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PubMed2000

[Proportion of fungi among isolated microorganisms from blood of patients treated in the teaching departments of The University Hospital in Cracow in 1993-1998].

The study was carried out of 9742 blood cultures obtained in 1993-1998 from patients of selected departments of the University Hospital. The received samples were assessed from the standpoint of the participation of fungi strains of clinical importance as aetiological factors in systemic infections and the resistance status of a selected group of pathogens. Microbiological blood studies were conducted in the system of continuous monitoring of the obtained cultures by means of the automatic ATB system using a commercially available ID 32C set. ATB Fungus tests were used for drug resistance assessment. In all, 95 strains of yeasts (5.1%) were obtained in cultures, and an increasing variety of these pathogenic species was noted in sepsis. A systematic reduction was noted in the proportion of C. albicans and a steep rise of C. parapsilosis were observed among the aetiological factors of generalized nosocomial fungal infections. A tendency was noted for a continuous rise in the frequency of invasive candidemias with a most significant rise in their proportion in patients in general surgery and haematology departments. Among the fungi isolated from septic complications the proportion of strains resistant to antifungal drugs has been rising.

Cross Infection↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Phase transition in dimorphic fungi].

The morphogenetic process, the transition from the micelial to fungal growth phase in imperfect microscopic dimorphic fungi Phaeococcomyces de Hoog (strain Ch49), induced by high concentrations of transition metal ions, was considered in terms of the phase transition theory. It was shown that, although microscopic dimorphic fungi developing in the culture represent a system far from equilibrial, the transitions from the micelial to fungal phase under determined external influences have features characteristic for a common phase transition.

Fungi↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effect of Trichoderma species fungi on soil micromycetes, causing infectious conifer seedling lodging in Siberian tree nurseries].

Soils in the tree nurseries studied were characterized by a lower species diversity of fungi than adjacent virgin soils. In particular, the relative abundances of representatives of the genera Mucor, Chaetomium, and Trichoderma in the nursery soil were two times lower than in adjacent virgin soils. On the other hand, the nursery soil exhibited greater abundances of fungi of the genus Fusarium, which are causative agents of many diseases of conifer seedlings. To appreciate the efficiency of biocontrol of the infectious diseases of conifer seedlings, we introduced several indigenous Trichoderma strains into the nursery soil and found that this affected the species composition of soil microflora considerably. Changes in the species composition of mycobiota beneficially influenced the phytosanitary state of soils and reduced the infectious lodging of conifer seedlings.

Fungi↗
PubMed2000

Toxigenic fungi: which are important?

Growth of commonly occurring filamentous fungi in foods may result in production of mycotoxins, which can cause a variety of ill effects in humans, from allergic responses to immunosuppression and cancer. According to experts, five kinds of mycotoxins are important in human health around the world: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, certain trichothecenes, and zearalenone. These toxins are produced by only a few species of fungi, in a limited range of commodities. Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus in peanuts, maize and some other nuts and oilseeds. Ochratoxin A is a kidney toxin and probable carcinogen. It is produced by Penicillium verrucosum in cereal grains in cold climates, by A. carbonarius in grapes, wines and vine fruits, and by A. ochraceus sometimes in coffee beans. Fumonisins, which may cause oesophageal cancer, are formed by Fusarium moniliforme and F. proliferatum, but only in maize. Trichothecenes are highly immunosuppressive and zearalenone causes oestrogenic effects; both are produced by F. graminearum and related species. Current reporting probably underestimates the effect of mycotoxins as a cause of human mortality.

Aspergillus↗
PubMed2000

Molecular typing of pathogenic fungi.

In this Round Table, the application of several methods of molecular typing were discussed in reference to four important pathogenic fungi: Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Candida albicans and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Among the different methods the following were discussed: restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP), single nucleotide polymorphisms, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-RFLP and microsatellites. By means of these methods, several important biological questions related to speciation, mode of reproduction and population genetics could be approached. The basic information obtained from this approach has implications in the understanding of these pathogenic fungi in relation to their behavior and the development of pathogenic features, such as resistance to antimicrobials and virulence factors used for colonization of mammalian hosts. The knowledge obtained from these studies could also be used for the development of innovative diagnostic methods, as well as for novel therapeutic approaches and production of vaccines.

Genetic Techniques↗
PubMed1979

Formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds in corn-bread inoculated with fungi.

DMNA, DENA and MBNA are formed in corn-bread which has been inoculated with the most common species of fungi found in foodstuffs of Lin Xian County, Henan Province, such as F. moniliforme, A. flavus and others, and then, added with small amount of NaNO2 after a few days of incubation. These carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds can induce cancer of the liver or/and esophagus in experimental animals. Results of the present study show the capability of some fungi to produce chemical carcinogens as well as mycotoxins in contaminated food, and thus, open a new field of research in cancer etiology.

Aspergillus flavus↗
PubMed2001

Infections caused by filamentous fungi in patients with hematologic malignancies. A report of 391 cases by GIMEMA Infection Program.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with hematologic malignancies developing a filamentous fungi infection (FFI) and to define the prognostic factors for their outcome. DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective study, conducted on patients admitted to 14 Hematology divisions of tertiary care or university hospitals, participating in the GIMEMA Infection Program, over a ten-year period (1988-1997). The study included patients with hematological malignancies and a histologically and/or microbiologically proven or probable FFI. RESULTS: We included 391 patients (male/female: 262/129, median age 49 years) with hematologic malignancies (225 acute myeloid leukemia, 67 acute lymphocytic leukemia, 30 chronic myeloid leukemia, 22 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 12 myelodysplastic syndrome, 10 aplastic anemia, 7 Hodgkin's disease, 8 chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 5 multiple myeloma, and 5 hairy cell leukemia) who developed a proven FFI. Eighty percent of the patients had been neutropenic for an average of 14 days before the infection, and 71% had an absolute neutrophil count lower than 0.5 x 10(9)/L at the time of FFI diagnosis. The primary sites of infection were: lungs (85%), nose and paranasal sinus (10%), and other sites (5%). The diagnosis was made while still alive in 310 patients (79%), and at autopsy in the remaining 81 patients (21%). Chest X-ray was diagnostic in 77% of patients with pulmonary FFI, while computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax was positive in 95% of cases. A significant diagnostic advantage for CT scan was observed in 145 patients who had both a chest X-ray and CT scan. Aspergillus was identified as the cause of FFI in 296 patients, Mucorales in 45 patients, Fusarium in 6 patients and other filamentous fungi species in 4 patients, while in a further 40 patients no agent was identifiable. The overall mortality rate three months after the diagnosis of FFI was 74%, and fungal infection had been the cause of death in 51% of patients. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective study shows that FFI still remains a life-threatening complication in neutropenic patients. Despite appropriate treatment, half of the patients die due to this complication. The use of glucocorticoids and recovery from neutropenia are the most important prognostic factors. Mucorales infections are associated with a significantly poorer prognosis than those due to Aspergillus spp.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effect of proteinaceous polygalacturonase inhibitors from apple seed tissue on an enzyme isolated from phytopathogenic fungi].

A protein polygalacturonidase inhibitor isolated from fruit of the apple varieties Antonovka and Mantuanskoe differently affects the polygalacturonidases of different phytopathogenic fungi. Three groups of fungi were recognized by the sensitivity of their polygalacturonidases to the inhibitory effect. Storage of apples after harvesting is accompanied by changes in the inhibitor activity, and the time pattern of these changes depends on the variety. An increase in the inhibitor activity occurs concurrently with the elevation in ethylene release characteristic of the stage of elevated respiration (a climacteric increase). The data suggest that a decrease in the apple fruit resistance to microbes at the end of the storage period is related, along with other reasons, to a change in the activity of the protein polygalacturonidase inhibitor.

Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed2001

[Phenolic acid degradation fungi screened from successive plantation site of Chinese fir].

Successive plantation of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) leads an obvious decline of soil fertility. To solve the urgent problem, five fungal species (F2, F3, F4, F7, F15) which can effectively degrade phenolic acid were screened to degrade the toxic material in successive plantation site and to improve the soil bioactivity. Pot experiment showed that all test fungus, except F4, could improve plant growth individually, but not counteract the effect of phenolic acid. Inoculating five inoculated fungi mixed with equal proportion not only counteracted the inhibitory effect of phenolic acid but also improved the growth of Chinese fir uninoculated with VAM fungi but inoculated with G. mosseae.

Abies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Distribution of microscopic fungi along Moscow roads].

The distribution of microscopic fungi in soils and surface air along some Moscow roads was studied from 1994 through 2000 at several distances (0, 5, 10, and 20 m) from the roads. Soil fungal complexes in roadside zones with different levels of pollution from automobile engines were found to differ in their composition, species structure, and biomorphology. Relatively far from the roads, the content of fungal mycelium diminished, while that of fungal spores increased. Close to the roads, fungal complexes in soil and surface air were dominated by dark melanin-containing fungi. The microscopic fungal complexes of soil and surface air along the roadsides were similar but differed in the relative abundance of some species.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed2002

Bioconversion of poultry wastes I-factors influencing the assay and productivity of crude uricase by three uricolytic filamentous fungi.

The optimum temperature for biomass yield and uricase production by uricolytic fungi, Aspergillus terreus. A. flavus and Trichoderma sp. was at 30 degrees C. The time required for maximum production of uricase and biomass yield was 4 days for two Aspergillus species and 6 days for Trichoderma sp. The optimum pH was at 6.4 for A. terreus and pH 6.6 for both A. flavus and Trichoderma sp. The maximum fungal biomass yield was achieved in medium supplemented with 4% poultry waste. The best carbon sources for the production of uricase and mycelia yield were glycerol, sucrose and maltose by A. terreus, A. flavus and Trichoderma sp., respectively. Uric acid was found to be the best nitrogen source for production and activity of uricase by the three tested fungi. The addition of some vitamins to the culture media increased the maximum biomass yield of all the isolates, but did not significantly increase uricase production.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Antioxidant activity in fungi degrading lignocellulose substrates].

Considerable differences in lignin degradation by fungi of two ecological groups have been revealed. Xylotrophs cause a twofold decrease in the molecular weight of lignin. The degrading activity of saprotrophs is insignificant. Xylotrophs demethoxylate and oxidize lignin more rapidly than saprotrophs, showing a higher level of antioxidant activity. As follows from the comparison of the degrading and antioxidative effects, measurement of the antioxidant activity can be used in screening of fungi for the ability to degrade lignocellulose substrates.

Basidiomycota↗
PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro evaluation on inhibitory nature of some Neem formulations against plant pathogenic fungi.

Different Neem formulations derived from the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) have been found to be potential fungicides against a broad spectrum of plant pathogenic fungi. Some Neem formulations viz. Achook (0.15% EC), Bioneem (0.03% EC), Nimbecidine (0.03% EC) and Neemark (0.03% EC) were examined against some plant pathogenic fungi such as (Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria solani, Curvularia lunata, Helminthosporium sp. and Sclerotium rolfsii). Among these Achook (0.15% EC) was found to be more active in terms of Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) value followed by Bioneem, Neemark and Nimbecidine. Remarkably, although all these formulations are oil based, Neem oil itself did not exhibit any fungicidal activity.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗
PubMed2002

Phenol utilisation by fungi isolated from activated sludge.

The paper presents the efficiency of phenol removal (concentrations from 500 to 2000 mg/l) by fungi isolated from activated sludge purifying wastewater with high phenol concentration. Five fungal strains were isolated and identified. All isolated strains appeared to be Moniliales from the class of Fungi Imperfecti (Candida sp., Monosporium sp., Trichosporon sp.) Stationary cultures of the individual strains and their mixtures were maintained in Czapek medium containing phenol in concentration from 500 to 2000 mg/l. All isolated strains (except one) were capable of utilising phenol up to a concentration of 1500 mg/l. Depending on investigated strain, phenol in concentration of 500 mg/l was decomposed during 4-25 days, 750 mg/l during 4-14 days. After 20 days, a phenol decline of 1000 mg/l was observed. After 16 days, the phenol decline was 1500 mg/l. Higher phenol concentrations (1500 mg/l) were utilised only by a mixture of two strains. The investigated fungal strains showed good efficiency of phenol removal from high phenol concentration in wastewater and they may be proposed for use in the process of purifying wastewater of this type.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed2002

[Keratinolytic fungi in an acidic petroleum waste lagoon at a petroleum refinery].

The incidence of keratinolytic fungi in an acidic petroleum waste lagoon (before bioremediation) at a petroleum refinery situated within a highly populated area was examined. High concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons (aliphatics and PAHs) made the growth of keratinolytic fungi in clay and litter collected from the lagoon impossible. The natural self-purification process considerably decreased the hydrocarbon contamination, increased the pH and caused the abundant growth of Trichophyton ajelloi in organic soil that contained the root-adjacent material from the grass growing in green oases at the lagoon. Ecological and epidemiological aspects of the data were discussed.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed2002

[The evaluation of thermophilic fungi in raw coffee beans].

The purpose of the study was the attempt of the isolation of the thermophilic fungi from raw coffee beans. The material constituted of 24 coffee beans samples came from 12 countries. The isolation and the identification of the thermophilic fungi was conducted according to Biłaj [2], Biłaj and Zacharczenko [3]. The study proved, that raw coffee beans were the rich source of the thermophilic mycoflora. From all tested samples 270 species were isolated. The most refused sample came from Ecuador--81% coffee beans were infected. The most of species (90% from among isolated) were species belonged to the Thermomyces lanuginosus.

Coffea↗
PubMed2002

[Presence of fungi in stool of children].

A total of 258 children were tested for the presence of fungi in stool. One group consisted of 148 children with non-specific gastrointestinal tract disorders while the other was a group of 110 asthmatics. A quantitative method of enzymatic and mechanical homogenisation was used. The findings were divided into three ranges as follows: < 10(3), 10(3)-10(5), > 10(5) fungal cells in one gram of stool. The number of > 10(5) fungal cells in one gram of stool was considered as pathogenic and requiring treatment. Such a number of fungi in stool was found in 48.1% of children in the first group and in 35.9% in the second one. However, the percentage of fungal presence was higher in the group of asthmatics (83.6% vs. 70.3%). Candida albicans considerably outnumbered the remaining fungal species in the isolates. It was found out that other than C. albicans Candida species were more resistant to the antifungals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Bioleaching of copper from chalcopyrite ore by fungi.

Microorganisms have been geologically active in mineral formation, mineral diagenesis and sedimentation via direct action of their enzymes or indirectly through chemical action of their metabolic products. This property of microorganisms is being harnessed during the recent years for extraction of metals from their ores, especially from low-grade ores. In the present study bioleaching of copper from its low-grade chalcopyrite ore using 26 isolates of acidophilic fungi is reported. Most of these fungal strains belonged to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Rhizopus. The leaching experiments were conducted in Czepek Dox minimal medium containing 1% (100 mesh) ore with shaking at room temperature for 20 days. Out of these, 4 isolates exhibited significant bioleaching activities. Maximum leaching of copper (78 mg/L) was observed with Aspergillus flavus (DSF-8) and Aspergillus niger (DOF-1). Nutritional and environmental conditions for optimum bioleaching were standardized. Present study indicates the usefulness of acidophilic fungi in bioleaching of copper from its low-grade ores.

Aspergillus↗