Curvularia eragrostidis, a new threat to large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) causing leaf blight in Sikkim

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is now affected by several diseases caused by both viruses andfungi. At present, leaf blight is considered a major threat to cardamom cultivation in Sikkim. During the pasttwo decades, cultivation of the crop in this region has dropped by almost 60%. Hence, to quantify the severityof leaf blight damage and identification of the causal organism for the disease, a survey was conducted fromMay to August 2017 in different large cardamom growing regions of Sikkim. During this survey, a typicalsymptom of leaf blight was observed on cardamom leaves in many locations. The leaves with blights werecollected, surface sterilized, and inoculated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). The pathogen was isolated as pureculture, and on the basis of morphological and microscopic characteristics, the fungus was identified species ofCurvularia. Molecular characterization of the fungal isolate with ITS-rDNA partial gene amplification usinguniversal primers (ITS4 and ITS5), showed 100% similarity with Curvularia eragrostidis (family: Pleosporaceae). The fungal isolate and nucleotide sequence was deposited in National Fungal Culture Collection ofIndia (NFCCI), Pune and NCBI with accession numbers NFCCI 4541 and MN710527, respectively. This is thefirst report on the occurrence of C. eragrostidis pathogen causing leaf blight of large cardamom grown inSikkim.

Curvularia infection of corneoscleral tunnel

Corneoscleral tunnel infection is a potentially sight threatening complication of cataract surgery. Microbiological investigations are mandatory and early surgical intervention helps in achieving favourable outcomes. Fungal infection of tunnel incisions can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report a case of post-operative tunnel infection with curvularia. Prompt surgical intervention and intensive topical therapy helped attain a good tectonic as well as visual recovery.

Causative fungi and treatment outcome of dematiaceous fungal keratitis in North India

Purpose: The aim of the study is to identify risk factors, clinical characteristics, causative fungi, and treatment outcome of dematiaceous fungal keratitis in North India. Methods: Consecutive cases of culture-proven dematiaceous fungal keratitis between January 2012 and June 2017 were retrieved from the medical record department. Risk factors, clinical signs, and outcome were registered. Results: Eighty-three patients were included. Identified dematiaceous fungal organism were Curvularia sp. (n = 55/83; 66.3%), Alternaria sp. (n = 12/83; 14.5%), Ulocladium sp. (n = 5/83; 6%), Bipolaris sp. (n = 5/83; 6.1%), Scedosporium sp. (n = 3/83; 3.6%), Acremonium sp. (n = 2/83; 2.4%), and Epicoccum sp. (n = 1/83; 1.2%). Male preponderance was reported. The most common predisposing factor was corneal trauma (67.4%). In cases associated with corneal trauma due to vegetative matter, sugarcane was the most common cause. In all, 89% of the patients were more than 30 years of age. The median infiltrate size was 8 mm2. The median time of antifungal therapy was 4.2 weeks (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-25 weeks). Complications were seen in 14 (n = 14/65; 21.5%) patients. Complete resolution of dematiaceous fungal keratitis was present in 27 (n = 27/65; 41.5%) eyes. Conclusion: Curvularia sp. and Alternaria sp. were the predominant pathogenic genera causing dematiaceous fungal keratitis. Among the causative fungi, infections due to Scedosporium sp. were associated with the worst outcomes. Ulocladium sp. and Epicoccum sp. were also identified. Both the species are not reported previously as a causal organism of dematiaceous fungal keratitis from North India.

Antifungal activity of selected plant extracts against Curvularia sp. infecting local purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Aims@#The present study was designed to evaluate in vitro antifungal activity of plant extracts against Curvularia sp., a causative agent of leaf blotch in local purple sweet potato crops. @*Methodology and results@#The plants were selected on the basis of commonly used traditional remedies. Various dilutions, 1/2, 1/4, 1/6, 1/8 and 1/10 of black pepper, garden croton, garlic, tobacco and turmeric extracts were used for screening. The lesion characteristics on purple sweet potato leaves were collected from plots in MARDI Bachok. The “poisoning agar technique method” was used to get the antifungal activity. The results of antifungal activities were reported in terms of inhibition of mycelial growth of the test fungus. Out of five types of plant extracts used, only garlic and tobacco showed significantly high antifungal activity against the test pathogen based on poisoned food technique. Garlic extract showed complete inhibition (100%) at 1/2 dilution and more than 94% growth inhibition at concentrations as low as 1/10 dilution after seven days of incubation. However, black pepper and turmeric extracts showed moderate inhibition (20-70%) whereas, no inhibition was recorded in 1/8 and 1/10 dilution of garden croton extract. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Our findings suggested that garlic extract is the most potential antifungal agent against Curvularia sp. and can be used as bio-fungicide thus would reduce the dependency on synthetic fungicides by farmers.

Keratomycosis Caused By Pigmented Fungi

Keratomycosis is a major cause of blindness, especially in the developing world. A major proportion of these are caused by fungi, of which pigmented fungi is a good number. Pigmented fungal corneal ulcers may present with surface pigmentation, helping in diagnosis but the presumptive treatment is usually started after evaluation of smears made from scrapping samples. Aggressive treatment with topical anti-fungals help accelerated healing in most of them but few still worsen and need therapeutic keratoplasty. In this study, we evaluated the cases of pigmented Keratomycosis presenting in a tertiary care center for various factors like demographic details, risk factors, clinical characterstics, response to treatment and prognosis

Feohifomicosis nasal por Curvularia spicifera en un paciente pediátrico con neutropenia y leucemia mieloide aguda / Nasal phaeohyphomycosis by Curvularia spicifera in pediatric patient with neutropenia and acute myeloid leukemia

There are very few reports of pediatric patients with infections by dematiaceous filamentous fungi. In this publication we report a case of invasive fungal infection of the nasal septum by Curvularia spicifera in a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia. The patient presented with a painful scabby wound in the nasal vestibule. Culture and universal PCR were consistent with Curvularia spicifera. Early management with surgical debridement and bi-associated antifungal therapy achieved complete resolution of the lesions, with no evidence of dissemination and relapses. Clinical management of these fungal infections represents a challenge as the antifungal selection and duration of therapy is not yet well stablished.

Existen pocos reportes de infecciones por hongos dematiáceos en pediatría. Comunicamos el caso de una infección fúngica invasora del tabique nasal en un niño con una leucemia mieloide aguda, que se presentó como una lesión costrosa dolorosa en el vestíbulo nasal. Se realizó desbridamiento quirúrgico precoz y recibió tratamiento antifúngico biasociado, lográndose resolución completa de las lesiones, sin diseminación ni recaídas. El cultivo y la RPC universal fueron compatibles con Curvularia spicifera. El manejo de estas infecciones fúngicas representa un desafío, considerando que la elección del agente antifúngico y la duración de la terapia no están completamente establecidas.

A Case of Cutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis in an Immunocompetent Patient Caused by Curvularia Species: Case Report and Review of the Literature / 대한의진균학회지

A case of cutaneous lesions on the left lower leg caused by Curvularia species in an 80-year-old immunocompetent woman is described in this report. The etiological agent was identified as Curvularia species based on its colonial and microscopic morphology in pure tissue culture. The lesions healed after a 9-week regimen of oral itraconazole and topical lanoconazole.

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...

Onicomicosis por Curvularia lunata var. aeria: presentación de un caso clínico / [Onychomycosis for Curvularia lunata var. aeria: Presentation of a clinical case]

We here report a clinical case of a female patient presenting with a three-month history of a white onychodystrophic lesion of both hallux. The infection was due to a mold, identified as Curvularia lunata var aeria. The Curvularia gender is related to the production of phaeohyphomycosis, Curvularia lunata cause onychomycosis occasionally. The patient was treated with itraconazole 200mg/day, during six month with complete remission of the lesions. In conclusion, it is important to consider these fungi as causative agent of nail mycosis since the initial site of infection may be a pathway for systemic dissemination in inmunocompromised patients

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente que consultó por una lesión onicodistrófica blanquecina en ambos hallux, de 3 meses de evolución. El examen micológico determinó que el agente causal de la infección era un moho, Curvularia lunata var. aeria. El género Curvularia se asocia a la producción de feohifomicosis. Curvularia lunata es una especie que ocasionalmente puede producir onicomicosis. Se administró tratamiento por pulsos con itraconazol 200mg/día durante 6 meses, con remisión completa de las lesiones. Es importante tener en cuenta a estos hongos como agentes oportunistas causales de micosis ungueales, ya que el lugar inicial de infección puede significar una vía para la diseminación sistémica en pacientes inmunodeprimidos

Phylogenetic Status of an Unrecorded Species of Curvularia, C. spicifera, Based on Current Classification System of Curvularia and Bipolaris Group Using Multi Loci

A seed-borne fungus, Curvularia sp. EML-KWD01, was isolated from an indigenous wheat seed by standard blotter method. This fungus was characterized based on the morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic status of the fungus was determined using sequences of three loci: rDNA internal transcribed spacer, large ribosomal subunit, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene. Multi loci sequencing analysis revealed that this fungus was Curvularia spicifera within Curvularia group 2 of family Pleosporaceae.

Rinosinusitis alérgica por Curvularia inaequalis (Shear) Boedijn / Allergic rhinosinusitis by Curvularia inaequalis (Shear) Boedijn

Curvularia inaequalis (Shear) Boedijn is a fungus dematiaceo, saprophyte and plant pathogen found mainly in tropical and subtropical areas, associated with various organic substrates. Rarely been identified in systemic infections, skin and there is only one report of allergic rhinosinusitis described above. A case of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis by Curvularia inaequalis (Shear) Boedijn in which diagnosis was considered the signs and symptoms, sinus CT and cultivation of mucin.The patient was treated with endoscopic surgical toilet, plus use of inhaled steroids and itraconazole systemic. With good clinical response, is asymptomatic at one year.

Curvularia inaequalis (Shear) Boedijn es un hongo dematiáceo, saprófito y fitopatógeno, presente principalmente en áreas tropicales y subtropicales, asociado a distintos sustratos orgánicos. Se ha identificado escasamente en infecciones sistémicas, cutáneas y sólo existe una comunicación de un caso de rinosinusitis alérgica descrito anteriormente. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente con una rinosinusitis alérgica fúngica por Curvularia inaequalis (Shear) Boedijn en cuyo diagnóstico se consideró los síntomas y signos clínicos, la TAC de senos paranasales y el cultivo de la mucina. El paciente fue tratado con un aseo quirúrgico por vía endoscópica, además del uso de corticoesteroides inhalatorios e itra-conazol sistémico. Presentó una buena respuesta clínica, encontrándose asintomático a un año del tratamiento.

Selective hydrolysis of flavonoid glycosides by Curvularia lunata / 中国天然药物

Twelve flavonoid glycosides were involved in the biotransformation of the glycosyl moieties by Curvularia lunata 3.4381, and the products were analyzed by UPLC/PDA-Q-TOF-MS(E). Curvularia lunata displayed hydrolyzing activities on the terminal Rha or Glc units of some flavonoid glycosides. Terminal Rha with a 1 → 2 linkage of isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside and typhaneoside could be hydrolyzed by Curvularia lunata, but terminal Rha with a 1 → 6 linkage of rutin, typhaneoside, and quercetin-3-O-apiosyl-(1 → 2)-[rhamnosyl-(1 → 6)]-glucoside could not be hydrolyzed. Curvularia lunata could also hydrolyze the Glc of icariin, floramanoside B, and naringin. This is the first report of the hydrolysis of glycosyl units of flavonoid glycosides by Curvularia lunata. A new way to convert naringin to naringenin was found in this research.

Phaeohyphomycosis: a clinical-epidemiological and diagnostic study of eighteen cases in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The goal of this study was to review 18 cases of phaeohyphomycosis in Rio Grande do Sul. The records of all of the patients with a diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis between 1995-2010 were reviewed. Twelve of the 18 patients (66.6%) were male. The average age of the patients was 50 years old (range: 16-74 years). Eleven patients (61%) presented with subcutaneous lesions. Seven patients (38.8%) had received a solid organ transplant. In all of the cases, the presence of melanin in the fungal cells was determined by Fontana-Masson staining of tissue sections and documented. Among the 18 patients, a total of 11 different fungal species were isolated. The causative organisms included Exophiala jeanselmei, Alternaria, Curvularia, Cladophialophora and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. To our knowledge, this review reports the first case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by C. gloeosporioides in a lung transplant patient. The number of reported cases of phaeohyphomycosis has increased in the last decade. In a number of cases, this increased incidence may be primarily attributed to iatrogenic immunodeficiency.

Endophytic fungi occurring in Ipomoea carnea tissues and their antimicrobial potentials

The aim of this work was to study the endophytic fungi associated with the tissues of Ipomoea carnea, a common invasive plant of India. A total of 69 isolates belonging to ten taxa comprising 1.45% Zygomycetes, 10.14% Coelomycetes, 62.32% Hypomycetes, 18.84% sterile mycelia and 7.25% unidentified species were obtained. Species of Curvularia, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Colletotrichum and sterile fungus were isolated as dominant endophytes. Colonization frequency of Curvularia (7.25%) was highest which was isolated from all the tissues. The samples collected during the monsoon harbored more endophytes and showed higher species richness than the samples obtained in summer season. Of the total isolates, 15 isolates (21.74%) displayed antimicrobial activity, inhibiting at least one of the test microorganisms that comprised of pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Shigella dysentriae) and fungi (Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichophyton sp). The results provided promising baseline information on the endophytic fungal diversity associated with I. carnea tissues and their potential exploitation as antimicrobial agents.

Cutaneous Curvularia infection in a neutropenic patient

Background: Cutaneous Curvularia is a rare fungal infection which presents itself as erythematous, non-tender, non-pruritic, ulcerative lesions. To the best of our knowledge, only a few cases reported in the literature have occurred in immunocompromised and/or neutropenic patients, none of which have been published within the past five years.Objective: We report the case of a 53-year-old man diagnosed with diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and associated neutropenia who developed several erythematous macular lesions with central excoriations and crusting on his bilateral anterior tibiae, and whose fungal culture was positive for Curvularia sp.

Acanthamoeba keratitis with Curvularia co-infection.

We report a case of Acanthamoeba keratitis with Curvularia co-infection. Acanthamoeba and fungal co-infection have been uncommonly reported in literature, worldwide. A classical history with a strong clinical suspicion and experienced laboratory personnel with systematic examination of corneal scrapings for bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal causes are imperative for accurate diagnosis. Early diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis or fungal infection followed by aggressive and appropriate treatment with effective agents is critical for the retention of good vision. Acanthamoeba keratitis is difficult to diagnose and, despite improvement in treatment options, may culminate in prolonged morbidity and significant loss of visual acuity. This case emphasizes the important role played by clinical microbiologists in making prompt diagnosis which can ultimately reduce visual morbidity.

A Case of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis due to Curvularia / 대한임상미생물학회지

Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a noninvasive form of fungal rhinosinusitis resulting from an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. The diagnosis of AFS can be established by demonstrating type I hypersensitivity, presence of fungus in mucus, eosinophilic mucin, nasal polyposis, and characteristic CT scans. Although AFS is not unusual and its incidence may be increasing, few cases have been reported in Korea. Here, we report the first case of typical AFS in which Curvularia species was isolated by culture.

Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Curvularia clavata: The First Case Report in China / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To report a case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Curvularia clavata in China. Methods The skin specimen was collected, and examined by KOH preparation, fungus culture and histopathology. Results A 17-year-old male farmer had dull red, warty and well-defined plaques with some ulceration on his face and his left upper arm for nine years and a history of trauma of his face before the appearance of the lesions. General examination did not reveal abnormal findings except the skin lesions. KOH direct examination showed septate hyphae with irregular branches. On the culture medium the colonies were black in color. Under microscope the conidia were borne singly or in groups at the tip or at the sides of the conidiophores, they were light brown to brown, smooth, straight or slightly curved and clavate, measuring 15 ~ 30 ?m long and 6 ~ 12 ?m thick, with 3 ~ 4 septates. Histopathology showed a granulomatous response. PAS staining showed irregularly swollen or toruloid conidia with branched hyphae. The isolated strain was identified as Curvularia clavata Jain. Conclusion It is the first case report of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Curvularia clavata in China.

Biotransformation of polyphyllins by Curvularia lunata fermentation / 中草药

Objective To find the microorganisms which hydrolyze sugar residues of steroidal saponins at C-3 position and to obtain their glucosyl-derivatives.Methods The enzymes secreted by fermentation of Curvularia lunata((3.438 1)) in the culture medium were employed to transform polyphyllin Ⅴ(compound Ⅰ) and polyphyllin Ⅵ(compound Ⅱ).The products were separated by means of chromatography on C_(18) column and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analyses.Results Compounds Ⅰ and Ⅱ could be transformed by C.lunata((3.438 1)) and the main products were identified as diosgenin-3-O-?-D-glucopyranoside,named trillin(compound Ⅲ) and pennogenin-3-O-?-D-glucopyranoside(compound Ⅳ),respectively.Conclusion The terminal rhamnosyls of polyphyllin Ⅴ and polyphyllin Ⅵ at C-3 position could be hydrolyzed selectively by C.lunata((3.438 1)) for the first time.

STROMA——A KIND OF CONIDIOMATA OF CURVULARIA LUNATA / 微生物学通报

A new leaf spot disease on maize mainly caused by Curvularia lunata( Walk )Boed is becoming prevalent in the north of China The conidia play an im portant role during the disease invasion circulation When we cultivated C lunata on sorghum medium, a kind of black and short columned protuberance was obser v ed on the surface of sorghum Further microscopic examination certified that th is special structure was stroma, a kind of conidiomata of C lunata