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Conidia of Curvularia lunata var. aeria borne from a geniculate conidiogenous cell. Note that the middle cell is slightly enlarged, and septa are eusepta (true septa continuous with the outer wall).
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Melanized or dematiaceous fungi are associated with a wide variety of infectious syndromes. Many are soil organisms and are generally distributed worldwide, though certain species appear to have restricted geographic ranges. Though they are uncommon causes of disease, melanized fungi have been increasingly recognized as important pathogens, with mo...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... indi- vidual (121), endophthalmitis (579), and contaminated saline- filled breast implants (392). Clinical isolates include C. geniculata, C. lunata, C. pallescens, C. senegalensis, C. brachys- pora, C. clavata, C. verruculosa, and C. inaequalis ( Fig. 3) (598). C. lunata is the most common clinical species, and C. lunata var. aeria (Fig. 4) may produce large, upright stroma in culture that are visible with the naked ...
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Citations
... They are characterised by the presence of melanin in their cell walls, leading to brown hyphae and conidia that form characteristic dark-coloured colonies [2]. Dematiaceous fungi can cause a variety of human infections, known as chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis, and their ability to produce melanin is considered as an important virulence factor [3,4]. Chromoblastomycosis, also called chromomycosis, is a chronic granulomatous infection of the skin and subcutis where, histopathologically, so-called Medlar bodies or sclerotic bodies are present in the affected tissue [5]. ...
Purpose
To report a case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by the dematiaceous fungus Cladophialophora devriesii.
Methods
Observational case report and literature review.
Case presentation
A 73-year-old female with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with a red and painful left eye. Examination revealed anterior segment inflammation and vitritis, indicative of endophthalmitis. She underwent core vitrectomy and intravitreal injection of vancomycin and amphotericin B. The vitreous sample showed inflammatory cells and fungal hyphae, and systemic amphotericin B and itraconazole were commenced for fungal endophthalmitis. Targeted amplification of the sample for bacterial DNA (V2-V3 region of 16 S rDNA) was negative, but fungal DNA targets (ITS1 and ITS2) were present, and their sequences were consistent with Cladophialophora devriesii. Phenotypic characterisation and sequencing of ITS1 and ITS2, carried out on cultured fungus from the sample, also revealed Cladophialophora devriesii. She received repeated intravitreal injections of voriconazole, and based on the antifungal susceptibility results, her systemic medication was changed to posaconazole. After 12 months, the eye showed no signs of inflammation, and posaconazole therapy was discontinued. After 3 months without antifungal medication, the inflammation recurred, and she was restarted on antifungal therapy for an additional 20 months. Another recurrence occurred 3 months after discontinuation of treatment, and a repeat vitreous sample confirmed the presence of Cladophialophora devriesii. She was started on isavuconazole, but developed seclusio pupillae and painful secondary glaucoma. Due to the duration and severity of the infection, the eye was enucleated. Histopathology revealed persistent fungal elements at the ciliary processes and the posterior lens surface.
Conclusions
This second reported case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Cladophialophora devriesii illustrates the role of vitreous sampling and molecular methods in diagnosis and treatment of fungal endophthalmitis. Despite early diagnosis and prolonged local and systemic antifungal therapy, it was not possible to achieve long-term control of the fungal infection.
... Cladosporium spp was detected in potable water inlet, post reverse osmosis, and mainly on dialysate inlet (n = 31) and dialysate outlet (n = 14). The similar results were also found by Schiavano et al. 10 and the relevance are associated to potential of Cladosporium sp to cause allergy, cutaneous and subcutaneous diseases, and occasionally deep infections 14 . ...
Introduction: Fungi usually are resistant to disinfection and has pathogenic potential; however, they are not legally controlled in hemodialysis water (HW). Objective: Filamentous fungi (FF) were evaluated in HW from a tertiary hospital in southeast of São Paulo state (Brazil) and is a reference medical center providing service to millions of people every year. Method: A total of 84 water samples were collected in seven hydraulic system points during a period of one year and FF was identified by macroscopic and microscopic features. Results: FF were detected in all points ranging from 1 to 334 CFU/100 mL. Nine genera along the hydraulic system were identified, including Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Beltrania, Bipolaris, Cladosporium, Exophiala, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Conclusions: Most fungi are ubiquitous and some cause human infection and mycotoxins producers. The various genera found reveal possible failures in treatment and distribution system, either through inadequate hygiene practices or infusion of these microorganisms into the pipes. FF detection is needed bearing mind immunological vulnerability of patients under hemodialysis treatment requiring continuous health surveillance actions.
... Infections caused by dematiaceous filamentous fungi are reported on all continents of the world, except Antarctica, with a high prevalence in poor or developing countries, primarily affecting rural workers and immunocompromised individuals [5,6,[23][24][25]. In this context, the Herpotrichiellaceae family stands out as an important fungal group, as its species are significant agents of phaeohyphomycosis and chromoblastomycosis [5,8]. ...
... These regions of rDNA currently serve as the foundation for molecular identification and phylogenetic analyses of Herpotrichiellaceae species [1,8,25,39], as they are highly conserved and capable of accurately differentiating species within this family, unlike other fungi such as Sporothrix sp. [22] and Cryptococcus sp. ...
The Herpotrichiellaceae family is an important group of dematiaceous filamentous fungi, associated with a variety of pathogenic fungal species causing Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) and Phaeohyphomycosis (PHM), both with polymorphic clinical manifestations and worldwide incidence. Currently, the identification of this family and determination of the causative agent is challenging due to the subjectivity of morphological identification methods, necessitating the use of molecular techniques to complement diagnosis. In this context, genetic sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) has become the norm due to a lack of alternative molecular tools for identifying these agents. Therefore, this study aimed to develop PCR-Multiplex methodologies to address this gap. Sequences from the ITS and Large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal DNA were used, and after manual curation and in vitro analyses, primers were synthesized for the identification of the aforementioned targets. The primers were optimized and validated in vitro, resulting in two PCR-Multiplex methodologies: one for identifying the Herpotrichiellaceae family and the bantiana clade, and another for determining the species Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Fonsecaea monophora. Ultimately, the assays developed in this study aim to complement other identification approaches for these agents, reducing the need for sequencing, improving the management of these infections, and enhancing the accuracy of epidemiological information.
... In the presumptive species-level identification, morphological analyses are conducted based on the macrocolony's appearance and the arrangement and structure of conidial and hyphal elements [2,13,14]. However, due to the phenotypic similarities between the species responsible for CBM and PHM, such analyses become notably subjective [8,14]. ...
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) and phaeohyphomycosis (FEO) are infections caused by melanized filamentous fungal agents, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Both infections pose significant challenges for the correct identification of the causative agent due to their morphological similarity, making conventional methods of morphological analysis highly subjective. Therefore, molecular techniques are necessary for the precise determination of these species. In this regard, this study aimed to contribute to a new methodology based on PCR-RFLP for the identification of agents causing CBM and FEO. Sequences from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region were used to identify potential restriction enzyme sites in silico, followed by in vitro validation using the selected restriction enzymes. The obtained results were compared with species identification through morphological analyses and sequencing. The results demonstrated that the PCR-RFLP applied in this study accurately identified two major agents of chromoblastomycosis, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Fonsecaea monophora, as well as Cladophialophora bantiana and Exophiala dermatitidis, both causative agents of phaeohyphomycosis. In this context, the proposed assay can complement current methods for identifying these species, aiding in diagnosis, and contributing to the proper management of these infections.
... The characteristic features of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae observed in the present study shared similar characteristic features of dematiaceous fungi isolated and characterized by other researchers (Revankar, 2007;Revankar and Sutton, 2010;Yew et al., 2014;Ozgok and IlShan, 2020). The pathological features associated with the implicated fungi agrees with the findings of Revankar and Sutton (2010), Derber et al. (2010), Brandt et al. (2013) and Yew et al. (2014). ...
... The characteristic features of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae observed in the present study shared similar characteristic features of dematiaceous fungi isolated and characterized by other researchers (Revankar, 2007;Revankar and Sutton, 2010;Yew et al., 2014;Ozgok and IlShan, 2020). The pathological features associated with the implicated fungi agrees with the findings of Revankar and Sutton (2010), Derber et al. (2010), Brandt et al. (2013) and Yew et al. (2014). Different species of dematiaceou fungi were isolated and characterized from different ecological soil samples by many other researchers (Nagano et al., 2008;Sudhadham et al., 2010;Bensch et al., 2012;Giraldo et al., 2014;Asl et al., 2017) The pathologic potential of this fungus is its ability to produce skin lesions as a result of its extracellular enzymes. ...
The report of pathogenic potentials of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae in humans, majorly among the farmers is now posing threat to the populace, and the need to search for a preventive measure from readily available, cost effective, ecofriendly, and natural sources will be an ultimate success to be attained. This study was carried out to evaluate the prophylactic activity of essential oil extracted from allium sativum against Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae infections. Soil samples were randomly collected from different farm lands and screened for the presence of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae using appropriate microbiological techniques. The pathological profile of organism and prophylactic potential of cream were assessed by topically exposing them to albino wistar rats for period of 15 days. The study revealed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the pathological profiles (alopecia, scaly, erythema, macules and ulceration) associated with the dematiaceous fungus, and this was effectively increased in every three days intervals, and more pronounced against Cladosporium sphaerospermum. This study has shown that the studied cream protected the rats from Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae infection and could be used as an alternative prophylactic measure to dermatological infection caused by the studied organism.
... The characteristic features of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae observed in the present study shared similar characteristic features of dematiaceous fungi isolated and characterized by other researchers (Revankar, 2007;Revankar and Sutton, 2010;Yew et al., 2014;Ozgok and IlShan, 2020). The pathological features associated with the implicated fungi agrees with the findings of Revankar and Sutton (2010), Derber et al. (2010), Brandt et al. (2013) and Yew et al. (2014). ...
... The characteristic features of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae observed in the present study shared similar characteristic features of dematiaceous fungi isolated and characterized by other researchers (Revankar, 2007;Revankar and Sutton, 2010;Yew et al., 2014;Ozgok and IlShan, 2020). The pathological features associated with the implicated fungi agrees with the findings of Revankar and Sutton (2010), Derber et al. (2010), Brandt et al. (2013) and Yew et al. (2014). Different species of dematiaceou fungi were isolated and characterized from different ecological soil samples by many other researchers (Nagano et al., 2008;Sudhadham et al., 2010;Bensch et al., 2012;Giraldo et al., 2014;Asl et al., 2017) The pathologic potential of this fungus is its ability to produce skin lesions as a result of its extracellular enzymes. ...
The report of pathogenic potentials of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae in humans, majorly among the farmers is now posing threat to the populace, and the need to search for a preventive measure from readily available, cost effective, ecofriendly, and natural sources will be an ultimate success to be attained. This study was carried out to evaluate the prophylactic activity of essential oil extracted from allium sativum against Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae infections. Soil samples were randomly collected from different farm lands and screened for the presence of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae using appropriate microbiological techniques. The pathological profile of organism and prophylactic potential of cream were assessed by topically exposing them to albino wistar rats for period of 15 days. The study revealed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the pathological profiles (alopecia, scaly, erythema, macules and ulceration) associated with the dematiaceous fungus, and this was effectively increased in every three days intervals, and more pronounced against Cladosporium sphaerospermum. This study has shown that the studied cream protected the rats from Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Phomopsis azadirachtae infection and could be used as an alternative prophylactic measure to dermatological infection caused by the studied organism.
... Melanised opportunists, primarily Dothideomycetes, also dominated the plastic-specific mycobiome (Fig. 4). These versatile pathogens infect crops 24 , livestock and domestic animals 85 , cause building damage 86 and a spectrum of opportunistic phaeohyphomycoses in humans 85 . Several polymorphic cryptococcal yeasts, such as Hannaella and Papiliotrema, which are known to cause a range of potentially fatal cryptococcoses 87 , were in fact only selected by plastic. ...
... Melanised opportunists, primarily Dothideomycetes, also dominated the plastic-specific mycobiome (Fig. 4). These versatile pathogens infect crops 24 , livestock and domestic animals 85 , cause building damage 86 and a spectrum of opportunistic phaeohyphomycoses in humans 85 . Several polymorphic cryptococcal yeasts, such as Hannaella and Papiliotrema, which are known to cause a range of potentially fatal cryptococcoses 87 , were in fact only selected by plastic. ...
Fungi comprise relevant human pathogens, causing over a billion infections each year. Plastic pollution alters niches of fungi by providing trillions of artificial microhabitats, mostly in the form of microplastics, where pathogens might accumulate, thrive, and evolve. However, interactions between fungi and microplastics in nature are largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the assembly, architecture, and ecology of mycobiomes in soil (micro)plastispheres near human dwellings in a model- and network-based metagenome study combined with a global-scale trait data annotation. Our results reveal a strong selection of important human pathogens, in an idiosyncratic, otherwise predominantly neutrally assembled plastisphere, which is strongly linked to generic fungal virulence traits. These findings substantiate our niche expansion postulate, demonstrate the emergence of plastiphily among fungal pathogens and imply the existence of a plastisphere virulence school, underpinning the need to declare microplastics as a factor of global health.
... nychomycosis is by far one of the most common superficial infections that occur in the general population [1]. Trichophyton rubrum, T. interdigitale, Scopulariopsis brevicaularis, and Aspergillus spp. ...
... Curvularia, Scytalidium, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and Exophiala spp. have been reported in a few cases of onychomycosis [1,6]. However, the identification of the fungi is quite tricky due to colony morphology or poor sporulation [3]. ...
Background and Purpose
Onychomycosis caused by dematiaceous fungi is rarely reported and the identification is also quite tricky due to poor sporulation. Recent emergence of dematiaceous fungi as a major cause of onychomycosis is a matter of concern in the field of mycology. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the dematiaceous fungi as a possible cause of onychomycosis, especially among agricultural workers. In addition, the evaluation of the antifungal susceptibility patterns led to the idea of an accurate drug that will help to treat and prevent antifungal resistance.
Materials and Methods
The standard procedure was followed for direct microscopic examination and fungi isolation. Furthermore, antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M-38-A2 protocol
Results
Both potassium hydroxide and fungal positivity were found in 275 out of 356 suspected cases, 52%, 4.3%, 28.7%, and 14.9% of which were non-dermatophytic molds (NDMs), yeast, dermatophytes, and sterile hyphae, respectively. Among NDMs (52%, n=143), 45.5% (n=65) were hyaline hyphomycetes and 54.5% (n=78) were dematiaceous hyphomycetes. Among dematiaceous fungi, Pestalotiopsis spp. and Arthrinium spp. were the commonly isolated ones. Additionally, azoles, amphotericin-B, and anidulafungin showed excellent antifungal activity against tested isolates.
Conclusion
Dematiaceous fungi are now becoming a potential cause of onychomycosis. A more detailed study is needed on the identification of these emerging isolates and the mode of action of antifungal drugs for a better treatment strategy.
... Most of the species involved are members of the four genera: Cladophialophora, Exophiala, Alternaria, and Bipolaris. They are ubiquitous saprobes inhabiting living and dead plant material and, for the most part, residing in the soil in extreme environments on rock, on smooth inert surfaces, or in hypersaline waters [2]. In recent decades, the frequency and biodiversity of melanized fungi as a cause of human or animal infection has increased dramatically. ...
... Dematiaceous or melanized fungi are polymorphic organisms. Due to their plasticity and adaptability to several environments, they may present a great diversity in their morphology and clinical expression [2,3]. ...
... are dematiaceous yeast-fungi acquired through accidental penetrating wounds with contaminated material. The species most frequently causing human infection are Exophiala jeanselmei, Exophiala spinifera, Exophiala dermatitidis, and other species less frequently [2,6,14]. It is of paramount importance to differentiate species of Exophiala because of their clinical, therapeutic, and epidemiological importance; they have preferred sites of infection and are associated with distinct clinical syndromes. ...
Herein, we report a case of subcutaneous infection caused by Exophiala oligosperma. A verrucous plaque was the major clinical feature. A histopathological examination revealed features of suppurative granuloma. Mycological and molecular identification revealed E. oligosperma as the etiologic agent. After eight months of treatment, the lesion showed worsening due to the use of self-medication with topical hydrocortisone. A second biopsy was performed with direct examination (KOH 10%) showing dark pigmented septate hyphae, yeast and multiple dark hyphae were highlighted in biopsy with Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) staining. We report this case to show the rise of this infection in an immunocompetent patient and the effects of steroids. The patient was treated with itraconazole and cryosurgery. Key words: Phaeohyphomycosis, Cutaneous, Verrucose, Exophiala oligosperma, Melanized fungi, Immunocompetent host, Itraconazole, Cryosurgery, Chromoblastomycosis
... Dematiaceous or darkly pigmented fungi and opportunists in immunocompromised patients are ubiquitous in the environment. These infections can manifest in various ways, affecting the sinuses, lungs, bloodstream, central nervous system, skin, and eyes (2,10). ...
Pulmonary fungal infections can be found in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The Curvularia species of fungi are rarely seen in humans. These fungi can be clinically significant and cause a range of disease processes, particularly in immunocompromised patients. We present a 24-year-old male patient diagnosed with SLE 5 years ago, complaining of fever five days before hospital administration concerning pneumonia. A CT scan revealed consolidation and multiple lung nodules compatible with a fungal pulmonary infection. The result of the sputum culture indicated Curvularia. A chest radiograph showed infiltrates with consolidation in the middle-lower lobes of both lungs. Early and second CT-scan findings revealed ground-glass opacity surrounding multiple irregular nodules (halo signs), cavitary nodules, and reverse halo signs. Afterward, the result of the patient’s sputum culture demonstrated fungal growth of the Curvularia species. The patient then underwent fungal treatment with fluconazole and voriconazole. The patient showed improvements, and a follow-up chest CT scan revealed the resolution of the lesion after fungal treatment. CT-scan examination, clinical condition, and microbiology culture can help diagnose Curvularia pulmonary fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Keyword: Phaeohyphomycosis; Curvularia; Halo sign; Reverse halo sign
