris seedlings under drought stress in greenhouse conditions by exposing seedlings to 10 ectomycorrhizal fungi species, with different functional traits (exploration type and hydrophobicity), and to 3 natural soil inoculums. We measured the transpiration and water potential of the seedlings during a 10-day drought period and a 14-day recovery period. We then analyzed their root morphology, stem, needle, root biomass and needle chlorophyll fluorescence. We showed that exposing seedlings to ectomycorrhizal fungi or soil inoculum had a positive effect on their transpiration rate during the driest period and through the recovery phase, leading to 2- to 3-fold higher transpiration rates compared with the nonexposed control seedlings. Seedlings exposed to medium-distance ectomycorrhizal fungi performed better than other exploration types under drought conditions, but ectomycorrhizal fungi hydrophobicity did not seem to affect the seedlings response to drought. No significant differences were observed in biomass accumulation and root morphology between the seedlings exposed to different ectomycorrhizal fungi species and the control. Our results highlight the positive and species-specific effect of ectomycorrhizal fungi exposure on drought tolerance in nursery-raised Scots pine seedlings. The studied ectomycorrhizal fungi functional traits may not be sufficient to predict the seedling response to drought stress, thus physiological studies across multiple species are needed to draw the correct conclusion. Our findings have potential practical implications for enhancing seedling drought tolerance in nursery plant production.

Exposure to resistant fungi across working environments and time

Antifungal resistance has emerged as a significant health concern with increasing reports of resistant variants in previously susceptible species. At present, little is known about occupational exposure to antifungal-resistant fungi. This study aimed to investigate Danish workers' occupational exposure to airborne fungi resistant to first-line treatment drugs. A retrospective study was performed on a unique collection of personal exposure samples gathered over a twenty-year period from Danish working environments, in sectors including agriculture, animal handling, waste management, and healthcare. A total of 669 samples were cultivated at 37 °C and fungal colonies were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. Subsequently, identification was confirmed by amplicon sequencing the genes of calmodulin and beta-tubulin to unveil potential cryptic species.Infectious fungi (495 isolates from 23 species) were tested for resistance against Itraconazole, Voriconazole, Posaconazole, and Amphotericin B. Working environments were highly variable in the overall fungal exposure, and showed vastly different species compositions. Resistance was found in 30 isolates of the species Aspergillus fumigatus (4 of 251 isolates), A. nidulans (2 of 13), A. niger complex (19 of 131), A. versicolor (3 of 18), and A. lentulus (2 of 2). Sequence analysis revealed several cryptic species within the A. niger complex including A. tubingensis, A. luchuensis, and A. phoenicis. Among the resistant A. fumigatus isolates, two contained the well-described TR34/L98H mutation in the cyp51A gene and promoter region, while the remainder harbored silent mutations.The results indicate that the working environment significantly contributes to exposure to resistant fungi, with particularly biofuel plant workers experiencing high exposure. Differences in the prevalence of resistance across working environments may be linked to the underlying species composition.

New generation sequencing: molecular approaches for the detection and monitoring of bioaerosols in an indoor environment: a systematic review.

The exposure of occupants to indoor air pollutants has increased in recent decades. The aim of this review is to discuss an overview of new approaches that are used to study fungal aerosols. Thus, this motivation was to compensate the gaps caused by the use of only traditional approaches in the study of fungal exposure. The search involved various databases such as; Science Direct, PubMed, SAGE, Springer Link, EBCOHOST, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library. It was limited to full text research articles that reported the use of non-viable method in assessing bioaerosol, written in English Language, full text publications and published from year 2015-2022. A total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and was included in this review. The use of next-generation sequencing, which is more commonly referred to as high-throughput sequencing (HTS) or molecular methods in microbial studies is based on the detection of genetic material of organisms present in a given sample. Applying these methods to different environments permitted the identification of the microorganisms present, and a better comprehension of the environmental impacts and ecological roles of microbial communities. Based on the reviewed articles, there is evidence that dust samples harbour a high diversity of human-associated bacteria and fungi. Molecular methods such as next generation sequencing are reliable tools for identifying and tracking the bacterial and fungal diversity in dust samples using 18S metagenomics approach.

From Clinical Suspicion to Diagnosis: A Review of Diagnostic Approaches and Challenges in Fungal Keratitis.

Fungal keratitis is a relatively rare yet severe ocular infection that can lead to profound vision impairment and even permanent vision loss. Rapid and accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in the effective management of the disease. A patient's history establishes the initial clinical suspicion since it can provide valuable clues to potential predisposing factors and sources of fungal exposure. Regarding the evaluation of the observed symptoms, they are not exclusive to fungal keratitis, but their timeline can aid in distinguishing fungal keratitis from other conditions. Thorough clinical examination of the affected eye with a slit-lamp microscope guides diagnosis because some clinical features are valuable predictors of fungal keratitis. Definitive diagnosis is established through appropriate microbiological investigations. Direct microscopic examination of corneal scrapings or biopsy specimens can assist in the presumptive diagnosis of fungal keratitis, but culture remains the gold standard for diagnosing fungal keratitis. Advanced molecular techniques such as PCR and MALDI-ToF MS are explored for their rapid and sensitive diagnostic capabilities. Non-invasive techniques like in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are useful for real-time imaging. Every diagnostic technique has both advantages and drawbacks. Also, the selection of a diagnostic approach can depend on various factors, including the specific clinical context, the availability of resources, and the proficiency of healthcare personnel.

Grzyby pleśniowe w środowisku człowieka – lekceważone niebezpieczeństwo

IntroductionAccording to Dz. U. nr 75 of 15 June 2002, building law does not allow visible signs of mold fungi in rooms used by people and imposes immediate renovation because of exposure to spores. Which being absorbed via airway and skin may be main sources of three forms: infection, allergy and toxicity. Mycotoxins get to the organism via digestive tract or airway with dust particles or food.Caused illnessesDry eye syndrome, eye socket necrosis, acute, persistent poisoning, impaired immunity, sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, air and skin allergy, headache, muscle aches, artralgia. Constant irritability, fatigue, insomnia, reduce concentration, memory disorder, even depression. In the digestive tract disturb metabolism, in extreme cases causing cirrhosis, even cancer; disorder pancreas, ovaries, prostate, and lead to sterility, kidney dysfunctions. Growth of fungi is connected with insufficient heating and ventilation. It is derivative socio-economic factors, hygiene level and health care.PurposeIs presentation of the resulting threat from fungal spores and toxins exposure which are inside our houses, schools, hospitals, even our food based on available medical literatureConclusionsMold Fungal toxins have an effect teratogenic, mutagenic and genotoxic inducing damaging many organs in experimental animals. Illnesses and deterioration of health are not connected with spores and toxins exposures. It may lead to wrong diagnosis and not eliminate fungi from the environment, what cause exacerbating symptoms. Fungal infection may be similar to other illneses as: tuberculosis, molluscum contagiosum, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis what can delay proper diagnosis and significantlyreduce chances of survival. Species: <i>Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus</i> and <i>Penicillium</i> were found in high concentrations ta astmatic patients houses. It was connected with asthma symptoms deterioration in 36% to 48% cases.

Durability of heat-treated Paulownia tomentosa and Pinus koraiensis woods in palm oil and air against brown- and white-rot fungi

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of oil- and air-heat treatments on the durability of Paulownia tomentosa and Pinus koraiensis woods against Fomitopsis palustris and Trametes versicolor. The wood samples were treated in palm oil and air at 180, 200, and 220 °C for 2 h. The weight loss, morphology, crystalline properties, and chemical compounds of untreated and heat-treated wood after fungal attack were investigated. The significant difference in weight loss between oil- and air-heat-treated samples was shown at 220 °C. Heat-treated wood exposed to white-rot fungus showed a lower weight loss than that exposed to brown-rot fungus. The cell components in the untreated- and heat-treated Paulownia tomentosa and Pinus koraiensis at 180 °C were severely damaged due to fungal exposure compared to those at 220 °C. A fungal effect on the relative crystallinity was observed in heat-treated wood at 180 °C, whereas the effect was not observed at 220 °C. Following brown-rot fungus exposure, untreated- and heat-treated wood at 180 °C showed a notable change in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) peaks of polysaccharides, whereas no noticeable change in lignin peaks was observed. Heat-treated wood at 220 °C showed no noticeable change in the FTIR spectra owing to brown-rot fungus exposure. Exposure to white-rot fungus did not noticeably change the FTIR spectra of untreated and heat-treated wood.