Oliane Maria Correia Magalhães

1. Sporotrichosis, caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix, is present in several countries and primarily affects humans and cats, being considered a neglected disease [1]. The first report of the ...

Two strains of Scopulariopsis -like fungi were isolated from the dorsal region of a live bat ( Glossophaga soricina , nectarivore species) captured inside Gruta do Arnoud, a cave in the Caatinga biome of northeastern Brazil. These isolates presented unique morphological features, and achieving a consensus identification at the species level proved to be challenging. Phylogenetic analysis, based on nucleotide sequences from the internal transcribed spacer, large subunit ribosomal RNA gene, translation elongation factor 1-alpha ( tef1 ) and beta-tubulin ( tub2 ) genes, confirmed that these fungi represent previously undescribed species within the genus Microascus . The new species is named Microascus luziarum URM 9260. Phylogenetically, they grouped in a clade closely related to Microascus brunneosporus , Microascus micronesiensis and Microascus chinensis , but distinct differences were observed. Morphologically, the new species could be differentiated by their distinctive characteristics, such as reduced growth on oatmeal agar medium, reaching 15 mm after 14 days at 25 °C. Microscopically, it differs in the size of the conidiophores, which are shorter and broader compared to M. brunneosporus and M. micronesiensis . Additionally, it presents globose to subglobose conidia with diameters larger than those observed in closely related species. The use of a four-marker combination was an efficient approach to support the taxonomic novelty. This discovery enhances the understanding of Microascus diversity, particularly within cave ecosystems, and emphasizes the potential for discovering new fungal species in such specialized environments.

In this study we describe a new species of Aspergillus in section Cremei deposited in the URM culture collection (Micoteca URM Profa. Maria Auxiliadora Cavalcanti) of the Departamento de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil). Another strain was obtained from samples taken from pollen pots inside nests of Melipona scutellaris (stingless bee). Morphological and phylogenetic evidence based on sequencing of ITS rDNA, BenA, CaM and rpb2 markers supported the description of taxonomic novelty. Aspergillus capibaribensis sp. nov. is morphologically similar and phylogenetically close to A. flaschentraegeri - the distinctive features are uniseriate and hyaline conidiophores, short and smooth conidia and smaller vesicles compared to the micromorphological structures of A. flaschentraegeri. This record also expanded the knowledge of species in Aspergillus section Cremei in a tropical country such as Brazil.

Allophoma brasiliensis J.L.V.R. Carvalho, J.D.P. Bezerra & Souza-Motta is reported for the first time as endophyte from leaves of Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) isolated in an agricultural site from Brazilian Atlantic Forest. For species determination, morphological characters were analysed along with a multigene analysis performed using the ITS region of the rDNA, the partial large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rRNA), the partial second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II gene subunit (rpb2), and the partial β–tubulin gene (tub2). A key to Allophoma Qian Chen & L. Cai species is provided. This new record contributes to the global fungal diversity, indicating a new geographical distribution, and a new lifestyle.

Trichophyton species cause dermatophytosis in humans, with a high, worldwide frequency of reports and important public health relevance. We evaluated 61 Trichophyton strains from different sources deposited in the University Recife Mycology (URM) culture collection of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil. Strains were phenotypically identified and confirmed by sequencing Internal Transcribed Spacers rDNA and partial beta-tubulin 2-exon. Additionally, we evaluated their susceptibility to terbinafine and itraconazole. Physiological analyses included urease activity and growth in casein medium. Phenotypic methods allowed the reliable identification of T. rubrum only, whereas, for other species, molecular methods were mandatory. All Trichophyton species exhibited susceptibility profiles to itraconazole (0.04–5.33 μg/mL) and terbinafine (0.17–3.33 μg/mL). Our analyses revealed a heterogeneous distribution of T. mentagrophytes, which does not support the current distribution within the species complex of T. mentagrophytes and its genotypes.

Plectranthus barbatus Andrews (Lamiaceae) is widely distributed in the world and has a range of popular therapeutic indications. This work aimed to evaluate the phytochemical characterization of two leaf extracts of P. barbatus, and their antimicrobial, antineoplastic and immunomodulatory potential. After collection, herborization and obtainment of the P. barbatus aqueous extract (PBA) and acetone:water 7:3 P. barbatus organic extract (PBO), the phytochemical characterization was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antimicrobial activity was performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against eight bacterial strains using the microdilution test and the fungus Trichophyton rubrum by disc diffusion assay and microdilution test. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT and trypan blue methods in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at concentrations ranged between 0.1 to 100 µg.mL-1 and in neoplastic cell lines Toledo, K562, DU-145 and PANC-1 at 1, 10 and 100 µg.mL-1 . Immunomodulatory activity, was evaluated by sandwich ELISA of proinflammatory cytokines at BALB/c mice splenocytes cultures supernatant. Both extracts presented flavonoids, cinnamic derivatives, steroids and ellagic acid. PBO showed bacteriostatic activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC = 250 µg.mL-1) clinical isolate and PBA fungistatic activity against Trichophyton rubrum (MIC = 800 µg.mL-1). The extracts did not exhibit toxicity to PBMCs and neoplastic cells (IC50 > 100 µg.mL-1). Additionally, PBO at 100 µg.mL-1 significantly inhibited IFN-γ and IL-17A cytokines (p = 0.03). Plectranthus barbatus is a potential candidate for therapeutic use due to its low toxicity in healthy human cells and exhibits biological activities of medical interest as bacteriostatic, fungistatic and immunomodulatory.

Plants harbour diverse communities of fungal species in their internal compartments. Endophytic fungi help their hosts to establish, survive, and adapt to different environments. Here, we examined the diversity of endophytic fungi in the leaflets and branches of Poincianella pyramidalis, a plant species endemic to the Brazilian tropical dry forest (Caatinga). A total of 360 fragments of leaflets and branches were analysed and 189 endophytic fungi were isolated and distributed among 21 ascomycetous genera based on their ITS and LSU rDNA sequences. Diaporthe was the most frequently identified genus, followed by Didymella and Rhytidhysteron. The colonisation rate of plant fragments was higher in the branches (74 %) than in leaflets (14 %). The richness of the genera of endophytic fungi was also higher in the branches than in leaflets, whereas no difference was observed in endophyte diversity between the plant parts, based on Shannon-Wiener and Fisher alpha diversity indices. Our results indicate that endemic plant species from Brazilian dry forest, such as P. pyramidalis, are predominantly colonised by ascomycetous fungi, especially members of the class Dothideomycetes.