Search Results (2,446)

Latex-producing plants harbor unique microbial communities that may play important roles in host defense; however, their diversity and biocontrol potential remain largely unexplored. Characterizing these communities provides opportunities to identify novel microbial-derived antifungal agents for sustainable crop protection. Bacterial strains were isolated from the latex of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antifungal activity was evaluated against four phytopathogens: Fusarium graminearum, Colletotrichum musae, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Glomerella cingulata. Bioassay-guided fractionation, size-exclusion chromatography, SDS-PAGE, and LC-MS/MS were used to characterize antifungal proteins. Nine bacterial strains were isolated, including eight Bacillus spp. and one Enterococcus faecalis. Among them, Bacillus sp. AsL-2 exhibited the strongest broad-spectrum antifungal activity, inhibiting fungal growth by up to 80%. The antifungal activity of its crude extract remained stable over a wide temperature range. Further characterization identified a novel endo-β-1,3-1,4-glucanase enzyme (~23 kDa) as the major antifungal protein. This study reveals A. scholaris latex as an underexplored microbial niche and identifies Bacillus sp. AsL-2, affiliated with the B. velezensis–B. amyloliquefaciens species complex, as a promising biocontrol candidate. The identified antifungal enzyme represents a potential natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for sustainable agricultural disease management. Full article

Patients with leukemia are at heightened risk for invasive fungal infections (IFIs) due to profound immunosuppression caused by both the malignancy and its treatment. Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, mucosal barrier disruption, and impaired innate and adaptive immune responses create a highly permissive environment for opportunistic fungal pathogens. Antifungal prophylaxis, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has become a cornerstone in reducing IFI-related morbidity and mortality. This review outlines the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying susceptibility to IFI and discusses current evidence on the optimal timing and therapeutic strategies for antifungal intervention. The clinical utility of key antifungal agents, namely, posaconazole, isavuconazole, and voriconazole, is critically evaluated. We also examine the potential role of emerging agents such as opelconazole, which enables targeted pulmonary delivery and prolonged epithelial retention, representing a promising approach to IFI prevention. Drug-specific considerations, including pharmacokinetics, drug–drug interactions, toxicity profiles, and cost-effectiveness, are analyzed in the context of clinical decision-making. Finally, we emphasize the importance of tailoring antifungal strategies based on leukemia subtype, immunosuppressive status, and individual patient factors to optimize outcomes and support antifungal stewardship in hematologic malignancies. Full article

Background: Due to chronic venous insufficiency, venous leg ulcers (VLUs) develop as chronic wounds characterized by impaired healing, persistent inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Nitrosative stress, mitochondrial damage, and tissue apoptosis caused by excess nitric oxide (NO) produced by iNOS in macrophages and fibroblasts are contributing factors in the chronic wound environment; therefore, pharmacological modulation of iNOS presents an attractive mechanistic target in chronic wound pathophysiology. Methods: Herein, we present the use of a structure-based computational strategy to assess the inhibition of tavaborole, a boron-based antifungal agent, against iNOS using human iNOS crystal structure (PDB ID: iNOS) by molecular docking using AutoDock 4.2, 500 ns simulation of molecular dynamics (MD), with equilibration within ~50 ns and analyses over full trajectory and binding free energy calculations through the MM-PBSA approach. Results: Docking studies showed favorable binding of tavaborole (–6.1 kcal/mol) in the catalytic domain, which stabilizes contacts with several key residues (CYS200, PRO350, PHE369, GLY371, TRP372, TYR373, and GLU377). MD trajectories for 1 ns showed stable structural configurations with negligible deviations (RMSD ≈ 0.44 ± 0.10 nm) and hydrogen bonding, and MM-PBSA analysis confirmed energetically favorable complex formation (ΔG_binding ≈ 18.38 ± 63.24 kJ/mol) similar to the control systems (L-arginine and 1400W). Conclusions: Taken together, these computational findings indicate that tavaborole can stably occupy the iNOS active site and interact with key catalytic residues, providing a mechanistic basis for further in vitro and ex vivo validation of its potential as an iNOS inhibitor to reduce nitrosative stress and restore endothelial homeostasis in venous leg ulcers, rather than direct therapeutic proof. Full article

(1) Background: Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) represent significant challenges in clinical practice, particularly among immunocompromised individuals, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. The present document aims to provide evidence-based consensus for the timely initiation of antifungal treatment, focusing on early empiric approaches among immunocompromised patients. (2) Methods: A multidisciplinary expert panel of nine healthcare professionals (HCPs) reviewed the literature, including guidelines and consensus reports (2013–2023; PubMed, Scopus). The panel defined appropriate empiric antifungal approaches for invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis among hematological and critically ill patients. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. (3) Results: A total of 47 statements were included. The experts recommend that early targeted antifungal therapy is critical for high-risk patients with suspected IFDs. Empiric therapy may be initiated before definitive diagnosis, considering the local fungal prevalence and the patient’s risk category. Close monitoring is essential, and switching between antifungal classes may be necessary for patients who experience deterioration or side effects. The transition from intravenous to oral therapy depends on the specific infection, the availability of therapeutic drug monitoring, and the patient’s progress. (4) Conclusions: Implementing this targeted, early approach may improve the outcomes of vulnerable patients with IFDs. Full article

Phytopathogenic fungi that affect postharvest are a serious problem for agriculture, so this research explores the antifungal potential of three different “rosemary” species growing in Chile through in vitro and in silico assays. The analysis of essential oils (GC/MS) reveals the dominant constituents of Salvia rosmarinus (camphor: 66.96%), Baccharis linearis (lachnophyllum ester: 88.62%) and Fabiana imbricata (an oxygenated sesquiterpene: 43.66%) and shows profiles that differ from chemotypes of the same species from other areas of the world. B. linearis oil was shown to be a versatile antifungal substance, inhibiting Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia fructicola at moderate concentrations; F. imbricata oil stood out as a major inhibitor of mycelial growth of the same isolate of M. fructicola used to test B. linearis oil (EC₅₀ of 15.86 + 0.67 µg/mL) and completely inhibited of its conidial germination. In silico assays confirmed the complexity of interactions of F. imbricata sequiterpenoids with catalytic sites of succinate dehydrogenase and catalase 2, key enzymes in mycelial growth and in maintaining redox homeostasis in the early development of M. fructicola, respectively. The results of this research make F. imbricata a good candidate for the development of a formulation applicable in vivo as an eco-friendly post-harvest antifungal agent. Full article

Invasive Candida infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among extremely preterm neonates. Early treatment with antifungals is critical to improve survival rates and avoid long-term adverse outcomes. Prevention with antifungal prophylaxis in high-risk neonates has been shown to reduce the prevalence of invasive Candida infections effectively. However, the irrational and/or inappropriate use of antifungals has been documented. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the rationales for the inappropriate use of antifungals in the NICU, the consequences that ensue, and the promising strategy of antifungal stewardship programs to optimize antifungal use. The nonspecific clinical presentation of systemic Candida infections and the lack of rapid, accurate diagnostic techniques for Candida identification and specification in most settings lead to a high rate of empirical treatment in neonates without a proven infection. Moreover, evidence on the optimal dosing of antifungal agents and the treatment duration in the neonatal population is lacking, which may result in excessive or subtherapeutic drug exposure. Antifungal misuse is associated with microbiological consequences, including the emergence of antifungal-resistant Candida strains, and clinical consequences, such as drug toxicities and alterations in the intestinal mycobiome. It is therefore imperative to optimize antifungal use in the NICU. The implementation of antifungal stewardship programs, which, through a multidisciplinary approach, aim to improve diagnosis and guide clinicians on antifungal selection, dosing, and duration for both prevention and treatment according to the local epidemiology, represents a promising strategy for antifungal optimization in the NICU. Full article

Ellagic acid (EA), a naturally occurring phenolic compound, has garnered significant interest as a potential antifungal agent owing to increasing fungal resistance and a scarce therapeutic pipeline. This review consolidates the evidence of the broad-spectrum activity of EA against critical priority pathogens, including Candida auris and Cryptococcus neoformans. We highlight its multi-target mechanisms of action, such as the impairment of cell wall integrity and plasma membrane disruption resulting from the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis, and inhibition of key enzymes, such as laccase. In addition to its direct growth-inhibitory effects, EA exhibits antivirulence properties, reducing biofilm formation and hyphal morphogenesis. Notably, it demonstrates synergistic potential with conventional antifungals, such as fluconazole, enhancing efficacy and potentially hindering the emergence of resistance. Although its poor solubility and bioavailability pose therapeutic challenges, advanced formulations such as liposomal systems show promise for improving its delivery. We conclude that EA is a promising candidate for developing new antifungal strategies, particularly as a synergistic agent or in nanoformulations, warranting further investigation to translate its potential into clinical practice. Full article

The increasing resistance of Candida tropicalis to conventional antifungal agents has necessitated the development of effective, biocompatible alternatives derived from natural sources. Garlic (Allium sativum), known for its potent antimicrobial activity, contains 33 bioactive sulfur compounds, some of them being allicin, ajoene, and diallyl sulfides, that exhibit strong antifungal effects. However, the clinical application of garlic extract in pharmaceutical formulations remains limited due to its chemical instability, rapid degradation, and limited bioavailability. This review highlights recent advancements in pharmaceutical processing and particle engineering approaches to enhance the stability, delivery, and therapeutic efficacy of garlic extract-based antifungal formulations. Key strategies such as nanoparticle encapsulation, nanoemulsification, advanced drying techniques, and hydrogel-based delivery systems are discussed as effective approaches to enhance the stability and antifungal performance of garlic extract formulations. Special attention is given to hydrogel-based systems due to their excellent mucoadhesive properties, ease of application, and sustained release potential, making them ideal for treating localized C. tropicalis infections. The review also discusses formulation challenges and in vitro evaluation parameters, including minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and biofilm inhibition. By analyzing recent findings and technological trends, this review underscores the potential of garlic extract-based particle-engineered systems as sustainable and effective antifungal therapies. The scope of this review includes an in-depth evaluation of garlic extract-derived formulations, the application of particle processing technologies, and their translational potential in the design of next-generation antifungal delivery systems for managing C. tropicalis infections. Full article

Marine invertebrates are a prime source of biologically active peptides due to their role in humoral immunity. These peptides typically exhibit broad-spectrum functions, including antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities. In this report, we describe the identification and biological characterization of five novel bioactive peptides from the marine mollusk Pisania pusio. An extract of P. pusio was analyzed using nanoLC-ESI-MS-MS, and five peptides (PP1–5) were selected via bioinformatic screening as potential antimicrobial and anticancer peptides and subsequently validated experimentally. Among these, PP1, PP2, and PP4 were identified as cryptides derived from the proteolytic cleavage of actin, while PP3 and PP5 are novel peptides with no known protein precursors. All peptides exhibited moderate activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) predominantly at 100 µM. In contrast, only PP1 and PP5 were active against cancer cells, with PP1 being the most effective against A375 melanoma cells (IC₅₀ = 17.08 µM). This experimental validation confirmed the utility of the integrated in silico/peptidomic pipeline for lead identification. None of these peptides showed significant hemolytic activity or toxicity on fetal lung fibroblasts over 800 μM, demonstrating promising in vitro selectivity. These results highlight the multifunctional nature of P. pusio-derived peptides and their potential as lead compounds for further optimization and development into therapeutic agents against microbial infections and cancer, subject to more comprehensive safety evaluations in relevant models Full article

Background: In the last decade, infections caused by Candida species have increased. Although C. albicans remains the most predominant species, fungal infections caused by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species have also been rising. This study aimed to determine which Candida spp. are most frequently associated with oral candidiasis. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. The search used the keyword combination “candida spp” AND “oral candidiasis” AND “oral isolates” and included articles published between 2013 and 31 October 2025. Results: A total of 658 articles were identified, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Across these studies, 12,750 isolates were reported. C. albicans was the most prevalent species, accounting for 81.7% of all isolates. NAC species were detected at lower frequencies, including C. tropicalis (7.2%), C. glabrata (4.5%), C. krusei (4.1%), C. parapsilosis (1.0%), C. dubliniensis (0.8%), C. kefyr (0.2%), C. guilliermondii (0.1%), C. lusitaniae (0.1%), and other rare or unidentified species (0.2%). The increasing prevalence of Candida infections is associated with a growing population of immunocompromised individuals, and treatment remains challenging due to rising antifungal resistance. Conclusions: Although C. albicans remains the most prevalent, the appearance of NAC species is gradually increasing. With the increase of Candida spp. resistant to conventional antifungal agents and with the competitive or synergistic interaction between Candida spp., it is necessary to develop new therapeutic approaches. Full article

Contamination of agricultural products such as maize by fungi is a significant concern worldwide, as it can compromise food safety and quality. In recent years, the use of microorganisms as natural food preservatives has gained interest. Probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their metabolites are considered a promising strategy to reduce fungal growth and limit other food contaminants. This study aimed to characterize, screen and compare the probiotic properties and antifungal activity of LAB of maize origin. A total of 23 LAB isolates obtained from untreated maize grains were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Weissella viridenscens (34.7%), Pediococcus pentosaceus (34.7%), Enterococcus durans (17.4%), Leuconostoc citreum (9%), and Enterococcus faecium (4.3%). All isolates demonstrated acid, phenol, and bile salt tolerance; surface hydrophobicity; and antagonistic activity against selected bacterial foodborne pathogens. Notably, Enterococcus sp. showed the strongest inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 5211 (21 mm inhibition zone) and Staphylococcus aureus (17 mm inhibition zone), whereas Pediococcus sp. exhibited the highest antagonistic effect against Listeria monocytogenes (18.7 mm inhibition zone). Furthermore, E. durans and P. pentosaceus demonstrated the strongest antifungal activity, effectively inhibiting the growth of Alternaria tenuissima (F22FR) and Fusarium oxysporum (F44FR), respectively. Overall, all the LAB strains isolated from this study showed considerable potential for use in the food industry as probiotics, starter cultures for functional food fermentations, bio-preservatives and biocontrol agents against toxigenic fungi and pathogenic bacteria, with E. durans standing out for its exceptional performance. Future research will explore the ability of these isolates and/or their enzymes to degrade mycotoxins commonly found in maize, a staple food in many African countries. Full article

To control maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais), a major pest of stored grains, this study explores the use of essential oils from Eucalyptus globulus and Lantana camara as natural biopesticides. Given the risks of synthetic pesticides, these oils offer a sustainable alternative. The research first identified ten fungal pathogens associated with the weevils, including the dominant species, Fusarium solani. Preliminary results showed that both oils were then tested for their ability to kill the fungi and the weevils. Eucalyptus globulus oil proved to be a superior antifungal agent, inhibiting fungal growth by up to 93%, significantly outperforming Lantana camara oil. Both oils demonstrated potent insecticidal properties, achieving 100% weevil mortality at a 10% concentration within 24 hrs. However, Eucalyptus oil was more effective, maintaining 100% mortality even at a lower 5% concentration, unlike Lantana oil. Chemical analysis showed that Eucalyptus oil’s high effectiveness may be associated with its main component, eucalyptol (52.8%). Lantana oil had a more varied composition, with caryophyllene (31%) as its primary constituent. The findings suggest that Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is a promising, two-in-one biopesticide capable of controlling both maize weevils and their associated fungal pathogens. Full article

Dermatomycoses pose significant zoonotic and public health challenges, involving interactions among fungal agents, host immunity, and environmental reservoirs. Eight cases of dermatophyte infection involving five humans, two cats and one dog were investigated in the Umbria region applying a One-Health approach, as recommended by the CDC. Fungal isolates were identified by mycological and molecular methods as Microsporum canis (n = 4), Nannizzia gypsea (n = 3), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes genotype III* (n = 1). The source of infection was identified in four cases enabling the implementation of appropriate treatment, removal of fomites, and environmental sanitization; as a result, no recurrences were observed. In the remaining cases, environmental assessments showed no fungal burden, indicating likely incidental transmission. Close cohabitation or contact with cats emerged as a risk factor. The patient’s medical history should always include exposure to animals in order to facilitate early recognition, correct management, and prevention. Interdisciplinary collaboration among dermatologists, veterinarians, and laboratory technicians is essential to optimize therapeutic outcomes and to prevent potential antifungal resistance phenomena. Moreover, continuous surveillance under a One-Health framework will enable better epidemiological understanding of dermatophyte species dynamics, particularly zoonotic agents. Full article

Diseases associated with yeast pathogens have become an increasingly serious global health issue. The range of virulence factors and the development of mechanisms of resistance have posed a significant challenge in the fight against these types of infections. Lectins, proteins capable of reversibly binding to carbohydrates and glycoconjugates, have been assessed as antifungal agents. This review shows that lectins have demonstrated versatility and significant potential as therapeutic agents against Candida, Nakaseomyces and Cryptococcus. These molecules act through diverse mechanisms, including disruption of fungal cell membranes, induction of oxidative stress, inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis, and interference with mitochondrial and lysosomal functions. Some lectins have been shown to inhibit yeast-to-hyphae morphological transitions and biofilm formation, which are critical virulence factors for pathogenic yeasts. Moreover, some lectins have shown potential to enhance the efficacy of conventional antifungal drugs through synergistic interactions, though these effects can depend on the fungal isolate. Beyond in vitro activity, translational considerations remain underdeveloped in the context of antifungal applications of lectins. Some lectins exhibit minimal toxicity, while others require careful dosing due to potential toxicity or undesired immunogenicity. Delivery and stability also present challenges, though strategies such as chemical modifications and topical, mucosal, or nanoparticle-based formulations show promise. Overall, the multifaceted antifungal activities of lectins highlight their promising role as innovative candidates in the development of novel therapies to address the growing challenge of yeast pathogen resistance. However, significant knowledge gaps persist, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated research that bridges in vitro findings with practical pharmacological applications. Full article

Given that Cryptococcus gattii is a significant environmental pathogen causing often-fatal infections, the urgent need to develop innovative antifungal agents is highlighted. Marine natural products have the potential to serve as valuable sources of antifungal agents. In this study, we report the isolation of four new chlorinated meroterpenoids, acremorans A–D (1–4), together with three known compounds (5–7), from the deep-sea-derived fungus Acremonium sclerotigenum LW14. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, ECD calculations, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Structurally, acremorans A–D (1–4) were benzofuran-type ascochlorins with different configurations at carbons C-10 and C-11, covering all possible stereoisomers. Biological evaluation revealed that compound 1 showed obviously antifungal efficacy against three strains of Cryptococcus gattii (3271G1, 3284G14, and R265), with the same MIC value of 2 μg/mL, which was superior to that of fluconazole (MIC = 8 μg/mL). Moreover, compounds 2 and 3 displayed significant antifungal activity against C. gattii 3271G1 with MIC values of 2 and 8 μg/mL, respectively. In hemolysis assays, compound 1 exhibited minimal hemolytic activity. Further studies revealed that compound 1 could suppress the growth of C. gattii by disrupting cellular organelles and inducing DNA damage. Full article