scholarly journals List of natural fungal pathogens infecting bark beetles and lepidopteran forest pests from Bulgaria

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 88-99
Author(s):  
Daniela Pilarska ◽  
Danail Takov ◽  
Danail Doychev
Keyword(s):  
Entomopathogenic Fungi ◽  
Gypsy Moth ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Forest Pests

Information about fungal infections detected in different bark beetles and lepidopteran forest pests in Bulgaria is presented. Eighteen species of entomopathogenic fungal species and numerous isolates of orders Hypocreales, Eurotiales и Entomophthorales have been reported from 12 bark beetles and 10 moths within a sixty years period. The results from conducted laboratory and field bioassays with several isolates of entomopathogenic fungi against bark beetles and the gypsy moth were summarized.

scholarly journals Laboratory evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents against the bark beetle Pityogenes scitus Blandford (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Kashmir

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-90
Author(s):  
Abdul L. Khanday ◽  
Abdul A. Buhroo ◽  
Avunjikkattu P. Ranjith ◽  
Sławomir Mazur
Keyword(s):  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Entomopathogenic Fungi ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Laboratory Evaluation ◽  
Forest Protection ◽  
Forest Pests ◽  
Lecanicillium Lecanii ◽  
Petri Plate

Abstract The bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are widely recognised as one of the most damaging group of forest pests. Entomopathogenic fungi have shown great potential for the management of some bark beetle species. The efficacy of three entomopathogenic fungi, namely, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (Metchnikoff) Sorokin and Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmerman) Zare and Gams was tested against the bark beetle Pityogenes scitus Blandford under the laboratory conditions. An insecticide – cyclone 505 EC, was also used as positive control in the experiment. Each fungal suspension contained 1.0×109 spores of fungi in 1 ml. In treated branches, B. bassiana and M. anisopliae caused higher percentage of mortalities, that is, 58.33% and 48%, respectively, after 10 days of treatment and 85% and 71%, respectively, after 20 days of treatment. In petri plate assay, B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and L. lecanii caused 100%, 100% and 73.33% of mortality respectively. The percentage of mortality caused by treated insecticide was 79.16%. The results obtained in the present study are promising; however, no recommendations concerning the potential use of these fungal pathogens in forest protection can be given, and further research studies are needed in this respect, especially under field conditions.

scholarly journals Naturally-occurring entomopathogenic fungi on three bark beetle species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Bulgaria

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slavimira Draganova ◽  
Danail Takov ◽  
Danail Doychev
Keyword(s):  
Entomopathogenic Fungi ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Ips Typographus ◽  
Beauveria Brongniartii ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Fungal Entomopathogens ◽  
Pure Cultures ◽  
Ips Sexdentatus

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) belong to one of the most damaging groups of forest insects and the activity of their natural enemies - pathogens, parasitoids, parasites or predators suppressing their population density, is of great importance. Biodiversity of entomopathogenic fungi on bark beetles in Bulgaria has been investigated sporadically. The aim of this preliminary study was to find, identify and study morphological characteristics of fungal entomopathogens naturally-occurring in populations of three curculionid species - Ips sexdentatus Boern, Ips typographus (L.) and Dryocoetes autographus (Ratz.). Dead pest adults were found under the bark of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies trees collected from forests in the Maleshevska and Vitosha Mountains. Fungal pathogens were isolated into pure cultures on SDAY (Sabouraud dextrose agar with yeast extract) and were identified based on morphological characteristics both on the host and in a culture. Morphological characteristics of the isolates were studied by phenotypic methods. The fungal isolates obtained from dead adults of Ips sexdentatus, Ips typographus and D. autographus were found to belong to the species Beauveria bassiana (Bals. - Criv.) Vuillemin, Beauveria brongniartii (Saccardo) Petch and Isaria farinosa (Holmsk.) Fries (anamorph Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes: Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae). Morphological traits of the isolates are described.

scholarly journals The Use of Galleria mellonella Larvae to Identify Novel Antimicrobial Agents against Fungal Species of Medical Interest

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Kavanagh ◽  
Gerard Sheehan
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Immune Priming ◽  
Greater Wax Moth

The immune system of insects and the innate immune response of mammals share many similarities and, as a result, insects may be used to assess the virulence of fungal pathogens and give results similar to those from mammals. Larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella are widely used in this capacity and also for assessing the toxicity and in vivo efficacy of antifungal drugs. G. mellonella larvae are easy to use, inexpensive to purchase and house, and have none of the legal/ethical restrictions that are associated with use of mammals. Larvae may be inoculated by intra-hemocoel injection or by force-feeding. Larvae can be used to assess the in vivo toxicity of antifungal drugs using a variety of cellular, proteomic, and molecular techniques. Larvae have also been used to identify the optimum combinations of antifungal drugs for use in the treatment of recalcitrant fungal infections in mammals. The introduction of foreign material into the hemocoel of larvae can induce an immune priming effect which may operate independently with the activity of the antifungal drug. Procedures to identify this effect and limit its action are required.

scholarly journals Isolation, characterization, and molecular identification of Candida species from urinary tract infections

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Gharanfoli ◽  
Elaheh Mahmoudi ◽  
Roya Torabizadeh ◽  
Roya Torabizadeh ◽  
Farzad Katiraii ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Urinary Tract Infections ◽  
Candida Species ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Glucose Absorption ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Predisposing Factor ◽  
Tract Infections

Short communication Background and Purpose: Candida species are reportedly the most common human fungal pathogens. The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida pathogens has increased in recent decades. However, such infections rarely occur in the absence of any predisposing factors. Regarding this, the aim of the present study was to identify the Candida species causing UTIs and determine the predisposing factors for candiduria. Materials and Methods: The current study was conducted on 1,450 urine samples obtained from patients suspected of UTI. Out of this number, 19 cases were candidiasis, and 2 cases were mixed infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Candida species were diagnosed differentially using the germ tube test, colony staining on CHROMagar medium, intracellular beta-glucosidase enzyme activity, and glucose absorption pattern. Then, the colonies with the same morphology were confirmed by the DNA sequencing of internal transcribed spacer regions. Results: According to the results, 38%, 28.6%, 14.3%, and 9.5% of the isolates were identified as C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. kefir/C. krusei, respectively. The presence of one or more predisposing factors was proved in all patients in whom diabetes was the most prevalent predisposing factor (21.1%). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, C. albicans species was the most prevalent fungal species. In addition, urinary fungal infections were less prevalent than bacterial urinary infections.

scholarly journals Rare Invasive Yeast Infections in Greek Neonates and Children, a Retrospective 12-Year Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 194
Author(s):  
Maria Noni ◽  
Angeliki Stathi ◽  
Aristea Velegraki ◽  
Mika Malamati ◽  
Alexandra Kalampaliki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Pericardial Fluid ◽  
Rhodotorula Mucilaginosa ◽  
Pediatric Hospital ◽  
Candida Lambica ◽  
First Time ◽  
Central Catheters

Although Candida species remain the leading cause of invasive fungal infections (IFI), the list of other isolated fungal pathogens is increasing. The aim of the study was to report cases of IFI caused by rare yeasts in the largest tertiary Greek pediatric hospital. A retrospective study was performed from 6/2008–6/2020 regarding IFI caused by rare species. Identification of isolates was attained by conventional, molecular, and MALDI TOF MS methods, and susceptibility testing was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards (CLSI) methodology. During a 12-year period, 14 different rare fungal species in 33 neonates and children with IFI hospitalized in intensive care and oncology units were isolated from blood, central catheters, peritoneal, pleural, or pericardial fluid specimens. It is the first time for IFI caused by Wickerhamomyces anomalus (Candida pelliculosa), Pichia fermentans (Candida lambica), Yarrowia (Candida) lipolytica, Pichia (Hansenula) kluyveri, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Wickerhamiella (Candida) pararugosa and Cyberlindnera (Candida) fabianii in Greek neonates and children to be reported. For most of these rare fungal species isolated in the present study, no official antifungal breakpoints have been defined, and there are no guidelines for their treatment. Clinical laboratories should be aware of uncommon and emerging yeast pathogens and be able to detect them with molecular and proteomic methods.

scholarly journals Threats Posed by the Fungal Kingdom to Humans, Wildlife, and Agriculture

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Fisher ◽  
Sarah J. Gurr ◽  
Christina A. Cuomo ◽  
David S. Blehert ◽  
Hailing Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Fungal Diseases ◽  
Fungal Allergy ◽  
Eukaryotic Species ◽  
Global Increase ◽  
Fungal Kingdom

ABSTRACT The fungal kingdom includes at least 6 million eukaryotic species and is remarkable with respect to its profound impact on global health, biodiversity, ecology, agriculture, manufacturing, and biomedical research. Approximately 625 fungal species have been reported to infect vertebrates, 200 of which can be human associated, either as commensals and members of our microbiome or as pathogens that cause infectious diseases. These organisms pose a growing threat to human health with the global increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections, prevalence of fungal allergy, and the evolution of fungal pathogens resistant to some or all current classes of antifungals. More broadly, there has been an unprecedented and worldwide emergence of fungal pathogens affecting animal and plant biodiversity. Approximately 8,000 species of fungi and Oomycetes are associated with plant disease. Indeed, across agriculture, such fungal diseases of plants include new devastating epidemics of trees and jeopardize food security worldwide by causing epidemics in staple and commodity crops that feed billions. Further, ingestion of mycotoxins contributes to ill health and causes cancer. Coordinated international research efforts, enhanced technology translation, and greater policy outreach by scientists are needed to more fully understand the biology and drivers that underlie the emergence of fungal diseases and to mitigate against their impacts. Here, we focus on poignant examples of emerging fungal threats in each of three areas: human health, wildlife biodiversity, and food security.

scholarly journals Efficacy of soil isolates of entomopathogenic fungi against the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini (Acari: Acaridae)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Konopická ◽  
Andrea Bohatá ◽  
Jiří Nermuť ◽  
Eva Jozová ◽  
Zdeněk Mráček ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Entomopathogenic Fungi ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Rhizoglyphus Robini ◽  
Virulent Strains ◽  
Lethal Time ◽  
Bulb Mite

The bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini, is a serious pest of garlic, onion and other crops. The mite is usually found in association with dangerous fungal pathogens such as Fusarium spp. Control of this pest has relied upon the use of synthetic acaricides but chemical control of the bulb mite is difficult because it is able to develop resistance quickly. Thus, alternative control methods, e.g. biological control, need to be developed and implemented. The aim of this study was to assess efficacy of selected strains of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) against adult females of R. robini under laboratory conditions. New EPF strains were isolated from soil samples collected in onion and garlic fields in the Czech Republic and Israel using soil elution and cultivation on selective media. Fungal species were determined using macroscopic, microscopic and molecular markers. The efficacy against R. robini females was tested in 17 isolated and 3 reference strains of EPF. Results revealed high variability among species and strains. The highest efficacy against R. robini mites was found in strains of Metarhizium anisopliae isolated from soil samples collected in the Czech Republic which caused mortality up to 99.3%, and a Metarhizium indigoticum strain from Israel causing 98.3% mortality after four days of bioassay. Isaria fumosorosea strains did not caused mortality higher than 40%. The lowest virulence was found in Beauveria spp. strains causing mortality of mites between 5 and 25%. Median lethal time (LT50) and median lethal concentration (LC50) in the three most virulent strains ranged between 2 and 4 days and between 1.01×104 and 2.36×105 spores/ml, respectively. The concentration-response models indicated that the M. indigoticum strain is more lethal than M. anisopliae strains. The present study showed that some strains of entomopathogenic fungi, especially from the genus Metarhizium, could be perspective biocontrol agents against R. robini.

scholarly journals Glycobiology of Human Fungal Pathogens: New Avenues for Drug Development

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle J. Lee ◽  
Holly O’Donnell ◽  
Françoise H. Routier ◽  
Joe Tiralongo ◽  
Thomas Haselhorst
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Cell Wall Polysaccharides ◽  
Fungal Cell ◽  
Sugar Transporters

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are an increasing threat to the developing world, with fungal spores being ubiquitous and inhaled every day. Some fungal species are commensal organisms that are part of the normal human microbiota, and, as such, do not pose a threat to the immune system. However, when the natural balance of this association is disturbed or the host’s immune system is compromised, these fungal pathogens overtake the organism, and cause IFI. To understand the invasiveness of these pathogens and to address the growing problem of IFI, it is essential to identify the cellular processes of the invading organism and their virulence. In this review, we will discuss the prevalence and current options available to treat IFI, including recent reports of drug resistance. Nevertheless, the main focus of this review is to describe the glycobiology of human fungal pathogens and how various components of the fungal cell wall, particularly cell wall polysaccharides and glycoconjugates, are involved in fungal pathogenicity, their biosynthesis and how they can be potentially exploited to develop novel antifungal treatment options. We will specifically describe the nucleotide sugar transporters (NSTs) that are important in fungal survival and suggest that the inhibition of fungal NSTs may potentially be useful to prevent the establishment of fungal infections.

Molecular Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infections: Species Identification and Quantitative Analysis by Broad-Spectrum PCR Assays.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 5339-5339
Author(s):  
Lenka Baskova ◽  
Sandra Preuner ◽  
Thomas Lion
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infections ◽  
Fungal Genome ◽  
Quantitative Detection ◽  
Correct Identification

Abstract Invasive fungal infections (IFI) play an increasingly important role as life-threatening complications in immunocompromised patients. Early application of antimycotic agents is an essential prerequisite for successful therapy. However, standardized diagnostic techniques permitting rapid, sensitive and, no less importantly, economic screening for the clinically relevant fungi have been lacking. We have developed two different real-time PCR systems for quantitative analysis of pathogenic fungi. The Pan-AC assay* permits in a single reaction the detection of all important Aspergillus and Candida species, which are responsible for the great majority of IFI in immunosuppressed individuals. In view of the increasing incidence of invasive infections caused by hitherto uncommon fungal species, new diagnostic tests with very broad specificity are required. We have therefore developed an additional two-reaction Pan-fungus assay*, which facilitates quantitative detection of a wide spectrum of fungal species (n>50), including also the newly emerging pathogenic fungi. The assays display high sensitivity and show no cross-reactivity with non-fungal pathogens or human DNA sequences. We have established an additional rapid molecular assay based on PCR fragment length analysis of a variable region in the fungal genome permitting rapid identification of the fungal species present, in order to facilitate selection of the most appropriate antifungal treatment. Correct identification of specific fungal pathogens including different Aspergillus, Candida and Fusarium species detected by the above assays in patients with febrile neutropenia has been confirmed by sequence analysis. The new assays are readily applicable to routine clinical diagnosis and provide a rapid and economic approach to the screening and monitoring of invasive fungal infections.

scholarly journals Fungal Infections among Psoriatic Patients: Etiologic Agents, Comorbidities, and Vulnerable Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Mostafa Chadeganipour ◽  
Shahla Shadzi ◽  
Rasoul Mohammadi
Keyword(s):  
Candida Species ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Malassezia Species

Background. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin and joint, affecting nearly 2-3% of the general population. It is assumed that imbalance between the types of natural microflora can accelerate the onset of the disease. Some fungi can play the role of superantigens and prolong chronic inflammation in the skin of psoriatic patients. The aim of the present investigation was to identify fungal species isolated from patients with psoriasis. Methods. From March 2016 to May 2019, 289 patients with prior diagnosis of psoriasis were included in this survey. Direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide (KOH 10%), culture, urea hydrolysis, hair perforation test, and growth on rice grains were used to identify clinical isolates, phenotypically. For molecular identification of Candida species and Malassezia species, PCR-RFLP and PCR-sequencing were used, respectively. Results. Forty-six out of 289 psoriatic patients had fungal infections (15.9%). Dermatophytes (54.3%), Candida spp. (19.5%), Malassezia spp. (15.2%), Aspergillus spp. (6.5%), and Fusarium spp. (4.3%) were the causative agents of fungal infections. Among Malassezia and Candida species, M. restricta (10.8%) and C. glabrata (8.7%) were the most prevalent species, respectively. Conclusion. Our findings suggested that fungal pathogens, particularly dermatophytes, may play an important role in the pathogenicity of psoriasis. Also, due to the high rate of yeast colonization in the clinical samples of psoriatic patients, concomitant use of anti-inflammatory drugs and antifungals may represent an effective therapeutic approach for better management of chronic lesions among these patients. Mycological tests should be applied to indicate the incidence of fungal diseases in psoriatic patients.

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