Multiple septic emboli and myocardial infarction due to vaso-invasive Rhizomucor pusillus infection in a hematologic patient

We present a case of a 63-year-old hematologic patient with pulmonary vaso-invasive zygomycosis with Rhizomucor pusillus after a second stem cell transplantation (SCT) for myelodysplastic syndrome, complicated by multi organ failure, myocardial ischemia and infarction. Zygomycosis is common in immunocompromised patients, especially after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Mucor species have devastating vaso-invasive properties causing hematogenic dissemination. Antemortem diagnosis may be difficult due to negative cultures. Despite adequate treatment outcome tends to be poor. Cardiac zygomycosis is rare. In our patient, the clinical course and imaging results of the myocardial infarction are most consistent with coronary plaque rupture possibly provoked by severe vaso-invasive pulmonary infection and multi-organ failure.

Safety Evaluation of Fermotein: Allergenicity, Mycotoxin Production, Biochemical Analyses and Microbiology of a Fungal Single-cell Protein Product

Aim: Single-cell proteins (SCPs) are considered as innovative and sustainable alternatives to animal-based products. Fermotein is an innovative SCP obtained from fermentation of the filamentous fungus Rhizomucor pusillus. The toxicity, capability to produce secondary metabolites and allergenic potential of this fungus has never been assessed before. Like other filamentous fungi, there is a lack of information on this species to assess its safety for human consumption. The objective of the current study was to investigate the safety of Fermotein and its source Rhizomucor pusillus regarding toxicity, capability to produce secondary metabolites and allergenicity. In addition, possible contaminants were also examined. Methodology: The genome of Rhizomucor pusillus was sequenced and annotated in order to screen for production of common mycotoxins, antibiotic synthesis pathways, mucormycosis-related virulence factors and in silico potential cross-reactivity with known food allergens. The presence of mycotoxins and allergens were validated by laboratory analysis. The level of RNA, heavy metals and microbiological contaminants were also determined. Results: No mycotoxin production-related genes were identified in the genome of Rhizomucor pusillus nor were mycotoxins found in Fermotein. Six proteins present in Fermotein showed high homology with five known food allergens. No gene clusters were found that corresponded with antibiotic synthesis pathways. Although 10 proteins in the genome of Rhizomucor pusillus may represent mucormycosis-related virulence factors, no cases of mucormycosis after oral intake are reported. The level of heavy metals and microbiological contaminants were below legislative limits, whereas RNA content was 4.9 ± 0.2% of dry matter. Conclusion: No safety concerns were identified for Fermotein or its source Rhizomucor pusillus, except the potential for cross-reactivity with five known food allergens. This should be taken into account for communication with consumers. Information from the current study contributes to the body of evidence for determination of Qualified Presumption of Safety status of Rhizomucor pusillus.

Hongos termofilos en nidos de pajaros

Mediante el estudio del material empleado en la construcción de 77 nidos de pájaros silvestres, se aporta información referente .a hongos termófílicos y termotolerantes de Chile.Los resultados se analizaron considerando las siguientes variables: tipo de material empleado por estas aves, especie de pájaro e influencia de las condiciones climáticas, todo esto en relación con algunos aspectos ecológicos. 'En los cultivos de los materiales usados en la construcción de los nidos y subdividido en 4 tipos: (I) Hierbas, hojas, semillas, raicillas; (II) Hierbas, pelos, plumas; (III) Hierba, barro y (IV) Hierba, barro y excrementos: los tipos I, II y III, presentaron la mayor variedad de especies y la mayor cantidad de aislamientos. El número de colonias fúngicas según los períodos estacionales (primavera-verano y otoño-invierno}, no ofreció variaciones significativas.Las especies que experimentaron fluctuaciones, de cierta magnitud fueron: Rhizomucor miehei (Cooney y Emerson) Schipper, Rhizomucor pusillus (Lindt) Schipper, y Malbranchea sulfurea (Miehe) Sigler y Carmichael, que primaron en otoño-invierno.Las especies dominantes en ambos periodos y en orden decreciente fupon: Aspergillus fumigatus Fres., Rhizomucor pusillus (Lindt)Shipper, Thermomyces lanuginosus Tsiklinsky, Rhizomucor miehei (Cooney y Emerson) Schipper, Malbranchea sulfúrea (Miehe) Sigler y Carmichael y Emericella nidulans var. nidulans (Eidam) Vuillemin.La especie más frecuente en todos los nidos fue Aspergillus fumigatus Fres., con una presencia de un 98,7%.Se comenta la posición taxonómica y la .importancia en patología de algunos de los géneros aislados.La especie más significativa a pesar de su escasa presencia, fue Dactylomyces thermophilus Sopp, del cual no poseemos antecedentes que se haya registrado en el hemisferio Sur, ni en Chile.