Search results for "FUNGAL"
showing 10 items of 1116 documents
Characterization of field isolates of Trichoderma antagonistic against Rhizoctonia solani.
2010
The aim of the present study was to characterize sixteen isolates of Trichoderma originating from a field of sugar beet where disease patches caused by Rhizoctonia solani were observed. Use of both molecular and morphological characteristics gave consistent identification of the isolates. Production of water-soluble and volatile inhibitors, mycoparasitism and induced systemic resistance in plant host were investigated using in vitro and in vivo tests in both sterilized and natural soils. This functional approach revealed the intra-specific diversity as well as biocontrol potential of the different isolates. Different antagonistic mechanisms were evident for different strains. The most antag…
Use of the Weibull model to describe inactivation of dry harvested conidia of different Penicillium species by ethanol vapours
2010
Aims: This study aimed at modelling the effect of ethanol vapours, in the range 0·7–7·5 kPa, on the inactivation of dry-harvested conidia of Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum. Methods and Results: Survival curves were modelled by a Weibull model: log (N/N0) = −1/2·303 (t/α)β. The shape parameter β was different from one in all cases, indicating that the classical first-order kinetics approach is the exception rather than the rule. Survival curves exhibited upward concavity (β < 1) with the notable exception of P. chrysogenum at ethanol vapour pressures 0·7 and 1·5 kPa. The scale parameter α (h) varied greatly depending on the ethanol vapour pressure a…
Cloning and characterization of CSP37, a novel gene encoding a putative membrane protein of Candida albicans.
1997
In the course of an analysis of the functions and assembly of the cell wall of Candida albicans, we have cloned and characterized a gene, which we designated CSP37 (cell surface protein), encoding a 37-kDa polypeptide which is a membrane-associated protein. The gene was isolated by immunological screening of a DNA library constructed from mycelial cells with a polyclonal serum raised against cell walls of this morphology. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of a corresponding genomic DNA fragment revealed a single open reading frame which encodes a predicted protein of 321 amino acids with no significant homology to others in the databases. Disruption of the CSP37 gene by the method describ…
Membrane topology and post-translational modification of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae essential protein Rot1.
2007
ROT1 is an essential gene that has been related to cell wall biosynthesis, the actin cytoskeleton and protein folding. In order to help to understand its molecular function, we carried out a characterization of the Rot1 protein. It is primarily located at the endoplasmic reticulum-nuclear membrane facing the lumen. Rot1 migrates more slowly than expected, which might suggest post-translational modification. Our results indicate that Rot1 is a protein that is neither GPI-anchored nor O-glycosylated. In contrast, it is N-glycosylated. By a directed mutagenesis of several Asn residues, we identified that the protein is simultaneously glycosylated at N103, N107 and N139. Although the mutation o…
Molecular organization of the cell wall of Candida albicans and its relation to pathogenicity.
2006
Candida albicans is one of the most important opportunistic pathogenic fungi. Weakening of the defense mechanisms of the host, and the ability of the microorganism to adapt to the environment prevailing in the host tissues, turn the fungus from a rather harmless saprophyte into an aggressive pathogen. The disease, candidiasis, ranges from light superficial infections to deep processes that endanger the life of the patient. In the establishment of the pathogenic process, the cell wall of C. albicans (as in other pathogenic fungi) plays an important role. It is the outer structure that protects the fungus from the host defense mechanisms and initiates the direct contact with the host cells by…
Adaptation to iron deficiency in human pathogenic fungi
2020
Iron is an essential micronutrient for virtually all eukaryotic organisms and plays a central role during microbial infections. Invasive fungal diseases are associated with strikingly high rates of mortality, but their impact on human health is usually underestimated. Upon a fungal infection, hosts restrict iron availability in order to limit the growth and virulence of the pathogen. Here, we use two model yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, to delve into the response to iron deficiency of human fungal pathogens, such as Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans. Fungi possess common and species-specific mechanisms to a…
Invasive maxillary sinus aspergillosis: a case report successfully treated with voriconazole and surgical debridement
2014
Introduction: Invasive aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses is a rare disease and often misdiagnosed; however, its incidence has seen substancial growth over the past 2 decades. Definitive diagnosis of these lesions is based on histological examination and fungal culture. Case Report: An 81-year-old woman with a history of pain in the left maxillary region is presented. The diagnosis was invasive maxillary aspergillosis in immunocompetent patient, which was successfully treated with voriconazole and surgical debridement. Possible clinical manifestations, diagnostic imaging techniques and treatment used are discussed. Since the introduction of voriconazole, there have been several reports …
Successful Topical Application of Caspofungin in the Treatment of Fungal Keratitis Refractory to Voriconazole
2010
Fungal keratitis is an important ophthalmic problem because it leads to corneal blindness and sometimes to loss of the eye.1,2 There is no agreed protocol for the treatment of suspected fungal keratitis. Topical and oral voriconazole have now been reported to be effective.3 However, some cases do not respond to this treatment. New antifungal agents such as caspofungin acetate, 0.5%, are promising alternatives
Preparation of fungal conidia impacts their susceptibility to inactivation by ethanol vapours.
2009
Abstract A common protocol employed for the preparation of conidia employs flooding a fungal colony grown on semi-solid media under optimum conditions with an aqueous solution. In contrast, conidia produced in a natural environment are usually not hydrated when disseminated in air and can be produced under water stress. In order to simulate the latter conditions, cultures were grown at different water activities and conidia were dry-harvested on the lid by turning the dishes upside-down then gently tapping the bottom of the box. This study aimed at assessing the effect of the preparation of fungal conidia on their inactivation by ethanol vapours. Firstly ethanol vapours (either 0.30 or 0.45…
Significance of the physiological state of fungal spores.
2008
In predictive mycology, most of the studies have been concerned with the influence of some environmental factors on fungal growth and production of mycotoxins, at steady-state. However, fluctuating conditions, interactions between organisms, and the physiological state of the organisms may also exert a profound influence on fungal responses in food and in the environment. In the laboratory, fungal spores are widely used as a biological material. They are produced under optimal conditions then, partially re-hydrated for obtaining standardized spore suspensions. In real conditions, spores are produced under suboptimal conditions and can be submitted to various stresses prior to their germinat…