Prevalence Of Fungal Diseases Research Articles

The effect of spermidine supplementation on polyamine metabolism and Fusarium infection in Linum usitatissimum

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a valuable industrial crop in temperate climate zones. However, the prevalence of fungal diseases, particularly those caused by Fusarium oxysporum sp. linii, poses a substantial threat, leading to significant crop losses and diminished interest in flax cultivation. In this study, flax plants were treated with spermidine and subsequently infected with Fusarium oxysporum to investigate multiple aspects: (1) the uptake of exogenous spermidine by the plants, (2) the impact of this uptake on the levels of other polyamines and the expression of polyamine biosynthesis genes, and (3) the effects of fungal infection on these parameters. The results demonstrated that flax plants effectively absorb spermidine, leading to substantial changes in the levels of polyamines and the expression of related genes in both roots and shoots. Notably, spermidine treatment resulted in significant alterations in the levels of putrescine and spermine, as well as in the transcript levels of key genes involved in polyamine biosynthesis. Moreover, Fusarium oxysporum infection itself induced changes in polyamine content and gene expression, which varied between root and shoot tissues. When spermidine-treated plants were infected with Fusarium oxysporum, a more complex response was observed, characterized by modifications in polyamine levels and gene expression that suggest an enhanced defense mechanism against the pathogen. These findings indicate that polyamine treatment not only affects the infection process but also modulates the plant's internal polyamine metabolism and gene expression, contributing to an improved resistance to fungal attack. This study highlights the potential of spermidine as a protective agent in flax and provides a foundation for further exploration of polyamine-related defense mechanisms.

Mapping the Burden of Fungal Diseases in the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates has very little data on the incidence or prevalence of fungal diseases. Using total and underlying disease risk populations and likely affected proportions, we have modelled the burden of fungal disease for the first time. The most prevalent serious fungal conditions are recurrent vulvovaginitis (~190,000 affected) and fungal asthma (~34,000 affected). Given the UAE's low prevalence of HIV, we estimate an at-risk population of 204 with respect to serious fungal infections with cryptococcal meningitis estimated at 2 cases annually, 15 cases of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) annually, and 20 cases of esophageal candidiasis in the HIV population. PCP incidence in non-HIV patients is estimated at 150 cases annually. Likewise, with the same low prevalence of tuberculosis in the country, we estimate a total chronic pulmonary aspergillosis prevalence of 1002 cases. The estimated annual incidence of invasive aspergillosis is 505 patients, based on local data on rates of malignancy, solid organ transplantation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5.9 per 100,000). Based on the 2022 annual report of the UAE's national surveillance database, candidaemia annual incidence is 1090 (11.8/100,000), of which 49.2% occurs in intensive care. Fungal diseases affect ~228,695 (2.46%) of the population in the UAE.

Justification of the composition of the base of the emulsion ointment for the fungal diseases skin treatment

The relevance and socio-economic significance of the problem is determined by the prevalence of fungal diseases, which are affected by every fifth inhabitant of the planet (according to the World Health Organization). Among fungal diseases, dermatomycoses, which are complicated by infection and keratization of the skin, are of particular importance.
 In the treatment of dermatomycoses, a significant place belongs to external therapy (soft and liquid medicinal products). Dermatological medicinal products in Ukraine are mainly represented by drugs of foreign production – 58.2%.The range of multicomponent drugs affecting all links of the pathological process is 21%. Therefore, the development of a scientifically based composition and technology of a multicomponent soft medicine for the treatment of dermatomycoses is an urgent problem of our time.
 The goal of our research was to develop the optimal composition of the emulsion ointment base for the treatment of fungal skin diseases.
 The objects of the study were combinations in different ratios of surface-active substances, hydrophilic non-aqueous substances and emulsifiers. The osmotic properties of the experimental bases were studied using dialysis through a semipermeable membrane. The study of the rheological properties of the samples was carried out on a rotary viscometer Reotest-2 (USA) with a water circulation heater. Determination of colloidal stability (for emulsion systems) was carried out according to DSTU 4765:2007 «Cosmetic creams. General technical conditions». Determination of thermal stability was carried out according to DSTU 4765:2007 «Cosmetic creams. General technical conditions».
 Based on the conducted experimental studies, the composition of the base of the emulsion ointment was substantiated. Rheological studies have established the optimal concentration of surface-active substances in emulsions. The study of the osmotic activity of model emulsions made it possible to establish the optimal ratio of hydrophilic-non-aqueous solvents in the composition of model samples.
 On the basis of the conducted structural-mechanical and pharmacological studies, the composition of the emulsion base of the o/w type emulsion ointment was substantiated for treatment of fungal skin lesions: petroleum jelly (20.0 g), emulsifier No. 1 (5.0 g), PEO-400 (5.0 g), glycerin (5.0 g), Na-KMC (1.0 g), purified water up to 100.0 g.

Estimated burden of fungal infections in Panama

Data published on Panamanian fungal disease are scarce, mostly case reports. To date, there is no paper that compiles the burden of fungal disease Here we estimate for the first time the incidence and prevalence of fungal diseases in Panama. Data on fungal disease were obtained from different search engines: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scielo and Lilacs. For population and at risk diseases, we used statistics from worldometer, UNAIDS, and WHO. Incidence, prevalence, and absolute numbers were calculated based on the population at risk. Panamanian population in 2022 was 4,429,739. We estimated that 85,530 (1.93 %) people suffer from fungal diseases. The most frequent fungal infection was recurrent Candida vaginitis (3285/100,000). There are 31,000 HIV-infected people in Panama and based on the number of cases not receiving anti-retroviral therapy (14,570), and previous reports of prevalence of opportunistic infections, we estimated annual incidences of 4.0/100,000 for cryptococcal meningitis, 29.5/100,000 for oral candidiasis, 23.1/100,000 for esophageal candidiasis, 29.5/100,000 for Pneumocystis pneumonia, 15.1/100,000, and for histoplasmosis. For chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) and fungal asthma we used data from Guatemala and Colombia to estimate COPD and asthma prevalence and WHO report for tuberculosis. We estimated annual incidences of 6.1/100,000 for invasive aspergillosis and prevalence of 31.5/100,000 for CPA, 60.2/100,000 for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and 79.5/100,000 for severe asthma with fungal sensitisation. Other incidence estimates were 5.0/100,000 for candidaemia, 0.20/100,000 for mucormycosis, and 4.97/100,000 for fungal keratitis. Even though this report on burden of fungal disease is a forward step, more epidemiological studies to validate these estimates are needed.

Investigation, Identification and Pathogenicity Assessment of Leaf and Soil-Borne Fungal Diseases Causing Yield Reduction in Vegetables in Antalya

Vegetables significantly contribute to Antalya, Türkiye's economy. This study aimed to investigate and identify fungal pathogens causing leaf and soil-borne diseases in leafy vegetable crops. Surveys were conducted in 2021, focusing on morphological and microscopic diagnosis, as well as the prevalence rate of these diseases in five regions (Aksu, Serik, Muratpaşa, Kepez, and Korkuteli). Isolates were obtained from both the leaves and roots of symptomatic plants, and pathogenicity tests were conducted. Survey results showed that lectuca downy mildew was the most important disease, with a 40% plant infection rate and 16.9% disease severity in most parts of the region. In areas where parsley was cultivated, Fusarium sp. was identified as the predominant soil-borne pathogen at 23.82%, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was prevalent in lettuce at 14.28%. The lowest incidence of Albugo candida was observed in cress. In conclusion, this study provides crucial insights into the prevalence of fungal diseases and the specific pathogens responsible for damage to lettuce, parsley, dill, cress, mint, and basil cultivation in Antalya province. The incidence and prevalence of these fungal diseases were assessed through surveys in Antalya. In conclusion, this study provides important information on fungal disease agents and their prevalence in lettuce, parsley, dill, cress, mint and basil cultivated areas in Antalya province.

Pathogen-Host Interaction Repertoire at Proteome and Posttranslational Modification Levels During Fungal Infections.

Prevalence of fungal diseases has increased globally in recent years, which often associated with increased immunocompromised patients, aging populations, and the novel Coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, due to the limitation of available antifungal agents mortality and morbidity rates of invasion fungal disease remain stubbornly high, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant fungi exacerbates the problem. Fungal pathogenicity and interactions between fungi and host have been the focus of many studies, as a result, lots of pathogenic mechanisms and fungal virulence factors have been identified. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is a novel approach to better understand fungal pathogenicities and host–pathogen interactions at protein and protein posttranslational modification (PTM) levels. The approach has successfully elucidated interactions between pathogens and hosts by examining, for example, samples of fungal cells under different conditions, body fluids from infected patients, and exosomes. Many studies conclude that protein and PTM levels in both pathogens and hosts play important roles in progression of fungal diseases. This review summarizes mass spectrometry studies of protein and PTM levels from perspectives of both pathogens and hosts and provides an integrative conceptual outlook on fungal pathogenesis, antifungal agents development, and host–pathogen interactions.

Prevalência de dermatopatias em cães e gatos no planalto de Santa Catarina, Brasil

This was the first study of the prevalence of skin diseases in dogs and cats in Santa Catarina. Medical records of all canine and feline patients referred to the Veterinary Clinic of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Curitibanos campus, were evaluated. From 2015 to 2019, 322 dogs and cats presented dermatological lesions, corresponding to 25.3% of dermatological cases. Among them, 276 (85.7%) were dogs, and 46 (14.3%) were cats. Definitive diagnose were obtained in 72.5% and 71.3% of canine and feline patients, respectively. Mixed breed adults were most likely to develop skin diseases. Among the primary conditions, parasitic, fungal, and bacterial diseases were the most prevalent for both species. In dogs, pulicosis, followed by pyoderma and dermatophytosis, were the major diseases encountered. Nevertheless, cats presented higher prevalence of fungal diseases, followed by parasitic and bacterial disorders. Malassezia otitis was the most prevalent, followed by pulicosis and dermatophytosis.

Burden of serious fungal infections in the Netherlands.

SummaryBackgroundFungal diseases have an ever‐increasing global disease burden, although regional estimates for specific fungal diseases are often unavailable or dispersed.ObjectivesHere, we report the current annual burden of life‐threatening and debilitating fungal diseases in the Netherlands.MethodsThe most recent available epidemiological data, reported incidence and prevalence of fungal diseases were used for calculations.ResultsOverall, we estimate that the annual burden of serious invasive fungal infections in the Netherlands totals 3 185 patients, including extrapulmonary or disseminated cryptococcosis (n = 9), pneumocystis pneumonia (n = 740), invasive aspergillosis (n = 1 283), chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (n = 257), invasive Candida infections (n = 684), mucormycosis (n = 15) and Fusarium keratitis (n = 8). Adding the prevalence of recurrent vulvo‐vaginal candidiasis (n = 220 043), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (n = 13 568) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (n = 17 695), the total debilitating burden of fungal disease in the Netherlands is 254 491 patients yearly, approximately 1.5% of the country's population.ConclusionWe estimated the annual burden of serious fungal infections in the Netherlands at 1.5% of the population based on previously reported modelling of fungal rates for specific populations at risk. With emerging new risk groups and increasing reports on antifungal resistance, surveillance programmes are warranted to obtain more accurate estimates of fungal disease epidemiology and associated morbidity and mortality.

Prevalence Of Fungal Diseases In Medicinal Plants In Northern Region Of Bangladesh

A season wise survey was conducted on the fungal diseases of some important cultivated medicinal plants in two consecutive years 2014 and 2015 in the northern region of Bangladesh. Eleven fungal diseases namely root rot (Fusarium solani) and leaf blight (Alternaria alternata) of Ashwagandha, leaf spot (Curvularia lunata) and collar rot (Fusarium oxysporium) of Alovera, powdery mildew (Erysiphe sp.) and root rot (Fusarium oxysporium) of Tulsi, collar rot (Fusarium oxysporium) and leaf spot (Collettotrichum gloeosporioides) of Kalmegh, tuberous rot (Fusarium solani) and stem rot (Fusarium oxysporium) of Satamuli, and root rot (Fusarium solani) of Basak were recorded. Most of the diseases were found in the rainy season’s comparative to other seasons. Among all the above-mentioned diseases, the powdery mildew (Erysiphe sp.) of Tulsi was found mainly in winter season. With the spreading of these fungal diseases on medicinal plants could be a set back to the industry associated with the formulation of its medicinal products. Therefore, this work may encourage other researchers to study these diseases further for development of proper management.
 SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 197-212 (2019)

Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics of Fungal Pathogenesis, Host-Fungal Interactions, and Antifungal Development.

The prevalence of fungal diseases is increasing on a global scale, ranging from acute to systemic infections caused by commensal or pathogenic microorganisms, often associated with the immune status of the host. Morbidity and mortality rates remain high and our ability to treat fungal infections is challenged by a limited arsenal of antifungal agents and the emergence of drug resistant pathogens. There is a high demand for new approaches to elucidate the fungal mechanisms of pathogenesis and the interplay between host and pathogen to discover novel treatment options. Moreover, the need for improved drug efficacy and reduced host toxicity requires the identification and characterization of antifungal biological targets and molecular mechanisms of action. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is a rapidly advancing field capable of addressing these priorities by providing comprehensive information on the dynamics of cellular processes, modifications, and interactions. In this Review, we focus on applications of MS-based proteomics in a diverse array of fungal pathogens and host systems to define and distinguish the molecular details of fungal pathogenesis and host–fungal interactions. We also explore the emerging role of MS-based proteomics in the discovery and development of novel antifungal therapies and provide insight into the future of MS-based proteomics in fungal biology.

Fungal Diseases in the 21st Century: The Near and Far Horizons.

Fungal diseases became a major medical problem in the second half of the 20th century when advances in modern medicine together with the HIV epidemic resulted in large numbers of individuals with impaired immunity. Fungal diseases are difficult to manage because they tend to be chronic, hard to diagnose, and difficult to eradicate with antifungal drugs. This essay considers the future of medical mycology in the 21st century, extrapolating from current trends. In the near horizon, the prevalence of fungal diseases is likely to increase, as there will be more hosts with impaired immunity and drug resistance will inevitably increase after selection by antifungal drug use. We can expect progress in the development of new drugs, diagnostics, vaccines, and immunotherapies. In the far horizon, humanity may face new fungal diseases in association with climate change. Some current associations between chronic diseases and fungal infections could lead to the establishment of fungi as causative agents, which will greatly enhance their medical importance. All trends suggest that the importance of fungal diseases will increase in the 21st century, and enhanced human preparedness for this scourge will require more research investment in this group of infectious diseases.

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CEREALS ASSESSMENT TOWARDS CONTAMINATION OF PHYTOPATHOGENIC FUNGI IN FOREST-STEPPE AREA OF UKRAINE

The usage of high-quality seed, not affected by pathogens and fungi promote the high and stable yields. The condition of seeds determines their germination, seedling damage and adult plants, which ultimately affects the yield and on their quality. The significant risk of seed infection was registered in years with high humidity in the pre-harvest and harvest period. Therefore, along with the traditional seed control it is necessary to conduct phytopahtology expertise, allowing to identify the species composition of the microflora of seeds and the degree of infection with different pathogens. Smut disease - a solid and loose smut of wheat, hard and loose smut of barley - cause crop losses are clear - in the form of the destruction of the ear, and hidden - in the form of a reduction in seed germination, reduce winter hardiness, plant growth inhibition. Pathogens root rot causing blight, Fusarium and Helminthosporium that insignificantly demand on environmental conditions and extremely plastic. They have large set of enzymes that can exist on a variety of substrates, and therefore are widely distributed in nature and cause considerable damage to crops. Especially significant losses occur if the humidity during the ripening grain observed for several seasons, which leads to accumulation of the infection naturally. The aim of research was to assess the contamination of grain of spring wheat and barley phytopathogenic fungi in one of the main grain regions of Ukraine - the southern forest. The research conducted during the summer 2014 and compared with the results of previous years. Samples were taken from different plots. Seed contamination of samples by various phytopathogenic fungi was determined by the number of infected kernels per 100 seed sample. Frequency of registered species was recorded. For every studied sample we set the percentage of species. Analysis of the grain on the fungal infection and avdelenie in pure culture was performed according to the procedures used a method of washing and centrifugation, seeds, embryos analysis method, biological method based on the stimulation of development and growth of pathogens in the infected seeds during seed germination in nutrient media. We analyzed 200 samples of wheat and barley grain with 8 games on the definition of the infestation and root rot spores solid and smut. In all the samples studied was dominated latent form of infection grains (outwardly healthy, germinating, well executed seeds had normal luster, patina fungus was absent); but sometimes observed apparent lesion (plaque formation, a different degree of deformation of grains). When the microscope isolated fungi was established dominance of species such as fungi of the genera Alternaria, Helmintosporium, Fusarium, smut fungi. The research of cereal seeds showed that all the tested party for the harvest in 2014 were infected with different pathogens in different degrees. On the basis of literature data and our own observations, comparing infection rates average cereal seeds complex fungal diseases, it may be noted that in 2014 the percentage of infestation was higher than in previous years, there is a trend of growth in incidence. The results showed that the overall percentage of infected root rots seeds of spring wheat in 2014 was 55.5 %, the infestation of spring barley was 64.7 %. Compared to previous years the trend increase in the prevalence of fungal diseases on cereals: wheat infestation grew by 12.8 %, barley - 2.13 %. Smut infected - 11.2 % wheat, barley - 37.4 %. Infection bunt was 4.6 %, including 3.3 % of wheat; Barley 17.6 %. The growth and development of root rot during the growing season depended on the presence of soil infection. Infection of grain crops by smut diseases depend on the quality of seed sown. Reducing the prevalence of smut disease is possible at early winter and late spring sowing to prevent the spore germination at low temperature. Keywords: seeds, disease, infection, agents of fungal diseases, spores.