Topic Review
Building Associated Fungi and How to Find Them
The number of buildings experiencing humidity problems and fungal growth appears to be increasing as energy-saving measures and changes in construction practices and climate become more common. Determining the cause of the problem and documenting the type and extent of fungal growth are complex processes involving both building physics and indoor mycology. The most reported building-associated fungi across all materials are Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus versicolor. Chaetomium globosum is common on all organic materials, whereas Aspergillus niger is common on all inorganic materials.
  • 72
  • 29 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Secondary Metabolites of Mangrove-Associated Strains of Talaromyces
Boosted by the general aim of exploiting the biotechnological potential of the microbial component of biodiversity, research on the secondary metabolite production of endophytic fungi has remarkably increased. Novel compounds and bioactivities have resulted from this work, which has stimulated a more thorough consideration of various natural ecosystems as conducive contexts for the discovery of new drugs. Thriving at the frontier between land and sea, mangrove forests represent one of the most valuable areas in this respect. 
  • 58
  • 23 Feb 2024
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Saprophytic Filamentous Fungi against Helminths Affecting Captive Wild Animals
In recent decades, important modifications have been introduced in zoos in order to guarantee the welfare of captive wild animals. Thus, many of these species are housed in enclosures with access to vegetation, where they can enjoy habitats close to those in their natural surroundings, interact with the environment, etc. These habitats present beneficial conditions for some species of parasites to survive and spread. This is a very similar problem to that affecting livestock, and the same solution, based on deworming, is currently being applied. However, the free-living stages of certain parasites that develop in the soil are responsible for high rates of ground contamination throughout the year, so that animals become infected soon after successful deworming, resulting in chemical parasiticides being frequently administered. Preventive measures are seldom considered, which worsens the situation. This entry summarizes the usefulness of the dissemination of certain saprophytic filamentous fungi with proven antagonism against some of the parasites.
  • 223
  • 26 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Poultry Litter in Agricultural Areas
The poultry farming industry has assumed a pivotal role in meeting the global demand for affordable animal proteins. While poultry farming makes a substantial contribution to food security and nutrition, it also presents environmental and public health challenges. The use of poultry litter as fertilizer for agricultural soils raises concerns about the transfer of pathogens and drug-resistant microorganisms from poultry farms to crop production areas.
  • 72
  • 23 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Antifungal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles against Candida Species
Silver nanoparticles have long been known for their antibacterial properties. Increasing numbers of studies confirm that they have antifungal properties as well.
  • 106
  • 09 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Current Landscape of Disease
Infectious diseases limit productivity and result in significant economic losses in each sector. Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) are economically important, have global reach, and require management. TADs can have significant implications for food security. Food-borne pathogens comprise microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as parasites that cause food spoilage and infection. Food-borne pathogens are a major threat to food safety, as they can cause human diseases if animal products infected with toxins are consumed. The emergence of diseases stems from intricate interactions between microbes and humans, often influenced by a variety of complex factors. Key contributors to disease emergence include microbial adaptation and change, ecological shifts, human demographics and behavior, advancements in technology and healthcare, travel, trade, and industrial activities, breakdowns in public health measures, and varying levels of susceptibility to infection.
  • 75
  • 27 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Antifungal Resistance in Pathogenic Candida Species
Candidiasis is a highly pervasive infection posing major health risks, especially for immunocompromised populations. Pathogenic Candida species have evolved intrinsic and acquired resistance to a variety of antifungal medications.
  • 104
  • 18 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Mycotoxin Occurrence in Foodstuffs
Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced as secondary fungal metabolites that can cause harmful effects on humans and animals. These compounds considerably affect the food industry and public health. The occurrence and levels of many mycotoxins have been studied in the overall food system, in which such toxins are more notable in the most nutritious and largely consumed foods like cereals and nuts.
  • 97
  • 13 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Palm Fungi
A wealth of studies has shown that palm trees (Arecaceae) are a diverse habitat with intense fungal colonisation, making them an important substratum to explore fungal diversity. Palm trees are perennial, monocotyledonous plants mainly restricted to the tropics that include economically important crops and highly valued ornamental plants worldwide. The extensive research conducted in Southeast Asia and Australasia has proven that fungi recovered from palm tissues are an important and taxonomically diverse assemblage that is often referred to as palm fungi or palmicolous fungi. It is estimated that there are about 76,000 species of palm fungi worldwide, of which more than 2500 are currently known. A number of ecological issues were assessed in palm fungi, which are critical to the study of fungal communities and their biological patterns in ecosystems. These studies have emphasised the intimate relationship of palm fungi with palm hosts, insomuch as they are considered to be good biogeographical indicators, playing a key role in biodiversity surveys. Palm fungi are considered a unique group of fungi, since many genera found to be associated with palms are host-specific or are rarely found associated with other plants. This host-specificity is far from being fully understood. Studies have revealed that it may be associated with the ecology of these microorganisms and their close association with palm hosts. Some palm fungi recorded as saprobes are often recovered as endophytes, which can justify the high plant:fungus ratios estimated in Arecaceae hosts. In turn, this surely accounts for the remarkable number of new species to science that are continuously being described from palms.
  • 191
  • 30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Ecological Characteristics of Floccularia luteovirens
Floccularia luteovirens, a rare wild edible and medicinal fungus, is endemic to the Tibetan plateau. However, attempts to artificially domesticate this species have not been successful, resulting in extremely limited utilization of this valuable resource. The geographical distribution of F. luteovirens, along with its ecological and biological characteristics are presented. It explores population relations, symbiotic relationships, soil microbial community relations, fruiting body occurrence conditions, nutritional metabolism, and reproductive patterns. The cultivation techniques, as well as the edible and medicinal value of this mushroom, are also reviewed. Through an overall analysis of the physiological characteristics and current research status of F. luteovirens,  its development prospects were discussesed.
  • 189
  • 21 Nov 2023
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