Mold Species Research Articles

Mechanisms of indoor mold survival under moisture dynamics, a special water treatment approach within the indoor context.

Mold contamination is one of the most important causes for indoor air pollution. Previous studies have indicated the feasibility of employing wet-dry cycles, a special water treatment approach in indoor environments, to control indoor mold contamination. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the responses of indoor molds to changing moisture conditions remains to be elucidated. Here, we studied the mechanisms regulating the responses to wet-dry cycles (termed as moisture dynamics) in Aspergillus penicillioides, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Aspergillus niger. First, the dormant spores of each mold species were grown to the swollen stage. Next, swollen spores were incubated at different water activity (aw) levels (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 aw) for up to 15 days. Afterward, the viability, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic) of treated molds were determined. Our results show that the mold species that survived better under moisture dynamics also encountered less oxidative damage and exhibited stronger antioxidant activities. Moreover, lower RH imposed severer oxidative stress to C. cladosporioides and A. niger. Pearson correlation coefficient indicate significant correlations between oxidative stress and aw of dry periods, oxidative damage and mold survival, as well as oxidative responses and mold survival. Collectively, these results imply that oxidative stress adaptation regulates the viability of A. penicillioides, C. cladosporioides, and A. niger in response to moisture dynamics. Our findings facilitate the development of novel engineering solutions for indoor air pollution.

Exploration of Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans and Furfurilactobacillus rossiae as potential cocoa fermentation starters.

AimsTo investigate the characteristics of two minority autochthonous LAB species, with particular regard to those properties that could be exploited in an improved cocoa fermentation process from a quality and safety point of view.Methods and ResultsBacterial, yeast and mould strains characteristic of spontaneously fermented Dominican cocoa beans were isolated and identified by 16S or 26S rRNA gene sequencing. The potential of two autochthonous strains of LAB belonging to the species Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans and Furfurilactibacillus rossiae were investigated. The two selected LAB strains were able to utilize glucose and fructose, produced mainly D‐L lactic acid and had a good ability to resist to cocoa‐related stress conditions such as low pH, high temperature and high osmotic pressure, as well as to grow in sterile cocoa pulp. The strains did not inhibit the growth of yeasts and acetic acid bacteria, that are essential to the cocoa fermentation process, and possessed a complex pool of peptidases especially active on hydrophobic amino acids. The strains also showed antifungal activity against mould species that can be found at the final stages of cocoa fermentation, as Aspergillus tamarii, A. nidulans, Lichtheimia ornata and Rhizomucor pusillus.ConclusionsThe tested strains are good candidates for the design of starter cultures for a controlled cocoa fermentation process.Significance and Impact of the StudyThis research showcases the potential of two alternative LAB species to the dominating Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactibacillus fermentum as cocoa fermentation starters, with an interesting activity in improving the safety and quality of the process.

Durability assessment of external thermal insulation composite systems in urban and maritime environments

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are multilayer solutions which provide an enhanced thermal performance to the building envelope. However, significant anomalies can be detected on ETICS facades, in some cases shortly after the application of these systems. This study intends to evaluate and compare the durability of six commercially available ETICS after two years of outdoor exposure at both urban and maritime conditions in Portugal. The systems were characterized by means of non-destructive testing (i.e., visual and microscopic assessment, water transport properties, thermal conductivity, surface roughness), thus allowing to evaluate the performance loss throughout natural aging. The bio-susceptibility and aesthetic properties (color and gloss) were also investigated. Results showed that the performance and durability of the complete system is significantly affected by the rendering system formulation. The lime-based specimens obtained the highest rate of mold development after one year of aging in a maritime environment, becoming considerably darker and with lower surface gloss. Fungal analysis of this darkish stained area indicated the presence of mold species of the genera Alternaria, Didymella, Cladosporium and Epicoccum, and yeasts of the genera Vishniacozyma and Cystobasidium. An increase of both capillary water absorption and water vapor permeability was also registered for the aged lime-based specimens. Acrylic-based systems obtained lower capillary water absorption after aging and greater dirt deposition on their surfaces, especially in urban conditions. These systems had also higher color variation and surface gloss decrease and slightly higher mold growth, when compared with those aged in a maritime environment. Finally, no mold growth was detected on the silicate-based specimens after two years of aging. However, these specimens obtained higher capillary water absorption and lower vapor permeability after aging, possibly leading to moisture accumulation within the system. Results contribute towards the development of ETICS with enhanced performance and durability.

Standardization of the Leaves of Ajuga remota Benth

Herbal medicines are extensively utilized across the world. In Ethiopia, people use Ajuga remota Benth to treat high blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, malaria, fever, ascariasis, stomach pain, diarrhoea, evil eye, and retained placenta. However, work has not been done on standardizing the herb. Thus, the aim of this study was to standardize the leaves of A. remota. Fresh leaves, powdered leaves, 80% methanol, chloroform, and methanol extracts of leaves of A. remota were evaluated using macroscopic and microscopic characterization, fluorescence analysis, physicochemical characterization, phytochemical analysis and residual analysis. Macroscopically, fresh leaves of A. remota were 17 - 62 mm (length) × 7.5 - 23 mm (width); 1 - 2 mm thick and dark sea green coloured, soft, fibrous, had a very bitter taste and a fruity odour. Microscopic characterization showed turgid guard cells, anisocytic stomata, epidermal cells (stratum spinosum), parenchymatous (aerenchyma) cells, pointed trichomes, spiral tracheids, and xylem fibre in powdered leaves of A. remota. The powder of the plant gave characteristic colours in fluorescence analysis under visible and 366 nm UV light. The powder was also studied for swelling index (2.392), foaming index (100), bitterness value (8400), extractive value (aqueous: 34.33% and methanol: 21.16%), moisture content (6.43%), total ash value (27.10%), water-soluble ash (11.43%), acid-insoluble ash (7.38%), tannin content (0.016%), and powder fineness (moderately fine). TLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, and FT-IR fingerprinting were produced. Ajugarin I, dodecyl acrylate, and hexacosane were identified as analytical marker compounds. In the residual analysis of the leaves of A. remota, soil took the highest percent (0.83%) among foreign matters. Heavy metals (Cd, Co, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) and aerobic bacterial count, mould, yeast, coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella species were quantified. 228Ac (7 ± 1.8 Bq kg-1) and 40K (530 ± 34 Bq kg-1) radionuclides with a low dose were detected. The findings provide the standards for identification and authentication of the plant.

Analysis of mold and mycotoxins in naturally infested indoor building materials

Health issues of residents of mold-infested housing are reported on a regular basis, and reasons for the arising impairments can be manifold. One possible cause are the toxic secondary metabolite produced by indoor microfungi (mycotoxins). To enable a more thorough characterization of the exposure to mycotoxins in indoor environments, data on occurrence and quantities of mycotoxins is essential. In the presented study, 51 naturally mold-infested building material samples were analyzed applying a previously developed method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) separation in combination with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (TQMS) detection. A total of 38 secondary metabolites derived from different indoor mold genera like Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys were analyzed, of which 16 were detectable in 28 samples. As both the spectrum of target analytes and the investigated sample matrices showed high chemical varieties, an alternative calibration approach was applied complementary to identify potentially emerging matrix effects during ionization and mass spectrometric detection. Overall, strong alterations of analyte signals were rare, and compensation of considerable matrix suppression/enhancement only had to be performed for certain samples. Besides mycotoxin determination and quantification, the presence of 18 different mold species was confirmed applying microbiological approaches in combination with macro- and microscopic identification according to DIN ISO 16000–17:2010–06. These results additionally highlight the diversity of mycotoxins potentially arising in indoor environments and leads to the assumption that indoor mycotoxin exposure stays an emerging topic of research, which has only just commenced.

Evaluation of a custom Sensititre YeastOne plate for susceptibility testing of isavuconazole and other antifungals against clinically relevant yeast and mould species in three Australian diagnostic mycology laboratories

This study aimed to validate the performance of the custom formulated Sensititre YeastOne One (SYO) microdilution plate which includes isavuconazole (AUSNMRC1) to perform susceptibility testing on clinically relevant yeast and mould species across three Australian reference laboratories. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results were compared with the IVD approved SYO YO10 microdilution plate and isavuconazole gradient strips. A total of 127 isolates were tested on both the YO10 and AUSNMRC1 plates. The overall essential agreement (EA) and categorical agreement (CA) for the eight common drugs was 99.9% and 98.8%, respectively. The EA was 96.9% for the isavuconazole MICs obtained using the AUSNMRC1 plate and gradient strip. The MIC results for all nine antifungals on the AUSNMRC1 panel were highly reproducible for all quality control and reference strains and the overall EA and CA for 45 clinical strains tested across all three participating laboratories were >93% and 94.1%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the SYO AUSNMRC1 plate provides a commercial means to determine isavuconazole MICs by broth microdilution testing.

The Identification and Role pf Mold in Lowering the HCN Levels in Black Cassava Based on the Immersion Duration

This study aimed to provide information for people in Banda, Central Maluku, about types and role of mold in lowering the HCN levels in black cassava. It is expected that the availability of alternative choices of quality food ingredients and affordable prices can improve food security and nutrition at the family level. The Identification of mold was performed through 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The analysis of HCN levels in black cassava was conducted using argentometric method. Five mold isolates, namely J1, J2, J3, J4, and J5 were successfully identified from black cassava samples. The mold species were classified into Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus clavatus. The results of the analyses showed that mold and immersion duration played a significant role in lowering the HCN levels in black cassava. In fact, the HCN levels in Manihot aipi decreased significantly from 0.3024% (302.4 mg HCN/kg) to 0.1296 (129.6 mg HCN/kg), 0.135 % (135 mg HCN/kg), 0.162% (162 mg HCN/kg), and 0.1782 (178.2 mg HCN/kg) after 12, 24, 36, and 48-hour immersion, respectively. Similarly, at 12h, 24h, 36h, and 48h fermentation duration, the HCN levels in black cassava were reduced from 0.135% (135 mg HCN/kg) to 0.108% (108 mg HCN/kg), 0.0918% (91.8 mg HCN/kg), and 0.0864% (86.4 mg HCN/kg). The analysis of mold species and HCN levels in black cassava from Manihot aipi Phol. is important because mold species and HCN levels can determine the number of foodborne pathogens that cause many diseases and, in extreme cases, death. The analysis of mold species and HCN levels is also vital to food security. The results of this study can provide insights to the people in Banda regarding the immersion and fermentation duration of Manihot aipiPhol., which is safe for black cassava processing.

Studies on the effect of methionine level on cheese colour as a solid substrate of Monascus purpureus JK2 fermentation

Monascus purpureus, a species of red filamentous mould, has been widely used in fermented food as a potential source of natural pigments. The pigments can be produced by solid-state fermentation using a solid culture substrate; an example includes cheese that provides a substantial amount of nutrients required for its growth and red pigment synthesis. Monascus purpureus needs appropriate organic nitrogen in the form of amino acids at a particular concentration. This study aimed to determine the effects of methionine level on cheese colour as the solid substrate in M. purpureus fermentation. The mould strain M. purpureus JK2 was cultivated from cheese without the addition of methionine and added with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1% methionine, then incubated at room temperature (25‒30oC) for 14 days. The growth of M. purpureus JK2 in cheese as a solid substrate was visually observed. Colour changes were distinguished quantitatively based on the CIELAB colour characterization system. The results showed that M. purpureus JK2 could grow and synthesize red pigments well in cheese as a substrate without the addition of methionine, which otherwise slowly decreased (0.1, 0.3 and 5% methionine) and inhibited the growth (1% methionine). The cheese substrate without the addition of methionine had a similar hue angle to 0.1 and 0.3% methionine and was relatively redder than with 0.5% methionine. However, the addition of 1% methionine did not induce pigmentation. Furthermore, the M. purpureus JK2-fermented cheese as a substrate can be used in cheese making development as culture products.

MOLD DIVERSITY OF WREATHED HORNBILL (Rhyticeros undulatus) NEST IN MOUNT UNGARAN

Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulates) is known to build nests in three cavities where they managed to live and breed. This edifice is predicted to contain various molds needed to maintain micro-environmental steadiness. This study was aimed to identify molds diversity in the Wreathed Hornbill’s nest, using samples collected from empty structure with no bird activity. The samples were obtained from the Kalisidi and Nglimut observation stations on two occasions, i.e., in 2016 and 2017. Furthermore, the samples comprised cover soil, wood and inner material, which were collected aseptically and placed in sterile Ziplock plastic bags. These samples were then diluted in sterilized distilled water to attain 10-3 mg/ mL, and subsequently inoculated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Malt Extract Agar (MEA) and Czapek Dox Agar (CDA). The inoculants were incubated at 37 °C, followed by the observation of mold colony after the 11th day. The results identified seven and nine species of molds in the Kalisidi and Nglimut observation stations, respectively. The most abundant species was Penicillium sp. which was found in composted nest materials for the whole observation periods.

Preparation of Cotton-Zinc Composites by Magnetron Sputtering Metallization and Evaluation of their Antimicrobial Properties and Cytotoxicity.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the biological properties of cotton–zinc composites. A coating of zinc (Zn) on a cotton fabric was successfully obtained by a DC magnetron sputtering system using a metallic Zn target (99.9%). The new composite was characterized using scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), UV/Vis transmittance, and atomic absorption spectrometry with flame excitation (FAAS). The composite was tested for microbial activity against colonies of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Chaetomium globosum fungal mold species as model microorganisms. Cytotoxicity screening of the tested modified material was carried out on BALB/3T3 clone mouse fibroblasts. The SEM/EDS and FAAS tests showed good uniformity of zinc content on a large surface of the composite. The conducted research showed the possibility of using the magnetron sputtering technique as a zero-waste method for producing antimicrobial textile composites.

Antifungal activity of [K3]temporin-SHa against medically relevant yeasts and moulds.

Few antifungal agents are currently available for the treatment of fungal infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are natural molecules involved in the innate immune response of many organisms, represent a promising research method because of their broad killing activity. The aim of this study was to assess the activity of a frog AMP, [K3]temporin-SHa, against some species of yeasts and moulds, and to further explore its activity against Candida albicans. MIC determinations were performed according to EUCAST guidelines. Next, the activity of [K3]temporin-SHa against C. albicans was explored using time-killing curve experiments, membrane permeabilization assays, and electron microscopy. Finally, chequerboard assays were performed to evaluate the synergy between [K3]temporin-SHa and amphotericin B or fluconazole. [K3]temporin-SHa was found to be active invitro against several yeasts with MIC between 5.5 and 45 µM. [K3]temporin-SHa displayed rapid fungicidal activity against C. albicans (inoculum was divided into two in less than an hour and no viable colonies were recovered after 5 h) with a mechanism that could be due to membrane permeabilization. [K3]temporin-SHa was synergistic with amphotericin B against C. albicans (FICI = 0.303). [K3]temporin-SHa could represent an additional tool to treat several Candida species and C. neoformans.

Antifungal activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from kunu-zaki, a cereal-based Nigerian fermented beverage

Fungal deterioration is a barrier to the wide acceptance of fermented cereal foods from Africa. The use of protective cultures is a natural approach to controlling fungi in foods that also complies with a clean label strategy. This study aims to select antifungal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) previously isolated from kunu-zaki to bio-control deterioration in this cereal-based Nigerian fermented beverage. Strains of Leuconostoc citreum (1), Limosilactobacillus fermentum (6), and Weissella confusa (3) were the most active against seven test mold species, with average inhibition score of 2.25–2.88, after screening 220 LAB strains using agar overlay on millet-sorghum flour hydrolysate (MSFH) agar. The MSFH agar diffusion method revealed that antifungal activity against the seven target molds was retained in cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of selected LABs, with the strongest inhibition against A. flavus F008BA and P. citrinum 3AS1 demonstrated by L. fermentum 5KJEU5 (9.06%) and W. confusa YKDIA1 (24.55%), respectively. The antifungal activity of CFSs was mainly due to the occurrence of acidic compounds, with the most abundant compounds being acetic (0.30–1.96 mg/mL) and lactic (1.80–3.23 mg/mL) acids. Other compounds such as hydroxycaffeic (0.16–6.72 μg/mL), 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic (1.40–6.36 μg/mL), 3-phenyllactic (1.28–24.48 μg/mL), and hydroxyferulic acids (12.25 μg/mL) occurred at lower concentrations. In challenged kunu-zaki, L. fermentum 5KJEU5 prevented the growth of A. flavus F008BA and P. citrinum 3AS1 beyond 8 day at ambient temperature (25 °C). In this study, LAB from kunu-zaki displayed strong antifungal activity, showing great potential as a protective culture to prevent fungal growth and mycotoxin accumulation in cereal foods.

Chemical composition and antifungal potential of apricot, sour cherry, and cherry tree bio-products (resins) against food-borne molds

In this study, the chemical components of ethanol extracts from the resins of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) and cherry (Prunus avium L.) trees were investigated. The extracts' antifungal activity, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were determined on seven different food-borne mold species. Naringenin was the most abundant phenolic compound in Prunus cerasus and Prunus avium resin extracts, while chlorogenic acid had the highest concentration in Prunus armeniaca resin extracts. The highest antifungal activity and the lowest MIC and MFC values were in the sour cherry tree resin's ethanol extracts (P < 0.05). The highest antifungal activity was in the sour cherry tree resin's ethanol extract with a 19.24 mm zone diameter on Aspergillus flavus. In contrast, the lowest effect was on Cladosporium cladosporioides with an 8.00 mm zone diameter in apricot tree resin's ethanol extracts (P < 0.05). The lowest MIC and MFC values were recorded using the sour cherry tree resin's ethanol extracts on Rhizopus nigricans (16.6 μg/mL) and Aspergillus flavus (47.3 μg/mL) respectively. Therefore, apricot, sour cherry, and cherry tree resins extracts can be used as natural antifungals against molds.

Control some foodborne pathogens, contaminated bacteria and fungi by fabrication calyx cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) nanoparticles

We studied the effect of the calyx of cape gooseberry nanoparticles manufactured by a novel technique. There are several methods, such as jet mill, spray freezing, supercritical anti-solvent technique (SAS), and high-pressure homogenization, available for the production of drug micro/nanoparticles to improve drug solubility. Anti-solvent precipitation is also used to prepare micro- and nanosized particles to explain their effects on different foodborne pathogens, contaminated bacteria, and some fungi. Results indicated that nanoparticles of the cape gooseberry calyx contained higher antioxidant activity than that found in the normal calyx, seed, and juice. While studying the effect of cape gooseberry calyx nanoparticles on microorganisms, it was found that the zone of inhibition was highly positive against Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella typhimurium compared to that of the normal cape gooseberry calyx. All species of molds, including Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., and Alternaria sp., and yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Rhodotorula glutinis were affected by nanoparticles of the cape gooseberry calyx compared to those of the normal calyx.

Characterization and Identification of Fungal Conidia via Shifted Excitation Raman Difference Spectroscopy

Fungi can be found everywhere, and their impacts on human beings are numerous and varied. Fungi have been widely used in the food, biofuel, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. 1 However, uncontrolled fungal growth can be costly to agriculture, forestry and livestock. If they feed on humans, diseases can be induced such as ringworm, athlete’s foot and lung infections. Some effects on human health may last over years and even lifetimes. 2 It requires timely and accurate identification of mold species to evaluate and/or prevent damage from mold growth, and minimize the consequences of mold exposure. Raman spectroscopy studies on mold spores have been proposed and implemented as a method to identify fungal species. However, the presence of fluorescence emission always hinders Raman signal detection and is virtually impossible to avoid, especially in biological specimens. Shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) is a very powerful technique to separate Raman contribution from fluorescence contribution. Herein, we adopt the SERDS modality to extract pure Raman signals from fungal conidia of different species and find that Raman signatures of spores generated from pigment molecules bounded within the cell walls. 3 A further study of conidia of different mold species indicates that the major features of the Raman spectrum correlate with the melanin biosynthesis pathway: species that produce the same melanin exhibit similar Raman spectra. 4 , 5

Persistence of Listeria innocua on Fresh Apples during Long-Term Controlled Atmosphere Cold Storage with Postharvest Fungal Decay

Recent apple-related recall and outbreak events have exposed a need for better food safety controls along the supply chain. Following harvest, apples can be stored under a controlled atmosphere for up to 1 year after harvest before packing and distribution, making the crop susceptible to many opportunities for contamination that increase the quantity of postharvest losses. Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum cause significant rot-associated losses to the apple industry. These fungi can colonize and destroy apple tissue as storage duration increases, which may also impact the growth of saprophytic foodborne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes. Thus, the objective of this study was to observe population changes of Listeria innocua as a surrogate for L. monocytogenes on apples inoculated with B. cinerea or P. expansum under long-term controlled atmosphere cold storage conditions to identify the effect of postharvest mold growth on growth patterns of a microorganism relevant to food safety. 'Gala' and 'WA 38' apples (n = 1,080) were harvested, treated with pyrimethanil, and inoculated with L. innocua only or with L. innocua and one of the mold species on wounded and unwounded portions of the apple equator. Apples were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene and stored at a controlled atmosphere (2 kPa O2, 1 kPa CO2, 1°C) for 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 11 months before enumeration. After 3 months, L. innocua consistently fell below the limit of detection (2.35 Log CFU/g), and samples were enriched following a modified Bacteriological Analytical Manual method with PCR confirmation. Listeria persistence was dependent on the storage duration and type of fungal contamination (P ≤ 0.05). Surface wounding may impact these trends, depending on the apple variety. Prevalence of L. innocua was greater in Gala apples. Future studies should more closely examine the interactions on the fruit surface that occur during the seemingly critical time frame of 3 to 6 months in storage.

The effect of lichen secondary metabolites on Aspergillus fungi

A systematic review of literature data on the antifungal potential of extracted lichen compounds and individual secondary metabolites against mold species of the genus Aspergillus is provided. Crude extracts from 49 epiphytic, 16 epigeic and 22 epilithic species of lichens and 44 secondary metabolites against 10 species, Aspergillus candidus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, A. restrictus, A. stellatus and A. ustus, were analysed. Several measuring techniques were employed for such analyses. Lichen substances were extracted with alcoholic and other organic solvents mainly using the Soxhlet apparatus. Among the three most-studied mold species, the results showed that the crude extracts from the thalli of the lichens Cladonia foliacea, Hypotrachyna cirrhata, Leucodermia leucomelos, Platismatia glauca and Pseudevernia furfuracea against Aspergillus flavus, from C. foliacea, Nephroma arcticum and Parmelia sulcata against A. fumigatus and from Evernia prunastri, Hypogymnia physodes, Umbilicaria cylindrica and Variospora dolomiticola against A. niger have the greatest antifungal potential. The lichen secondary metabolites showed a higher inhibitory potential, e.g. protolichesterinic acid against A. flavus, lecanoric acid against A. fumigatus and orsellinic acid against A. niger; the other seven species of Aspergillus have been poorly studied and require further investigation. A comparison of the inhibitory potential of the tested mixtures of lichen substances and their secondary metabolites shows that they can compete with commonly used antifungal substances, such as ketoconazole and clotrimazole against A. flavus, A. nidulans, A. niger and A. parasiticus and fluconazole in the case of A. fumigatus.

The Influence of Surface Mycobiota on Sensory Properties of “Istarski pršut” and “Dalmatinski pršut”

This study aimed to identify surface mould species overgrowing the Croatian protected meat products “Istarski pršut” and “Dalmatinski pršut” and their effect on sensory properties. Dry-cured hams were produced in 2018/2019 and obtained from annual fairs. The predominant surface species found on “Dalmatinski pršut” were Aspergillus chevalieri, Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus cibarius, whereas those overgrowing “Istarski pršut” were Aspergillus proliferans, P. citrinum and Penicillium salamii. The results show species diversity, higher presence, and greater variety of Aspergillus species in “Dalmatinski pršut” in comparison to “Istarski pršut”, and significant variations in 9 of 20 sensory attributes. Principal component analysis revealed a clear distinction between the two, and a large contribution of P. salamii and Penicillium bialowienzense to one principal component. The texture traits, smoky odour, muscle and subcutaneous fatty tissue colour, and mould species found are valuable for product characterisation. The results also indicate that mould species may be responsible for some sensory traits, such as tenderness, juiciness, and lesser freshness.

Multi-mycotoxins and Fungal Contaminants of Wheat from Anambra State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the fungal and mycotoxins contamination of 36 Wheat (Triticum aestivium) samples purchased randomly from the seller of the agricultural produce in local markets of Anambra State, Nigeria. Results from the studies showed that two hundred and three fungal isolates consisting of 18 species of moulds and 5 species of yeasts contaminated the wheat samples at varying degrees. For moulds, Aspergillus species contaminated the samples mostly with (28) isolates followed by Penicillum species (19) isolates while Verticillium species and Cladosporium species had equal least contaminations with (3) isolates each. Among the yeast species, Candida rugosahad the highest number of contamination with (37) isolates followed by Cryptococcus laurentii (31) isolates while Candida stellatoides (9) isolates had the least contamination. Twenty-four fungal metabolites were also recovered. The concentration of trichothecene mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (2067µg/kg), a protein synthesis and cell proliferation inhibitor in animals exceeded the maximum acceptable limits for human consumption. It can be deduced therefore that wheat circulating in Anambra State, Nigeria are variously contaminated with different xerophilic moulds and mycotoxins which can exert adverse health problems to consumers.&#x0D; Keyword: Wheat samples, fungal contaminants, multi-mycotoxins and market zones

708. Evaluation of Fungal Culture versus Bacterial Culture for the Identification of Various Mold Species

BackgroundInvasive mold infections are challenging to diagnose and in part relies on fungal cultures. A large proportion of mold isolates are recovered on routine bacterial cultures in our medical center, thus we sought to define the utility of bacterial versus fungal cultures for isolation of mold from clinical specimens. MethodsRoutine bacterial and fungal culture results from wound, tissue, body fluid, and respiratory specimens from Jan 2019-Dec 2020 from Keck Medical Center of USC (Los Angeles, CA) were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were excluded if specimens were collected specifically for dermatophyte recovery or for blood culture. Cultures in which mold, including dimorphic fungi, were isolated were included in the evaluation. ResultsMold was isolated from 612 specimens from 408 patients, with recovery from 329 bacterial and 450 fungal cultures. Among the 329 bacterial cultures, fungal cultures were not requested in 119 (36.2%) while the remaining 210 had concurrent fungal cultures which recovered mold in 167 cases (79.5%). Of 450 fungal cultures recovering mold, a corresponding bacterial culture was performed in 445, isolating mold in 181 (38.8%) of these cases. Two or more molds were found in 28 fungal cultures and in 5 bacterial cultures. Of positive specimens with both fungal and bacterial cultures performed (n=488), mold was isolated in fungal cultures in 446 (91.4%) and in bacterial cultures in 209 (42.9%) (Table).Yield of molds in 488 specimens with concomitant bacterial and fungal cultures ConclusionAlthough a significant number of molds are recovered in routine bacterial cultures, over half would be missed without concomitant fungal cultures. Conversely, recovery of clinically relevant mold species was optimal when both bacterial and fungal cultures were requested on a specimen. This may be related to increased specimen sampling and incubation conditions allowing for broader organism recovery. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures