Search Results (3,634)

At the archeological site of Pompeii, the deterioration of exposed structures is frequently associated with the combined action of microbial colonization and soluble salts, both recognized as major agents of decay affecting ancient surfaces. Although biocides are commonly applied during cleaning procedures to reduce microbial biomass, their incorporation into restoration-oriented formulations for the protection of porous stone substrates requires careful assessment of efficacy, microbiological risks, and sustainability. This study evaluated the performance of 2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile (chlorothalonil) and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) as candidate active ingredients for conservation applications in activated new mortars. Yellow tuff, gray tuff, and brick samples collected from different sectors of Pompeii were investigated through culture-based analyses, ATP quantification, and metabolic profiling. Biocidal treatments were subsequently tested under laboratory conditions. The investigated substrates exhibited variable microbial counts and metabolic activity, generally reflecting different degrees of deterioration. Chlorothalonil showed negligible inhibitory effects, whereas IPBC reduced fungal growth in a dose-dependent manner. However, the highest IPBC concentration induced a red chromatic alteration associated with the selection of a bacterial strain preliminarily identified as Micrococcus roseus. Phenotype microarray analyses revealed broad chemical tolerance. Overall, biocidal treatments may alter microbial communities, favor tolerant microorganisms, and produce undesirable aesthetic effects. Finally, the study also assessed the environmental impact associated with laboratory and field activities, highlighting potential mitigation strategies to support more sustainable conservation research practices. Full article

Trichosporon is a type of non-candida yeast-like fungus. At one time, it was commonly reported in immunocompromised patients, but after the introduction of fluconazole as prophylaxis and for the treatment of fungal infections, there was a decrease in the incidence of the disease. With the introduction of echinocandins as the first line of treatment for fungal infections, and the intrinsic resistance of Trichosporon to the drug, there has been a small but increased reported incidence of the disease. Trichosporon usually causes skin infections, but invasive disease can occur in vulnerable patients. Endocarditis due to Trichosporon has been reported rarely, and usually occurs in prosthetic valves. In this paper, we report a patient with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease who presented with fever and was found to have native aortic valve endocarditis. In view of the large vegetation, he underwent early aortic valve replacement. Both the blood and tissue cultures grew Trichosporon spp. Post-operatively, he developed fungal septic shock, deteriorated, and died. Invasive Trichosporon disease has been associated with high rates of mortality ranging from 30 to 90%. There is limited literature on endocarditis resulting from Trichosporon. Specific treatment recommendations are unavailable, and a combination of surgery and prolonged antifungal medication will generally be required. Full article

The present study was conducted to study the effect of exposure time to ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation on seed germination, fungal suppression and seedling growth of three Egyptian rice cultivars, namely, Sakha 105, Sakha 108, and Giza 183. Experiments were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Rice seeds were exposed to UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 253.7 nm and intensity of 1960 µW cm² for 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min. Initial seed health testing showed the presence of several seed-borne fungi, mainly Alternaria alternata, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium verticillioides, in addition to Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Results revealed that UV-C exposure time, rice cultivar and their interactions significantly (p < 0.05) affected germination percentage, reduction percentage of seed fungal infection, and seedling growth parameters. The optimum exposure time was 30 min, which was found to maximize germination and improve shoot and root growth to achieve high levels of fungal suppression. Giza 183 exhibited the highest average germination percentage (92.40%), while Sakha 105 obtained the highest shoot height (17.00 cm) and root length (12.91 cm). The results indicate that UV-C irradiation is an effective, residue-free and environmentally sustainable seed treatment technology for improving rice seed quality as well as early seedling performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Otomycosis is a recurrent fungal infection of the external auditory canal. This disease is difficult to manage with current antifungal agents due to irritation, ototoxicity risk, and emerging resistance. Natural essential oils have been proposed as alternatives, yet their clinical application in otic formulations remains limited due to their poor solubility and stability. In this study, we report the first ear-drop formulation combining microemulsified Ocimum gratissimum essential oil and acetic acid for otomycosis treatment. Methods: The essential oil was quality-validated with eugenol content superior to 60%. A systematic formulation study was performed, and the Tween 20/isopropanol (4:1, w/w) mixture was selected as the optimal surfactant system, yielding a stable microemulsion with high encapsulation efficiency (~98%) and relevant physicochemical stability (up to 28 days). The final formulation containing 1% acetic acid and 0.3% micro-emulsified essential oil met pharmacopeial requirements in terms of appearance, pH, viscosity, and microbial limits. Results: Importantly, this micro-emulsified eardrop demonstrated significantly greater in vitro antifungal activity than 3% boric acid and 2% acetic acid eardrops in twelve clinical fungal isolates from Vietnamese swimmers, especially on Curvularia, Cunninghamella, Aspergillus terreus, and Bipolaris. Although less pronounced than 1% clotrimazole, the finalized formulation demonstrates better antifungal kinetics and a broader activity spectrum. Conclusions: This work provides relevant experimental evidence on the use of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil in a microemulsion delivery system and demonstrates its efficacy against clinically relevant otomycosis pathogens. The results establish a foundation for future in vivo and clinical studies. Full article

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a promising non-antibiotic strategy for addressing bacterial and fungal infections, particularly in the context of increasing antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated disease. PDT is based on the light-induced activation of photosensitizers, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including singlet oxygen (¹O₂), which induce oxidative damage to multiple microbial targets. Unlike conventional antimicrobial drugs that often act through specific molecular pathways, antimicrobial PDT produces simultaneous damage to membranes, proteins, nucleic acids, and extracellular biofilm components, thereby reducing the probability of resistance development. This review critically analyzes the cellular, biochemical, and biophysical determinants that govern PDT selectivity toward bacterial and fungal cells in comparison with mammalian host tissues. Particular attention is given to photosensitizer localization, membrane interactions, photobleaching, oxygen dependence, light penetration, and the balance between Type I and Type II photochemical mechanisms. The review provides a comparative overview of major molecular photosensitizer classes, including phenothiazines, porphyrins, chlorins, phthalocyanines, xanthene dyes, natural polyphenols, endogenous compounds, and advanced targeted photosensitizers. In addition, this review distinguishes molecular photosensitizers from nanotechnology-based platforms and delivery systems. Nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, hydrogels, and light-activated coatings are discussed not only as photosensitizer delivery tools, but also as systems that modulate aggregation, improve localization, enhance biofilm penetration, and enable surface-confined ROS generation. ROS are capable of causing phototoxic effects wherever they are located. Unless selectively accumulated by target organisms, there can be systemic phototoxicity. Overall, PDT should be regarded as a modular antimicrobial platform in which photosensitizer chemistry, formulation, light delivery, oxygen availability, and infection biology must be co-optimized. Although further studies are required to address clinical translation, regulatory complexity, material safety, and standardized treatment protocols, PDT offers a scientifically robust and clinically relevant approach that may complement conventional antibacterial and antifungal therapies, especially in localized, biofilm-associated, and device-related infections. Full article

Background: Mucormycosis is a life-threatening angioinvasive fungal infection that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, especially those with diabetes mellitus or hematologic malignancies. Despite its clinical importance, a comprehensive synthesis of mucormycosis cases from Türkiye is lacking. This study aimed to review and synthesize the published case reports on mucormycosis in Türkiye systematically. Materials and Methods: Mucormycosis case reports from Türkiye published between 1 January 1966 and 30 November 2024 were reviewed and analyzed, with an emphasis on demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Results: A total of 199 cases from 155 publications were included. Mean age was 47.7 years, and 51.8% of patients were male. Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent underlying condition (65.8%), followed by hematologic malignancies (16.6%). Rhino-cerebral involvement was the predominant clinical form (86.4%). Histopathological confirmation was reported in 91.0% of cases, whereas microbiological confirmation was available in 47.7%. Overall mortality was 43.7%. Surgical debridement was performed in 69.3% of cases, and crude mortality was lower among patients who underwent surgery than among those who did not. Liposomal amphotericin B was the most frequently reported antifungal agent. Conclusions: This study provides a national descriptive synthesis of published mucormycosis cases from Türkiye over nearly six decades. The findings highlight the predominance of diabetes-associated rhino-cerebral disease, frequent reliance on histopathology, and the importance of combined medical–surgical management in routine practice. Because the dataset is based on heterogeneous published case reports and case series spanning a long time period, treatment-outcome findings should be interpreted descriptively. Full article

Introduction: The vulnerable status of endemic Iberian fish like A. iberus and V. hispanica, together with limited knowledge of their reproductive biology, makes understanding temperature effects on hatching essential for defining their thermal limits and guiding conservation in a warming climate. Objectives: The main goals of this study were (i) to describe the embryonic development from fertilization to hatching in both species, and (ii) to evaluate the effect of temperature (20, 25, and 30 °C) on the embryonic development of both species, analyzing their future viability in the face of future climate scenarios. Methodology: Eggs at the earliest embryonic stage were evenly distributed among Petri dishes under controlled laboratory conditions. All dishes contained pH-controlled water with methylene blue to reduce fungal development. The hatching success of A. iberus and V. hispanica eggs was assessed across three temperature treatments (T20, T25, T30). Results: At 20 °C and 25 °C, A. iberus embryos achieved 100% hatching, with no failed eclosions. At 30 °C, however, hatching success declined to 33%, largely due to embryo mortality associated with fungal growth favored by higher temperatures. V. hispanica showed an even stronger temperature-dependent response: hatching was 100% at 20 °C, decreasing to 50% at 25 °C, and only 14% at 30 °C. These results indicate that V. hispanica embryos exhibit lower thermal tolerance compared to A. iberus. Conclusion: The data obtained in this study have helped to improve the limited knowledge available on the reproductive biology of these species, complementing existing information on their reproductive cycle. The experiments conducted at different temperatures have also provided valuable insights into how future climate change scenarios may affect their early stages, particularly during sensitive developmental periods. This information is essential for predicting potential impacts of climate change and can be used to guide the development of new conservation and management measures aimed at reducing threats and improving the long-term conservation prospects of these species, especially in vulnerable or changing habitats. Full article

Monieziosis presents a considerable challenge to livestock farming, mainly due to the parasite’s resistance to common anthelmintics, prompting the need for alternative control strategies. This study examined the in vitro effect of two enzymatic sources (plant and fungal) on the structural integrity of Moniezia expansa eggs, aiming to find new environmental management solutions. The plant enzyme papain was tested at various concentrations and time points, while the fungal enzyme was produced through solid-state fermentation using Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001), resulting in an active crude enzymatic extract (ACEE). Papain at 10% w/v showed nonlinear degradation (R² = 0.998), achieving 95% egg reduction after 48 h. The fungal extract ACEE (71.2 U mL⁻¹) caused a 60% reduction after 72 h. Morphological studies indicated significant eggshell damage following both treatments. A compatibility assay showed an antagonistic interaction, with enzyme activity decreasing by 83.83% within 48 h, likely due to cross-proteolysis. Although each agent is effective individually, combining them is not feasible. This is the first study documenting the activity of ACEE and papain against M. expansa eggs, and it recommends using them separately or sequentially for effective parasite control. Full article

The dimorphic fungus Talaromyces marneffei causes talaromycosis, a life-threatening fungal disease with limited treatment options. Olorofim, a first-in-class orotomide antifungal that targets pyrimidine synthesis essential for fungal growth, has low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against T. marneffei and clinical efficacy against other invasive fungal diseases. Here, we tested the hypothesis that olorofim synergistically enhances amphotericin B (AmB), a potent membrane-targeting antifungal, against T. marneffei in 55 clinical isolates using a validated colorimetric checkerboard assay. The MIC was defined as the lowest drug concentration inhibiting ≥ 95% of fungal growth. Drug interactions were assessed using the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), which defines ≤0.5 as synergy, 0.5 < FICI ≤ 4.0 as indifference, and FICI > 4 as antagonism. We found that interactions between AmB and olorofim were indifferent across all 55 isolates (0.5 < FICI ≤ 1.03). Time-kill assays showed an expected concentration-dependent fungicidal activity for AmB, but a concentration-independent fungistatic activity for olorofim against T. marneffei. Combinations of AmB and olorofim were also indifferent in time-kill experiments. Although synergy was not observed, and olorofim is unlikely to enhance AmB induction therapy, olorofim may have a role in the consolidation and maintenance therapy of talaromycosis. Full article

The main causes of lemon fruit senescence and deterioration are fungal diseases and postharvest quality loss. Edible coatings have been proposed to delay quality loss in fresh produce by reducing moisture loss and helping preserve external appearance. Natural functional coatings are increasingly being investigated as potential alternatives to synthetic waxes and preservatives due to environmental and consumer safety concerns. The effect of a natural edible coating based on Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage on extending the shelf-life of lemons during cold storage was investigated. Lemon fruits were treated with the mucilage-based edible coating and subsequently stored under controlled cold conditions. Coated and uncoated lemon fruits were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, including weight loss, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, color, and microbiological analysis, as well as total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, over a 60-day storage period at 5 ± 0.5 °C and 95% relative humidity. The results showed that the mucilage-based coating improved lemon fruit storage performance, effectively preserving key physicochemical and microbiological parameters over 60 days of cold storage (p ≤ 0.05). In particular, the treatment maintained fruit firmness, reduced weight loss (up to 45%), increased juice content (up to 1.8-fold), and delayed microbial decay compared to control samples. Coated fruits also exhibited higher total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity than control samples at the end of storage. In addition, using mucilage extracted from cactus pear cladode waste provides a sustainable way to add value to the product, with promising industrial applications as an alternative to synthetic fruit coatings. Full article

Long-term intensive farming has degraded the structural stability of black soil in Northeast China. This study evaluated the effects of fermentation-derived materials and fungal-derived chitin on water-stable aggregates and microbial functional potential in this soil. Four treatments were established: sterile water control (CK), uninoculated fermentation broth substrate (W), live Trichoderma asperellum fermentation broth (P), and cell-free fermentation filtrate (F). Aggregate stability was monitored during a 60-day incubation, and metagenomic sequencing was performed on the most responsive 0.5–0.25 mm dry-sieved fraction. An exogenous chitin addition experiment was also conducted to evaluate the potential contribution of fungal cell-wall-derived chitin to aggregate stabilisation. The W, P, and F treatments increased the proportion of water-stable aggregates >0.25 mm, mean weight diameter, and geometric mean diameter, while decreasing fractal dimension. Among the treatments, the uninoculated fermentation broth substrate showed the strongest effect, particularly in the 0.5–0.25 mm dry-sieved fraction. Metagenomic analysis showed that the uninoculated fermentation broth substrate altered microbial community composition, changed the relative abundances of taxa such as Sphingomonas sediminicola, Priestia megaterium, and Trichoderma asperellum, and increased the relative abundance of carbohydrate-active enzyme-related genes, including those encoding glycosyltransferases, carbohydrate esterases, and glycoside hydrolases. Chitin addition also improved aggregate stability and altered microbial community structure. These findings suggest that the uninoculated fermentation broth substrate and fungal-derived chitin improved black soil aggregate stability, potentially through shifts in microbial community composition and carbohydrate-related functional potential. This study provides a scientific basis for using fermentation-derived materials to improve the structure of degraded black soil. Full article

Tung cake, a by-product of Vernicia fordii oil extraction, is an underutilized biomass residue rich in natural bioactive constituents and therefore shows potential for the development of sustainable protective formulations. In this study, tung cake-derived systems, including the aqueous extract, fermentation broth, and extract–ethanol mixtures with different ethanol volume fractions, were prepared and systematically evaluated as a unified protective system on two representative biological surfaces, namely rubberwood and fresh fruit. For rubberwood, the formulations were assessed in terms of uptake behavior, antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus niger, resistance to moisture swelling, and physicochemical characteristics using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). For fruit surfaces, preservation performance was evaluated through weight loss, decay rate, and color retention during storage. The results showed that formulation performance depended strongly on the preparation route and extract–ethanol mixture. In rubberwood, the 60–90% mixtures and the extract displayed showed better performance antifungal activity, with the 60%, 80%, and 90% mixtures reaching a control efficacy of 75.00% and the extract achieving 68.75%. The treatments also improved the dimensional stability of wood, and the water-saturated volumetric swelling rate decreased from 8.98% in the control to 5.63% in the extract-treated group. FTIR and XRD analyses indicated that the basic lignocellulosic chemical framework and cellulose-related diffraction features of rubberwood were largely retained after treatment, while treatment-dependent qualitative spectral and apparent diffraction differences were observed. SEM provided more direct evidence of surface-associated covering and reduced fungal attachment. A comparable protective tendency was also observed on fruit surfaces. In oranges, the 80% extract–ethanol mixture showed the most favorable preservation performance under the tested storage conditions, maintaining a decay rate of 0 throughout 10 days of storage, reducing weight loss to 17.76%, and preserving surface color more effectively than the control. Overall, the 80% ethanol mixture achieved the best balance between antimicrobial activity and barrier-related protection across both rubberwood and fruit surfaces. These findings demonstrate that tung cake waste can be converted into a bio-based protective system with potential mold-inhibiting and preservation functions across different biological substrates. Full article

The global rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) fungal pathogens has positioned Candida auris and Candida glabrata as major threats to public health. In recent years, these pathogens have increasingly been reported beyond traditional hospital settings, including neonatal intensive care units, long-term care facilities, oncology wards, and post-pandemic critical care environments. International surveillance bodies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and regional monitoring networks, have documented escalating antifungal resistance, complex outbreak dynamics, and persistent gaps in infection control implementation. C. auris has emerged as a major etiological agent of healthcare-associated outbreaks, particularly in intensive care and neonatal units. Surveillance data indicate that a high proportion of C. auris isolates exhibit resistance to azoles, often exceeding 80% in some regions, while echinocandin resistance remains variable. Resistance patterns have evolved from predominantly azole resistance to broader multidrug-resistant phenotypes, including treatment-emergent echinocandin resistance. Six genetically distinct clades (I–VI) have been identified, with Clades I, III, and IV associated with large-scale outbreaks, whereas available data suggests that Clades II, V, and VI are more geographically restricted, although evidence for the recently described clades remains limited. C. glabrata is increasingly recognized as a major cause of invasive candidiasis, with rising resistance reported across multiple regions. While reduced azole susceptibility was historically predominant, emerging evidence highlights rising dual azole–echinocandin resistance, adaptive microevolution during antifungal therapy, and biofilm-associated tolerance mechanisms. Despite these advances, significant gaps persist in global resistance surveillance and in the mechanistic understanding of virulence and antifungal adaptation. Current mitigation strategies include antifungal stewardship programs, expanded resistance testing, and strengthened surveillance systems. Advances in rapid diagnostic technologies such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays, and genomic surveillance have improved pathogen identification and outbreak detection, although accessibility remains limited in resource-constrained settings. This review examines emerging epidemiological, genomic, and antifungal resistance trends in C. auris and C. glabrata and highlights key priorities for improving diagnosis, surveillance, stewardship, and management of multidrug-resistant Candida infections. Full article

Rhizoctonia solani is a necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that causes disease in various crops. In agriculture, many crops suffer from root or seedling rot caused by this soil-borne pathogen, whereas cabbage and rice develop lesion-like symptoms on aboveground tissues. Diseases caused by R. solani are generally controlled using chemical fungicides; however, environmentally friendly alternatives are needed for sustainable agriculture. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of lecithin, a mixture of phospholipids previously registered in Japan as an agrochemical for controlling cucumber powdery mildew, against Rhizoctonia diseases. In cabbage, foliar spraying of 0.2–1.0% soybean lecithin effectively suppressed leaf symptoms caused by R. solani isolate RhiCa-2, which was identified as AG-1 IB. In rice and Brachypodium distachyon, 0.2–1.0% lecithin significantly suppressed leaf symptoms induced by R. solani AG-1 IA. Hyphal staining of inoculated leaves revealed reduced hyphal density on lecithin-treated leaves. Consistently, hyphal growth of R. solani on cellophane placed on water agar was retarded by lecithin treatment. However, 5.0% lecithin induced phytotoxicity in B. distachyon. Egg yolk-derived lecithin also exhibited disease-suppressive activity in cabbage and B. distachyon, with efficacy comparable to that of soybean lecithin under the conditions tested. These results suggest that lecithin suppresses foliar infection by R. solani, at least in part, through direct inhibitory effects on fungal hyphae, and may serve as a potential alternative material for disease control in sustainable crop production. Full article

Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a major cruciferous crop pest worldwide with resistance to multiple insecticide classes, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are promising biocontrol agents, but their efficacy is limited by slow pathogenicity, environmental sensitivity, and low persistence on insect cuticles. This study evaluated integrated formulation strategies to enhance the virulence of Beauveria namnaoensis PM-02 against P. xylostella under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Putative copper and zinc nanoparticle preparations were generated using fungal biomass extracts, with nanoparticle formation inferred from visual changes in the reaction mixtures. Oil-emulsified fungal formulations and combinations with emamectin benzoate were also evaluated. Larval mortality increased significantly with concentration, indicating a clear dose-dependent response. The combined treatment of oil-emulsified fungus and emamectin benzoate, along with emamectin benzoate alone, resulted in the highest larval mortality (100%), whereas fungus alone caused the lowest mortality (43.3%). Lethal concentration (LC₅₀₎ analysis indicated high toxicity of the combined treatment, while lethal time (LT₅₀) values demonstrated more rapid mortality for emamectin benzoate (0.176 days) and the combined treatment (0.830 days) compared with fungus alone (6.25 days). Under greenhouse conditions, the combined treatment showed the highest efficacy, reducing larval survival to 30% and demonstrating enhanced insecticidal activity. Overall, integrated formulation strategies significantly improved fungal efficacy against P. xylostella. Full article