Scopulariopsis brevicaulis: a keratinophilic or a keratinolytic fungus?

Assessment of the Entomopathogenic Potential of Fungal and Bacterial Isolates from Fall Armyworm Cadavers Against Spodoptera frugiperda Caterpillars and the Adult Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis

Increased attention is being focused on the biological control of agricultural pests using microorganisms, owing to their potential as a viable substitute for chemical control methods. Insect cadavers constitute a potential source of entomopathogenic microorganisms. We tested whether bacteria and fungi isolated from Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) cadavers could affect its survival, development, egg-laying pattern, and hatchability, as well as induce mortality in Anthonomus grandis Boheman adults. We isolated the bacteria Enterobacter hormaechei and Serratia marcescens and the fungi Scopulariopsis sp. and Aspergillus nomiae from fall armyworm cadavers and the pest insects were subjected to an artificial diet enriched with bacteria cells or fungal spores to be tested, in the case of S. frugiperda, and only fungal spores in the case of A. grandis. Enterobacter hormaechei and A. nomiae were pathogenic to S. frugiperda, affecting the survival of adults and pupae. The fungus Scopulariopsis sp. does not affect the survival of S. frugiperda caterpillars and pupae; however, due to late action, moths and eggs may be affected. Aspergillus nomiae also increased mortality of A. grandis adults, as well as the development of S. frugiperda in the early stages of exposure to the diet, as indicated by the vertical spore transfer to offspring and low hatchability. Enterobacter hormaechei and A. nomiae are potential biocontrol agents for these pests, and warrant further investigation from a toxicological point of view and subsequently in field tests involving formulations that could improve agricultural sustainability practices.

"Salt mummification" - atypical method of embalming a corpse

It is extremely rare for table salt to be used to preserve a dead body in criminal cases. In the case presented here, after the death of his 85-year-old mother, a son kept her body preserved in table salt for about 2 years to extort social benefits (pension). Before her death, the woman had been hospitalised twice due to chronic diseases. The case has been examined by the multi-disciplinary team. The unusual conditions in which the corpse was stored influenced its good condition (close to mummification), with limited colonisation of the corpse by necrophagous insects and insects involved in soft tissue biolysis (i.e. selected Diptera or Coleoptera). The use of table salt inhibited the growth of most fungi which would normally be present on a corpse stored in ambient conditions, and the corpse's surface was colonised by halophilic fungus (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis).

Current knowledge on the etiology and epidemiology of Scopulariopsis infections

Scopulariopsis is a common fungus in the environment, characterized by its intrinsic resistance to the available antifungal drugs. Around 70 cases of infection by this fungus have been described in the literature. Pulmonary and disseminated infections are the most common and their treatment is difficult; therefore, very diverse approaches have been taken, with varied results. A successful outcome has been reported in only a few cases, generally attributed to a multitreatment strategy combining medical and surgical procedures that ultimately led to the resection of the infected tissue if possible, identification of the mould, and an aggressive long-term antifungal therapy. Although most of the infections are caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, a few other species have also been linked to these cases, although molecular evidence has not been proven for all of them. On this basis, more knowledge on the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these unusual infections would improve their management. This review aims to compile the current data on Scopulariopsis infections.

Progress in Microbial Degradation of Feather Waste

Feathers are a major by-product of the poultry industry. They are mainly composed of keratins which have wide applications in different fields. Due to the increasing production of feathers from poultry industries, the untreated feathers could become pollutants because of their resistance to protease degradation. Feathers are rich in amino acids, which makes them a valuable source for fertilizer and animal feeds. Numerous bacteria and fungi exhibited capabilities to degrade chicken feathers by secreting enzymes such as keratinases, and accumulated evidence shows that feather-containing wastes can be converted into value-added products. This review summarizes recent progress in microbial degradation of feathers, structures of keratinases, feather application, and microorganisms that are able to secrete keratinase. In addition, the enzymes critical for keratin degradation and their mechanism of action are discussed. We also proposed the strategy that can be utilized for feather degradation. Based on the accumulated studies, microbial degradation of feathers has great potential to convert them into various products such as biofertilizer and animal feeds.

Nests of Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus L.) as refuges of potentially phytopathogenic and zoopathogenic fungi

Birds' nests may be refuges for various species of fungi including that which are potentially phytopathogenic and zoopathogenic. Among the 2449 isolates of fungi obtained from nests of Marsh harriers 96.8% belonged to filamentous fungi. In total, 37 genera were identified from 63 fungi species. Within the mycobiotas of the examined nests populations of fungi which are potentially pathogenic for humans, homoiothermous animals and plants dominated. Among 63 species, 46 (72%) were potentially pathogenic fungi of which 18 species were potentially phytopathogenic and 32 species were pathogenic for homoiothermous animals. Inter alia species of fungi were found in the Marsh harriers nests: Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Chrysosporium keratinophilum and Fusarium poae, Fusarium sporotrichioides. In terms of numbers, dominant in Marsh harrier nests were fungi pathogenic to birds, other homoiothermous animals and humans. On that basis it was concluded that Marsh harrier nests are both a source of fungal infections for that species and one of the links in the epidemiological cycle of opportunistic fungi for humans.

21-year retrospective study of the prevalence of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in patients suspected of superficial mycoses

INTRODUCTION

In the genus Scopulariopsis, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is the most common aetiological agent of infections in humans. It usually affects nails and is one of the commonest moulds associated with onychomycoses. Other forms of infections (skin, subcutaneous, deep tissues, and disseminated infections) have also been described.

AIM

To examine the prevalence of S. brevicaulis in clinical materials obtained from patients suspected of keratinized tissues mycoses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The analysis of the prevalence of S. brevicaulis in clinical specimens was based on mycological test's results carried out for patients who were referred with a suspicion of superficial mycoses to the Department of Mycology, Chair of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College from 1992 till 2012.

RESULTS

In the years 1992-2012 16,815 clinical samples (nail scrapings, nail swabs, skin scrapings, skin swabs, hair) were collected. Pathogenic fungi were detected in 7193 samples and S. brevicaulis was present in 255 (3.5%). The prevalence of S. brevicaulis in males and females was comparable. The species was most often isolated from toenails (80%), both from males and females. In the analysed period we observed a decrease in the prevalence of S. brevicaulis. In most cases (60%) S. brevicaulis occurred alone in 40% of S. brevicaulis positive cultures, other fungi were also isolated. The fungi most frequently isolated with S. brevicaulis were Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Penicillium sp., Candida sp., and Aspergillus sp.

CONCLUSIONS

Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is not a common cause of superficial fungal infections of keratinized tissues, but is a typical mould associated with toenail onychomycosis. A proper identification of this species in onychomycoses is essential for the implementation of effective antifungal therapy.

Biodegradation of keratin waste: Theory and practical aspects

Keratin-rich by-products, i.e. bristles, horns and hooves, chicken feathers and similar, are a source of nutrients for animals (amino acids) and plants (N, S). Contemporary developments in the management of keratin waste in feeds and fertilizers comply with human and animal health protection regulations and respect the principles of ecological development. Biotechnological methods employing keratinolytic bacteria and microscopic fungi play a key role in processing keratin waste. This study reviews the current knowledge on the ecology and physiology of keratinolytic microorganisms and presents the biodegradation mechanism of native keratin. The structure and chemical composition of keratin proteins are described, and methods of keratin waste biotransformation into products of practical industrial and natural value, especially composts, are discussed.

Fatal invasive infection with fungemia due to Microascus cirrosus after heart and lung transplantation in a patient with cystic fibrosis

Scopulariopsis species are rarely but increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients. We report on a patient suffering from cystic fibrosis who developed disseminated fungal infection due to a rare Scopulariopsis species, Microascus cirrosus, after heart and lung transplantation. Despite antifungal combination therapy with voriconazole and caspofungin, the patient died 4 weeks after transplantation. Diagnostic difficulties and optimal management of disseminated Scopulariopsis/Microascus infections are discussed.

Scanning electron microscopy and fungal culture of hoof horn from horses suffering from onychomycosis

Horn samples were taken from the hooves of eight horses with clinical signs of equine onychomycosis in at least one hoof capsule. None of the horses had a documented mycological history. The predominant alterations of the horn capsules were sand cracks, white line disease, brittleness (especially around the nail holes), parakeratosis and bruising. The horn samples were stored in sterile tubes for transportation and transferred onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and dermatophyte test agar for mycological examination within 6 h. Fungal cultures were incubated for 30 days at room temperature. Fungal identification was based on colonial morphology and microscopic examination of conidia. Horn samples were also stored at -80°C until used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fungal culture revealed that the hoof horn from all eight horses was infected with keratinophilic fungi. The keratinopathogenic fungi Trichophyton spp and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis were also detected in six horses. SEM revealed severe alterations of the horn structure in horn samples infected with keratinopathogenic fungi compared to horn samples from a sound hoof. The most evident changes were deterioration of the tubular structure of the horn wall, disruption of the horny layers, superficial lysis of cornified cells and the presence of fungal elements. Samples without dermatophyte or Scopulariopsis infection, in contrast, were similar to healthy hoof horn.

Occurrence of Scopulariopsis and Scedosporium in nails and keratinous skin. A 5-year retrospective multi-center study

A 5-year retrospective multicenter study was performed for microascaceous moulds (Microascaceae, Ascomycetes) in Finnish clinical specimens. The files from 1993-1997 of six clinical mycology laboratories in Finland were searched for reports of these fungi, mainly Scopulariopsis and Scedosporium anamorphs in keratinous specimens. From the 521 primary findings, 165 cases were selected for further study based on direct microscopy, colony numbers and accompanying fungi. The clinical records of 148 cases (141 Scopulariopsis, 7 Scedosporium) were studied. Of the nail infections from which Scopulariopsis was recovered, 39 cases were further separated which showed clinical or laboratory-based evidence of dermatophytosis. In the remaining 90 'non-dermatophyte' nail cases, Scopulariopsis spp. were the only documented fungal agents (c. 6 cases/million/year). The patients were mainly elderly, 66% of whom had problems involving their big toe nails. For 74% of them, the nail problem was mentioned as their reason for visiting the physician. However, only 18% had documented benefit from treatment. The Scopulariopsis nail infections seem to be treatment-resistant and the pathogenesis and etiological role of Scopulariopsis remain poorly understood.

Non-dermatophyte onychomycosis

Non-dermatophyte organisms are becoming increasingly prevalent in onychomycosis. This apparent emergence might be an artifact of improved diagnostic techniques and increased awareness that these fungi are potential etiologic agents. It is important to bear in mind that all isolated organisms should be evaluated as potential pathogens when diagnosing fungal infections, especially given the increasing use of immunosuppressive drugs and the increasing numbers of chronically immunocompromised individuals. While many patients with non-dermatophyte mold onychomycosis will respond to oral or topical antifungal therapy, poor or incomplete response might still be expected in some patients.

Morphological evidence for keratinolytic activity of Scopulariopsis spp. isolates from nail lesions and the air

The morphological expression of human hair and nail invasion in vitro by 31 isolates of nine Scopulariopsis species was studied by light microscopy on whole material and on semi-thin sections, as well as by transmission electron microscopy. Only some isolates of Scopulariopsis brumptii, S. candida, S. carbonaria and S. koningii were keratinolytically active. They came either from nail lesions or from outdoor aerosols. The most active isolate belonged to S. koningii and was recovered from a fingernail lesion. Both hair and nail degradation followed the biochemical and morphogenetic model described by the authors for other keratinolytic fungi.