Abstract Strawberries are susceptible to several diseases, including soft rot, which is often caused by Rhizopus species . Accurate identification of the causal agents and the identification of effective treatments to mitigate this problem are important for the sustainability of strawberry production during postharvest. This study aimed to identify two isolates of Rhizopus responsible for soft rot in strawberries, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of commercial fungicides and biological products in the preventive control of the disease. Two separate experiments were conducted per isolate: one using wounded fruit inoculated with a spore suspension in water, and another using nonwounded fruit inoculated with a suspension containing strawberry juice, simulating contamination during commercialization when juice from damaged fruit contacts the surface of others. The two isolates were identified as Rhizopus stolonifer and R. koreanus . Biological products, in general, did not significantly reduce disease incidence, but Serenade reduced the risk of R. stolonifer causing disease when inoculation was performed without wound with juice. The fungicide fludioxonil provided 100% control for both species and inoculation methods. The fungicides iprodione, boscalid, fluazinam, and cyprodinil showed moderate efficacy in controlling the disease. For integrated management of soft rot, these fungicides can be recommended as strategies to manage the disease in strawberries.

Flower rot of passion fruit, caused by Rhizopus stolonifer, is an emerging disease that threatens commercial cultivation by reducing yield and fruit quality. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of R. stolonifer isolate PRFJ02, generated using PacBio HiFi sequencing combined with Hi-C chromatin conformation capture. The assembled genome spans 48.2 Mb across 11 chromosomes, with 98.9% completeness, and encodes 11,737 protein-coding genes. Functional annotation revealed a diverse repertoire of genes involved in metabolism, signal transduction, and protein processing, reflecting the organism's broad biological capacity. Comparative genomic analyses across related Rhizopus species identified a conserved core gene set alongside lineage-specific gene clusters, and showed that PRFJ02 exhibits substantial gene family contraction relative to other genomes, with comparatively limited gene family expansion. Comparative effector analysis revealed a limited core effector gene set and a predominance of genome-specific effectors. Only a small number of effectors were shared exclusively among plant-infecting strains, suggesting that differences in effector repertoires alone do not explain differences among plant-infecting isolates. Analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) showed that glycoside hydrolases were the dominant class in secreted enzyme repertoire in PRFJ02 and other Rhizopus genomes. In PRFJ02, several CAZyme families, including glycoside hydrolase family GH28 and polysaccharide lyase families PL1 and PL41, were enriched, highlighting enzymes associated with pectin degradation. Together, these results provide a high-quality genome resource for R. stolonifer and new insights into its genomic features and secreted enzyme repertoire. They also provide a basis for future studies on the biology and management of flower rot in passion fruit.

Background: Mucormycosis, a lethal opportunistic fungal infection, primarily affects immunocompromised patients, with diabetes mellitus (DM) as the leading risk factor due to immune impairment and metabolic disruption. The oral cavity serves as the main entry point in rhino-orbital-cerebral (ROC) cases, demanding integrated internal medicine and dental care. Methods: This PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane (January 2020–October 2025). Two independent reviewers screened 1,247 records, assessing 62 full-texts. We included 15 studies: systematic reviews, case reports, case series, and observational studies involving diabetic patients with mucormycosis. Quality assessment via A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: From 15 included studies (5 systematic reviews; 10 primary studies), ROC involvement predominated in 70-86% of diabetic mucormycosis cases. The oral cavity served as entry point in 50–60% of ROC presentations. Rhizopus species dominated (68%); uncontrolled DM (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] >9%) conferred substantially elevated risk. Diagnostic advances included polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) achieving 97.5% sensitivity (95% CI 83.7-99.7%), tissue 86.4% (95% CI 78.9-91.5%), and blood 81.6% (95% CI 70.1-89.4%).Computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed predominant ethmoid (86%) and maxillary (79%) sinus involvement. Multimodal therapy (liposomal amphotericin B [L-AmB] 5–10 mg/kg plus surgical debridement) achieved 57-75% survival. Interdisciplinary consultation within 24 hours and glycemic control <180 mg/dL improved outcomes. Conclusions: Integrated internal medicine–oral surgery collaboration optimizes outcomes. Dentists should maintain high suspicion for palatal lesions in diabetic patients; internists should incorporate oral cavity examination in routine diabetes care.

Background: the aim of the present study was to look for the type of fungi causing paranasal sinus/pulmonary infections in post-COVID patients, to study correlation between fungal KOH examination and fungal culture and to look for the type of fungal co-infections in these patients. Material and Methods: this retrospective study was done on patients with post-COVID fungal infections between May 2021 to September 2021. The clinic-radiological diagnosis of fungal infection in these patients was confirmed by fungal smear KOH examination and/or fungal culture of pertinent samples. The demographic and clinical details of these patients were collected from hospital medical records. Results: a total of 46 patients of post-COVID fungal infections were reported during study period. These were the cases of rhinosinusitis, rhino-sino-orbital and rhino-cerebral fungal infections and fungal pneumonia. Out of 46 samples 28 were suggestive of Zygomycetes infection and 18 were suggestive of mixed fungal infection on direct microscopic examination. On fungal culture, recovery of fungi could be done in 40 cases. The number of fungi isolated from 40 samples were 50. Different species of Rhizopus, Aspergillus and Fusarium were isolated. Conclusions: our study depicts the occurrence of mixed fungal infections in post-COVID patients in India. These infections were caused by combination of both Rhizopus and Aspergillus as well as mixture of two different types of Aspergillus species. Our study underscores the meticulous utilization of basic microbiological techniques i.e., fungal KOH mount and fungal culture for the optimal isolation and identification of mixed fungal infections.

Tempeh, a traditional Indonesian fermented soybean product, is widely recognized for its functional properties and for containing bioactive compounds produced by microbial fermentation. This study integrates recent advances in multi-omics technologies to elucidate the microbial community dynamics, enzymatic pathways, and metabolite transformation underlying Tempeh's health-promoting characteristics. A bibliometric analysis of studies published between January 2000 and August 2025, indexed in Scopus, PubMed,Web of Science, and ScienceDirect identified 36 relevant articles that met predefined inclusion criteria. Metagenomic and transcriptomic evidence highlights the important roles of Rhizopus species and associated Lactic acid bacteria in fermentation, supported by the presence of genes encoding key enzymes such as phytases, amylases, and proteases. Proteomic and peptidomic analyses have further identified bioactive short peptides exhibiting antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. Metabolomic profiling revealed elevated levels of amino acids, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and isoflavone aglycones, compounds linked to various health benefits. Collectively, these multi-omics insights provide a mechanistic understanding of Tempeh's functional potential and highlight opportunities for innovation in fermentation optimization and clinical translation. Future integration of standardized fermentation protocols with targeted human studies will be essential to advance Tempeh from a traditional food to a globally recognized functional food product.

The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective enzyme production has driven research toward microbial fermentation using agro-residues as substrates. This study investigated dumpsite soils as reservoirs of α-amylase–producing fungi and evaluated corn cob and orange mesocarp as potential agro-residues for enzyme production. Fungi were isolated from soil samples (SA, SB, SC), enumerated, and identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Proximate analysis of corn cob and orange mesocarp was carried out to determine their nutritional composition, while fermentation parameters including time, inoculum size, pH, carbon ratio, and nitrogen concentration were optimized to enhance α-amylase yield. The results showed that fungal counts ranged from 3.3 × 10⁴ to 4.2 × 10⁴ CFU/g across the soils, with sample SB recording the highest load. The isolates included Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Fusarium, and Penicillium species, with isolate SB2 exhibiting the highest α-amylase activity (26 mm clearance zone), while SB3 produced the least (5 mm). Proximate composition revealed that corn cob contained higher carbohydrate content (75.87%) compared to orange mesocarp (68.79%), whereas orange mesocarp exhibited higher ash, lipid, and protein contents. Fermentation studies showed that α-amylase yield increased with time, peaking at 48 h (51.2 U/ml) before declining. Optimum production parameters were obtained at pH 7.0 (47.6 U/ml) and a 3.0 mL inoculum size (53.3 U/ml), while supplementation with a 2:2% corn cob:orange mesocarp mixture supported maximum enzyme production (61.3 U/ml). Further optimization with 0.50% nitrogen supplementation resulted in the highest α-amylase yield of 68.3 U/ml. It is concluded that dumpsite soils harbor metabolically diverse fungi, and that low-cost agro-residues such as corn cob and orange mesocarp can be effectively utilized for α-amylase production under optimized fermentation conditions.

Mucormycosis is a medical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. The treatment of mucormycosis remains challenging due to the limited effective antifungal options. This study aimed to assess the real-world efficacy and safety of long-term, low-dose amphotericin B colloidal dispersion (ABCD) in the treatment of mucormycosis. This retrospective study at Huashan Hospital included mucormycosis patients treated with ABCD between August 1, 2021, and April 30, 2024. Efficacy and safety were assessed, and prognostic factors for 90-day mortality were identified using a Cox proportional hazards model. Thirty-eight patients were included. Pulmonary mucormycosis was the most common (60.5%) presentation followed by disseminated (23.7%), rhino-orbital (15.8%), and others. The predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus (55.3%), haematological malignancy (23.7%), COVID-19 infection (15.8%), and others. Rhizopus species (11/21, 52.4%) were the most common. ABCD was administered as primary therapy in 27 (71.1%) patients at a median dose of 2.3 mg/kg/day (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0–3.0) for 38 days (IQR 14–71). Seventeen patients (44.7%) received ABCD as salvage therapy, with a median dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day (IQR 1.9–3.1) over 31 days (IQR 22–68). Clinical response rates were 63.0% and 82.4% at the end of ABCD initial and salvage therapy, respectively. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 81.6% of patients, primarily hypokalemia (39.5%, 15/38). The 90-day mortality reached 15.8%. Glucocorticoid use was independently associated with reduced 90-day survival rate (hazard ratios 9.44, 95% confidence interval 1.85–48.32; p = 0.007). Long-term and low-dose use of ABCD had favorable safety and efficacy for both initial and salvage treatment of mucormycosis. Baseline glucocorticoid use was associated with higher 90-day mortality.

Aim: To isolate and identify marine microorganisms, assess their antibiotic sensitivity patterns against commonly used antibiotics, and evaluate their potential antibacterial activity against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Study Design: This study investigated the diversity, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and antibacterial potential of marine microorganisms isolated from Coco Beach, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Water samples were randomly collected from three different sites along the beach at depths of 0.5–1.0 meters using pre-sterilized bottles. Samples were transported in a cool box to the Pharmaceutical Microbiology Laboratory at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences for analysis. Duration of Study: The study was conducted between February 2025 and June 2025. Methodology: Conventional microbiological methods were used for the isolation and identification of microorganisms. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method on the Mueller Hinton agar. Discrete marine microbial colonies were sonicated, and the resulting suspensions were screened for antibacterial activity against pathogenic S. aureus and E. coli. Results: A total of 63 water samples yielded 73 marine microorganisms, categorized into Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus flavus, and Rhizopus species. V. cholerae was the predominant organism, accounting for 56 of the 73 isolates. Antibiotic resistance levels ranged from 30% to 100%. All fungal isolates were resistant to fluconazole, while Rhizopus species also showed resistance to amphotericin B. Notably, seven microbial suspensions (9.6%) demonstrated antibacterial activity against pathogenic S. aureus and E. coli, with most activity observed among V. cholerae isolates. Conclusion: The marine microorganisms from Coco Beach exhibit high levels of antibiotic resistance but also possess notable antibacterial potential. Further research is recommended to identify bioactive compounds and improve waste and pharmaceutical disposal practices to curb AMR spread and protect marine ecosystems.

Fungal biotransformation of okara into functional food: Comparative species-dependent metabolomic and antioxidant profiles.

Background: Mucormycosis, an invasive fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality rates, requires prompt surgical and antifungal therapies; however, the role of antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) in clinical management of mucormycosis remains underexplored. We aimed to describe the experience of using AFST in the clinical management of mucormycosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from 1 October 2017 to 8 February 2023. We included non-pregnant patients aged ≥ 18 years old with a positive culture for Mucorales and with proven or probable mucormycosis. We collected clinical and microbiological data using a chart review. Results: Over the study period, a total of 119 patients were included, with 36 (30%) undergoing AFST. Of all patients, the median age was 54 years, with 80 (67%) being White and not Hispanic and 73 (61%) being male. Fifty-three (45%) patients had DM, 27 (23%) had hematological malignancy, 15 (13%) had SOT, and 23 (19%) had COVID-19. Half of the cases met the criteria of proven invasive mucormycosis, with pulmonary involvement being the most common presentation (46, 39%), followed by rhino-cerebral-orbital involvement (35, 29%). The majority of Mucorales isolates were Rhizopus species (79, 66%). Among the 36 who underwent AFST, posaconazole minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were lower than isavuconazole (range 0.03 to 2 µg/mL versus 0.1 to 16 µg/mL, respectively). AFST resulted in a change in antifungal therapy from isavuconazole to posaconazole in 3/36 (8%) cases. There was no statistically significant difference in the mortality between the patients whose isolates received AFST versus those who did not have AFST performed. Conclusions: AFST led to a change in antifungal therapy in a minority of mucormycosis cases. Further studies to understand the epidemiological range of antifungal MICs and the effect of AFST-informed antifungal therapy are needed.

Lineage-specific endosymbiosis in Mucorales: restriction of Mycetohabitans to the genus Rhizopus.

In pathology (surgical pathology/cytopathology) specimens, Aspergillus species can be challenging to differentiate from other fungi that produce hyaline septate hyphae by morphology alone. It has been suggested that fruiting bodies-if present-indicate Aspergillus. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of fruiting bodies in pathology specimens is specific for Aspergillus. Specimens containing fungal hyphae with fruiting bodies were identified and fungal culture and PCR results were reviewed to determine the identity of the fungi. To determine whether fruiting bodies can be formed in tissue by other fungi, non-Aspergillus fungi were included for analysis if cultures or PCR confirmed a non-Aspergillus fungus. Fruiting bodies were present in specimens from 13 patients (12 surgical pathology, 1 cytology). In 11/13, the identity of the fungus was confirmed (10 Aspergillus fumigatus, 1 Rhizopus species). In 6/13, A. fumigatus was confirmed by microbiologic cultures. In 4/13, A. fumigatus was confirmed by PCR on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. In 2/13 specimens, cultures/PCR were not performed. The one Rhizopus sp. was confirmed by culture. In most (10/13) specimens, fruiting bodies of Aspergillus consisted of yellow vesicles containing a row of radiating phialides, occasional stalks/conidiophores and detached yellow conidia (spores) in the background. In contrast, fruiting bodies of the Rhizopus sp. were sporangia (large spore-containing sacs) lacking phialides. To evaluate fruiting bodies in non-Aspergillus fungi, 18 specimens were identified with hyphal structures in tissue with available microbiologic culture or PCR results. No fruiting bodies were identified in the 18 non-Aspergillus fungal infections (11 Fusarium, 6 Mucorales order genera, 1 Acrophialophora). In pathology specimens, fruiting bodies with the morphologic features described in this study (conidiophores with yellow-brown vesicles, attached phialides, detached yellow conidia) are specific for Aspergillus and can be differentiated from Rhizopus, whose fruiting bodies feature sporangia (large spore-containing sacs lacking phialides).

This study investigated the influence of particle size and Rhizopus species on the fermentability, structure, and functionality of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) during controlled solid-state fermentation. Split seeds, coarse particles, and 1000–2000 µm fractions were fermented with either R. oryzae or R. oligosporus. Analyses included compositional profiling, SDS-PAGE, FTIR, DPPH antioxidant activity, phytic acid quantification, and rheological yield stress measurements. Particle size strongly affected mycelial growth and matrix structure: coarse particles supported more uniform mycelial networks, particularly with R. oryzae. After 48 h of fermentation, total protein and phytic acid contents remained largely unchanged; however, SDS-PAGE and FTIR results indicated proteolysis and alterations in secondary structure, accompanied by higher antioxidant activity. Rheological data showed significant species–particle size interactions influencing yield stress, with R. oligosporus-fermented samples exhibiting higher yield stress than those fermented with R. oryzae. Overall, these findings demonstrate that optimising particle size and fungal strain combinations can enhance the structural and functional characteristics of fermented faba bean.

This study evaluated the preservative potential of essential oils (EOs) in bakery products by identifying fungal contaminants in bread, testing the in vitro antifungal activity of a mixture of cinnamon, clove, and bay leaf EOs, and assessing their effectiveness in extending shelf life. Fungal identification revealed the presence of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus species. A central composite design was used to determine the optimal EO proportions for inhibiting fungal growth. The best combination totaled 11.77 µL, consisting of 34.2% cinnamon, 42.5% clove, and 23.3% bay leaf. The minimum inhibitory and lethal concentrations of the optimized mixture were both 20 µL/mL of fungal inoculum. The application of this mixture extended the shelf life by up to 7 days when added to the dough and up to 22 days when applied to the bread surface. These results suggest that this EO combination is an effective natural antifungal agent with the potential to reduce the use of synthetic preservatives in bakery products.

Rhizopus species are opportunistic fungal pathogens from the Mucorales order, commonly found in soil, decaying organic matter, and indoor environments. While generally harmless, they can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals, leading to mucormycosis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mucormycosis cases surged, particularly in India, due to immune suppression caused by diabetes (present in66.1 % of cases) and widespread corticosteroid use (80.3 % of cases). Standard treatments include antifungal agents like Amphotericin B, Posaconazole, and Isavuconazole, along with surgical debridement. Mucorales exhibit resistance to many antifungals due to their unique cell wall composition, making azoles like itraconazole and voriconazole ineffective, while echinocandins show minimal activity. Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. ), rich in bioactive compounds, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a promising candidate against Rhizopus infections. This study employs molecular docking using iGEM Dock to evaluate the binding affinity of Seabuckthorn bioactive compounds against ergosterol biosynthesis in Rhizopus azygosporus, a major causative agent of mucormycosis. ADMET analysis is performed to assess the pharmacokinetic profiles of the compounds, ensuring their suitability for therapeutic applications. The present study identifies futuristic novel drug targets and efficient antifungal agents to effectively address mucormycosis.

Abstract Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis is a deadly opportunistic infection that arises from moulds in the Mucorales order, typically the Rhizopus species. The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a recent surge in the number of cases of mucormycosis, which carries a mortality rate of up to 50% even after treatment. The development of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and immunosuppression, often caused by corticosteroid use, contributes to the emergence of this fatal opportunistic infection. Aggressive management of these comorbidities is essential, along with cautious administration of steroids in treating COVID-19 patients, to prevent the onset of this lethal opportunistic infection.

Mucormycosis is a rare, destructive, and life-threatening angio-invasive fungal infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales. This study highlights the urgent need for more extensive research in this regard. We aimed to assess the epidemiology of mucormycosis at eight tertiary-care centers in Iran over ten years (2010-2020). In the current retrospective study, eligible patients were included based on positive histopathology and direct microscopy by potassium hydroxide (KOH). Data collection started on July 26, 2021, and included data from February 15, 2010, to May 16, 2020. Diabetes mellitus was the chief underlying condition related to mucormycosis. Rhino-cerebral, rhino-sino, and rhino-sino-orbital infections were observed in 53.2%, 23.8%, and 23% of these patients. Among the 108 cases with a culture, Rhizopus species were the most prevalent, followed by Mucor species. Over half of the patients received surgery/antifungal treatment, with an overall antifungal prescribing rate of 66.7% of patients within the study period. However, surgery was associated with better clinical outcomes than surgery/antifungal treatment. The antifungals prescribed were mainly amphotericin B, posaconazole, and amphotericin-posaconazole. Most patients with mucormycosis infection were admitted in the summer. Overall mortality in the identified cases was 30.6%, with the highest mortality rate in patients diagnosed with pulmonary infection. The current study is the largest single-country retrospective study on the topic, with 601 mucormycosis cases. It may uncover gaps in knowledge, develop recommendations for future studies, and clarify the clinical and epidemiological aspects of mucormycosis. However, future studies and clarification of mucormycosis's clinical and epidemiological aspects are highly recommended.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract-mediated fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles, characterization and its antimicrobial activity

A 58-year-old male with end-stage interstitial lung disease, status post bilateral lung transplant 2 years previously, currently on tacrolimus and dexamethasone, and with end-stage renal disease on intermittent hemodialysis since transplantation, presented with painful swelling in his right arm. On examination, there was tender swelling of the right arm. A T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the right upper extremity showed multiloculated cystic-appearing subcutaneous lesions with thick peripheral enhancement in the posterior-lateral right upper arm (Figure 1a).

This study presents the first confirmed report of Alternaria alternata and Rhizopus arrhizus as causative agents of seedling wilt and death in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in Kazakhstan. During phytopathological examination of seeds from four sunflower hybrids, characteristic fungal colonies were identified through morphological and molecular methods, including ITS sequencing and PCR amplification of Alt a1 and calmodulin genes. Symptoms of brown spots, desiccation, and gray mold were observed, with re-inoculation tests confirming pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a 91-98% similarity with known Alternaria and Rhizopus species. This research emphasizes the importance of monitoring imported seed material and implementing integrated disease management strategies. The findings contribute to understanding phytopathogen diversity in the region and inform recommendations for disease prevention in sunflower cultivation.