Análisis fitoquímico preliminar y actividad antifúngica In vitro del extracto etanólico de las hojas de Solanum hispidum pers. Colectadas en la localidad Obraje - Perú / Preliminary phytochemical analysis and in vitro antifungal activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Solanum hispidum pers. collected in the locality in Obraje - Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo . Analizar y determinar la actividad antifúngica in vitro del extracto etanólico de las hojas de Solanum hispidum Pers. Materiales y métodos . Se realizó el análisis fitoquímico preliminar cualitativo mediante reacciones de color y precipitación. Se investigó la actividad antifúngica in vitro frente a Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasilensis y Trichophyton mentagrophytes usando el método de difusión en pozo de agar y el ensayo de la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI). Resultados . El análisis fitoquímico preliminar cualitativo mostró la presencia de compuestos fenólicos, taninos, flavonoides, esteroides, alcaloides y saponinas. La actividad antifúngica in vitro fue demostrada para todos cultivos fúngicos con halos de inhibición entre 23 a 26 mm. Los valores de la CMI fueron de 125, 250 y 125 µg/mL para C. albicans, A. brasilensis y T. mentagrophytes, respectivamente. Conclusiones. El extracto etanólico de las hojas de Solanum hispidum Pers contiene importantes metabolitos secundarios y tiene moderada actividad antifúngica.

ABSTRACT Objective. To analyze and determine the in vitro antifungical activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Solanum hispidum Pers. Materials and methods. We carried out a preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis by color and precipitation reactions. We evaluated the in vitro antifungical activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasilensis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes by using the agar well diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Results. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids and saponins. In vitro antifungal activity was demonstrated for all fungal cultures with inhibition halos between 23 to 26 mm. The MIC values were 125, 250, and 125 μg/mL for C. albicans, A. brasilensis, and T. mentagrophytes, respectively. Conclusions. The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Solanum hispidum Pers. contains important secondary metabolites and has moderate antifungical activity.

Hongos anamorfos biodegradan los libros del Área Histórica de la Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) / Anamorphous fungi biodegrade the books of the Historical Area from the Central University of Ecuador (CUE)

Determinamos los géneros de hongos anamorfos que contaminan los libros del área de cuarentena y limpieza, dentro del Área Histórica de la Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE). Realizamos un hisopado aleatorio a una muestra representativa de 50 de estos libros de acuerdo a una Tabla militarizada estándar. También hisopamos como muestra preferencial a 21 libros gravemente contaminados con hongos. Los hisopados tuvieron una superficie de 5x5 cm, friccionando en la pasta, el borde y el interior de estos libros. Las 213 muestras tomadas fueron inoculadas en medio de cultivo Agar Malta. Los medios fueron incubados a una temperatura de 28°C durante 7 días. Realizamos observaciones por microscopía a 40 y 100x además de usar literatura especializada para la identificación hasta el nivel de género de hongos anamorfos. Los géneros más abundantes en este estudio fueron Penicillium (80,2%) y Mucor (8,1%). (AU)

We determined the genera of anamorphic fungi that contaminate the books in the quarantine and cleaning area, within the Historical Area of the Central University of Ecuador (CUE). We performed a random swab on a representative sample of 50 of these books according to a standard militarized Table. We also swabbed as a preferential sample 21 books seriously contaminated with fungi. The swabs had a surface area of 5x5 cm, rubbing on the paste, the edge and the interior of these books. The 213 samples taken were inoculated in Agar Malta culture medium. The media were incubated at a temperature of 28° C for 7 days. We made observations by microscopy at 40 and 100x in addition to using specialized literature for the identification down to the genus level of anamorphic fungi. The most abundant genus in this study were Penicillium(80,2%) and Mucor(8,1%). (AU)

Feohifomicosis por Exserohilum rostratum en un paciente pediátrico con leucemia linfoblástica aguda postransplante de médula ósea / Phaeohyphomycosis by Exserohilum rostratum in a pediatric patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after bone marrow transplantation

Resumen El género Exserohilum corresponde a hongos dematiáceos, la mayoría fitopatógenos, saprobios, de los cuales solo tres especies serían patógenas para el hombre: Exserohilum rostratum, Exserohilum longirostratum y Exserohilum mcginnisii. Se han reportado infecciones localizadas y sistémicas causadas por estos agentes, tanto en pacientes inmunocompetentes como inmunosuprimidos. Se presenta un caso de infección cutánea por E. rostratum en un paciente pediátrico con inmunocompromiso.

Abstract The genus Exserohilum consists of dematiaceous or darkly pigmented fungi. Most of the species included in this genus are phytopathogens, saprobes and only three of these species would be pathogenic to humans: Exserohilum rostratum, Exserohilum longirostratum and Exserohilum mcginnisii. Localized and systemic infections have been reported both in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. A clinical case of cutaneous infection by E. rostratum in an immunocompromised pediatric patient is presented in this study.

Alternative substrates for conidiogenesis of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals) Vuillemin (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) / Substratos alternativos para conidiogênese do fungo entomopatogênico Beauveria bassiana (Bals) Vuillemin (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes)

Abstract Beauveria bassiana is a promising fungus for the biological control of insect pests. The growing costs of conidia production have raised the need to ascertain the efficiency of some low cost substrates. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential use of different raw substrates without nutritional supplement for B. bassiana conidiogenesis. Growth and sporulation were evaluated using 30 g of substrate and 0.3 μL of a conidia suspension (1 x 106 conidia/mL). After 10 days of incubation (70 ± 10% humidity and temperature (T) = 29 ± 1 °C), rice (2.00 x 106 conidia/g substrate), algaroba (2.36 x 106 conidia/g), malt A (1.22 x 106 conidia/g) and malt B (1.75 x 106 conidia/g) showed the highest levels of conidia production. The resulting conidia showed insecticidal activity higher than 80% on coconut termites. These new raw substrates may represent viable alternatives for the production of entomopathogenic fungi for use in the biological control of various insect pests.

Resumo Beauveria bassiana é um fungo promissor no controle biológico de insetos-praga. As crescentes despesas na produção de conídios levantam a necessidade de averiguar a eficiência de alguns substratos de baixo custo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o potencial de utilização de diferentes substratos brutos para a conidiogênese de B. bassiana. O crescimento e esporulação foram realizados utilizando 30 g do substrato e 0,3 µL da suspensão de conídios (1 x 106 conídios/mL). Após 10 dias de incubação (umidade 70 ± 10% e temperatura T = 29 ± 1° C), o arroz (2,00 x 106 conídios/g de substrato), algaroba (2,36 x 106 conídios/g), malte A (1,22 x 106 conídios/g) e B (1,75 x 106 conídios/g), apresentaram maior produção de conídios. Os conídios produzidos mostraram atividade inseticida sobre o cupim do coqueiro acima de 80% de mortalidade. Estes novos substratos brutos podem representar uma alternativa viável para produção de fungos entomopatogênicos para uso no controle biológico de vários insetos praga.

Essential oils of Tahiti lemon and cinnamon bark in control of storage fungi and the physiological and sanitary quality of beans / Óleos essenciais de limão Taiti e canela em casca no controle de fungos de armazenamento e na qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de feijão

With the objective to evaluate the efficiency of essential oils of Citrus latifolia (Tahiti lemon) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon bark) in the control of plant pathogens Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. and the quality of the bean seeds, two experiments were conducted. In the first one, the effect of essential oils of C. latifolia and C. zeylanicum was evaluated in vitro development of the fungi Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. and, in the second one, the influence of essential oils on the physiological and sanitary quality of bean seeds. The variables mycelial growth, conidial germination and sporulation of Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. were measured in the first experiment, while the seed germination test, first count of germination, germination speed index (GSI) and sanity test of bean seeds were measured in the second. The essential oil (EO) of C. zeylanicum was more efficient than C. latifolia in the control of Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp., but decreased the physiological quality of the beans seeds. The fungal diversity identified in the seed health test was composed by fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Chaetomium and Rhizopus. The results indicate the potential of the use of these EOs in the seeds treatment.(AU)

Com o objetivo de avaliar a eficiência dos óleos essenciais de Citrus latifolia (limão taiti) e Cinnamomum zeylanicum (canela em casca) no controle dos fitopatógenos Penicillium sp. e Aspergillus sp. e na qualidade das sementes de feijão, foram conduzidos dois experimentos. No primeiro, avaliou-se o efeito dos óleos essenciais de C. latifolia e C. zeylanicum no desenvolvimento in vitro dos fungos Penicillium sp. e Aspergillus sp. e, no segundo, a influência dos óleos essenciais sobre a qualidade fisiológica e sanitária das sementes de feijão. As variáveis crescimento micelial, germinação de conídios e esporulação de Penicillium sp. e Aspergillus sp. foram aferidas no primeiro experimento, enquanto o teste de germinação de sementes, primeira contagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG) e teste de sanidade de sementes de feijão foram aferidas no segundo. O óleo essencial (OE) de C. zeylanicum foi mais eficiente que C. latifolia no controle dos fungos Aspergillus sp. e Penicillium sp., mas diminuiu a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de feijão. A diversidade fúngica identificada no teste de sanidade de sementes foi composta por fungos dos gêneros Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Chaetomium e Rhizopus. Os resultados indicam o potencial do uso desses óleos essenciais no tratamento de sementes.(AU)

Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to cladophialophora bantiana: a first case report in an immunocompetent patient in Latin America and a brief literature review

Abstract We report a rare case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora bantiana in an immunocompetent patient in Amazonas, Brazil. This dematiaceous fungus has been mainly associated with life-threatening infections affecting the central nervous systems of immunosuppressed patients. We present the clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic aspects, and in vitro susceptibility test results for different antifungal drugs. A brief review of the cases reported in the literature over the past 20 years has also been discussed. According to the literature review, the present case is the first report of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to C. bantiana in an immunocompetent patient in Latin America.

Cladophialophora lanosa sp. nov., a New Species Isolated from Soil

Cladophialophora is characterized by simple hyphomycetes with brown hyphae that give rise to branched chains of pale brown conidia and shows affinities with the Herpotrichiellaceae. A fungal strain belonging to the genus Cladophialophora was isolated from soil in Daegu, Korea. This strain produces numerous greenish to dark black lanose aerial mycelia with hair like structures. It is morphological similar to C. chaetospira, C. inabaensis, and C. multiseptata; however, the conidiophores and conidia sizes of the newly isolated strain (KNU16-032) are clearly different from them. The novelty of the strain was also confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis using the data sets of the internal transcribed spacer region of and the partial sequence of 28S ribosomal DNA region along with the cultural characteristics. Because morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the strain is distinct from previously known Cladophialophora species, we propose this species as a new species Cladophialophora lanosa sp. nov., and provide the detailed descriptions in this study.

Conidial fungi associated with leaf litter of red cedar (Cedrela odorata) in Belém, Pará (eastern Brazilian Amazon) / Fungos conidiais associados com o folhedo de cedro vermelho (Cedrela odorata) em Belém, Pará (Amazônia Oriental brasileira)

The aim of this study was to investigate the species of conidial fungi associated with leaf litter of Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae), an endangered red cedar species typical of Amazonian terra-firme forests. Conidial fungi were sampled around C. odorata individuals in three forest areas in the municipality of Belém (Pará State, Brazil). A total of 104 species were identified, with 53 new records for the state of Pará, 46 first records for the Brazilian Amazon, including new records for Brazil (Cordana abramovii), for South America (Acarocybiopsis cubitaensis, Xylocladium claviforme) and for the Americas (Dactylaria biguttulata). A review of species of conidial fungi reported on C. odorata is provided, indicating its distribution in Brazil. For each new record in Brazil, South America and the Americas we present a description, illustrations, geographical distribution and taxonomic comments.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as espécies de fungos conidiais associadas com o folhedo de Cedrela odorata, uma espécie de cedro vermelho ameaçada, típica de florestas de terra firme da Amazônia. Fungos conidiais foram amostrados no folhedo ao redor de indivíduos de C. odorata em três áreas florestais no município de Belém (PA). Um total de 104 espécies foi identificado, com 53 novos registros para o Estado do Pará e 46 que representam o primeiro registro para a Amazônia brasileira. Dentre estas, foram encontrados novos registros para o Brasil (Cordana abramovii), para a América do Sul (Acarocybiopsis cubitaensis, Xylocladium claviforme) e para as Américas (Dactylaria biguttulata). Uma revisão das espécies de fungos conidiais relatadas em C. odorata é fornecida, indicando sua distribuição no Brasil. Para cada novo registro no Brasil, América do Sul e Américas apresentamos uma descrição, ilustrações, distribuição geográfica e comentários taxonômicos.

Dermatitis facial por Malassezia pachydermatis / Facial dermatitis caused by Malassezia pachydermatis

Se presenta un caso de dermatitis facial por Malassezia pachydermatis en un paciente de 34 años de edad, diagnosticado mediante clínica y estudio micológico. M. pachydermatis es una levadura que forma parte de la microbiota de mamíferos domésticos y animales salvajes, donde frecuentemente puede provocar dermatitis y otitis externa. En humanos, son escasas las infecciones por este agente, describiéndose desde infecciones superficiales hasta fungemias. En Chile se la ha encontrado como agente causal de pitiriasis versicolor y dermatitis seborreica principalmente en pacientes inmunocomprometidos.

We present a clinical case of facial dermatitis due to Malassezia pachydermatis in a patient of 34 years old, diagnosed by clinical and micology study. M. pachydermatis is a zoofilic yeast that is part of the microbiota of domestic mammals and wild animals, frequently causing dermatitis and external otitis. In humans, infections by this agent are very scarce, describing from superficial infections to fungemias. In Chile it has been found as causal agent of pitiriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis mainly in inmunocompromised patients.

Identificación de las especies de Candida en las infecciones sanguíneas / Characterization of Candida species in blood stream infections

Introducción: La candidemia se convirtió en una infección importante del torrente sanguíneo que se asocia frecuentemente con índices elevados de mortalidad y morbilidad. Las especies de Candida generan del 70% al 80% de las infecciones micóticas invasivas del torrente sanguíneo y son la cuarta causa más frecuente de infecciones hospitalarias del torrente sanguíneo. La identificación de las especies de Candida es importante, ya que las especies no albicans son cada vez más numerosas y resistentes a las drogas antimicóticas. El objetivo del estudio fue aislar e identificar diferentes especies de Candida asociadas con candidemia y analizar su patrón de susceptibilidad a los antimicóticos. Materiales y métodos: Los pacientes con sospecha de infecciones del torrente sanguíneo (ITS) fueron reclutados durante un período de un año para el estudio prospectivo. Se analizaron las características demográficas, la duración de la internación y los factores de riesgo asociados y la evolución clínica. El análisis de las muestras de sangre tuvo lugar mediante el sistema automatizado BacTAlert. La identificación y la susceptibilidad antimicótica de las levaduras fueron realizadas mediante el uso de dispositivo VITEK-2. Resultados: Las especies de Candida fueron aisladas en 30 de los 3146 cultivos recibidos (0.9%). La mayoría de los casos de candidemia tuvieron lugar en hombres (66%). Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron el uso de antibióticos de amplio espectro, la vía central y la ventilación mecánica. Entre las levaduras aisladas, las especies de Candida no albicans fueron predominantes (60%), en comparación con la especie C. albicans (40%). La especie albicans presentó una susceptibilidad del 100% a los azoles y la anfotericina, en tanto que las especies no albicans fueron resistentes. De los 30 pacientes mencionados, 5 fallecieron. Conclusión: La prevalencia de Candida no albicans fue mayor en comparación con la prevalencia de Candida albicans. Las especies no albicans fueron más resistentes a los antimicóticos. En consecuencia, los pacientes internados deberían ser evaluados para identificar la candidemia.

Introduction: Candidemia has become an important bloodstream infection that is frequently associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Candida species account for 70-80% of invasive bloodstream fungal infections and represent the fourth most common nosocomial bloodstream infections. The identification of Candida species is important as the number of non albicans Candida species is increasing and they are becoming more resistant to antifungal drugs. The aim of the study was to isolate and identify various Candida species associated with candidemia and to study their antifungal susceptibility pattern. Materials and methods: Patients suspected of having BSI were enrolled on a one-year prospective study. Patient's demographic details, duration of hospital stay, associated risk factors and outcome were studied. Blood samples were analyzed by BacTAlert automated system. Identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts was done using VITEK-2 compact system. Results: Of 3146 blood cultures received, Candida species were isolated in 30 samples (0.9%). The majority of candidemia cases were in males (66%). The most common risk factors were use of broad spectrum antibiotics, central line and mechanical ventilation. Among the yeast isolates, non albicans Candida species were predominant (60%) compared to C. albicans (40%). Candida albicans showed 100% susceptibility to azoles and amphotericin whereas non albicans Candida species showed resistance. Of these 30 patients, 5 patients died. Conclusion: Prevalence of non albicans Candida was greater than C. albicans and cases were more resistant to antifungal drugs. Therefore surveillance for candidemia should be carried out in hospitalized patients.

Impacto de métodos de preservação na caracterização por taxonomia polifásica de isolados de sporothrix spp / Impact of preservation methods on polyphasic taxonomy characterization of sporothrix spp isolates

Os métodos de preservação empregados em micologia buscam manter a viabilidade e a estabilidade das características fenotípicas e genéticas. Entretanto, alterações podem ocorrer dependendo da metodologia empregada. Atualmente são escassos os dados da estabilidade dos isolados de Sporothrix spp., incluindo perfis fenotípicos, genotípicos e proteômicos após o armazenamento. Com a recente descrição das novas espécies patogênicas, para o homem e outros mamíferos, torna-se necessário o armazenamento desses fungos em coleções de culturas para estudos futuros, possibilitando maior conhecimento sobre a taxonomia, fisiologia e virulência de Sporothrix spp. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar métodos de preservação que permitam manter a estabilidade dos perfis fenotípicos, genotípicos e proteômicos dos isolados de Sporothrix spp.. Com esse propósito foram utilizados 8 isolados de Sporotrix spp., armazenados por três diferentes métodos. Preservação em água destilada, sob refrigeração a 4ºC e criopreservação a -80°C, por períodos de 6, 12, 18 e 24 meses de armazenamento. Os isolados foram identificados pelo sequenciamento parcial dos genes calmodulina e ß-tubulina e pela PCR fingerprinting. A estabilidade do fenótipo foi realizada, por meio das provas fenotípicas sugeridas na chave de identificação das espécies de Sporothrix spp. que incluem: morfologia dos conídios, diâmetro da colônia a 30°C, teste de termotolerância a 37°C e assimilação de carboidratos, glicose sacarose e rafinose. O dimorfismo também foi avaliado após a preservação. A estabilidade genotípica foi realizada por meio do sequenciamento parcial do gene codificador da ß-tubulina

A estabilidade proteômica foi realizada por espectrometria de massa (MALDI-TOF MS), após 24 meses de preservação. Todos os isolados foram recuperados dos três métodos em todos os períodos avaliados. No entanto, os isolados preservados em água destilada apresentaram contaminações. Alterações morfológicas foram observadas após preservação a -80°C, um isolado deixou de apresentar colônia pigmentada e conídios demáceos. O diâmetro das colônias assim como a termotolerância permaneceram estáveis nos três métodos. A principal alteração ocorreu com o perfil de assimilação de carboidratos e essa variação modificou a identificação das espécies pela chave taxonômica. A estabilidade genotípica para o gene codificador da ß-tubulina foi preservada após 24 meses em ambos os métodos de armazenamento. Entretanto, baixo polimorfismo foi detectado após preservação em água destilada. Os isolados foram identificados corretamente por espectometria de massa após o armazenamento, porém alterações no perfil protéico foram observadas. O método de preservação a 4°C foi o mais efetivo para preservar os isolados de Sporothrix spp., manteve estável a maioria das características fenotípicas, como também a estabilidade do genótipo por até 24 meses de armazenamento. Esse é um método simples e de baixo custo que pode seu usado em laboratórios de recursos limitados como, um método alternativo de preservação. (AU)

Aislamiento e identificación fenotípica y genotípica de cepas de Malassezia spp. en pacientes con pitiriasis versicolor / Isolation and identification phenotypic and genotypic strains of Malassezia spp. in patients with pytiriasis versicolor

Antecedentes: Pitiriasis versicolor (PV) es una infección micótica superficial crónica de la piel, debido a la colonización del estrato córneo por Malassezia sp. Tradicionalmente M. furfur era considerada el agente causal de PV, hoy en día se ha demostrado que las especies de Malassezia más comunes cultivadas a partir de de lesiones de PV son M. globosa y M. sympodialis. Objetivos: Evaluar la epidemiología de la dermatomicosis PV, en pacientes de la ciudad de Talca, Chile. Metodología: En este estudio, 19 pacientes diagnosticados con PV fueron evaluados. Se realizó identificación fenotípica e identificación molecular por técnica de PCR-RFLP. Para esto, se diseñaron partidores que amplificaron una zona del 26S ADNr presente en todas las especies de Malassezia. Resultados: De un total de 19 pacientes con PV, 7 correspondieron a sexo masculino (36,8 por ciento) y 12 a sexo femenino (63,2 por ciento). Se obtuvieron 18 cepas, a partir de las pruebas fenotípicas fue posible identificar presuntivamente 11 especies de M. globosa (61,1 por ciento) y 7 especies de M. sympodialis (38,9 por ciento). Con los resultados obtenidos en la PCR-RFLP fue posible identificar 11 especies de M. globosa (61,1 por ciento) y 7 especies (38,9 por ciento) de M. sympodialis. Conclusiones: La especie identificada fenotípicamente y molecularmente en mayor proporción fue Malassezia globosa seguida de Malassezia sympodialis. Por lo que hay concordancia entre ambas técnicas de identificación. Este es el primer trabajo de investigación realizado en Talca, Chile, que identificó las especies de Malassezia spp. involucradas en PV, siendo un aporte al estudio de este cuadro clínico.

Background: Pytiriasis versicolor (PV) is a fungal infection of the skin due to the stratum corneum colonization by Malassezia sp. M. furfur traditionally was considered the etiological agent of PV but today it has been shown that M. globosa and M. sympodialis are the most common Malassezia species cultivated from PV lesions. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological features of PV in patient of the Talca city, Chile. Method: In this study, 19 patients with diagnosis of PV were evaluated. Phenotypic and molecular identified were performed using PCR-RFLP. To do this, primers to amplify 26S ADNr secuence were designed. Result: From a total of 19 patients who presented PV, 7 were male (36.8 percent) and 12 female patients (63.2 percent). Eighteen strains were obtained, from the phenotypic tests, it was possible to presumably identify 11 species of M. globosa (61.1 percent) and 7 species of M. sympodialis (38.9 percent). With PCRRFLP results it was possible to identify 11 species of M. globosa (61.1 percent) and 7 species (38.9 percent) of M. sympodialis. Conclusion: The most commonly isolated species were Malassezia globosa followed by Malassezia sympodialis. So, there is agreement between both techniques of identification. This is the first research work carried out in Talca, Chile, which identified the species of Malassezia spp. Involved in PV, being a contribution to the clinical diagnosis.

Notas micológicas XII: Stenocephalopsis subalutacea un discutido hongo hifomicetoso desde el aire de un museo de historia natural (Valparaíso, Chile) / Mycological notes XII: Stenocephalopsis subalutacea a discussed hiphomycete fungus from the air of a natural history museum (Valparaíso, Chile)

En esta nota micológica, se comentan los aspectos taxonómicos, ecológicos y fisiológicos de la especie fúngica Stenocephalopsis subalutacea, la cual fue aislada desde el aire del museo de historia natural de Valparaíso, Chile. Se confirma su identificación mediante observación de las características morfológicas.

In this mycological note, we discuss taxonomical, ecological and physiological aspects of Stenocephalopsis subalutacea fungus. This species was isolated from the air of the Natural History Museum of Valparaíso, Chile. We confirms its identification through morphology characteristic observation.

Antimycobacterial and antimalarial activities of endophytic fungi associated with the ancient and narrowly endemic neotropical plant Vellozia gigantea from Brazil

BACKGROUND Endophytic fungi, present mainly in the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla, are associated with different plants and represent important producers of bioactive natural products. Brazil has a rich biodiversity of plant species, including those reported as being endemic. Among the endemic Brazilian plant species, Vellozia gigantea (Velloziaceae) is threatened by extinction and is a promising target to recover endophytic fungi. OBJECTIVE The present study focused on bioprospecting of bioactive compounds of the endophytic fungi associated with V. gigantea, an endemic, ancient, and endangered plant species that occurs only in the rupestrian grasslands of Brazil. METHODS The capability of 285 fungal isolates to produce antimicrobial and antimalarial activities was examined. Fungi were grown at solid-state fermentation to recover their crude extracts in dichloromethane. Bioactive extracts were analysed by chromatographic fractionation and NMR and displayed compounds with antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, and antimalarial activities. FINDINGS Five fungi produced antimicrobial and antimalarial compounds. Extracts of Diaporthe miriciae showed antifungal, antibacterial, and antimalarial activities; Trichoderma effusum displayed selective antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium intracellulare; and three Penicillium species showed antibacterial activity. D. miriciae extract contained highly functionalised secondary metabolites, yielding the compound epoxycytochalasin H with high antimalarial activity against the chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum, with an IC50 approximately 3.5-fold lower than that with chloroquine. MAIN CONCLUSION Our results indicate that V. gigantea may represent a microhabitat repository hotspot of potential fungi producers of bioactive compounds and suggest that endophytic fungal communities might be an important biological component contributing to the fitness of the plants living in the rupestrian grassland.

In vitro susceptibility of nematophagous fungi to antiparasitic drugs: interactions and implications for biological control / Suscetibilidade in vitro de fungos nematófagos à antiparasitários: interações e implicações para o controle biológico

Abstract The fast anthelmintic resistance development has shown a limited efficiency in the control of animal's endoparasitosis and has promoted research using alternative control methods. The use of chemicals in animal anthelmintic treatment, in association with nematophagous fungi used for biological control, is a strategy that has proven to be effective in reducing the nematode population density in farm animals. This study aims to verify the in vitro susceptibility of the nematophagous fungi Arthrobotrys oligospora, Duddingtonia flagrans and Paecilomyces lilacinus against the antiparasitic drugs albendazole, thiabendazole, ivermectin, levamisole and closantel by using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). MICs ranged between 4.0 and 0.031 µg/mL for albendazole, thiabendazole and ivermectin, between 0.937 and 0.117 µg/mL for levamisole, and between 0.625 and 0.034 µg/mL for closantel. The results showed that all antiparasitic drugs had an in vitro inhibitory effect on nematophagous fungi, which could compromise their action as agents of biological control. D. flagrans was the most susceptible species to all drugs.

Resumo O desenvolvimento rápido da resistência anti-helmíntica demonstrou a eficiência limitada no controle de endoparasitoses em animais, e promoveu a investigação em métodos de controles alternativos. O uso de produtos químicos no tratamento anti-helmíntico animal, em associação com fungos nematófagos utilizados para o controlo biológico, é uma estratégia que tem provado ser eficaz na redução da densidade da população de nematódeos em animais agrícolas. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a suscetibilidade in vitro dos fungos nematófagos Arthrobotrys oligospora, Duddingtonia flagrans e Paecilomyces lilacinus frente aos antiparasitários albendazol, tiabendazol, ivermectina, levamisol e closantel, usando a concentração inibitória mínima (MIC). Os MICs variaram entre 4,0 e 0,031 μg/mL para albendazol, tiabendazol e ivermectina, entre 0,937 e 0,117 μg/mL para o levamisol, e entre 0,625 e 0,034 μg/mL para closantel. Os resultados mostraram que todos os antiparasitários tiveram um efeito inibidor in vitro sobre os fungos nematófagos, o que poderia comprometer suas atividades como agentes de controle biológico. D. flagrans foi a espécie mais sensível a todas as drogas.

Bipolaris marantae sp. nov., A Novel Helminthosporoid Species Causing Foliage Blight of the Garden Plant Maranta leuconeura in Brazil

A severe leaf spot, turning to foliage blight, was observed on leaves of Maranta leuconeura growing in a garden in Brazil (state of Rio de Janeiro) in 2015. A dematiaceous hyphomycete bearing a morphology typical of a helminthosporoid fungi was regularly found in association with diseased tissues. The fungus was isolated and pathogenicity was demonstrated through the completion of Koch's postulates. A morphology and molecular analysis led to the conclusion that the fungus belonged to the genus Bipolaris, which is characterized by having fusiform conidia, externally thickened and truncate hila and a bipolar pattern of germination. Additionally, homology of internal transcribed spacer and GAPDH sequences with sequences of other Bipolaris species, confirmed its generic placement. A phylogenetic study also indicated clearly that the fungus on M. leuconeura is phylogenetically distinct from related species of this genus, leading to the proposal of the new species Bipolaris marantae.

Metabolism and antifungal activity of safrole, dillapiole, and derivatives against botryodiplodia theobromae and colletotrichum acutatum / Metabolismo y actividad antifúngica de safrol, dilapiol, y derivados contra botryodiplodia theobromae y colletotrichum acutatum

The direct in vitro fungitoxicity and metabolism of safrole and dillapiole (isolated from Piper auritum and Piper holtonii, respectively) by Botryodiplodia theobromae and Colletotrichum acutatum were investigated. Higher values of mycelial growth inhibition for both fungi were obtained for dillapiole, as compared with safrole. B. theobromae was able to metabolize both compounds to their respective vicinal diols, reaching 65 percent relative abundance during the biotransformation of dillapiole; while C. acutatum only transformed safrole to various metabolites with relative abundances under 5 percent. According to the low antifungal activity of the major metabolic products (< 5 percent for vicinal diols), a detoxification process was implied. Studies on the influence of some substituents in the aromatic ring of safrole and dillapiole on the antifungal activity against B. theobromae were also carried out. As result, the safrole nitrated derivative, 6-nitrosafrole, showed a fungitoxicity level similar to that displayed by the commercial fungicide Carbendazim® under the conditions used. In light of this, safrole and dillapiole could be suggested as feasible structural templates for developing new antifungal agents.

Se investigó la fungitoxicidad directa in vitro y el metabolismo de safrol y dilapiol (obtenidos desde Piper auritum and Piper holtonii, respectivamente) por Botryodiplodia theobromae y Colletotrichum acutatum. Los valores mayores de inhibición del crecimiento micelial de ambos hongos se obtuvieron para dilapiol, en comparación con safrol. B. theobromae metabolizó ambos compuestos a sus respectivos dioles vecinales, alcanzando abundancias relativas del 65 por ciento durante la biotransformación del dilapiol; mientras que C. acutatum solo transformó safrol en varios metabolitos con abundancias relativas menores al 5 por ciento. De acuerdo con la baja actividad antifúngica de los productos metabólicos mayoritarios (< 5 por ciento para los dioles vecinales), se sugiere un proceso de desintoxicación. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la influencia de algunos sustituyentes en el anillo aromático de safrol y dilapiol sobre la actividad antifúngica contra B. theobromae. Como resultado, el derivado nitrado del safrol, el 6–nitro safrol, presentó un nivel de fungitoxicidad similar al exhibido por el fungicida comercial Carbendazim® bajo las condiciones usadas. A la luz de lo anterior, safrol y dilapiol podrían ser sugeridos como plantillas estructurales adecuadas para el desarrollo de nuevos agentes antifúngicos.

Especies oportunistas de importancia clínica de los géneros bipolaris shoemaker y curvularia boedijn: su caracterización bajo los nuevos criterios taxonómicos / Opportunistic species of clinical relevance in the bipolaris shoemaker & curvularia boedijn genera: its characterization under newest taxonomic criteria

Los géneros fúngicos Bipolaris y Curvularia,incluyen numerosas especies fitopatógenas,saprotrofas y algunas oportunistas emergentes enel ser humano como en otros animales. La distribuciónecológica de ambos taxas es cosmopolita enla gran mayoría de sus integrantes, encontrándosefrecuentemente en hojas, tallos y raíces de diferentespastos, en especial Poaceae, pero tambiénen una gran variedad de dicotiledoneas, aire y sueloen todos los continentes. Cochliobolus, Bipolarisy Curvularia integran un complejo de especiestaxonómicamente confuso, debido a los constantescambios en la nomenclatura de algunos de sus integrantesasexuales (Bipolaris y Curvularia), loscuales se han diferenciado principalmente en basea la morfología de sus conidios, situación a vecesmuy dificultosa debido a que en ambos génerosalgunas especies presentan similares característicasconidiales. Una cuidadosa identificación y unanominación precisa de las especies es crucial parael acceso a la información referente en la literaturamoderna, que gracias a la biología molecularha resuelto muchas de las dudas de la taxonomíabasada solo en el fenotipo.Las especies de ambos géneros (principalmenteCurvularia) pueden afectar a pacientesinmunocomprometidos e inmunocompetentes,en especial B. cynodontis, C. australiensis C.hawaiensis y C. spicifera, causando cuadros clínicosdiversos ya sea superficiales o profundos enmuchas áreas geográficas...

The fungal genera Bipolaris and Curvularia,include numerous plant pathogenic species,saprophitic and some emerging opportunistic inman and other animals. The ecological distributionof both taxa is cosmopolitan in the vast majority ofits members, often being in leaves, stems and rootsof different grasses, especially Poaceae, but also ina variety of dicotyledonous, air and soil on all continents. Cochliobolus, Bipolaris and Curvulariaintegrate a complex of species taxonomically confusingdue to the constant changes in the nomenclatureof some of its asexual members (Bipolarisand Curvularia), which are differentiated mainlybased on the morphology of its conidia, a situationsometimes very difficult because in both generaconidial of some species have similar characteristics. Careful identification and a precise nominationof species is crucial for access to informationconcerning in modern literature, actually thanks tomolecular biology has solved many of the doubtsof taxonomy based only on the phenotype.The species of both genera (mainly Curvularia)can affect immunocompetent or debilitatepatients, especially B. cynodontis, C. australiensis,C. hawaiensis and C.spicifera, causing varioussuperficial or systemic clinical cases in manygeographic areas...

Especies clínicas comunes del género scopulariopsis bainier y taxas relacionados / Common clinical species of the scopulariopsis bainier genera and related taxa

Los integrantes del género Microascus y su anamorfo Scopulariopsis, incluyen especies fúngicas comunes del suelo, excrementos, ambientes internos y algunas reconocidas como oportunistas en los animales, incluyendo al hombre. La sola morfología del género no siempre permite un buen diagnóstico a pesar de su utilidad cuando se presentan los anamorfos o teleomorfos o ambos. Sin embargo, la biología molecular ha permitido el análisis de muchos aislados clínicos, contribuyendo con nuevos aportes y nuevas combinaciones taxonómicas en la literatura actual. Este trabajo, reune lo más actual sobre estos géneros comunes en salud pública, aportando claves morfofisiológicas útiles para su reconocimiento primario en los laboratorios clínicos de baja complejidad.

Members of the genus Microascus and their anamorph Scopulariopsis, include common fungal species of soil, droppings, indoor environments and some recognized opportunistic in animals, including humans. The morphology of the genus alone is not always sufficient for a proper diagnosis despite its usefulness when anamorphs or teleomorphs or both are present. However, molecular biology has allowedthe analysis of many clinical isolates, contributing with new imput and new taxonomic combinations in the current literature. This work brings together the latest on these genera in pubblic health, providing a primary key for useful morphophysiological determination in clinical laboratory of low complexity.