Neosartorya hiratsukae peritonitis through continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Synergistic Inhibitory Activity of Bacillomycin D, Surfactin and Nisin against Thermoascus crustaceus, Neosartorya hiratsukae and Bacillus subtilis, Responsible for Cardboard Spoilage

Corrugated cardboard boxes are one of the largest paper-based packaging forms used for shipping and handling of wide variety of products in different end-use industries due to low cost, low weight and recyclability. Due to its organic composition, they are highly susceptible to spoilage from heat-resistant microbial spores, leading to economic losses and health risks. In this study, the efficacy of lipopeptides produced from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MTCC 10456 against thermotolerant Thermoascus crustaceus, Neosartorya hiratsukae and Bacillus subtilis, isolated from spoiled cardboard boxes, was investigated. Lipopeptides were isolated by salt-precipitation of fermentation broth and activity-guided Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). Inhibitory fractions consisted of bacillomycin D and surfactin, which were identified using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. Mixture of lipopeptides with nisin (3:2 w/w) asserted significant synergistic effect on the tested pathogens which reduced the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values and increased their inhibition spectra. Preservative coating containing lipopeptides and nisin was applied on the corrugated cardboard surfaces by mixing with starch-based additive by spread-coating method. It demonstrated biopreservative efficacy against the targeted microorganisms at during the observational period of 180 days. Reduction in microbial count of 4 log cycles was observed in 20 days and showed controlled release of coated peptides which indicate its suitability for packaging purposes. Findings from this study suggests an effective and scalable strategy to prevent microbial spoilage thereby extending the storage period of cardboard boxes.

Draft Genome Sequences of Four Aspergillus Section Fumigati Clinical Strains

Aspergillus fungi in section Fumigati include important human pathogens. Here, we sequenced the genomes of two strains of Aspergillus hiratsukae and two strains of Aspergillus felis. The average genome sizes are 29.5 Mb for A. hiratsukae and 31.8 Mb for A. felis.

Aspergillus fungi in section Fumigati include important human pathogens. Here, we sequenced the genomes of two strains of Aspergillus hiratsukae and two strains of Aspergillus felis. The average genome sizes are 29.5 Mb for A. hiratsukae and 31.8 Mb for A. felis.

Aspergillus fumigatus-Related Species in Clinical Practice

Aspergillus fumigatus is the main etiologic agent of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Other Aspergillus species belonging to the section Fumigati (A. fumigatus complex) may occasionally be the cause of IA. These strains are often misidentified, as they cannot be distinguished from A. fumigatus by conventional morphological analysis and sequencing methods. This lack of recognition may have important consequences as these A. fumigatus-related species often display some level of intrinsic resistance to azoles and other antifungal drugs. A. lentulus, A. udagawae, A. viridinutans, and A. thermomutatus (Neosartorya pseudofischeri) have been associated with refractory cases of IA. Microbiologists should be able to suspect the presence of these cryptic species behind a putative A. fumigatus isolate on the basis of some simple characteristics, such as defect in sporulation and/or unusual antifungal susceptibility profile. However, definitive species identification requires specific sequencing analyses of the beta-tubulin or calmodulin genes, which are not available in most laboratories. Multiplex PCR assays or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization - time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) gave promising results for rapid and accurate distinction between A. fumigatus and other Aspergillus spp. of the section Fumigati in clinical practice. Improved diagnostic procedures and antifungal susceptibility testing may be helpful for the early detection and management of these particular IA cases.

Functionality and prevalence of trehalose-based oligosaccharides as novel compatible solutes in ascospores of Neosartorya fischeri (Aspergillus fischeri) and other fungi

Ascospores of Neosartorya, Byssochlamys and Talaromyces can be regarded as the most stress-resistant eukaryotic cells. They can survive exposure at temperatures as high as 85°C for 100 min or more. Neosartorya fischeri ascospores are more viscous and more resistant to the combined stress of heat and desiccation than the ascospores of Talaromyces macrosporus which contain predominantly trehalose. These ascospores contain trehalose-based oligosaccharides (TOS) that are novel compatible solutes, which are accumulated to high levels. These compounds are also found in other members of the genus Neosartorya and in some other genera within the order Eurotiales that also include Byssochlamys and Talaromyces. The presence of oligosaccharides was observed in species that had a relatively high growth temperature. TOS glasses have a higher glass transition temperature (Tg ) than trehalose, and they form a stable glass with crystallizing molecules, such as mannitol. Our data indicate that TOS are important for prolonged stabilization of cells against stress. The possible unique role of these solutes in protection against dry heat conditions is discussed.

Invasive sino-orbital mycosis in an aplastic anemia patient caused by Neosartorya laciniosa

We report the first case of Neosartorya laciniosa invasive sinusitis involving the orbit in an immunocompromised male with aplastic anemia. Treatment included surgical debridement with enucleation of the eye and combination voriconazole and micafungin therapy followed by voriconazole alone. The fungus was identified using sequencing of partial benA and calmodulin genes.

Invasive aspergillosis caused by cryptic Aspergillus species: a report of two consecutive episodes in a patient with leukaemia

We report a case of two consecutive episodes of invasive aspergillosis caused by cryptic Aspergillus species in a patient with leukaemia. A first episode of pulmonary infection was caused by Aspergillus calidoustus and Aspergillus novofumigatus, and the second episode by A. novofumigatus and Aspergillus viridinutans. Fungal isolates were identified to species level using traditional and sequencing-based molecular methods.