Fusarium basal rot (FBR) poses a serious threat to onion (Allium cepa L.) production worldwide. In South Korea, FBR is primarily associated with Fusarium oxysporum, F. commune, and F. proliferatum. To investigate the relationship between effector gene profiles and virulence, we screened 34 isolates collected from FBR-affected fields for 14 Secreted in Xylem (SIX) genes and three additional effector candidates (CRX1, CRX2, and C5). F. oxysporum isolates carrying the effector suite SIX3, SIX5, SIX7, SIX9, SIX10, SIX12, SIX14, together with CRX1, CRX2 and C5, exhibited significantly higher aggressiveness on onion seedlings and bulbs than effector-negative strains. Among F. commune isolates lacking SIX genes, those carrying both CRX1 and CRX2 tended to show greater pathogenicity than CRX-negative strains. Nevertheless, SIX-negative strains still caused substantial seedling loss and bulb-rot, indicating the involvement of SIX-independent virulence factors. All F. proliferatum isolates were comparably pathogenic to SIX-negative F. oxysporum and F. commune strains, and uniformly carried SIX2-1 and CRX2, with a subset also harboring the SIX2-2 homologue. Across all isolates, SIX9 was the most frequently detected SIX gene and was markedly enriched in strains exhibiting strong pathogenicity. We developed and validated a SIX9-targeted quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay that specifically detects SIX9-positive Fusarium isolates (mainly F. oxysporum and F. commune), with detection limits of 1 pg of DNA or 10⁴ conidia/g soil. These findings enhance our understanding of effector repertoires contributing to Fusarium pathogenicity on onion and provide a molecular tool to support FBR diagnosis.

Fusarium, an omnipresent fungus is known for its pathogenic potential. Pathogenic fungi like all other organisms need iron and are known to produce siderophores for iron acquisition. Siderophore producers possess transporters for their own siderophore as well as for siderophores secreted by other organisms known as xenosiderophore. Although iron is an essential nutrient it can also cause oxidative stress and cell-death at high concentrations. While siderophore utilization is employed by the fungi for efficient iron acquisition, it can be exploited against them by supplying xenosiderophore exogenously in turn increasing iron uptake that might prove lethal. A xenosiderophore-iron transporter MirA has been identified earlier in Aspergillus nidulans for the transport of bacterial siderophore enterobactin. MirA has not yet been identified in Fusarium spp. Present study is a computational analysis that focuses on searching possible orthologs of MirA in Fusarium and predicting its structure using deep-learning–based structural prediction and validation approaches. Docking confirmed binding of predicted Fusarium MiRA transporters with the enterobactin–Fe complex, and the most stable complex was further analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations. RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA analyses demonstrated that interaction with the enterobactin–Fe complex stabilizes the MirA structure, supporting its functional adaptation for siderophore-chelated iron binding. In silico findings are further supported by experimental validation that shows growth inhibitory effect of catecholate siderophore produced by Escherichia coli on Fusarium sp. through anti-fungal plate assay, dry weight estimation and morphological changes through microscopy using LPCB staining. The results suggest possible involvement of MirA in xenosiderophore-mediated biocontrol via siderophore–iron uptake.

A hospital-based retrospective study of hospitalizations with hyalohyphomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis in the United States

Novel antifungal compounds against Fusarium spp: A systematic review

Qualitative and quantitative estimation of beta-glucan (β-1,3-glucan) extracted from keratitis causing Fusarium spp.

Isolation and Laboratory Identification of Fusarium spp. Causing Root and Stem Base Rot in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and the Effect of Certain Oxides on Its Growth in PDA Medium

Ensuring clean and safe abattoir has been recognized as one of the ways of preventing zoonotic infections. This study evaluated the level of public health challenges in a central abattoir in Bayelsa State Nigeria. The study utilized a cross-sectional and experimental study designs. A simple questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 20 abattoir workers and a semi-structured interview administered questions to get information from the management of the abattoir on the overall public health practices in the abattoir. For their responses,(16) 80% of the sampled abattoir workers have no knowledge of zoonotic diseases, only (7)35% were seen using personal protective equipment (PPE), and (10) 50% do not see reason to go for medical check at all. The sanitation facilities (toilets) were seen to be dirty, open and littered with papers, plastic nylon and grasses grown around it. Major source of water supply at the abattoir is a close by river which also serves as source of water supply for the community. Samples were ascetically collected from different points of the river and taken to Wizlink Consult Research Center for analysis. The microbial analysis revealed high counts of total heterotrophic bacteria (7.2 × 10⁶ CFU/ml), enteric bacteria (5.0 × 10⁶ CFU/ml), and fungi (8 × 10³ SFU/ml), indicating significant contamination. Pathogenic agents such as Clostridium spp, Bacillus spp, and Fusarium spp were identified. Additionally, the improper handling of wastes and the disposal of untreated effluents contribute to water pollution, environmental degradation, affecting the surrounding community. This study recommends the immediate improvement on the toilet facilities, proper waste management, occupational health of workers and routine microbial monitoring. Implementing these measures will not only enhance food sanitation but also, protect public health and reduce the environmental impact of abattoir operations.

Barley is a favorable substrate for the development of fungal diseases, such as fungi of the genus Fusarium spp. They produce numerous toxic metabolites, one of which are fumonisins. Theaimofthestudywas toinvestigatetheimpactonthedevelopmentandyieldof barleyafterartificialinoculationofhealthyandmechanicallydamagedseedsforsowingwithfumonisinatconcentrationsof 1 mg/l, 3 mg/l and 9 mg/l. The trial experiment with barley variety "Veslets" was conducted in the 2023/2024 season. With the carried out investigations, we found that healthy barley seeds artificially contaminated with fumonisin at a concentration of 9 mg/l have impaired germination and overwintering. In mechanically damaged seeds with the same concentration, germination and overwintering of the seeds are compromised. Fumonisin has a negative impact on the yield of barley grain, with the most significant impact at a concentration of 9 mg/l. Barley plants sprouted from healthy seeds have significantly higher average height, average weight and yield compared to plants sprouted from mechanically damaged seeds.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated and nutritionally important fruit crop that is prone to rapid deterioration after harvesting due to fungal invasion. This study investigated the fungi associated with post-harvest spoilage of tomatoes sold in selected markets. Spoiled tomato samples were collected aseptically and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques. Fungal isolates were identified based on cultural and microscopic characteristics. The predominant fungi identified were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. The frequency of occurrence revealed A. niger as the most dominant species across all samples. The presence of these fungi, which are capable of producing toxins and enzymes that degrade cell walls, suggests poor handling and storage conditions as key contributors to spoilage. Improved sanitation, adequate packaging, and controlled storage environments are therefore recommended to minimize fungal contamination and post-harvest losses.

Background: Lactic acid bacterial (LAB) cultures filtrate are known to have important properties like probiotics and lantibiotics. However, not many reports are available regarding the usage of LAB as bio-control agents. Methods: LAB were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of solanaceous crops across different regions of Belagavi district, Karnataka. A total of eleven isolates were confirmed by morphological and biochemical characterization tests and confirmed by 16S rRNA. Antimicrobial activity of LAB isolates were determined by agar well-diffusion method. Antibiotic susceptibility was analysed by disc diffusion method. Result: All isolates were positive for lactose fermentation and negative for H2S production. 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed their affiliation to Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Bacillus species. Phytopathogenic fungi were also isolated from infected plants,16S rDNA sequencing confirmed the isolates belong to Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus oryzae, Rhizopus arrhizus and Fusarium spp. Antimicrobial activity of LAB showed, strong antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas campestris, E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. as well as antifungal effects against F. oxysporum and A. alternata. Antibiotic susceptibility of LAB isolates revealed that Lactococcus lactis and Limosilactobacillus fermentum exhibited strong sensitivity to all tested antibiotics, with inhibition zones ranging from 19-44 mm and 15-25 mm. The remaining isolates showed moderate activity against the tested antibiotics.

In line with sustainability goals, biological alternatives to chemical fumigants are increasingly in demand to support intensive baby leaf lettuce cultivation systems. This study evaluated the combined effects of soil disinfestation strategies and foliar biostimulants on crop performance and nutritional quality. With the aim of evaluating the interactive effects of biofumigation and the application of Trichoderma spp., Ascophyllum nodosum extract, and vegetable protein hydrolysate, an experiment was conducted under controlled growing conditions, integrating microbial and foliar treatments on two lettuce cycles. Soil microbial load, plant biometric traits, ionic profiles, antioxidant activity, and polyphenolic compounds were quantified. Biofumigation induced a marked recovery of bacterial populations, while both soil treatments resulted in sustained fungal suppression and the absence of detectable Fusarium spp. Biofumigation consistently increased fresh and dry biomass, highlighting its dual sanitizing and fertilizing role. Foliar biostimulants, particularly vegetable protein hydrolysate, significantly enhanced dry matter accumulation, reduced nitrate concentration, and improved cation uptake. Antioxidant activity and phenolic metabolism were strongly stimulated by Trichoderma spp. and protein hydrolysate, with significant synergistic effects on key hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. These findings indicate that integrating biological soil disinfestation with foliar biostimulation improves yield stability and nutritional quality, supporting a sustainable framework for high-value baby leaf lettuce production.

Investigation of Coca-Cola products (Coke and Fanta Orange) involving (the raw materials, simple syrup, final syrup and final products) was carried out using the hazard analysis critical control point concept. The production environment was also monitored for microbial quality. The total viable counts (TVCs) of the water samples varied from raw water to water obtained from polishing filter with the highest (7.5 x l02 cfu ml-1) occurring in the former. Coliform counts of the water samples also showed variations ranging from 1.0 x 102 cfu m1-1 to 5.0 x 102 cfuml-1 The total viable counts (TVCs) of the sugar samples (2.0 x 102 cfug-1) while the fungal counts 1.5 x 102 cfumg-1. The total viable counts (TVCs) of simple syrup ranged from 5.0 x102 cfum-2 to 7.0 x 102 cfuml-1 while the fungal loads ranged from 5.0 x 102 cfuml-1’ to 8.0 x 102 cfum-l. The total viable counts (TVCs) of final syrup were different for Coke and Fanta Orange, with the higher counts of 2.0 x 102 cfum-1 occurring in Fanta Orange while the fungal counts were 4.0 x 102 cfuml-1’. The total viable counts of the final products (Coke and Fanta Orange) differed on the day of production with the former (Coke) showed higher populations of 5.0 x 102 cfuml-1. The total viable counts and fungal loads were higher in Fanta than in Coke ten days of ambient storage after production. The production environment (simple syrup room, final syrup room, washer II outlet and filler line II area) showed variations in microbial profiles with filler line II showing the maximum (14.0 x 102 cfum3 for fungal counts, 7.0 x 102 cfum-3 for coliform and 25.0 x 102 cfum-3 for total viable counts respectively) and the minimum in simple syrup room 1.1 x 102 cfum3 for fungi; 5.0 x 102 cfum-3 for coliform and 1.0 x 102 cfum3 for total viable counts respectively. The carbonation level of the product (Coke! Fanta) differed also with Coke having 3.80 and Fanta 2.80. The isolated samples were identified as Bacillus spp, Leuconotsoc spp and Lactobacillus spp with Bacilis spp being more predominant in the environment. The fungi were identified as Fusarium spp, Penicilliurn spp, Aspergillus spp and Geotrichum spp with Fusariurn spp being more predominant. The pH of raw water (Borehole water) to final product (Coke and Fanta) ranged from 5.00 borehole water, 6.60 sand filtered water, 6.80 carbon filtered water, 4.00 Coke and 4.11 for Fanta Orange respectively. This work has shown that the microbial characteristics of the final product (Coke and Fanta Orange) are influenced by the quality of the raw materials and the measures employed in the production process.

ABSTRACT Production of large red chilies has decreased due to wilt disease. Continuous use of synthetic fungicides will have a negative impact on the ecosystem and health. Vegetable pesticides are one of the environmentally friendly pesticides, because they are easily decomposed in nature. Trembesi (Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr) is one of the plants that has the potential to be used as a botanical pesticide. This research aims to determine the ability of trembesi leaf extract to inhibit the growth of Fusarium spp. Diffusion well method to determine the inhibitory power of trembesi leaf extract with optimal concentration in vitro. One-way ANOVA test was used to analyze research data. If there is a significant difference (P <0.05), then proceed with the Duncan post-hoc test. The results showed that the control group and the extract treatment group had significant differences (P <0.05). The largest inhibitory zone is a concentration of 20% with an inhibitory zone diameter of 21.37 mm Kata kunci: Extract, inhibitory, antifungal, Fusarium

Pecan (Carya illinoensis) is a major economic crop in Mexico. The states of Chihuahua and Sonora contribute approximately 80% to the national production. Recently, symptoms of trunk diseases, including necrotic lesions in the xylem, cankers, dieback, and shoot blights, have been observed in pecan orchards in Sonora. This study aimed to determine the presence and identity of fungi responsible for these symptoms. A survey was conducted between 2021 and 2022 in eleven orchards near Hermosillo, Sonora. Fungi were isolated from necrotic tissue on PDA medium, yielding around 150 isolates. Based on colony morphology, 50 isolates were selected for molecular characterization using the translation elongation factor 1 alpha (tef1-α) gene, the nuclear ribosomal DNA-internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and, for some isolates, the β-tubulin gene. The fungi identified included Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum, Lasiodiplodia exigua, L. brasiliensis, Diaporthe caatingaensis, Eutypellla microtheca, and several Fusarium spp. The optimal growth temperature for most isolates was 30°C, with none exhibited growth at 40°C, although some Lasiodiplodia and Pseudofusicoccum isolates showed limited growth at 37°C. Following pathogenicity studies, the Lasiodiplodia species produced the largest lesions on pecan cv. Wichita, followed by P. stromaticum, while D. caatingaensis and E. microtheca exhibited intermediate virulence. The least virulent were D. caatingaensis and Fusarium spp. isolates. This study contributes to understanding the phytosanitary status of pecan orchards in Mexico and lays the groundwork for developing management strategies to control these fungi.

• SeNPs spraying or substrat application increased yield and nutraceutical quality in fruit crops. • SeNPs mitigated abiotic stress by lowering ROS, enhancing chlorophyll, and antioxidant enzymes. • Postharvest SeNPs use inhibited bacterial, fungal pathogens and nematodes, extending shelf-life. • SeNPs beneficial effects are influenced by the dose, type, treatment frequency, and plant genotype. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans, impacting multiple key physiological processes in fruit crops, including secondary metabolism and ripening. Among different methods applied, literature provides evidence of the effectiveness and safety of applying selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as a tool for plant biofortification. SeNPs are typically biologically or chemically produced 2-282 nm particles of elemental Se (Se 0 ) coated with an organic membrane, with unique physicochemical properties, often allowing them to be less toxic and more bioavailable compared to mineral Se. The biofortification of fruit crops with SeNPs has not been extensively reviewed. The aim of this work is to identify specific and common trends in the effects of SeNPs application across different fruit crops. SeNPs applied at concentrations of up to 50 mg L −1 in irrigation or up to 100 mg L −1 as foliar spraying showed, in general, positive effects on growth, yield, nutraceutical value, biochemical composition, antioxidative state, improved responses to abiotic stresses in tomato, cucumber, strawberry, physalis, persimmon, orange, lime, grape, pomegranate, apple, mango, date, and pepper. In the latest, SeNPs increased the yield up to 53%, and phenols up to 75%. SeNPs enhanced drought, heat, and salinity resistance, activated defense-related mechanisms by upregulating lipoxygenase (LOX), phenylalanine lyase (PAL), β−1,3-glucanase (GLU), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). In addition to that, postharvest spraying, submerging, or coating fruit in up to 150 mg L −1 SeNPs resulted in inhibition of bacterial, and fungal pathogens, including Alternaria spp ., Botrytis spp ., Fusarium spp ., and nematodes Meloidogyne spp .

BackgroundFosmanogepix (FMGX; prodrug, active moiety manogepix [MGX]) is the first member of the “gepix” antifungal class. FMGX inhibits Gwt1, depleting GPI-anchor proteins important for fungal cell wall integrity; it shows consistent in vitro activity against Fusarium spp and wide tissue distribution. FMGX is available via expanded access (EA) for patients with no alternative treatment options (NCT06433128).Table 1.Demographics and Underlying Conditions*Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; bone marrow failure.†Autosomal-dominant hyper IgE syndrome, chronic sinusitis, corticosteroid use, end-stage renal disease, heart failure, and prosthetic joint infection.Data cutoff date: 01-Mar-2025. Based on unmonitored data derived from forms provided by physicians treating patients with fosmanogepix via expanded access.HSCT, hematopoietic stem cell transplant; IgE, immunoglobulin E.Table 2.Posttraumatic osteomyelitis caused by Fusarium spp*Fracture locations: ankle (2), heel/calcaneus (2), tibia (2), femur (1), humerus (1), toe (1).†Acute kidney injury (4), severe hypokalemia (1).‡Includes hallucinations on voriconazole (1) and transaminase elevations on posaconazole (1).§Includes 6 patients with a global favorable response based on the assessment of the treating physician and 1 patient with reported clinical improvement but no assessment of global response. The response assessment is pending for 1 additional patient. One patient discontinued fosmanogepix treatment on Day 3 due to diarrhea.Data cutoff date: 01-Mar-2025. Based on unmonitored data derived from forms provided by physicians treating patients with fosmanogepix via expanded access.MethodsPatients with documented Fusarium infections received FMGX via EA. Data including global response (clinical, radiological, mycological) were collected using structured forms.Figure 1.Response to fosmanogepix treatment in patients with (A) hematologic and (B) non-hematologic conditions*Global response assessed by treating physician, evaluated as a composite of clinical, radiological and mycological response.†Global response assessment by treating physician pending.Results92 patients (34 females; median age 50.5 [range, 10–83] y) from 7 countries (92% US) completed FMGX treatment. Fusarium solani was most common, with high MICs for triazoles and/or amphotericin B and low MICs for MGX.10 previously healthy people (9 female, median age 30.5 y) from the US (8) and Mexico (2) received FMGX during a fungal meningitis outbreak from iatrogenic contamination (epidural anesthesia), with 80% survival.50 patients had hematologic conditions, mainly acute leukemia (Table 1; 21 [42%] disseminated infections, 22 bloodstream, 38 skin involvement). Response was favorable in 38 patients (76%; Fig 1A); 16 patients (32%) died (9) or transferred to hospice care (7) ≤ 6 weeks after starting FMGX. FMGX was well tolerated up to 609 (median 88.5) days.32 patients had nonhematologic conditions (trauma [14], solid organ transplant [5], diabetes [5]; Table 1). Most infections were osteoarticular (12) and/or of skin/soft tissue (8). Overall clinical response was favorable in 26 patients (81%; Fig 1B), including 7/9 with posttraumatic osteomyelitis (OM; Table 2). No patient died ≤ 6 weeks after starting FMGX. FMGX was well tolerated up to 417 (median 69) days.Most common adverse reactions with FMGX were gastrointestinal (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), leading to discontinuation in 3 patients.ConclusionBased on this large prospective assessment in an EA setting, FMGX provides a potentially life-saving treatment option in difficult-to-treat Fusarium infections in diverse patient scenarios, including hematologic malignancies, outbreak-associated meningitis, and posttraumatic OM, and was well tolerated for long treatment durations.DisclosuresSanjeet S. Dadwal, MD, Ansun Biopharma: Grant/Research Support|Aseptiscope, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company)|Basilea: Advisor/Consultant|Basilea: Grant/Research Support|F2G: Grant/Research Support|Karius: Advisor/Consultant|Karius: Grant/Research Support|Karius: Honoraria|Merck: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Pulmotect: Grant/Research Support|Symbio: Grant/Research Support|Takeda: Advisor/Consultant M Hong Nguyen, MD, Basilea: Advisor/Consultant|BioMerieux: Grant/Research Support|Melinta: Grant/Research Support|Pulmocide: Advisor/Consultant|Pulmocide: Grant/Research Support Jannik Stemler, MD, AbbVie: Honoraria|Akademie für Infektionsmedizin: Honoraria|Alvea Vax: Advisor/Consultant|Basilea: Grant/Research Support|German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF): Grant/Research Support|German Society for Infectious Diseases: Travel grants|Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Honoraria|Hikma: Honoraria|Lilly: Honoraria|Meta-Alexander Foundation: Travel grants|Micron Research: Advisor/Consultant|Mundipharma: Honoraria|Noscendo: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Honoraria|Scynexis: Grant/Research Support|The Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne: Grant/Research Support Haran Schlamm, MD, Amplyx: Advisor/Consultant|Basilea: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, MD, Basilea: Advisor/Consultant|Basilea: Grant/Research Support|Basilea: Honoraria|Eurofins Viracor: Advisor/Consultant|Eurofins Viracor: Grant/Research Support|Eurofins Viracor: Honoraria|F2G: Advisor/Consultant|F2G: Grant/Research Support|F2G: Honoraria|Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Grant/Research Support|Gilead: Honoraria|GSK: Advisor/Consultant|GSK: Grant/Research Support|GSK: Honoraria|Melinta: Advisor/Consultant|Melinta: Grant/Research Support|Melinta: Honoraria|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Honoraria|Pulmocide: Advisor/Consultant|Pulmocide: Grant/Research Support|Pulmocide: Honoraria|Scynexis: Advisor/Consultant|Scynexis: Grant/Research Support|Scynexis: Honoraria|T2 Biosystems: Advisor/Consultant|T2 Biosystems: Grant/Research Support|T2 Biosystems: Honoraria

Abstract Background Diagnosing non-Aspergillus invasive mold infections (NAIMIs) can be challenging given nonspecific clinical findings and radiological signs, low culture yields, and lack of commercial nonculture-based tests. In 2025, the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) published practice guidelines for managing and preventing NAIMIs in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients and recognized considering microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing “in selected cases where diagnosis is particularly challenging.” We reviewed NAIMI pathogen detections using Karius Spectrum™, a validated, real-time, pathogen-agnostic mcfDNA sequencing test used in hospital settings. Methods We reviewed and described NAIMI pathogens detected and quantified in all US patients’ plasma samples, submitted to the Karius CLIA certified/CAP accredited laboratory from Apr 2018–Nov 2024. Results were categorized into 4 groups based on ASTCT specifications: 1) Mucorales; 2) Fusarium spp; 3) Scedosporium / Lomentospora; and 4) rare molds. Results Of 78,143 patients tested during the timeframe, 1,146 (1.5%) patients had 1,289 positive results for a NAIMI pathogen. Mucorales occurred most frequently (904, 70.1%), followed by rare molds (174, 13.5%), Fusarium spp (131, 10.2%), and Scedosporium / Lomentospora (80, 6.2%). 16 different genera were detected, the most common being Rhizopus (n=485), Rhizomucor (n=195), and Fusarium (n=131), and 45 unique taxa were identified (most common species: Rhizopus microsporus, n=224; Rhizopus arrhizus/oryzae, n=175; and Rhizomucor pusillus, n=155). Conclusion Plasma mcfDNA sequencing provides a pathogen-agnostic approach for NAIMIs that are otherwise difficult to diagnose. Further studies are needed to assess the patient distribution, characteristics, and underlying conditions as well as the clinical impact of NAIMI mcfDNA detections on patient care. Disclosures Paul Lewis, PharmD, Karius: Karius employee Monica Shah, PharmD, Karius: Karius employee David Berman, DO, Karius: Karius employee Sarah Y. Park, MD, FAAP, Karius, Inc.: current employee Eliza J. Chang, A.B., Karius, Inc.: current employee Claire Dysart, PharmD, Karius: Karius employee

Dynamicomic analysis reveals the biocontrol activity of a Streptomyces avermitilis SM12 against Fusarium spp.

Plants face several biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pathogen infections, tending to develop proteins related to the pathogenesis. This study investigates the response capacity for biochemical defense of passion fruit resistant and susceptible to fungi Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae, quantifying the activity of enzymes peroxidase and β-1,3-glucanase. Two experiments were conducted, one with F.solani and another with F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae. Enzymatic activities of peroxidase and β-1,3-glucanase were determined. In general, the accumulation of β-1,3-glucanase activity increased in resistant Passiflora spp. fruit plants inoculated with F. oxysporum f. sp. Passiflorae, indicating a defense mechanism against this pathosystem. The same result was observed for the enzyme peroxidase in the assay with Fusarium solani. However, as ROS accumulated, it was not possible to determine the relationship between the defense mechanism of plants and peroxidase in the assay with F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae.

Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. They are classified as Group 2B carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. We aimed to investigated the association between gastric cancer (GC) and urinary fumonisins levels. We conducted this age- and sex-matched case-control study in Lusaka, Zambia. Cases were patients with histologically confirmed GC while controls did not have cancer. We tested the urine samples for fumonisins using high-performance liquid chromatography, collected information on risk factors using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analysed the reults in Stata version 15. A total of 52 participants were included in the study, 26 GC cases and 26 controls. In each group, 15 (58%) were females. The median age was 54 years; interquartile range (IQR) 46-66. Fumonisins was detected in 10 (19%) of the samples. Quantitatively, levels of fumonisins were higher in cases (73 µg/ml; IQR 40-109) than in controls (21 µg/ml (IQR 5-47), but this difference was not statistically significant, P = 0.25. Qualitatively, there was no association between GC and presence of fumonisins in urine (odds ratio 1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2-5.1, P = 1.00). Lack of formal education and low socio-economic status were associated with urinary fumonisins P = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively. However, on regression analysis, only low socio-economic status remained statistically significant with a regression coefficient of 50, (95% CI 29-70); P < 0.001. This study has demonstrated that urinary fumonisins levels are associated with low socio-economic status but not to GC.