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Hagiuda R, Itagaki T, Hirose D. Aspergillus verrucosus sp. nov., a xerophilic species isolated from house dust and honey in Japan. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 36821367 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Three strains of a xerophilic Aspergillus species were isolated from house dust and honey in Japan. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the combined dataset for four regions (internal transcribed spacer rDNA, calmodulin, β-tubulin, and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit) revealed that the strains formed an independent lineage, sister to Aspergillus halophilicus classified in section Restricti. Morphological comparisons show that the strains differ from A. halophilicus in three aspects: (i) the size of cleistothecia, as well as the surface structure and size of ascospores, (ii) the ability to grow on Harrold's agar and dichloran 18 % glycerol agar, and (iii) the lack of conidiophore formation on potato dextrose agar +20 % NaCl. These strains could be clearly distinguished from all known Aspergillus section Restricti species. Therefore, we consider it to be a novel species and propose the name Aspergillus verrucosus sp. nov. (NBRC 115547T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Hagiuda
- School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7‒7‒1 Narashinodai, Funabashi, Chiba 274‒8555, Japan
| | - Tadashi Itagaki
- School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7‒7‒1 Narashinodai, Funabashi, Chiba 274‒8555, Japan
| | - Dai Hirose
- School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7‒7‒1 Narashinodai, Funabashi, Chiba 274‒8555, Japan
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2
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Micheluz A, Pinzari F, Rivera-Valentín EG, Manente S, Hallsworth JE. Biophysical Manipulation of the Extracellular Environment by Eurotium halophilicum. Pathogens 2022; 11:1462. [PMID: 36558795 PMCID: PMC9781259 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Eurotium halophilicum is psychrotolerant, halophilic, and one of the most-extreme xerophiles in Earth's biosphere. We already know that this ascomycete grows close to 0 °C, at high NaCl, and-under some conditions-down to 0.651 water-activity. However, there is a paucity of information about how it achieves this extreme stress tolerance given the dynamic water regimes of the surface habitats on which it commonly occurs. Here, against the backdrop of global climate change, we investigated the biophysical interactions of E. halophilicum with its extracellular environment using samples taken from the surfaces of library books. The specific aims were to examine its morphology and extracellular environment (using scanning electron microscopy for visualisation and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry to identify chemical elements) and investigate interactions with water, ions, and minerals (including analyses of temperature and relative humidity conditions and determinations of salt deliquescence and water activity of extracellular brine). We observed crystals identified as eugsterite (Na4Ca(SO4)3·2H2O) and mirabilite (Na2SO4·10H2O) embedded within extracellular polymeric substances and provide evidence that E. halophilicum uses salt deliquescence to maintain conditions consistent with its water-activity window for growth. In addition, it utilizes a covering of hair-like microfilaments that likely absorb water and maintain a layer of humid air adjacent to the hyphae. We believe that, along with compatible solutes used for osmotic adjustment, these adaptations allow the fungus to maintain hydration in both space and time. We discuss these findings in relation to the conservation of books and other artifacts within the built environment, spoilage of foods and feeds, the ecology of E. halophilicum in natural habitats, and the current episode of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Micheluz
- Conservation Science Department, Deutsches Museum, Museumsinsel 1, 80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Flavia Pinzari
- Institute for Biological Systems, Council of National Research of Italy, Area della Ricerca di Roma 1, Via Salaria Km 29,300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
- Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | | | - Sabrina Manente
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Scientific Campus, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 30170 Venice, Italy
| | - John E. Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
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3
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Hagiuda R, Oda H, Kawakami Y, Hirose D. Species Diversity based on Revised Systematics of Xerophilic Aspergillus section Restricti Isolated from Storage Rooms and Houses in Japan. Biocontrol Sci 2022; 27:65-80. [PMID: 35753795 DOI: 10.4265/bio.27.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Eighty-seven strains of Aspergillus section Restricti were isolated from five storage rooms (50 strains) and 21 houses (37 strains) between 2014 and 2020. Eleven species were identified based on their morphological characteristics and molecular phylogeny using the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, calmodulin (CaM), β-tubulin (benA), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) sequences. A. penicillioides, which was known to cause the deterioration of cultural assets, was isolated at high frequency (73%) from the surfaces of 11 cultural assets in the storage rooms; A. clavatophorus and A. magnivesiculatus, which are closely related to A. penicillioides, were also isolated frequently (45 and 64%, respectively). Five species [A. clavatophorus (42.8%), A. penicillioides (42.8%), A. magnivesiculatus (14.3%), A. reticulatus (28.6%), and A. vitricola (28.6%)] were isolated from dust on the carpets in seven houses. Five species [A. clavatophorus (33.3%), A. penicillioides (55.5%), A. magnivesiculatus (44.4%), A. restrictus (44.4%), and A. gracilis (11.1%)] were isolated from dust on the bedding in nine houses. Using the taxonomic system described by Sklenář et al. (2017), five species (A. clavatophorus, A. magnivesiculatus, A. hordei, A. reticulatus, and A. glabripes) previously identified as A. penicillioides were confirmed as new to Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuji Kawakami
- Department of Environmental Science and Education, Tokyo Kasei University
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4
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Correlation analysis of normal and moldy beef jerky microbiota with Volatile compounds. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.113457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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5
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Mo L, Zeng Z, Li Y, Li D, Yan CY, Xiao S, Huang YH. Animal study of the anti-diarrhea effect and microbial diversity of dark tea produced by the Yao population of Guangxi. Food Funct 2019; 10:1999-2009. [DOI: 10.1039/c9fo00110g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Chinese dark teas (CDTs) are a special type of tea traditionally consumed by ethnic minorities around the border regions of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Mo
- College of Horticulture
- South China Agricultural University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- College of Horticulture
- South China Agricultural University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Yun Li
- Infinitus (China) Company Ltd
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Horticulture
- South China Agricultural University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Chang-yu Yan
- College of Horticulture
- South China Agricultural University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Sui Xiao
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture
- South China Agricultural University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Ya-hui Huang
- College of Horticulture
- South China Agricultural University
- Guangzhou
- China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods
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6
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Zhang F, Hu C, Liu G, Pan J. Microbial Community Analyses of the Deteriorated Storeroom Objects in the Tianjin Museum Using Culture-Independent and Culture-Dependent Approaches. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:802. [PMID: 29780363 PMCID: PMC5946025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the storeroom C7 of the Tianjin Museum, one wooden desk and two leather luggages dated back to Qing dynasty (1644-1912 AD) presented viable microbial contamination. The aim of the present study was to investigate microbial communities responsible for the biodeterioration of storeroom objects using a combination of culture-independent and culture-dependent methods as well microscopic techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the microflora on three storeroom objects were characterized by a marked presence of Eurotium halophilicum. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis proved that fungi were the main causative agents behind the biodeterioration in this case. Fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon sequencing documented the presence of two main fungi — Eurotium halophilicum and Aspergillus penicillioides. Molecular identification of fungal strains isolated from the surfaces and the air of the storeroom were most closely related to Chaetomium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium, showing discrepancies in fungal taxa compared to ITS amplicon sequencing. The most isolated bacterial phylum was Firmicutes, mostly Bacillus members. In addition, four biocide products — Preventol® D 7, P 91, 20 N and Euxyl® K 100 were selected to test their capability against fungal strains isolated from the surfaces. According to the susceptibility assay, Preventol® D 7 based on isothiazolinones was the most effective against fungal isolates. Findings from this study provided a knowledge about storeroom fungi, and exemplify a type of preliminary test that may be conducted before planning any biocide treatment, which may be useful to mitigate the fungal deterioration for further conservation of the museum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Fengyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Cuiting Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Jiao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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González De León J, González Méndez R, Cadilla CL, Rivera-Mariani FE, Bolaños-Rosero B. Identification of Immunoglobulin E-Binding Proteins of the Xerophilic Fungus Aspergillus penicillioides Crude Mycelial Mat Extract and Serological Reactivity Assessment in Subjects with Different Allergen Reactivity Profiles. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2018; 175:147-159. [PMID: 29402803 DOI: 10.1159/000484898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus penicillioides is a very common indoor xerophilic fungus and potential causative agent of respiratory conditions. Although people are constantly exposed to A. penicillioides, no proteins with allergenic potential have been described. Therefore, we aim to confirm allergic sensitization to A. penicillioides through reactivity in serological assays and detect immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding proteins. METHODS In an indirect ELISA, we compared the serological reactivity to A. penicillioides between subjects with specific IgE (sIgE) (group 1, n = 54) and no sIgE reactivity (group 2, n = 15) against commercial allergens. Correlations and principal component analysis were performed to identify associations between reactivity to commercial allergens and A. penicillioides. IgE-binding proteins in A. penicillioides were visualized using Western blotting (WB) in group 1. The IgE-binding proteins with the highest reactivity were analyzed by mass spectrometry and confirmed by transcript matching. RESULTS There was no statistical significance (p = 0.1656) between the study groups in serological reactivity. Correlations between reactivity to A. penicillioides, dog epithelia, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium chrysogenum were observed. WB experiments showed 6 IgE-binding proteins with molecular weights ranging from 45 to 145 kDa. Proteins of 108, 83, and 56 kDa showed higher reactivity. Mass spectrometry analysis of these 3 proteins led to the putative identification of NADP-specific glutamate dehydrogenase and catalase B. This was confirmed with transcriptome analysis. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence of the presence of potential allergenic components in A. penicillioides. Further analysis of the putatively identified proteins should reveal their allergenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joenice González De León
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA
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8
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Abstract
Aspergillus section Restricti together with sister section Aspergillus (formerly Eurotium) comprises xerophilic species, that are able to grow on substrates with low water activity and in extreme environments. We adressed the monophyly of both sections within subgenus Aspergillus and applied a multidisciplinary approach for definition of species boundaries in sect. Restricti. The monophyly of sections Aspergillus and Restricti was tested on a set of 102 isolates comprising all currently accepted species and was strongly supported by Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inferrence (BI) analysis based on β-tubulin (benA), calmodulin (CaM) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) loci. More than 300 strains belonging to sect. Restricti from various isolation sources and four continents were characterized by DNA sequencing, and 193 isolates were selected for phylogenetic analyses and phenotypic studies. Species delimitation methods based on multispecies coalescent model were employed on DNA sequences from four loci, i.e., ID region of rDNA (ITS + 28S), CaM, benA and RPB2, and supported recognition of 21 species, including 14 new. All these species were also strongly supported in ML and BI analyses. All recognised species can be reliably identified by all four examined genetic loci. Phenotype analysis was performed to support the delimitation of new species and includes colony characteristics on seven cultivation media incubated at several temperatures, growth on an osmotic gradient (six media with NaCl concentration from 0 to 25 %) and analysis of morphology including scanning electron microscopy. The micromorphology of conidial heads, vesicle dimensions, temperature profiles and growth parameters in osmotic gradient were useful criteria for species identification. The vast majority of species in sect. Restricti produce asperglaucide, asperphenamate or both in contrast to species in sect. Aspergillus. Mycophenolic acid was detected for the first time in at least six members of the section. The ascomata of A. halophilicus do not contain auroglaucin, epiheveadride or flavoglaucin which are common in sect. Aspergillus, but shares the echinulins with sect. Aspergillus.
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Key Words
- Aspergillus canadensis Visagie, Yilmaz, F. Sklenar & Seifert
- Aspergillus clavatophorus F. Sklenar, S.W. Peterson & Hubka
- Aspergillus destruens Zalar, F. Sklenar, S.W. Peterson & Hubka
- Aspergillus domesticus F. Sklenar, Houbraken, Zalar & Hubka
- Aspergillus glabripes F. Sklenar, Ž. Jurjević & Hubka
- Aspergillus hordei F. Sklenar, S.W. Peterson & Hubka
- Aspergillus infrequens F. Sklenar, S.W. Peterson & Hubka
- Aspergillus magnivesiculatus F. Sklenar, Zalar, Ž. Jurjević & Hubka
- Aspergillus pachycaulis F. Sklenar, S.W. Peterson, Ž. Jurjević & Hubka
- Aspergillus penicillioides
- Aspergillus pseudogracilis F. Sklenar, Ž. Jurjević & Hubka
- Aspergillus restrictus
- Aspergillus reticulatus F. Sklenar, Ž. Jurjević, S.W. Peterson & Hubka
- Aspergillus salinicola Zalar, F. Sklenar, Visagie & Hubka
- Aspergillus tardicrescens F. Sklenar, Houbraken, Zalar, & Hubka
- Aspergillus villosus F. Sklenar, S.W. Peterson & Hubka
- Eurotium
- food spoilage
- indoor fungi
- linear discriminant analysis
- multigene phylogeny
- multispecies coalescent model
- sick building syndrome
- xerophilic fungi
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9
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Mao Y, Wei B, Teng J, Huang L, Xia N. Analyses of fungal community by Illumina MiSeq platforms and characterization of Eurotium species on Liupao tea, a distinctive post-fermented tea from China. Food Res Int 2017; 99:641-649. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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10
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Gupta K, Gupta P, Mathew JL, Bansal A, Singh G, Singh M, Chakrabarti A. Fatal Disseminated Aspergillus penicillioides Infection in a 3-Month-Old Infant with Suspected Cystic Fibrosis: Autopsy Case Report with Review of Literature. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2017; 19:506-511. [PMID: 26579953 DOI: 10.2350/15-10-1729-cr.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) often are colonized by Aspergillus species in their respiratory tract, but invasive aspergillosis is a rare complication. We describe the autopsy findings of an infant with cystic fibrosis who had fatal disseminated aspergillosis. The causative agent was identified as A. penicillioides by molecular technique. To our knowledge, this is the first report of disseminated aspergillosis caused by A. penicillioides in any type of patient. The literature on invasive aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis also is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Gupta
- 1 Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Parikshaa Gupta
- 1 Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Joseph L Mathew
- 2 Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Arun Bansal
- 2 Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Gangandeep Singh
- 3 Department of Medical Mycology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Meenu Singh
- 2 Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- 3 Department of Medical Mycology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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Stevenson A, Hamill PG, Medina Á, Kminek G, Rummel JD, Dijksterhuis J, Timson DJ, Magan N, Leong SLL, Hallsworth JE. Glycerol enhances fungal germination at the water-activity limit for life. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:947-967. [PMID: 27631633 PMCID: PMC5363249 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
For the most-extreme fungal xerophiles, metabolic activity and cell division typically halts between 0.700 and 0.640 water activity (approximately 70.0-64.0% relative humidity). Here, we investigate whether glycerol can enhance xerophile germination under acute water-activity regimes, using an experimental system which represents the biophysical limit of Earth's biosphere. Spores from a variety of species, including Aspergillus penicillioides, Eurotium halophilicum, Xerochrysium xerophilum (formerly Chrysosporium xerophilum) and Xeromyces bisporus, were produced by cultures growing on media supplemented with glycerol (and contained up to 189 mg glycerol g dry spores-1 ). The ability of these spores to germinate, and the kinetics of germination, were then determined on a range of media designed to recreate stresses experienced in microbial habitats or anthropogenic systems (with water-activities from 0.765 to 0.575). For A. penicillioides, Eurotium amstelodami, E. halophilicum, X. xerophilum and X. bisporus, germination occurred at lower water-activities than previously recorded (0.640, 0.685, 0.651, 0.664 and 0.637 respectively). In addition, the kinetics of germination at low water-activities were substantially faster than those reported previously. Extrapolations indicated theoretical water-activity minima below these values; as low as 0.570 for A. penicillioides and X. bisporus. Glycerol is present at high concentrations (up to molar levels) in many types of microbial habitat. We discuss the likely role of glycerol in expanding the water-activity limit for microbial cell function in relation to temporal constraints and location of the microbial cell or habitat. The findings reported here have also critical implications for understanding the extremes of Earth's biosphere; for understanding the potency of disease-causing microorganisms; and in biotechnologies that operate at the limits of microbial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stevenson
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
| | - Philip G Hamill
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
| | - Ángel Medina
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and AgriFood Institute, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford, MK43 OAL, UK
| | - Gerhard Kminek
- Independent Safety Office, European Space Agency, 2200 AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - John D Rummel
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, 94043, USA
| | - Jan Dijksterhuis
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, CT, 3584, The Netherlands
| | - David J Timson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Naresh Magan
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and AgriFood Institute, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford, MK43 OAL, UK
| | - Su-Lin L Leong
- Department of Microbiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7025, Uppsala, 75007, Sweden
| | - John E Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
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12
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Stevenson A, Hamill PG, Dijksterhuis J, Hallsworth JE. Water-, pH- and temperature relations of germination for the extreme xerophiles Xeromyces bisporus (FRR 0025), Aspergillus penicillioides (JH06THJ) and Eurotium halophilicum (FRR 2471). Microb Biotechnol 2016; 10:330-340. [PMID: 27562192 PMCID: PMC5328819 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Water activity, temperature and pH are determinants for biotic activity of cellular systems, biosphere function and, indeed, for all life processes. This study was carried out at high concentrations of glycerol, which concurrently reduces water activity and acts as a stress protectant, to characterize the biophysical capabilities of the most extremely xerophilic organisms known. These were the fungal xerophiles: Xeromyces bisporus (FRR 0025), Aspergillus penicillioides (JH06THJ) and Eurotium halophilicum (FRR 2471). High‐glycerol spores were produced and germination was determined using 38 media in the 0.995–0.637 water activity range, 33 media in the 2.80–9.80 pH range and 10 incubation temperatures, from 2 to 50°C. Water activity was modified by supplementing media with glycerol+sucrose, glycerol+NaCl and glycerol+NaCl+sucrose which are known to be biologically permissive for X. bisporus, A. penicillioides and E. halophilicum respectively. The windows and rates for spore germination were quantified for water activity, pH and temperature; symmetry/asymmetry of the germination profiles were then determined in relation to supra‐ and sub‐optimal conditions; and pH‐ and temperature optima for extreme xerophilicity were quantified. The windows for spore germination were ~1 to 0.637 water activity, pH 2.80–9.80 and > 10 and < 44°C, depending on strain. Germination profiles in relation to water activity and temperature were asymmetrical because conditions known to entropically disorder cellular macromolecules, i.e. supra‐optimal water activity and high temperatures, were severely inhibitory. Implications of these processes were considered in relation to the in‐situ ecology of extreme conditions and environments; the study also raises a number of unanswered questions which suggest the need for new lines of experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stevenson
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Philip G Hamill
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Jan Dijksterhuis
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, CT 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - John E Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
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13
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Micheluz A, Sulyok M, Manente S, Krska R, Varese G, Ravagnan G. Fungal secondary metabolite analysis applied to Cultural Heritage: the case of a contaminated library in Venice. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2016. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2015.1958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The secondary metabolite production of several fungal strains of Aspergillus creber, Aspergillus jensenii, Aspergillus penicillioides, Aspergillus protuberus, Aspergillus vitricola, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Eurotium chevalieri, Eurotium halophilicum, Penicillium brevicompactum and Penicillium chrysogenum were characterised by liquid chromatography tamdem mass spectometry. All fungi were isolated from both air and book covers as well as from settled dust from a contaminated library in Venice (Italy). For A. creber and A. jensenii, we identified sterigmatocystin, methoxysterigmatocystin, versicolorin A and related precursors/side metabolites from the biosynthetic pathways. Deoxybrevianamid E, neoechinulin A, pseurotin A and D, and rugulusovin were principally detected from the strains of E. halophilicum, an emerging fungal species implicated in book contaminations in specific indoor niches. The analysis of settled dust showed a wide range of toxic or bioactive fungal metabolites. Forty-five different metabolites were identified in different concentrations; in particular, high amounts of asperglaucide, alamethicin, andrastin A, terrecyclic acid and neoechinulin A were detected. Also one bacterial metabolite, chloramphenicole was detected. This study increases the knowledge about metabolite production of several fungal species, as well as on the indoor presence of fungi that are not detected by aerobiological sampling. These results emphasise how routine dusting operations are necessary and essential in order to prevent further microbiological developments in library environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Micheluz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistic, Ca’ Foscari University, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre (VE), Italy
| | - M. Sulyok
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Mycotoxin Research, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Konrad Lorenz Str. 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - S. Manente
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre (VE), Italy
| | - R. Krska
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Mycotoxin Research, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Konrad Lorenz Str. 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - G.C. Varese
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - G. Ravagnan
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University, Via Torino 155, 30170 Mestre (VE), Italy
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Piñar G, Tafer H, Sterflinger K, Pinzari F. Amid the possible causes of a very famous foxing: molecular and microscopic insight into Leonardo da Vinci's self-portrait. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015; 7:849-59. [PMID: 26111623 PMCID: PMC4959533 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Leonardo da Vinci's self-portrait is affected by foxing spots. The portrait has no fungal or bacterial infections in place, but is contaminated with airborne spores and fungal material that could play a role in its disfigurement. The knowledge of the nature of the stains is of great concern because future conservation treatments should be derived from scientific investigations. The lack of reliable scientific data, due to the non-culturability of the microorganisms inhabiting the portrait, prompted the investigation of the drawing using non-invasive and micro-invasive sampling, in combination with scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and molecular techniques. The fungus Eurotium halophilicum was found in foxing spots using SEM analyses. Oxalates of fungal origin were also documented. Both findings are consistent with the hypothesis that tonophilic fungi germinate on paper metabolizing organic acids, oligosaccharides and proteic compounds, which react chemically with the material at a low water activity, forming brown products and oxidative reactions resulting in foxing spots. Additionally, molecular techniques enabled a screening of the fungi inhabiting the portrait and showed differences when different sampling techniques were employed. Swabs samples showed a high abundance of lichenized Ascomycota, while the membrane filters showed a dominance of Acremonium sp. colonizing the drawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Piñar
- Department of Biotechnology, Vienna Institute of Biotechnology (VIBT), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Hakim Tafer
- Department of Biotechnology, Vienna Institute of Biotechnology (VIBT), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Department of Biotechnology, Vienna Institute of Biotechnology (VIBT), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Flavia Pinzari
- Istituto Centrale per il Restauro e la Conservazione del Patrimonio Archivistico e Librario (ICRCPAL), Ministero per i Beni e le Attivita Culturali, Via Milano 76, Rome, 00184, Italy.
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15
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Stevenson A, Cray JA, Williams JP, Santos R, Sahay R, Neuenkirchen N, McClure CD, Grant IR, Houghton JDR, Quinn JP, Timson DJ, Patil SV, Singhal RS, Antón J, Dijksterhuis J, Hocking AD, Lievens B, Rangel DEN, Voytek MA, Gunde-Cimerman N, Oren A, Timmis KN, McGenity TJ, Hallsworth JE. Is there a common water-activity limit for the three domains of life? THE ISME JOURNAL 2015; 9:1333-51. [PMID: 25500507 PMCID: PMC4438321 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2014.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Archaea and Bacteria constitute a majority of life systems on Earth but have long been considered inferior to Eukarya in terms of solute tolerance. Whereas the most halophilic prokaryotes are known for an ability to multiply at saturated NaCl (water activity (a(w)) 0.755) some xerophilic fungi can germinate, usually at high-sugar concentrations, at values as low as 0.650-0.605 a(w). Here, we present evidence that halophilic prokayotes can grow down to water activities of <0.755 for Halanaerobium lacusrosei (0.748), Halobacterium strain 004.1 (0.728), Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 and Halococcus morrhuae (0.717), Haloquadratum walsbyi (0.709), Halococcus salifodinae (0.693), Halobacterium noricense (0.687), Natrinema pallidum (0.681) and haloarchaeal strains GN-2 and GN-5 (0.635 a(w)). Furthermore, extrapolation of growth curves (prone to giving conservative estimates) indicated theoretical minima down to 0.611 aw for extreme, obligately halophilic Archaea and Bacteria. These were compared with minima for the most solute-tolerant Bacteria in high-sugar (or other non-saline) media (Mycobacterium spp., Tetragenococcus halophilus, Saccharibacter floricola, Staphylococcus aureus and so on) and eukaryotic microbes in saline (Wallemia spp., Basipetospora halophila, Dunaliella spp. and so on) and high-sugar substrates (for example, Xeromyces bisporus, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Aspergillus and Eurotium spp.). We also manipulated the balance of chaotropic and kosmotropic stressors for the extreme, xerophilic fungi Aspergillus penicilloides and X. bisporus and, via this approach, their established water-activity limits for mycelial growth (∼0.65) were reduced to 0.640. Furthermore, extrapolations indicated theoretical limits of 0.632 and 0.636 a(w) for A. penicilloides and X. bisporus, respectively. Collectively, these findings suggest that there is a common water-activity limit that is determined by physicochemical constraints for the three domains of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stevenson
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jonathan A Cray
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jim P Williams
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Ricardo Santos
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- Laboratório de Análises, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Richa Sahay
- University of Essex, School of Biological Sciences, Colchester, Essex, UK
| | - Nils Neuenkirchen
- University of Essex, School of Biological Sciences, Colchester, Essex, UK
| | - Colin D McClure
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Irene R Grant
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jonathan DR Houghton
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - John P Quinn
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - David J Timson
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Satish V Patil
- School of Life Sciences, North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rekha S Singhal
- Department of Food Engineering and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Josefa Antón
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Ailsa D Hocking
- CSIRO Food and Nutrition, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bart Lievens
- Microbial Ecology and Biorational Control, Scientia Terrae Research Institute, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
| | - Drauzio E N Rangel
- Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Universidade do Vale do Paraíba, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aharon Oren
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kenneth N Timmis
- University of Essex, School of Biological Sciences, Colchester, Essex, UK
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Terry J McGenity
- University of Essex, School of Biological Sciences, Colchester, Essex, UK
| | - John E Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, MBC, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- University of Essex, School of Biological Sciences, Colchester, Essex, UK
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16
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Piñar G, Sterflinger K, Pinzari F. Unmasking the measles-like parchment discoloration: molecular and microanalytical approach. Environ Microbiol 2015; 17:427-43. [PMID: 24684276 PMCID: PMC4371641 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Many ancient parchments are defaced by red or purple maculae associated with localized destruction of collagen fibres. Although the main characteristics of this damage were present in most of the manuscripts analysed by many authors, no common microbial or fungal denominator has been found so far, and little or no correspondence between the microbial or fungal species isolated from materials could be addressed. In this study, culture-independent molecular methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to identify fungal and bacterial communities on parchments affected by the purple stains. Protocols for c extraction and nucleic-acid-based strategies were selected for assays examining the community structure of fungi and bacteria on biodeteriorated parchment. Both SEM and molecular analysis detected the presence of bacterial and fungal cells in the damaged areas. Halophilic, halotolerant proteolytic bacterial species were selected by the saline environment provided by the parchment samples. As common microbial denominators, members of the Actinobacteria, mainly Saccharopolyspora spp. and species of Aspergillus, were detected in all investigated cases. It is proposed that a relationship exists between the phenomenon of purple spots on ancient parchments and that of the 'red heat' phenomenon, known to be present in some products manufactured with marine salt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Piñar
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life SciencesMuthgasse 11, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life SciencesMuthgasse 11, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Flavia Pinzari
- ICRCPAL e Istituto Centrale per il Restauro e la Conservazione del Patrimonio Archivistico e Librario, Laboratorio di Biologia, Ministero per i Beni e le Attivita CulturaliRome, Italy
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17
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Stevenson A, Burkhardt J, Cockell CS, Cray JA, Dijksterhuis J, Fox-Powell M, Kee TP, Kminek G, McGenity TJ, Timmis KN, Timson DJ, Voytek MA, Westall F, Yakimov MM, Hallsworth JE. Multiplication of microbes below 0.690 water activity: implications for terrestrial and extraterrestrial life. Environ Microbiol 2014; 17:257-77. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stevenson
- Institute for Global Food Security; School of Biological Sciences; MBC; Queen's University Belfast; Belfast BT9 7BL Northern Ireland
| | - Jürgen Burkhardt
- Plant Nutrition Group; Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation; University of Bonn; Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13 D-53115 Bonn Germany
| | - Charles S. Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology; School of Physics and Astronomy; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh EH9 3JZ UK
| | - Jonathan A. Cray
- Institute for Global Food Security; School of Biological Sciences; MBC; Queen's University Belfast; Belfast BT9 7BL Northern Ireland
| | - Jan Dijksterhuis
- CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre; Uppsalalaan 8 CT 3584 Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Mark Fox-Powell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology; School of Physics and Astronomy; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh EH9 3JZ UK
| | - Terence P. Kee
- School of Chemistry; University of Leeds; Leeds LS2 9JT West Yorkshire UK
| | | | - Terry J. McGenity
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Essex; Colchester CO4 3SQ Essex UK
| | - Kenneth N. Timmis
- Institute of Microbiology; Technical University Braunschweig; Spielmannstrasse 7 D-38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - David J. Timson
- Institute for Global Food Security; School of Biological Sciences; MBC; Queen's University Belfast; Belfast BT9 7BL Northern Ireland
| | | | - Frances Westall
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; CNRS; Rue Charles Sadron; Centre de Recherches sur les Matériaux à Haute Température; 1D, avenue de la recherché scientifique 45071 Orléans Cedex 2 France
| | | | - John E. Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security; School of Biological Sciences; MBC; Queen's University Belfast; Belfast BT9 7BL Northern Ireland
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18
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Delhaes L, Monchy S, Fréalle E, Hubans C, Salleron J, Leroy S, Prevotat A, Wallet F, Wallaert B, Dei-Cas E, Sime-Ngando T, Chabé M, Viscogliosi E. The airway microbiota in cystic fibrosis: a complex fungal and bacterial community--implications for therapeutic management. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36313. [PMID: 22558432 PMCID: PMC3338676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Given the polymicrobial nature of pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), it is essential to enhance our knowledge on the composition of the microbial community to improve patient management. In this study, we developed a pyrosequencing approach to extensively explore the diversity and dynamics of fungal and prokaryotic populations in CF lower airways. Methodology and Principal Findings Fungi and bacteria diversity in eight sputum samples collected from four adult CF patients was investigated using conventional microbiological culturing and high-throughput pyrosequencing approach targeting the ITS2 locus and the 16S rDNA gene. The unveiled microbial community structure was compared to the clinical profile of the CF patients. Pyrosequencing confirmed recently reported bacterial diversity and observed complex fungal communities, in which more than 60% of the species or genera were not detected by cultures. Strikingly, the diversity and species richness of fungal and bacterial communities was significantly lower in patients with decreased lung function and poor clinical status. Values of Chao1 richness estimator were statistically correlated with values of the Shwachman-Kulczycki score, body mass index, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (p = 0.046, 0.047, 0.004, and 0.001, respectively for fungal Chao1 indices, and p = 0.010, 0.047, 0.002, and 0.0003, respectively for bacterial Chao1 values). Phylogenetic analysis showed high molecular diversities at the sub-species level for the main fungal and bacterial taxa identified in the present study. Anaerobes were isolated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was more likely to be observed in association with Candida albicans than with Aspergillus fumigatus. Conclusions In light of the recent concept of CF lung microbiota, we viewed the microbial community as a unique pathogenic entity. We thus interpreted our results to highlight the potential interactions between microorganisms and the role of fungi in the context of improving survival in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Delhaes
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Institut Pasteur de Lille, Biology and Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens (BDEEP), BP 245, Lille, France.
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19
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Rittenour WR, Park JH, Cox-Ganser JM, Beezhold DH, Green BJ. Comparison of DNA extraction methodologies used for assessing fungal diversity via ITS sequencing. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING : JEM 2012; 14:766-74. [PMID: 22230933 PMCID: PMC4685454 DOI: 10.1039/c2em10779a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Traditional methods of assessing fungal exposure have been confounded by a number of limiting variables. The recent utilization of molecular methods such as internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing of ribosomal RNA genes has provided improved insight into the diversity of fungal bioaerosols in indoor, outdoor and occupational environments. However, ITS analyses may also be confounded by a number of methodological limitations. In this study, we have optimized this technology for use in occupational or environmental studies. Three commonly used DNA extraction methodologies (UltraClean Soil kit, High Pure PCR Template kit, and EluQuik/DNeasy kit) were compared in terms of sensitivity and susceptibility to PCR inhibitors in dust for three common fungal bioaerosols, Aspergillus versicolor, Rhizopus microsporus and Wallemia sebi. Environmental dust samples were then studied using each extraction methodology and results were compared to viable culture data. The extraction methods differed in terms of their ability to efficiently extract DNA from particular species of fungi (e.g. Aspergillus versicolor). In addition, the ability to remove PCR inhibitors from dust samples was most effective using the soil DNA extraction kit. The species composition varied greatly between ITS clone libraries generated with the different DNA extraction kits. However, compared to viable culture data, ITS clone libraries included additional fungal species that are incapable of growth on solid culture medium. Collectively, our data indicated that DNA extraction methodologies used in ITS sequencing studies of occupational or environmental dust samples can greatly influence the fungal species that are detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. Rittenour
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Rd., Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. ; Tel: +1 304-285-5721 ext 7
| | - Ju-Hyeong Park
- Field Studies Branch, Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Jean M. Cox-Ganser
- Field Studies Branch, Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Donald H. Beezhold
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Rd., Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. ; Tel: +1 304-285-5721 ext 7
| | - Brett J. Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Rd., Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. ; Tel: +1 304-285-5721 ext 7
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20
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Antony-Babu S, Singleton I. Effects of ozone exposure on the xerophilic fungus, Eurotium amstelodami IS-SAB-01, isolated from naan bread. Int J Food Microbiol 2010; 144:331-6. [PMID: 21093088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2010.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Revised: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 09/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Xerophilic moulds cause contamination and spoilage of low moisture foods. This study examined the effect of ozone fumigation on growth of a Eurotium species isolated from naan bread. Two ozone treatments were used - a low-level long-term exposure (0.4 μmol/mol for 21 days) and high-level short-term exposure (300 μmol/mol for 5 to 120 min). For the low level exposure the combination of different media sucrose concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 20% w/v) with ozone treatment was also assessed. The growth of the isolate was found to be sensitive to low-level ozone fumigation depending on the media sucrose concentration and duration of the exposure. Low-level ozone exposure significantly (p<0.05) reduced the number of asexual spores formed in media with no added sucrose, an effect not observed in media with higher sucrose levels. Electron microscope observations of colonies indicated that ozone exposed cultures produced lower numbers of cleistothecia. High-level ozone exposure for short durations reduced spore viability although 100% reduction in viability was achieved only after 120 min exposure. This work demonstrates that ozone may be used to reduce spore production in Eurotium but that the ozone effect can be mediated by sucrose levels in the growth medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Antony-Babu
- Institute for Research on Environment and Sustainability, School of Biology, Devonshire Building, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, England, United Kingdom.
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21
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Michaelsen A, Piñar G, Pinzari F. Molecular and microscopical investigation of the microflora inhabiting a deteriorated Italian manuscript dated from the thirteenth century. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2010; 60:69-80. [PMID: 20449583 PMCID: PMC2917558 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-010-9667-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Accepted: 03/12/2010] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This case study shows the application of nontraditional diagnostic methods to investigate the microbial consortia inhabiting an ancient manuscript. The manuscript was suspected to be biologically deteriorated and SEM observations showed the presence of fungal spores attached to fibers, but classic culturing methods did not succeed in isolating microbial contaminants. Therefore, molecular methods, including PCR, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), and clone libraries, were used as a sensitive alternative to conventional cultivation techniques. DGGE fingerprints revealed a high biodiversity of both bacteria and fungi inhabiting the manuscript. DNA sequence analysis confirmed the existence of fungi and bacteria in manuscript samples. A number of fungal clones identified on the manuscript showed similarity to fungal species inhabiting dry or saline environments, suggesting that the manuscript environment selects for osmophilic or xerophilic fungal species. Most of the bacterial sequences retrieved from the manuscript belong to phylotypes with cellulolytic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Michaelsen
- Department of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Guadalupe Piñar
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Flavia Pinzari
- Laboratorio di Biologia, Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali, ICPAL - Istituto Centrale per il Restauro e la Conservazione del Patrimonio Archivistico e Librario, Via Milano, 76, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Dept. of Plant Biology, School in Ecological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Zeng QY, Wang XR, Blomquist G. Development of mitochondrial SSU rDNA-based oligonucleotide probes for specific detection of common airborne fungi. Mol Cell Probes 2003; 17:281-8. [PMID: 14602478 DOI: 10.1016/s0890-8508(03)00067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study we sequenced partial mitochondrial small subunit rDNA from 32 fungal strains representing 31 species from 16 genera. Most of these species are common airborne fungi and pathogens that may cause various public health concerns. Sequence alignment showed several conserved and highly variable regions. The variable regions were deployed to design oligonucleotide probes for each fungal species. The specificity of the designed probes was first examined through homology search against GenBank database then further verified through hybridization experiments to 38 fungal strains. A total of 23 probes were verified as specific to 15 fungal species commonly detected in living and working environments. These new probes will have potential applications in clinical diagnosis and public health-related environmental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yin Zeng
- National Institute for Working Life, SE-90713 Umeå, Sweden
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Tamura M, Kawasaki H, Sugiyama J. Identity of the xerophilic species Aspergillus penicillioides: Integrated analysis of the genotypic and phenotypic characters. J GEN APPL MICROBIOL 1999; 45:29-37. [PMID: 12501399 DOI: 10.2323/jgam.45.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We examined the identity of Aspergillus penicillioides, the typical xerophilic and strictly anamorphic species, using an integrated analysis of the genotypic and phenotypic characters. Our experimental methods on two genotypic characters, i.e., DNA base composition using the HPLC method and DNA relatedness using the nitrocellulose filter hybridization technique between A. flavus, A. oryzae, and their close relations revealed a good agreement with the values by buoyant density (for DNA base composition) and spectrophotometric determination (for DNA relatedness) reported by Kurtzman et al. in 1986. On the basis of these comparisons, we examined DNA base composition and DNA relatedness of six selected strains of A. penicillioides, including IFO 8155 (originally described as A. vitricola), one strain of A. restrictus, and the respective strains from Eurotium amstelodami, E. repens, and E. rubrum. As a result, five strains within A. penicillioides, including the neotype strain NRRL 4548, had G+C contents of 46 to 49 mol%, whereas IFO 8155 had 50 mol%. A. restrictus had 52 mol%, and three Eurotium species ranged from 46 to 49 mol%. The DNA relatedness between A. penicillioides (five strains), except for IFO 8155, exhibited values greater than 70%, but the DNA complementarity between four strains and IFO 8155 in A. penicillioides revealed values of less than 40%. DNA relatedness values between three species of Eurotium were 65 to 72%. We determined 18S, 5.8S, and ITS rDNA sequences as other genotypic characters from A. penicillioides (six strains), A. restrictus, and related teleomorphic species of Eurotium. In three phylogenetic trees inferred from these sequences, five strains of A. penicillioides, including the neotype strain, were closely related to each other, whereas IFO 8155 was distantly related and grouped with other xerophilic species. Our results have suggested that A. penicillioides typified by NRRL 4548 and A. penicillioides IFO 8155 (ex holotype of A. vitricola) are not conspecific. The enzyme patterns as a genotypic character and general morphology and conidial ornamentation types as phenotypic characters supported this conclusion. Therefore the name A. vitricola Ohtsuki, typified by the holotype strain IFO 8155, should be revived. Evolutionary affinities among Aspergillus species and related teleomorphs, including the xerophilic taxa, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Tamura
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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Takahashi T. Airborne fungal colony-forming units in outdoor and indoor environments in Yokohama, Japan. Mycopathologia 1998; 139:23-33. [PMID: 9511234 DOI: 10.1023/a:1006831111595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The fungal concentration and flora in indoor and outdoor air in Yokohama, Japan were analyzed with a Reuter centrifugal air sampler and dichloran 18% glycerol agar (DG18), and compared with the levels assessed with potato dextrose agar (PDA). The number of fungal colony-forming units (CFU) in outdoor air was < 13-2750/m3; Cladosporium spp. predominated, followed by Alternaria spp. and Penicillium spp. The fungal concentration in outdoor air peaked in September. The concentrations of fungi in outdoor air (n = 288) were significantly correlated with the maximum temperature of the day, minimum temperature of the day, average temperature of the day, average velocity of wind of the day, average temperature of the month, average relative humidity of the month and precipitation of the month. In indoor air, the fungal CFU was < 13-3750/m3. Cladosporium spp. predominated, followed by the xerophilic fungi such as the Aspergillus restrictus group, Wallemia sebi, the A. glaucus group, and Penicillium spp. The fungal concentration in indoor air peaked in October. The concentrations of fungi in indoor air (n = 288) were significantly correlated with the indoor temperature, indoor relative humidity and the outdoor climatic factors mentioned above, except for the average velocity of wind of the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Takahashi
- Kanagawa Prefectural Public Health Laboratory, Yokohama, Japan
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25
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Udagawa SI, Tsubouchi H, Toyazaki N. Isolation and identification of Neosartorya species from house dust as hazardous indoor pollutants. MYCOSCIENCE 1996. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02461347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
Fungi inhabiting household environments in the West, East and Central localities of Riyadh city were screened. The screened area included bedrooms, drawing rooms, living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. The common genera of fungi isolated were Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cercospora, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Drechslera, Embellisia, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Scytalidium, Trichoderma, Torula and Ulocladium. Two uncommon genera Nodulosporium and Oidiodendron for Saudi Arabian mycoflora were also isolated. In all the localities, the highest number of fungal colonies per plate or per gram were found in the living rooms, followed by bedrooms. The number of colonies per plate or per gram was in general higher in densely populated than in less populated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Bokhary
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Bardana EJ. The clinical spectrum of aspergillosis--part 1: epidemiology, pathogenicity, infection in animals and immunology of Aspergillus. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 1980; 13:21-83. [PMID: 7009057 DOI: 10.3109/10408368009106444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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