Characterization saprobic fungi on leaf litter of two species of trees in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Abstract We investigated the composition and structure of fungal communities associated with leaf litter generated by Clusia nemorosa and Vismia guianensis that belong to phylogenetically-related botanical families and exist together in a remnant of the Atlantic Forest in Bahia, Brazil. Samplings were conducted during wet (June 2011) and dry (January 2013) seasons in Serra da Jibóia. The fungi were isolated using particle filtration and the 1,832 isolates represented 92 taxa. The wet season yielded the largest number of isolates (1,141) and taxa (76) compared with the dry season (641 isolates and 37 taxa). The richness and diversity of fungal species associated with C. nemorosa (64 taxa, Simpson=0.95)were higher compared with those of V.guianensis (59 taxa, Simpson =0.90). Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) revealed significant variations in the composition and community structure of fungi isolated from the two plants as a function of seasons. In contrast, nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis show that the seasonality was an important influence on the distribution of fungal species. However, the populations of the saprobic fungal communities were dynamic, and several factors may influence such communities in the Atlantic Forest.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on young vines in copper-contaminated soil

Abstract High copper (Cu) levels in uprooted old vineyard soils may cause toxicity in transplanted young vines, although such toxicity may be reduced by inoculating plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of AMF on the plant growth, chlorophyll contents, mycorrhizal colonization, and Cu and phosphorus (P) absorption in young vines cultivated in a vineyard soil contaminated by Cu. Commercial vineyard soil with high Cu levels was placed in plastic tubes and transplanted with young vines, which were inoculated with six AMF species (Dentiscutata heterogama, Gigaspora gigantea, Acaulospora morrowiae, A. colombiana, Rhizophagus clarus, R. irregularis) and a control treatment on randomized blocks with 12 replicates. After 130 days, the mycorrhizal colonization, root and shoot dry matter (DM), height increment, P and Cu absorption, and chlorophyll contents were evaluated. The height increment, shoot DM and chlorophyll contents were not promoted by AMF, although the root DM was increased by R. clarus and R. irregularis, which had the greatest mycorrhizal colonization and P uptake. AMF increased Cu absorption but decreased its transport to shoots. Thus, AMF species, particularly R. clarus and R. irregularis, contribute to the establishment of young vines exposed to high Cu levels.

Synovial Cyst with Fungal Granuloma.

Synovial cysts are frequently seen and are most commonly seen at the back of the knee where it is known as popliteal cyst. But synovial cyst with fungal granuloma is rather rare. This case report illustrates an occurrence of synovial cyst with fungal granuloma, in a 40 years old male at the dorsal aspect of the right ankle joint. Clinical examination revealed lesion about 4x4x4cms in size over the dorsal aspect of the right ankle joint. Simple excision of the lesion was done with the clinical diagnosis of lipoma. Microscopic examination revealed synovial lining hyperplasia and subintimal tissue showed granulomatous reaction with foreign body giant cells and black colored fungal colonies. Patients did not attend further, so follow up was not available.

Changing Trends in the Fungal Isolates from Clinical Specimens of Suspected Superficial Mycosis.

Introduction: The local patterns of fungal isolates from clinical specimens may change with time and geographical area and it is important to be familiar with recent local trends in order to improve diagnosis. Objective: The local patterns of fungal isolates from clinical specimens of suspected superficial mycosis was studied in a tertiary care centre in Orissa between 2009 - 2011. Material and Methods: Mycological examinations of 311 materials sampled from various sites in patients with suspected superficial mycosis was done by KOH wet mount and culture. Results: A total of 311 specimens were sent for mycological study . Out of 217 specimens of suspected superficial mycosis, Trichophyton (68.42%) was the most frequently isolated genus,with T. rubrum (62.82%) as the most common species, followed by the T. mentagrophytes (29.48%) . T. schoenlenii was responsible for 18.75% of T. pedis and 38.4% of T. capitis cases. T. tonsurans was responsible for 50% of T. barbae and 23.8% T. cruris cases. Out of the other 94 specimens , Aspergillus (35.1%) was the most frequently isolated genus , with A. fumigates (57.57%) as the most common species; followed by Candida (17.02%) in which C. tropicalis (31.25%) was the most commonly isolated species followed by C. albicans (25%). Conclusions : An evident change in the spectrum of fungal isolates causing superficial mycosis has been observed with T. schoenlenii and T. tonsurans emerging as a causative agent of T. pedis , T. capitis and T. barbae and T. cruris respectively. There is a decrease in the relative frequency of C. albicans and increase in Candida tropicalis causing superficial fungal infections.