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Mycological Research in Spain
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Mycological Research in Spain

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2025) | Viewed by 10668

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
Interests: antifungal susceptibility testing; antifungal resistance; medical mycology; taxonomy; diagnosis of fungal infections; epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of the Journal of Fungi is dedicated to showcasing fungal research conducted in Spain or by Spanish researchers. This Special Issue aims to spotlight the rich contributions of Spanish researchers to the global understanding of fungi and their multifaceted roles in ecosystems, health, and industry.

We invite submissions across a broad spectrum of mycological topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Fungal pathogenesis and disease control;
  2. Surveillance and antifungal susceptibility testing;
  3. Diagnostic and management of fungal infections;
  4. Fungal outbreaks;
  5. Pathogenic fungi and their impacts on human and animal health;
  6. Fungal biodiversity and systematics in Spanish ecosystems;
  7. Fungal ecology and its interactions with the environment;
  8. Molecular and genetic studies of fungi;
  9. The use of fungi in biotechnology and industrial applications.

This Special Issue offers a platform to highlight the exceptional work carried out by Spanish researchers and to showcase the unique fungal diversity found in Spain. We believe that this collection will not only contribute significantly to the field of mycology but also foster new collaborations and spark future research initiatives.

Dr. Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fungal pathogenesis fungal disease control
  • antifungal susceptibility testing
  • fungal biodiversity and systematics
  • fungal ecology molecular and genetic studies of fungi
  • fungal biotechnology and industrial applications

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2264 KB  
Article
Evaluation of the Ca37 Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Alcohol Dehydrogenase Against Candidozyma auris (Candida auris) In Vitro and In Vivo
by Oier Rodriguez-Erenaga, Maialen Areitio, Lucia Abio-Dorronsoro, Nahia Cazalis-Bereicua, Leire Aparicio-Fernandez, Leire Martin-Souto, Idoia Buldain, Beñat Zaldibar, Aitor Rementeria, Aitziber Antoran and Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
J. Fungi 2025, 11(12), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11120864 - 5 Dec 2025
Viewed by 870
Abstract
Candidozyma auris (Candida auris) is an emerging pathogenic yeast of global concern due to its persistence on abiotic and biotic surfaces and the difficulty of treating the severe infections it causes, which are frequently associated with high mortality rates because of [...] Read more.
Candidozyma auris (Candida auris) is an emerging pathogenic yeast of global concern due to its persistence on abiotic and biotic surfaces and the difficulty of treating the severe infections it causes, which are frequently associated with high mortality rates because of its extensive antifungal resistance. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to complement or replace current antifungal drugs. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Ca37, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) protein of Candida albicans, against C. auris both in vitro and in vivo. Protein electrophoresis and Western Blot analyses demonstrated immunoreactivity of Ca37 mAb with C. auris total protein and cell wall-associated protein extracts, among which Adh was identified. In vitro, incubation with Ca37 mAb significantly reduced the growth of several C. auris strains and enhanced the phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. In vivo, Ca37 mAb treatment increased the survival of Galleria mellonella larvae. In a murine model of systemic infection, treated mice displayed improved clinical condition, along with a greater number and larger area of immune-associated foci in the kidneys, suggesting enhanced fungal recognition. These findings support the potential of Ca37 mAb as an antifungal immunotherapy, although further studies in murine models are necessary to establish optimal dosing, efficacy, and mechanisms of action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycological Research in Spain)
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14 pages, 631 KB  
Article
Phenotypic Impact and Multivariable Assessment of Antifungal Susceptibility in Candida auris Survival Using a Galleria mellonella Model
by Jorge Alvarruiz, Alba Cecilia Ruiz-Gaitán, Marta Dafne Cabanero-Navalon, Javier Pemán, Rosa Blanes-Hernández, Santiago de Cossio and Victor Garcia-Bustos
J. Fungi 2025, 11(6), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11060406 - 24 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1798
Abstract
The novel pathogen Candida auris has rapidly become a major health threat due to its high virulence, resistance to multiple antifungal agents, and remarkable environmental persistence. This study evaluated the influence of phenotypic traits and antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) on C. auris [...] Read more.
The novel pathogen Candida auris has rapidly become a major health threat due to its high virulence, resistance to multiple antifungal agents, and remarkable environmental persistence. This study evaluated the influence of phenotypic traits and antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) on C. auris virulence using a Galleria mellonella infection model. Ten clinical strains, categorized as aggregative or non-aggregative, were analyzed for antifungal susceptibility and survival outcomes. All strains exhibited fluconazole resistance, with variable susceptibilities to other antifungals. Survival analysis revealed that the non-aggregative phenotype was independently associated with reduced survival in G. mellonella (HR = 2.418, p = 0.015), while antifungal MICs and invasive origin were not significant independent predictors of mortality in an elastic net-adjusted multivariable model. Strong correlations were observed between certain antifungal MICs, suggesting potential cross-resistance patterns; however, no independent association with virulence was identified. These results suggest that C. auris possesses not only an enhanced ability to develop antifungal resistance but also the capacity to do so without incurring fitness costs that could attenuate its virulence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycological Research in Spain)
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12 pages, 534 KB  
Article
Clinical Significance and Therapeutic Challenges of Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans Isolates in a Single-Center Cohort of Lung Transplant Recipients
by Sarela García-Masedo Fernández, Rosalía Laporta, Myriam Aguilar, Christian García Fadul, María Cabrera Pineda, Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo, Ana Royuela, Isabel Sánchez Romero and Piedad Ussetti Gil
J. Fungi 2025, 11(4), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11040291 - 8 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1762
Abstract
(1) Background: Emerging fungal infections associated with Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans (S/L) are becoming more frequent and are very difficult to treat. Our objective was to analyze the frequency and management of S/L isolates in lung transplant (LTx) recipients, the patient outcomes and [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Emerging fungal infections associated with Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans (S/L) are becoming more frequent and are very difficult to treat. Our objective was to analyze the frequency and management of S/L isolates in lung transplant (LTx) recipients, the patient outcomes and in vitro antifungal sensitivity. (2) Methods: We included all patients with S/L isolation during post-transplant follow-up. Data were collected from electronic medical records. All samples were cultivated on Sabouraud Chloramphenicol agar. Isolations of S/L were submitted to in vitro susceptibility tests. (3) Results: A total of 11 (2%) of the 576 LTx recipients included had at least one isolation of S/L. Classification for the 11 cases were colonization (4; 36%) and infection (7; 65%). Five infections were pulmonary (71%) and two were disseminated (29%). S. apiospermum complex was the most frequently occurring isolation in patients with pulmonary disease while L. prolificans was the most frequent in patients with disseminated disease. Ten patients were treated. The most frequent antifungal drugs used were voriconazole (n = 8) and terbinafine (n = 6). Seven patients (70%) received more than one drug. The mortality rate associated with L. prolificans isolation was 50% for colonization and 100% for disseminated disease. (4) Conclusions: Scedosporium spp. and L. prolificans infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. New diagnostic and therapeutic tools are required to reduce the impact of these infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycological Research in Spain)
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Review

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22 pages, 1984 KB  
Review
The Unnoticed Threat: Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Outcome of Mucormycosis in Solid Organ Transplantation
by Jorge Boán, Mario Fernández-Ruiz, Eduardo Aparicio-Minguijón and José María Aguado
J. Fungi 2025, 11(12), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11120853 - 29 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1694
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an uncommon but life-threatening invasive fungal infection caused by molds of the order Mucorales, whose incidence has increased among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in recent years. Profound immunosuppression (particularly high-dose corticosteroids), T-cell-depleting therapies, diabetes mellitus, and previous episodes of graft [...] Read more.
Mucormycosis is an uncommon but life-threatening invasive fungal infection caused by molds of the order Mucorales, whose incidence has increased among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in recent years. Profound immunosuppression (particularly high-dose corticosteroids), T-cell-depleting therapies, diabetes mellitus, and previous episodes of graft rejection are the main predisposing conditions. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, and treatment outcomes of mucormycosis in the SOT population. Pulmonary and rhino-orbital-cerebral infections are the predominant clinical forms, often characterized by rapid angioinvasive progression and mortality rates exceeding 45%. Early diagnosis remains challenging due to nonspecific clinical manifestations and the limited sensitivity of conventional diagnostic tools, although molecular techniques such as the detection of circulating Mucorales DNA in blood and metagenomic next-generation sequencing are promising. Liposomal amphotericin B remains the first-line therapy, ideally associated to surgical debridement and reduction in immunosuppression, while broad-spectrum triazoles (isavuconazole and posaconazole) represent alternative or salvage options. Despite recent advances in diagnostic methods and antifungal therapy, the prognosis of post-transplant mucormycosis remains poor, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary management and collaborative studies to inform the clinical management in this high-risk population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycological Research in Spain)
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21 pages, 1421 KB  
Review
Mycobiota and Antifungal Antibodies as Emerging Targets for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Human Diseases
by Eguzkiñe Diez-Martin, Leidi Hernandez-Suarez, Egoitz Astigarraga, Andoni Ramirez-Garcia and Gabriel Barreda-Gómez
J. Fungi 2025, 11(4), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11040296 - 9 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3186
Abstract
The human body is colonized by diverse microorganisms, with bacteria being the most extensively studied. However, fungi, collectively known as “the mycobiota,” are increasingly recognized as integral components of the microbiota, inhabiting nearly all mucosal surfaces. Commensal fungi influence host immunity similarly to [...] Read more.
The human body is colonized by diverse microorganisms, with bacteria being the most extensively studied. However, fungi, collectively known as “the mycobiota,” are increasingly recognized as integral components of the microbiota, inhabiting nearly all mucosal surfaces. Commensal fungi influence host immunity similarly to bacteria and contribute to other essential functions, including metabolism. This emerging understanding positions fungi as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases. In this review, we explore the dual roles of fungi as both commensals and pathogens, and the potential of antifungal antibodies to serve as diagnostic and prognostic tools, especially in chronic immune-inflammatory non-communicable diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we address current challenges and outline future perspectives for leveraging fungal biomarkers in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycological Research in Spain)
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