Peritonitis asociada a diálisis peritoneal causada por el complejo Paecilomyces variotii

La peritonitis asociada a diálisis peritoneal es una complicación grave en el paciente con este tipo de modalidad de terapia de reemplazo renal, siendo la etiología fúngica una de las que conlleva mayor morbimortalidad. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 22 años que desarrolló una peritonitis asociada a diálisis peritoneal causada por el complejo Paecilomyces variotii; un hongo filamentoso poco frecuente en este grupo de pacientes.

Peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis is a serious complication in patients with this type of renal replacement therapy modality, with fungal aetiology being one of the most associated with morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a 22-year-old patient who developed fungal peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis caused by Paecilomyces variotii complex; a rare cause of peritonitis in this group of patients.

Differential transcription of mating-type genes during sexual reproduction of natural Cordyceps sinensis / 中国中药杂志

Natural Cordyceps sinensis as an insect-fungal complex, which is developed after Ophiocordyceps sinensis infects a larva of Hepialidae family. Seventeen genotypes of O. sinensis have been identified in natural C. sinensis. This paper summarized the literature reports and GenBank database regarding occurrence and transcription of the mating-type genes of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs in natural C. sinensis, in Hirsutella sinensis(GC-biased Genotype #1 of O. sinensis), to infer the mating pattern of O. sinensis in the lifecycle of natural C. sinensis. The mating-type genes and transcripts of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs were identified in the metagenomes and metatranscriptomes of natural C. sinensis. However, their fungal sources are unclear because of co-colonization of several genotypes of O. sinensis and multiple fungal species in natural C. sinensis. The mating-type genes of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs were differentially present in 237 H. sinensis strains, constituting the genetic control of the O. sinensis reproduction. Transcriptional control of the O. sinensis reproduction includes: differential transcription or silencing of the mating-type genes of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs, and the MAT1-2-1 transcript with unspliced intron I that contains 3 stop codons. Research on the H. sinensis transcriptome demonstrated differential and complementary transcriptions of the mating-type genes of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs in Strains L0106 and 1229, which may become mating partners to accomplish physiological heterothallism. The differential occurrence and transcription of the mating-type genes in H. sinensis are inconsistent with the self-fertilization hypothesis under homothallism or pseudohomothallism, but instead indicate the need of mating partners of the same H. sinensis species, either monoecious or dioecious, for physiological heterothallism, or heterospecific species for hybridization. Multiple GC-and AT-biased genotypes of O. sinensis were identified in the stroma, stromal fertile portion(densely covered with numerous ascocarps) and ascospores of natural C. sinensis. It needs to be further explored if the genome-independent O. sinensis genotypes could become mating partners to accomplish sexual reproduction. S. hepiali Strain FENG experienced differential transcription of the mating-type genes with a pattern complementary to that of H. sinensis Strain L0106. Additional evidence is needed to explore a hybridization possibility between S. hepiali and H. sinensis, whether they are able to break the interspecific reproductive isolation. Genotypes #13～14 of O. sinensis feature large DNA segment reciprocal substitutions and genetic material recombination between 2 heterospecific parental fungi, H. sinensis and an AB067719-type fungus, indicating a possibility of hybridization or parasexuality. Our analysis provides important information at the genetic and transcriptional levels regarding the mating-type gene expression and reproduction physiology of O. sinensis in the sexual life of natural C. sinensis and offers crucial reproductive physiology evidence, to assist in the design of the artificial cultivation of C. sinensis to supplement the increasing scarcity of natural resource.

Potencial nematicida de hongos aislados de cultivos de plátano dominico hartón (Musa AAB Simmonds) del suroeste antioqueño / Nematicidal potential of fungi isolated of Plantain crops (Musa AAB Simmonds) from southwest Antioquia

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial nematicida de aislados fúngicos provenientes de cultivos de plátano de los municipios de Andes y Jardín (Suroeste antioqueño). Se analizaron in vitro diez aislados fúngicos frente a los nematodos fitoparásitos de los géneros Meloidogyne y Radopholus. Los hongos pertenecían a los géneros Paecilomyces, Pochonia, Arthrobotrys, Lecanicillium y Metarhizium. Se realizaron pruebas metabólicas cualitativas con diversos sustratos con el fin de observar la capacidad de degradación de diferentes compuestos característicos en la estructura de huevos o juveniles de nematodos. También, se evaluó la capacidad de colonizar huevos o juveniles de Meloidogyne sp. y, la mortalidad de los aislados frente a los géneros Meloidogyne y Radopholus. Se encontró que la mayoría de los aislados fueron capaces de degradar Tween 80 (90% de los aislados), seguido de caseína (80%), gelatina (80%), Tween 20 (60%), y en menor medida quitina (40% de los aislados); además, el 30% de los aislados presentaron formación de cristales en los medios de Tween. El 70% de los aislados podían infectar huevos, mientras que el 30% restante infectaban juveniles (J2) de Meloidogyne sp., después 24 horas de incubación. En cuanto al porcentaje de mortalidad del hongo y el filtrado, se encontró que todos los aislados difieren del control (p<0.05), siendo aislados de los géneros Pochonia y Paecilomyces quienes presentaron porcentajes de mortalidad superiores al 90%.

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate the nematicidal potential of fungal isolates from plantain crops in the municipalities of Andes and Jardín (Southwest Antioquia). Ten fungal isolates were analyzed in vitro against phytoparasitic nematodes of the genera Meloidogyne and Radopholus. The fungi belonged to the genera Paecilomyces, Pochonia, Arthrobotrys, Lecanicillium, and Metarhizium. Qualitative metabolic tests were carried out with various substrates to observe the degradation capacity of different characteristic compounds in the structure of nematode eggs or juveniles. Also, the ability to colonize eggs or juveniles of Meloidogyne sp. and, the mortality of the isolates against the genera Meloidogyne and Radopholus were evaluated. It was found that most isolates were capable of degrading Tween 80 (90% of isolates), followed by casein (80%), gelatin (80%), Tween 20 (60%), and to a lesser extent chitin (40 % of isolates); in addition, 30% of the isolates presented crystal formation in the Tween media. 70% of the isolates could infect eggs, while the remaining 30% infected juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne sp., after 24 hours of incubation. Regarding the percentage of mortality of the fungus and the filtrate, it was found that all the isolates differ from the control (p<0.05), and some isolates of the genera Pochonia and Paecilomyces who presented mortality percentages higher than 90%.

Growth Pattern of Paecilomyces lilacinus in Different Eco-friendly Media

Paecilomyces lilacinus is a common saprophytic, filamentous fungus. Morphological characters of P. lilacinuswere separate mycelium, hyaline, conidia white to pink colored, and formation of phialides. The growth of P. lilacinus carried out on Sabouraud dextrose agar, coconut, molasses, and potato dextrose agar media at room temperature was better than incubator (25°C). The fungus has the capacity to colonize the rhizosphere and to grow in close association with nematodes. P. lilacinus was mass multiplied in both solid substrate for sorghum grains and liquid media for coconut water. Effect of temperature on the growth of P. lilacinus wasstudied in solid substrate (sorghum grain) and liquid media (coconut water) at different temperature, namely, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 ± 1°C. Number of colonies forming units in sorghum grain was found to be maximum at 30 ± 1°C followed by 35 ± 1°C. In liquid media (coconut water) also, maximum dry mycelial weight was recorded at 30 ± 1°C which was on par with 35 and 25 ± 1°C. It shows effect of temperature on the mycelial growth.

DNA Barcoding Identification of Paecilomyces hepiali and Jinshuibao Capsules / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::Because traditional methods are difficult to identify the fermentation mycelium, DNA barcoding technology was used to quickly identify the raw material strain Paecilomyces hepiali of Jinshuibao capsules and related products. Method::A total of 168 samples of 8 species of P. hepiali and its confusable species were identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, and based on the ITS sequences, P. hepiali specific primers were designed to quickly identify the related products. Result::The length of ITS sequences in 44 P. hepiali samples from different sources was 499 bp and there was no mutation site. It was shown that P. hepiali could be distinguished from 7 confusable species based on ITS sequences. The specific primer (ITS-BF/ITS-BR) of P. hepiali designed by ITS sequences could be amplified to obtain a short fragment of 102 bp in length, which could be used to rapidly identify P. hepiali from other confusable species, and to distinguish relevant products in the market. Conclusion::The rapid identification of P. hepiali and its related products can be achieved through the ITS sequences and specific primers, which provides a reference for the production and quality control of Jinshuibao capsules.

A case of recurrent keratitis caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus and treated by voriconazole / Uso do voriconazol na ceratite recorrente causada por fungo Paecilomyces lilacinus

ABSTRACT - We describe here a case of a 21-year-old woman who presented with low visual acuity, pain, and hyperemia in the left eye for 45 days. Her eye had extensive corneal infiltrate, with melting and a central perforation that was glued with cyanoacrylate, but with Seidel (+). She underwent tectonic corneal transplantation, and anterior chamber lavage with subconjunctival infiltration with voriconazole, as well as intracameral injections of amphotericin B. Laboratory tests revealed Paecilomyces lilacinus as the infectious agent. The patient was then maintained with oral voriconazole and eye drops for three months, after which the infection was considered cured. However, in the sixth postoperative month she presented with endothelial rejection, and two weeks later signs of recurrence of the fungal infection. She was treated with two further washes of the anterior chamber and subconjunctival injection of voriconazole, followed by intravenous voriconazole that was replaced with drops after ten days. The infection initially worsened, but then regressed, and at last follow-up, the patient was still infection-free.

RESUMO - Descrevemos aqui um caso de uma mulher de 21 anos que apresentou baixa acuidade visual, dor e hiperemia no olho esquerdo por 45 dias. O olho apresentava infiltrado corneano extenso, com fusão e perfuração central colada com cianoacrilato, mas com Seidel (+). Ela foi submetida a transplante de córnea tectônica e lavagem de câmara anterior com infiltração subconjuntival com voriconazol, além de injeções intracamerais de anfoterecina B. Testes laboratoriais revelaram Paecilomyces lilacinus como agente infeccioso. A paciente foi então mantida com voriconazol oral e colírio por período de três meses, após o qual a infecção foi considerada curada. No entanto, no sexto mês de pós-operatório, ela apresentou rejeição endotelial e, duas semanas após, sinais de recidiva de infecção fúngica. Ela foi tratada com mais duas lavagens de câmara anterior e injeção subconjuntival de voriconazol, seguida por voriconazol intravenoso que foi substituído por gotas após 10 dias. A infecção piorou inicialmente, mas depois regrediu e, no último seguimento, o paciente ainda estava livre de infecção.

Physiological and biochemical characteristics of four dominant microbes and content of yellow pigment in fermentation process of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata / 中草药

Objective: To study the physiological and biochemical characteristics of four dominant microorganisms and the yellow pigment content of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata (PRF), and provide basis for exploring the mechanism of PRF processing. Methods: The optimum growth temperature and pH value of the four dominant microorganisms Bacillus subtilis, Paecilomyces variotii, Byssochlamys spectabilis, and Aspergillus niger were studied. The ability of producing acidase, amylase, protease, and yellow pigment were determined. The yellow pigment content of each sample at different fermentation time points in process of PRF was determined. Results: The most suitable growth temperatures for B. subtilis, P. variotii, B. spectabilis, and A. niger were 35 ℃, 29 ℃, 29-31 ℃, and 39 ℃; And the optimum pH were 7.0, 7.0, 7.5, and 7.0, respectively. Four kinds of microorganisms had the ability to produce amylase and protease. P. variotii and B. spectabilis had the ability to produce yellow pigment. The content of yellow pigment were 69.875, 69.875, 71.750, 119.500, and 137.875 μg/g in the samples at different time points. Conclusion: Four kinds of dominant microorganisms may play an important role in fermentation process of PRF.

Keratomycosis due to Purpureocillium lilacinum: A case report from Sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand

The fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum previously known as Paceliomyces lilacinus is an emerging pathogen that can cause severe human infections including devastating oculomycosis. Treatment with traditional antifungals often fails, and the organism shows variable susceptibility to novel triazoles. We hereby report a case of keratomycosis caused by Pur. lilacinum in an immunocompetent male patient following trauma. The patient was successfully treated with voriconazole. The drug shows good activity against Pur. lilacinum and could be a promising therapeutic alternative to treat infections caused by this fungus, which generally shows resistance to conventional antifungal agents including novel triazoles.

Discussion on related problems of model species of fungus： Paecilomyces hepialid / 中国中药杂志

Paecilomyces hepiali is a new species of fungus isolated from a field collection of Ophiocordyceps sinensis from Baima snow mountain, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province by the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. The specimen was identified and named as Paecilomyces hepiali by Qing-Tao Chen, the professor of the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Paecilomyces hepiali) (2008), who identified a dried culture of living strain 82-2 as the holotype. Until now, the holotype (the voucher specimen) was deposited in the Herbarium of the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica (HICMM), China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing. The P. hepiali neotype designated by the paper "Neotypification of P. hepiali (Hypocreales)" published in TAXON 64 (1) by Yao Yi-Jian et al. in February 2015 is untenable.

A Case of Localized Skin Infection due to Purpureocillium lilacinum / 대한의진균학회지

Purpureocillium lilacinum, formerly Paecilomyces lilacinus, is a saprophytic fungus found in soil and rotting vegetation and rarely pathogenic to humans. Only 4 cases of cutaneous infection caused by Purpureocillium lilacinum have been reported in the name of Paecilomyces lilacinus. Herein, we report a case of localized cutaneous infection due to Purpureocillium lilacinum. A healthy 81-year-old immunocompetent male presented with an erythematous scaly and pustular plaque on his left dorsal hand that had begun 3 months ago. Histopathologic examination showed suppurative granulomatous inflammation with hyphae and round spores in the dermis. Periodic acid-Schiff and methenamine silver stain revealed fungal spores. Fungus culture from the biopsy specimen revealed velvety pink to white colonies after 15 day-incubation period. The slide culture stained with lactophenol-cotton blue showed typical long hyphae and flask-shaped phialides with oval conidia in chains. The result of DNA sequencing from the colony was identical to that of Purpureocillium lilacinum.

Effects of extracellular polysaccharides from Paecilomyces Lilacinuson on function of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of the Paecilomyces Lilacinuson extracellular polysaccharides on the phenotypic and maturation of murine dendritic cells. Methods: Imature DCs were induced in vitro from the murine bone marrow cells in the presence of rmGM-CSF and rmIL-4, and then they were cultured with different dosage of the extracellular polysaccharides. The morphological characterization was analyzed under microscopy. The expressions of the DCs surface costimulating factors and phagocytic function to FITC-dextran were detected by flow cytometry. The level of IL-12 secreted by DCs was observed by ELISA. At the same time the influence of DCs on the proliferation of T cells was determined by MTT. Results:Treating with the polysaccharides for 48 h could up-regulate the expression of DCs surface molecules,such as CD11c,MHCⅡ,CD80 and CD86,and the 400 μg/ml was the optimal dose,comparing with the blank control group, the difference was significant (P<0. 01), contrast to LPS control group that was not different ( P<0. 05 ) . The uptaking FITC-dextran ability of the DCs treated with 300 μg/ml and 400 μg/ml polysaccharides was significant lower than the unstimulated DCs(P<0. 05). At the same time the extract at different concentration could distinctly enhance the proliferation of T cells by DCs too. Conclusion:The extracellular polysaccharides could stimulate the maturation of dendritic cells and induce the production of mature dendritic cells.

Effects of extracellular polysaccharides from Paecilomyces Lilacinuson on phagocytosis function of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the effects of Paecilomyces Lilacinuson extracellular polysaccharides on the phenotypic and function maturity of mouse dendritic ceils.Methods Mononuclear cells were isolated from the mouse bone marrow cavity and added with cytokines for obtaining the recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophagocyte colony stimulating factor(rmGM-CSF),recombinant mouse interleukin 4(rmIL-4) was induced to differentiated to immature DCs.Then different concentrations of extracellular polysaccharides were used to conduct the intervention.The mature DCs surface marker CD11c,major histocompatibility complex Ⅱ (MHC Ⅱ),CD80,CD86 molecular expression and phagocytosing FITC-dextran ability was detected by the flow cytometry.The effect of the polysaccharides on DCs Toll-like receptor(TLR)2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR.Results After 400 μg/mL polysaccharides action for 48 h,the expression of DCs surface molecules such as CD11c,MHC Ⅱ,CD80 and CD86 was significantly up-regulated compared with the blank control group (P＜0.05);after the polysaccharides action,the ability of DCs phagocytosing FITC-dextran was decreased,especially the effects of 300,400 μg/mL of polysaccharides were more significant compared with the control group (P＜0.05).In addition,the polysaccharides could down-regulate the expression of TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA in DCs,the DCs down-regulation effect after 100-400 μg/mL polysaccharides treatment,the difference compared with the blank control group was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The extracellular polysaccharides can up-regulate the expression of DCs surface CD11c,MHC Ⅱ,CD80 and CD 86 molecules,decreases the phagocytosis ability and down-regulates the expression of TLR2 mRNA and TLR4 mRNA,which preliminarily indicates that the polysaccharides could stimulate the differentiation and maturation of murine DCs.

Bioactive Betulin produced by marine Paecilomyces WE3-F.

Objective: Marine fungi play an important role in human and animal health, leading compounds to new drug discoveries and prospects for their bioactivity potential. Materials and Methods: Paecilomyces WE3-F was isolated from marine sediment (Red Sea, Shalateen, Egypt). Fungal isolate was screened for their antagonistic activity against four Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Lesteria monocytogenes, Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcu aureus) and four Gram-negative (Aeromonas hydrophila, Flavobacteruim sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholera,) pathogenic bacteria. Paecilomyces WE3-F was identified using 18S rRNA technology. Seven factors were chosen to be screened for bioactivity using the Placket Burman experimental design: sucrose, yeast extract, Na NO3, temperature, initial pH, inoculum size, and incubation period. Results: Among conditional factors, acidic pH and 1.5 ml inoculum size favored the bioactive metabolites. Furthermore, a number of solvents have been experimented for the extraction of the bioactive metabolite(s). Dichloromethane (DCM) crude extract from the fermentation broth of a marine Paecilomyces WE3-F showed the highest activity with averages of 26 and 24 mm against G-ve and G+ve, respectively. Under optimal culture conditions, the maximum extractable compound concentration in a 10-L culture medium reached 83.4 mg/L. Based on data obtained by thin layer chromatogram (TLC), gas chromatography - mass spectrum (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) the major compound, betulin was structurally identified. Conclusions: The isolated marine Paecilomyces WE3-F, therefore, showed the ability to produce a betulin yield after optimal operating conditions for antibacterial potential.

Chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis by Paecilomyces variotii: A rare case report.

Fungal infection of the paranasal sinuses is an increasingly recognised entity, both in normal and immunocompromised individuals. The recent increase in mycotic nasal and paranasal infections is due to both improved diagnostic research and an increase in the conditions that favour fungal infection. Aspergillus, Candida, and Mucor species are the most common causative agents of fungal sinusitis, but infection with lesser known species have been reported across the world infrequently. This article reviews and presents a case report of chronic fungal sinusitis in an immunocompetent adult male infected with Paecilomyces variotii which is opportunistic soil saprophyte, uncommon to humans.

Paecilomyces Keratitis: Cases in Korea and Literature Review

PURPOSE: To analyze the Paecilomyces keratitis cases in Korea and compare cases from foreign literature. METHODS: The records of 3 patients diagnosed with Paecilomyces keratitis at our hospital and other reported cases in Korea were evaluated to examine the predisposing factors, clinical aspects, antifungal therapy, therapeutic surgery, and visual outcome and compared with previously reported foreign cases. RESULTS: In Korea, 1 patient was female, 4 patients were male and had predisposing factors including prior corneal trauma or surgery, except 1 spontaneous occurrence. All 5 eyes of 5 patients had poor initial visual acuity, less than finger count, and deep corneal infiltration. The patients were treated with multiple topical and systemic antifungal treatments such as intracameral or intrastromal voriconazole injections and required evisceration and penetrating keratoplasty. However, the final outcomes were unsatisfactory. Previously reported cases from foreign literature also had predisposing factors such as corneal surgery, trauma, and soft contact lens use. They were resistant to antifungal therapy and eventually led to surgeries such as penetrating keratoplasty and the final outcomes were poor. CONCLUSIONS: Frequently, Paecilomyces keratitis has direct risk factors and is resistant to many topical and systemic antifungal agents. In the majority of cases, therapeutic surgery was required and the final visual outcomes were poor. When Paecilomyces keratitis is suspected, we suggest aggressive therapy including intracameral and intravitreal injections of voriconazole in the initial treatment.

Characterization of Paecilomyces variotii and Talaromyces amestolkiae in Korea Based on the Morphological Characteristics and Multigene Phylogenetic Analyses

During fungal diversity surveys of the order Eurotiales in Korea, two fungal strains, EML-DG33-1 and EML-NCP50, were isolated from samples of rat dung and fig tree leaf collected at a garden located in Gwangju in 2014. To complete the National Species List of Korea, it is a prerequisite to verify whether many questionable species, which were previously recorded but not confirmed, indeed present in Korea. Herein, the isolates were confirmed as undescribed species, Paecilomyces variotii and Talaromyces amestolkiae based on the combination of morphological and phylogenetic analyses of multigenes including the rDNA internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin, and RNA polymerase II subunit 2.

Keratitis Caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus after Cataract Surgery in a Patient with Systemic and Autoimmune Disease

PURPOSE: To report a case of Paecilomyces lilacinus fungal keratitis after cataract surgery in a patient with chronic systemic and autoimmune disease who was treated with medical therapy and penetrating keratoplasty. CASE SUMMARY: A 72-year-old female was referred for decreased visual acuity and ocular pain in the left eye. She underwent cataract surgery in the left eye 1 month earlier and was treated for 2 weeks for corneal edema and stromal infiltration around the corneal suture. She had a chronic systemic disease with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hepatitis C and rheumatoid arthritis. Suspecting infectious keratitis, the patient was instructed to stop applying topical and systemic steroids and use topical amphotericin B (0.15%) and moxifloxacin (0.5%). However, without improvement, amphotericin B (0.15%) and moxifloxacin (0.5%) were changed to natamycin (5%) and topical voriconazole (2%) and systemic voriconazole was added. However, her systemic status deteriorated and corneal melting developed, scleral graft implantation and amniotic membrane implantation were performed to prevent corneal perforation 6 weeks after the initial visit. Paecilomyces lilacinus was identified in culture at 7 weeks and penetrating keratoplasty was performed 12 weeks after the initial visit. After penetrating keratoplasty, corneal status was stable for 6 months and no signs of recurrence were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In a patient with Paecilomyces lilacinus fungal keratitis and chronic systemic and autoimmune disease, penetrating keratoplasty showed good prognosis when the disease was refractory to topical and systemic antifungal agents.

Virulence evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi to subterranean termites, Globitermes sulphureus (INSECTA: ISOPTERA)

Aims: Subterranean termites, Globitermes sulphureus is one of the significant pests for agricultural crops such as coconut and oil palm, and occasionally attacks building structure in Malaysia. Efforts to control subterranean termite infestations depended heavily on liquid termiticide applications. Natural pathogen of termites such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is a promising alternative to chemical control. The objective of this study was to determine the most virulent EPF such as Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces sp. against the subterranean termites, G. sulphureus for the development of bio-insecticide for future use of termite control. Methodology and results: Subterranean termites were collected from mound-building termites found in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Cultivating, harvesting and counting of conidia of EPF were carried out to prepare the desired concentrations for screening test and bioassays, which were 1×103 , 1x105 , 1×107 and control. The pathogenicity testing was observed daily within 1 week under laboratory conditions. Screening showed that M. anisopliae was found to be the most virulent compared to B. bassiana and Paecilomyces sp., achieving 100% mortality within 3-4 days. M. anisopliae was then further tested on termites and it was found that concentration of 1×107 showed the lowest LT50 value, while LC50 of M. anisopliae in 1 day was 2.0151×106 . Conclusion, significance and impact of study: It could be concluded that M. anisopliae is the most virulent EPF against termites and the most effective concentration was ±107 followed by strains of B. bassiana and Paecilomyces sp. However, there is limited field evaluation of EPF against termites in Malaysia. Evaluation on the efficiency of M. anisopliae in the field should be conducted so that its efficacy could be proven and marketed.

Keratitis by Paecilomyces lilacinus: A case report from Sub‑Himalayan region.

Paecilomyces lilacinus is a filamentous fungus found in soil and air, which is a rare cause of ocular infection. The majority of case reports involving P. lilacinus among healthy hosts are of endophthalmitis and keratitis. We report a rare case of keratomycosis by P. lilacinus, in an immunocompetent, which responded well to treatment with ketoconazole. Some species belonging to the genus Paecilomyces such as P. lilacinus generally shows a poor response to conventional antifungal drugs. Therefore, correct identification of clinical isolates to the species level is mandatory for the appropriate treatment of the disease.

Growth of Paecilomyces variotii in B0 (diesel), B100 (biodiesel) and B7 (blend), degradation and molecular detection / Crescimento de Paecilomyces variotii em B0 (diesel), B100 (biodiesel) e B7 (mistura), degradação e detecção molecular

AbstractThe introduction of biodiesel to diesel may allow the fuel to be more susceptible to microorganism growth, especially during incorrect storage. To evaluate the effect of adding biodiesel in pure diesel on the growth of Paecilomyces variotii, microcosms containing pure diesel (B0), blend diesel/biodiesel (B7) and pure biodiesel (B100) were used. In microcosm with minimal mineral medium and B0, B7 or B100, after 60 days, the biomass (dry weight) formed at interface oil-water in B7 and B100 was significantly higher when compared to that of B0. Infrared analysis showed reduction of the carbonile fraction in B7 and B100 suggesting formation of intermediate compounds in B7. To monitor possible contamination of fuel storage tank by P. variotii samples were collected and analysed by specific-PCR assay for detection of P. variotii spores in the aqueous phase. This method was able to detect a minimum of 103 spores ml–1, corresponding to 0.0144 ng µl–1 of DNA. Specificity was tested against Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudallescheria boydii.

ResumoA introdução de biodiesel ao diesel pode permitir que o combustível se torne mais suscetível ao crescimento de microorganismos, especialmente durante o armazenamento incorreto. Para analisar o efeito da adição de biodiesel em diesel puro no crescimento de Paecilomyces variotii, avaliou-se seu desenvolvimento em microcosmos contendo diesel puro (B0), mistura diesel/biodiesel (B7) e biodiesel puro (B100). Em microcosmos com meio mineral mínimo e B0, B7 ou B100, após 60 dias, a biomassa (peso seco) formada na interface óleo-agua com B7 e B100 foi significativamente maior quando comparada com a de B0. A análise de infravermelho mostrou redução da fração carbonila em B7 e B100, sugerindo a formação de compostos intermediários em B7. Para monitorar uma possível contaminação de tanque de armazenamento de combustível por P. variotii, amostras foram colhidas e analisadas por um teste de PCR específico para detecção de esporos deste fungo em fase aquosa. Este método foi capaz de detectar um mínimo de 103 esporos ml–1, correspondente a 0.0144 ng µl–1 de DNA. Especificidade foi testada contra Aspergillus fumigatus e Pseudallescheria boydii.