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At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Trichomycete fungi (Zygomycota) associated with the digestive tract of Simulium goeldii Cerqueira & Nunes de Mello and Simulium ulyssesi (Py-Daniel & Coscarón) (Diptera: Simuliidae) larvae, in Central Amazônia, Brazil.

Trichomycete fungi are associated with digestive tract of black fly larvae. These fungi have not been studied in Brazil, knowing them and their relationship with black flies could be an alternative to control vector populations. The objectives of this study were to survey the Trichomycete fungi associated with larvae of Simulium goeldii and S. ulyssesi, and to determine if there is specificity and/or difference in the infection rates in these species. Black flies were collected in Central Amazônia, Brazil. Three genera of Trichomycetes were found: Harpella, Genistellospora and Smittium. All these fungi were common to both black fly species.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Differential in vitro pathogenicity of predatory fungi of the genus Monacrosporium for phytonematodes, free-living nematodes and parasitic nematodes of cattle.

In vitro tests were carried out on the pathogenicity of nine isolates of the predatory fungi of the genus Monacrosporium (5 M. sinense isolates, 3 M. appendiculatum and 1 M. thaumasium isolate) for a phytonematode (second stage juveniles from Meloidogyne incognita, race 3), a free-living nematode (Panagrellus spp), and two gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes of cattle (infective larvae of Cooperia punctata and Haemonchus placei). A suspension containing 2,000 nematodes from each species was added to Petri dishes containing fungi and grown on 2% water-agar medium at 25 degrees C in the dark for up to 7 days. The dishes were examined every other day for 7 days and predation-free nematodes were counted. The results showed that the free-living nematodes, Panagrellus spp. were the most susceptible (P < 0.05), followed by the phytonematode M. incognita, while the controls were > or = 98.5% viable. However, a variable susceptibility of the nematodes to different fungi was observed. This indicates that the use of predatory fungi for the environmental control of nematodes will be limited by the multiplicity of nematodes in the environment and their differential susceptibility to fungal isolates of the same genus.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Cellobiose dehydrogenase--a flavocytochrome from wood-degrading, phytopathogenic and saprotropic fungi.

Cellobiose dehydrogenase, the only currently known extracellular flavocytochrome, is formed not only by a number of wood-degrading but also by various phytopathogenic fungi. This inducible enzyme participates in early events of lignocellulose degradation, as investigated in several basidiomycete fungi at the transcriptional and translational level. However, its role in the ascomycete fungi is not yet obvious. Comprehensive sequence analysis of CDH-encoding genes and their translational products reveals significant sequence similarities along the entire sequences and also a common domain architecture. All known cellobiose dehydrogenases fall into two related subgroups. Class-I members are represented by sequences from basidiomycetes whereas class-II comprises longer, more complex sequences from ascomycete fungi. Cellobiose dehydrogenase is typically a monomeric protein consisting of two domains joined by a protease-sensitive linker region. Each larger (dehydrogenase) domain is flavin-associated while the smaller (cytochrome) domains are haem-binding. The latter shorter domains are unique sequence motifs for all currently known flavocytochromes. Each cytochrome domain of CDH can bind a single haem b as prosthetic group. The larger dehydrogenase domain belongs to the glucose-methanol-choline (GMC) oxidoreductase superfamily - a widespread flavoprotein evolutionary line. The larger domains can be further divided into a flavin-binding subdomain and a substrate-binding subdomain. In addition, the class-II (but not class-I) proteins can possess a short cellulose-binding module of type 1 at their C-termini. All the cellobiose dehydrogenases oxidise cellobiose, cellodextrins, and lactose to the corresponding lactones using a wide spectrum of different electron acceptors. Their flexible specificity serves as a base for the development of possible biotechnological applications.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Evolutionary relationships among basal fungi (Chytridiomycota and Zygomycota): Insights from molecular phylogenetics.

Evolutionary relationships of the two basal fungal phyla Chytridiomycota and Zygomycota are reviewed in light of recent molecular phylogenetic investigation based on rDNA (nSSU, nLSU rDNA), entire mitochondrial genomes, and nuclear protein coding gene sequences (e.g., EF-1alpha, RPB1). Accumulated molecular evidence strongly suggests that the two basal fungal phyla are not monophyletic. For example, the chytridiomycete order Blastocladiales appears to be closely related to the zygomycete order Entomophthorales. Within the Zygomycota, a monophyletic clade, consisting of the Dimargaritales, Harpellales, and Kickxellales, which is characterized by a shared unique septal ultrastructure, was identified. Moreover, evidence for the exclusion of zygomycete orders Amoebidiales and Eccrinales from the Fungi, and their placement at the Animal-Fungi boundary has been clearly documented. Microsporidia, a group of amitochondriate organisms currently under intensive study, is not supported as derived within the Fungi, but a fungal affinity cannot be ruled out. Taking these molecular phylogenetic studies into account, we proposed a hypothetical evolutionary framework of basal fungi.

Chytridiomycota↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Allergic alveolitis due to wood-rot fungi.

Farmer's lung is rare in Australia whereas allergic alveolitis due to domestic fungal exposure ("domestic allergic alveolitis") is common. However there has been no systematic analysis of the fungi responsible for domestic allergic alveolitis in Australia. The aim of this study was to determine the sources and types of fungi that cause this type of alveolitis in Australia. Twelve subjects with recently diagnosed, biopsy proved, alveolitis thought on clinical grounds to be due to domestic fungal exposure were studied. The houses of all subjects were inspected, and fungal samples were taken. All lived in substandard inner city dwellings. Extensive wood decay was found in 10/12 while 4/12 also had obvious fungal growth on damp walls. Twelve fungal species were identified including Serpula lacrymans (8/12), Paecilomyces variottii (6/12), Aspergillus fumigatus (5/12), and Leucogyrophana pinastri (2/12). No single fungal group predominated. Nine of 12 patients showed positive precipitin results to one or more of the isolated fungi. Inhalation tests were done with extracts of Serpula lacrymans, Geotrichum candidum, and Aspergillus fumigatus in six of the patients and a positive late response to one or more of the fungi was observed in five of these. Relocation of the patients to a new dwelling resulted in improvement in each case.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Biology, fiber-degradation, and enzymology of anaerobic zoosporic fungi.

Anaerobic zoospore-producing fungi that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of herbivores, especially ruminants, have recently been discovered. These fungi have been isolated from the rumen, hind gut, and the feces of ruminants. Thirteen species, belonging to five genera, of these fungi have been assigned to the class Chytridiomycetes. These species are classified according to the number of flagella on the zoospores and the types of thalli that develop from the zoospores. Their life cycle consists of a zoospore that encysts and develops into a vegetative thallus with zoosporangia, which at times become resting sporangia. These fungi produce a wide range of active hydrolytic enzymes, notably cellulases and xylanases, that provide them with the potential to degrade the major structural polysaccharides in plant cell walls. Their cellulases are among the most active reported to date and solubilize both amorphous and highly ordered cellulose. Their esterases are active against both feruloyl and p-coumaroyl arabinoxylans, which provides an advantage in degrading poorly biodegradable cell walls. They degrade lignin-containing cell walls, but do not metabolize the lignin moiety. Rhizoids of vegetative thalli penetrate cell walls, and they are better able than bacteria or protozoa to attack recalcitrant tissues and weaken the textural strength of plant material.

Amylases↗
PubMed2000

The concentrations of mixed populations of fungi in indoor air: rooms with and without mould problems; rooms with and without health complaints.

The aim of this study was to establish the concentrations of mixed populations of fungi in indoor air and to attempt to correlate these concentrations and health complaints of residents. We investigated 68 rooms. These were divided into four groups: rooms without moulds on the walls and with/or without complaints; rooms without moulds on the walls and with/or without complaints. Health problems were noted by those living in the rooms and these were non-specific symptoms such as cough, headache, rhinitis and sore throat. The total concentrations of airborne fungi (monitored by aeroscop) were much higher in mouldy rooms than in the reference rooms. Even if health complaints did not correlate with the total concentrations of airborne fungi, all occupants of rooms where the average concentrations was 2,476 cfu/m3 reported health complaints. Concentration of fungi in indoor air above 2,000 cfu/m3 can be considered to be a serious risk factor for health of occupants.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed2000

Isolation of fungi from rose bush thorns.

Rose bush thorns from plants in the Oklahoma City area were cultured to determine the prevalence and species of fungi present. One hundred fifty isolates grew from thorns on 103 plants. All thorns harbored at least one species, while one thorn had five species of fungi. Of the 21 fungal species isolated, all are known human pathogens, although most rarely cause disease in immunocompetent individuals. Alternarium sp., Bipolaris sp., Aspergillus niger, Curvularia sp., and Fusarium sp. were the most common fungi, accounting for 75% of the isolates. Sporothrix schenckii, an organism often associated with rose bushes, was found on thorns of only two plants. Findings of this study suggest that since fungi are common inhabitants of roses, individuals who experience rose-thorn punctures are at increased risk of acquiring fungal infections, especially if they are immunocompromised.

Fungi↗
PubMed2000

Clues to the presence of pathogenic fungi in certain environments.

The presence of various pathogenic fungi in rather unsuspected hosts and environments has always attracted the attention of the scientific community. Reports on the putative role of animals in fungal infections of humans bear important consequences on public health as well as on the understanding of fungal ecology. Fungi are ubiquitous in nature and their great capacity for adaptation allows them to survive and indeed, to thrive, in plants, trees and other natural substrata. Nonetheless, we are just beginning to learn the significance that these diverse fungal habitats have on the increasing number of immunosuppressed individuals. The accidental or permanent presence of fungi in animals, plants, soils and watercourses should not be taken too lightly because they constitute the source where potential pathogens will be contracted. If those fungal habitats that carry the largest risks of exposure could be defined, if seasonal variations in the production of infectious propagules could be determined, and if their mode of transmission were to be assessed, it would be possible to develop protective measures in order to avoid human infection. Additionally, unsuspected avenues for the exploration of fungal survival strategies would be opened, thus enhancing our capacity to react properly to their advancing limits. This paper explores several ecological connections between human pathogenic fungi and certain animals, trees, waterways and degraded organic materials. The occurrence of such connections in highly endemic areas will hopefully furnish more precise clues to fungal habitats and allow the design of control programs aimed at avoiding human infection.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The fungi kingdom: heterogeneity of physiological-biochemical properties and closeness to plants, animals, and prokaryotes].

This review analyzes the current taxonomy of fungi whose criteria are based on a range of episemantic molecules. In this context, data on the chemical composition of fungal cells (membrane lipids, cytosolic carbohydrates, etc.) are considered in comparison with their counterparts found in higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Modern theories explaining the origin of fungi and their similarity to plants, animals, and bacteria are discussed. The biochemical criteria used in this work supported the division of fungi into Eumycota and Neomycota. The latter division, especially Basidiomycota, are more closely related to plants. The heterogeneity of the kingdom Fungi is underlined, the existence of Oomycota as a separate entity is supported, and the theory of the primitive nature of fungal cells is criticized from the viewpoint of biochemical adaptation.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Biofilters based on the action of fungi.

Traditional biofilters for waste gas treatment are mainly based on the degradation activity of bacteria. The application of fungi in biofilters has several advantages: fungi are more resistant to acidification and drying out, and the aerial mycelia of fungi form a larger surface area in the gas phase than bacterial biofilms, which may facilitate the uptake of hydrophobic volatile compounds. The research described here identifies important conditions for the operation of fungal-based biofilters. Biofilters with perlite packing were operated at different pHs and relative inlet gas humidities. Toluene was used as a model pollutant. It was shown that a low pH is a prerequisite for fungal growth in biofilters. Also, the fungal biofilters were more resistant to drying out and more active than the bacterial biofilters. Fungal biofilters eliminated 80-125 g toluene/m3 filterbed/h. Several measures that could limit the clogging of fungal biofilters with fungal biomass were investigated. The introduction of mites helped to control excessive fungal growth and pressure drop. The pressure drop of a perlite/fungi/mites filter of 1 m height, loaded with 200 m3 gas/m3 filter/h stabilised around 130 Pa. Biofilters based on the action of fungi are cost-effective for the treatment of waste gases containing aromatic compounds, alkenes and other hydrophobic compounds.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2001

Occurrence and diversity of egg pathogenic fungi of the Mediterranean cereal cyst nematode Heterodera latipons.

Eighteen fungal strains in nine genera present in German and Syrian soils were isolated from eggs of the barley cyst nematode H. latipons. The fungi were selected out of the soil microflora using the slide-frame baiting technique from a semiarid soil originating from Syria heavily infested with H. latipons and from a temperate soil from German heavily infested with H. schachtii. Fusarium and Acremonium were the most common fungi isolated from the both soils. The natural suppressiveness or antagonistic potential of egg pathogenic fungi in the Syrian and German soils toward H. latipons also was measured. The results demonstrated that a higher level of antagonistic potential and a greater level of fungal egg pathogen biodiversity is present in the semiarid Syrian soils. This is important for the natural control of the Mediterranean cereal cyst nematode H. latipons which is widely spread throughout the region. The high level of biodiversity in the soil may allow subsequent buffering of the pest even when unsuitable soil conditions for growth of the antagonistic fungi occur e.g. low organic matter, as is common in the semiarid soils of the Middle East. These isolates may also lend themselves to management in the field or to inundative approaches to biocontrol of cereal cyst nematodes in the semiarid production zone.

Acremonium↗
PubMed1999

[Studies on the plant hormones produced by 5 species of endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal plants (Orchidacea)].

OBJECTIVE: To study the plant hormones produced by 5 species of endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal plants and to illustrate the mechanism on endophytic fungi stimulating the growth of plants. METHODS: Extracting plant hormones from mycelia and its culture solution with organic solvent, and detecting them by HPLC. RESULTS: One or more plant hormones [GA3 (Gibberellin), IAA (Indoleacetic acid), ABA (Abscisic acid), Z (Zeatin), ZR (Zeatin riboside)] were detected from the mycelia and its culture solution. CONCLUSIONS: The plant hormones produced by the endophytic fungi are important materials that may be used to reveal the mechanism of endophytic fungi stimulating the growth of medicinal plants (Orchidacea).

Abscisic Acid↗
PubMed2001

[Metabolism of ginsenoside Rb1 and panaxadiol saponins by fungi].

AIM: To study the metabolic process of ginsenoside Rb1 (G-Rb1) and panaxadiol saponins (PDS) by fungi. METHODS: Ten strains of fungi were incubated with G-Rb1 and PDS at a certain temperature with shaking. A portion was taken out at different time and mixed up with butanol. The butanol extract was analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionazition mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). RESULTS: It was found that there were ginsenoside-Rd (G-Rd), ginsenoside-F2 (G-F2), compound K (CK) and 20(S) protopanaxadiol (Ppd) metabolites beside the prodrug G-Rb1 induced by fungi (No. 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9). CONCLUSION: The six strains of fungi have different degrees of ability to metabolize G-Rb1 and PDS. The possible metabolic process could be as follows: G-Rb1 (or PDS)-->G-Rd-->G-F2-->CK-->Ppd.

Aspergillus fumigatus↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Growth characteristics of microscopic fungi capable of growing actively under the conditions of the 4th unit of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant].

Growth parameters of fungi species which, from the preliminary data, were brought to those growing actively under the conditions of the Chernobyl NPP 4th unit have been studied in the presented work. Radial growth velocity, hyphal growth unit and intensity of the substrate colonization were such growth indices. All the investigations were carried out on two media--the wort agar, being of full value for fungi, and deficient agar limited as to major sources of nutrition. Two main types of population of the 4th unit rooms with the studied fungi have been found. The first method was characteristic of fungi capable to form the great number of small conidia and, respectively, fungal colonies, and to grow with low growth velocity, which was considerably higher at the initial stages than during the following ones. The second method was characterized by sufficiently high averaged growth velocity of mycelium; by its slowing down at the initial stages and its considerable increase in the process of further ontogenesis. Weak conidium formation was characteristic of this type; sometimes sporulation was lost at all. It has been shown that fungal species ascribed to those growing actively in the rooms of the unit 4 of the Chernobyl NPP are such ones, and they play the major part in the population and biodestruction of the building structures of the 4th unit.

Culture Media↗
PubMed2003

[Inhibition property of a polypeptide APS against phytopathogenic fungi and the possible antifungal mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibition property of a novel antifungal polypeptide APS in vitro and its possible antifungal mechanism. METHODS: The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of APS against different fungi were detected by microdilution test. And the voltaic change of planar lipid bilayer was observed during APS treatment. RESULTS: APS at low MIC and MBC was shown to have effects on phytopathogenic fungi tested except aspergillus fumigatus, the minimum values of MIC and MBC being 1.43 micrograms/ml and 1.78 micrograms/ml respectively. After APS was put in, the transmembrane current could be recorded. CONCLUSION: APS has strong inhibitory effects on the germination of spores of several phytopathogenic fungi. Its antifungal mechanism is likely to form persistent pores on the cell membrane, thus causing membrane permeation and the death of fungi.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2003

[Classification of Fungi in modern view].

Fungi are a heterogeneous jumble coming together from three kingdoms of organisms. The True Fungi represent a kingdom of its own and are positioned closer to the Animalia than to the Plantae. At present the Fungi are divided into five Divisions. Species pathogenic for humans are found in the Divisions Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. The Pneumocystidales are now classified in the Ascomycota. The Malasseziales are included in the Class Ustilaginomycetes. Essential characteristics for the classification of Fungi are derived from ultrastructure, chemistry, and more recently also from molecular biology of these organisms. None of these methods can stand for its own, all characteristics must be included.

Classification↗
PubMed1992

[Observations on the airborne fungi and their relationship to asthmatic patients in Shenyang Maluwan area].

From July 1990 to June, observations were made of the type and amount of fungi present in the air, in the Maluwan District of Shenyang City, using dish-exposure and slide-exposure as method of detection. 954 colonies of fungi were isolated with dish-exposure, consisting of 47 species; and 11,033 fungi spores were collected with the slide-exposure. Skin tests were made using 13 species of fungi allergen for 114 cases of asthmatic patients, the positive rate was 73.7%. A special desensitization therapy was given to 103 cases of asthmatic patients, the total effective rate was 86.4%, while antiasthma drugs gave an effective rate of 41.1% (P < 0.01).

Adolescent↗