Fungi and the microbiome finally got on my radar. Apologies to some, but there is a lot of different items on the microbiome radar screen.

“Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO)… Two recent studies showed that 26 % (24/94) and 25.3 % (38/150) of a series of patients with unexplained GI symptoms had SIFO. …. but evidence for eradication is lacking.”Small intestinal fungal overgrowth [2015]

As I did with taxa years ago, I will be writing a blog on each one reviewing the literature. If there is sufficient data at the end, I may add it as a feature to Microbiome Prescription.

• CDC provides a list of known fungal diseases: Types of Fungal Diseases.
• For the current list of Fungi reviewed on this list, click Information of Different Types Of Fungi

One of my reader’s results motivated this choice. The data from a Thorne Microbiome Test. About 8 out of 10 people have less of it. The person also has a Crohn’s diagnosis (with SIBO and IBS earlier).

Preventive for Fungi

The following are suggestions:

• Reduce and keep your living space humidity at 50% or lower (typically done by dehumidifiers). EPA recommends 30-50% [EPA]; we set our dehumidifiers for 35%.

Moisture parameters and fungal communities associated with gypsum drywall in buildings [2015]

• Use a HEPA filter appropriate to your space.
  Effectiveness of Airborne Fungi Removal by using a HEPA Air Purifier Fan in Houses [2018]
  Typically they are described as “Room Size: Up to 1500 sq.ft. maximum”. We are more aggressive and divide that by 4. For example we use 3 Austin Air HealthMate HEPA Air Purifier for our 900 sq.ft. living space.
• Check the north side of your building for mold. If found pressure wash it off and if possible, apply substances to inhibit them coming back.
• Check for mushrooms in lawns etc. If found, remove them and treat where you found them.

Remember, all fungi are not the same. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices [2017] does not mention all fungi that I am reviewing. Additionally, some spices are known to have Fungal Contamination of some Common Spices [2022] and Fungi and aflatoxins associated with spices in the Sultanate of Oman [2002] which included cloves (often deem an antifungal).

Basic Information

Aspergillus is available as a supplement, wakamoto (jp) / strong wakamoto w, containing aspergillus oryzae. So care need to be taken to avoid this supplement for at least one week before testing. It also implies that some species may be beneficial.

• Symptoms (CDC)

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by Aspergillus, a common mold (a type of fungus) that lives indoors and outdoors. Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to Aspergillus. The types of health problems caused by Aspergillus include allergic reactions, lung infections, and infections in other organs.

Center For Disease Control

Treatment

• Efficacy of 12-months oral itraconazole versus 6-months oral itraconazole to prevent relapses of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: an open-label, randomised controlled trial in India [2022]
• Pharmacodynamics of Itraconazole against Aspergillus fumigatus in an In Vitro Model of the Human Alveolus: Perspectives on the Treatment of Triazole-Resistant Infection and Utility of Airway Administration [2012]

Fungi and the microbiome finally got on my radar. Apologies to some, but there is a lot of different items on the microbiome radar screen.

“Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO)… Two recent studies showed that 26 % (24/94) and 25.3 % (38/150) of a series of patients with unexplained GI symptoms had SIFO. …. but evidence for eradication is lacking.”Small intestinal fungal overgrowth [2015]

As I did with taxa years ago, I will be writing a blog on each one reviewing the literature. If there is sufficient data at the end, I may add it as a feature to Microbiome Prescription.

• CDC provides a list of known fungal diseases: Types of Fungal Diseases.
• For the current list of Fungi reviewed on this list, click Information of Different Types Of Fungi

One of my reader’s results motivated this choice. The data from a Thorne Microbiome Test. About 8 out of 10 people have less of it. The person also has a Crohn’s diagnosis (with SIBO and IBS earlier).

Preventive for Fungi

The following are suggestions:

• Reduce and keep your living space humidity at 50% or lower (typically done by dehumidifiers). EPA recommends 30-50% [EPA]; we set our dehumidifiers for 35%.

Moisture parameters and fungal communities associated with gypsum drywall in buildings [2015]

• Use a HEPA filter appropriate to your space.
  Effectiveness of Airborne Fungi Removal by using a HEPA Air Purifier Fan in Houses [2018]
  Typically they are described as “Room Size: Up to 1500 sq.ft. maximum”. We are more aggressive and divide that by 4. For example we use 3 Austin Air HealthMate HEPA Air Purifier for our 900 sq.ft. living space.
• Check the north side of your building for mold. If found pressure wash it off and if possible, apply substances to inhibit them coming back.
• Check for mushrooms in lawns etc. If found, remove them and treat where you found them.

Remember, all fungi are not the same. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices [2017] does not mention all fungi that I am reviewing. Additionally, some spices are known to have Fungal Contamination of some Common Spices [2022] and Fungi and aflatoxins associated with spices in the Sultanate of Oman [2002] which included cloves (often deem an antifungal).

Basic Information

It’s a family with the lineage below: Fungi; Dikarya; Ascomycota; saccharomyceta; Saccharomycotina; Saccharomycetes; Saccharomycetales; CUG-Ser1 clade; Debaryomycetaceae

• There are only 24 studies on PubMed. It was first identified around 2010.
• “The fungal component of the intestinal microbiota of eight healthy subjects was studied over 12 months using metagenome survey and culture-based approaches. …Other families of Ascomycota that reached remarkably high amounts in few samples were Debaryomycetaceae (mostly Debaryomyces)” Longitudinal Survey of Fungi in the Human Gut: ITS Profiling, Phenotyping, and Colonization [2019]
• Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles and Resistance Mechanisms of Clinical Diutina catenulata Isolates With High MIC Values [2021] reports sensitivity to:
  • itraconazole (0.06–0.12 μg/ml),
  • posaconazole (0.06–0.12 μg/ml),
  • amphotericin B (0.25–1 μg/ml),
  • 5-flucytosine (<0.06–0.12 μg/ml)

Bottom Line

Our ability to drill down further is limited because the results only report at the family level and sparse literature. Itraconazole, an antifungal that is the top choice for other fungi reviewed appears to work.

Fungi and the microbiome finally got on my radar. Apologies to some, but there is a lot of different items on the microbiome radar screen.

“Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO)… Two recent studies showed that 26 % (24/94) and 25.3 % (38/150) of a series of patients with unexplained GI symptoms had SIFO. …. but evidence for eradication is lacking.”Small intestinal fungal overgrowth [2015]

As I did with taxa years ago, I will be writing a blog on each one reviewing the literature. If there is sufficient data at the end, I may add it as a feature to Microbiome Prescription.

• CDC provides a list of known fungal diseases: Types of Fungal Diseases.
• For the current list of Fungi reviewed on this list, click Information of Different Types Of Fungi

One of my reader’s results motivated this choice. The data from a Thorne Microbiome Test. About 8 out of 10 people have less of it. The person also has a Crohn’s diagnosis (with SIBO and IBS earlier).

Preventive for Fungi

The following are suggestions:

• Reduce and keep your living space humidity at 50% or lower (typically done by dehumidifiers). EPA recommends 30-50% [EPA]; we set our dehumidifiers for 35%.

Moisture parameters and fungal communities associated with gypsum drywall in buildings [2015]

• Use a HEPA filter appropriate to your space.
  Effectiveness of Airborne Fungi Removal by using a HEPA Air Purifier Fan in Houses [2018]
  Typically they are described as “Room Size: Up to 1500 sq.ft. maximum”. We are more aggressive and divide that by 4. For example we use 3 Austin Air HealthMate HEPA Air Purifier for our 900 sq.ft. living space.
• Check the north side of your building for mold. If found pressure wash it off and if possible, apply substances to inhibit them coming back.
• Check for mushrooms in lawns etc. If found, remove them and treat where you found them.

Remember, all fungi are not the same. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices [2017] does not mention all fungi that I am reviewing. Additionally, some spices are known to have Fungal Contamination of some Common Spices [2022] and Fungi and aflatoxins associated with spices in the Sultanate of Oman [2002] which included cloves (often deem an antifungal).

Basic Information

Thorne only provided only class-level information unfortunately.

• General Information: Leotiomycetes [ScienceDirect] a.k.a. Powdery mildews 
• I was unable to find any specific diseases / conditions associated with it.

Bottom Line

This is a fungi that I would take no action on because it does not appear to produce any clear harm. If you have other fungi of concern, the treatment of those will likely reduce this one. Some of it’s children are reported sensitive to Itraconazole.

Fungi and the microbiome finally got on my radar. Apologies to some, but there is a lot of different items on the microbiome radar screen.

“Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO)… Two recent studies showed that 26 % (24/94) and 25.3 % (38/150) of a series of patients with unexplained GI symptoms had SIFO. …. but evidence for eradication is lacking.”Small intestinal fungal overgrowth [2015]

As I did with taxa years ago, I will be writing a blog on each one reviewing the literature. If there is sufficient data at the end, I may add it as a feature to Microbiome Prescription.

• CDC provides a list of known fungal diseases: Types of Fungal Diseases.
• For the current list of Fungi reviewed on this list, click Information of Different Types Of Fungi

One of my reader’s results motivated this choice. The data from a Thorne Microbiome Test. About 8 out of 10 people have less of it. The person also has a Crohn’s diagnosis (with SIBO and IBS earlier).

Preventive for Fungi

The following are suggestions:

• Reduce and keep your living space humidity at 50% or lower (typically done by dehumidifiers). EPA recommends 30-50% [EPA]; we set our dehumidifiers for 35%.

Moisture parameters and fungal communities associated with gypsum drywall in buildings [2015]

• Use a HEPA filter appropriate to your space.
  Effectiveness of Airborne Fungi Removal by using a HEPA Air Purifier Fan in Houses [2018]
  Typically they are described as “Room Size: Up to 1500 sq.ft. maximum”. We are more aggressive and divide that by 4. For example we use 3 Austin Air HealthMate HEPA Air Purifier for our 900 sq.ft. living space.
• Check the north side of your building for mold. If found pressure wash it off and if possible, apply substances to inhibit them coming back.
• Check for mushrooms in lawns etc. If found, remove them and treat where you found them.

Remember, all fungi are not the same. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices [2017] does not mention all fungi that I am reviewing. Additionally, some spices are known to have Fungal Contamination of some Common Spices [2022] and Fungi and aflatoxins associated with spices in the Sultanate of Oman [2002] which included cloves (often deem an antifungal).

Basic Information

Thorne only provided only order-level information unfortunately.

• CAUTION: Baby Bella and Button Mushrooms belong to this order. To prevent false positive for this order, refrain from any mushroom consumption for a week before the test.
• Agaricales contains about 30 families, about 350 genera, and some 10,000 species. [Britannica]
• General Information: Agaricaceae [Science Direct]
• The effects of dietary supplementation with Agaricales mushrooms and other medicinal fungi on breast cancer: Evidence-based medicine [2011]
• Pulmonary infection of Schizophyllum commune diagnosed by metagenomic next- generation sequencing: A case report [2023] “Fungal infection is common and difficult to be diagnosed timely in clinical, for its various kinds and similar manifestations.”
  • “The patient was treated with voriconazole and itraconazole successively.”

Bottom Line

Our ability to drill down further is limited because the results only report at the family level. Itraconazole, an antifungal that is the top choice for other fungi reviewed appears to work. This order-level fungi has a significant risk of misidentification because it also contains common mushrooms that are consumed.

Fungi and the microbiome finally got on my radar. Apologies to some, but there is a lot of different items on the microbiome radar screen.

“Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO)… Two recent studies showed that 26 % (24/94) and 25.3 % (38/150) of a series of patients with unexplained GI symptoms had SIFO. …. but evidence for eradication is lacking.”Small intestinal fungal overgrowth [2015]

As I did with taxa years ago, I will be writing a blog on each one reviewing the literature. If there is sufficient data at the end, I may add it as a feature to Microbiome Prescription.

• CDC provides a list of known fungal diseases: Types of Fungal Diseases.
• For the current list of Fungi reviewed on this list, click Information of Different Types Of Fungi

One of my reader’s results motivated this choice. The data from a Thorne Microbiome Test. About 8 out of 10 people have less of it. The person also has a Crohn’s diagnosis (with SIBO and IBS earlier).

Preventive for Fungi

The following are suggestions:

• Reduce and keep your living space humidity at 50% or lower (typically done by dehumidifiers). EPA recommends 30-50% [EPA]; we set our dehumidifiers for 35%.

Moisture parameters and fungal communities associated with gypsum drywall in buildings [2015]

• Use a HEPA filter appropriate to your space.
  Effectiveness of Airborne Fungi Removal by using a HEPA Air Purifier Fan in Houses [2018]
  Typically they are described as “Room Size: Up to 1500 sq.ft. maximum”. We are more aggressive and divide that by 4. For example we use 3 Austin Air HealthMate HEPA Air Purifier for our 900 sq.ft. living space.
• Check the north side of your building for mold. If found pressure wash it off and if possible, apply substances to inhibit them coming back.
• Check for mushrooms in lawns etc. If found, remove them and treat where you found them.

Remember, all fungi are not the same. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices [2017] does not mention all fungi that I am reviewing. Additionally, some spices are known to have Fungal Contamination of some Common Spices [2022] and Fungi and aflatoxins associated with spices in the Sultanate of Oman [2002] which included cloves (often deem an antifungal).

Basic Information

Thorne only provided only order-level information unfortunately.

• The Pleosporales is the largest order in the fungal class Dothideomycetes. By a 2008 estimate, it contained 23 families, 332 genera and more than 4700 species.[Wikipedia]
• General information: Pleosporales [Science Direct]
  • “Several of these Alternaria mycotoxins can have adverse effects on humans such as salivation, vomiting, erythema, convulsions, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage.”
• Can be hard to identify A new pleosporalean fungus isolated from superficial to deep human clinical specimens [2021]
• Associated to Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

Organisms of the genus Bipolaris [a member of Pleosporales] are found in the soil and plant material. These fungi are known to be plant pathogens and infection may result from either inoculation or inhalation of the organism. Infections due to this genus are probably more common than previously recognized and have been increasingly reported in apparently immunocompetent[healthy] hosts. Currently, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of disseminated fungal disease. Genus Bipolaris have been associated with central nervous system infections, sinusitis, keratitis, peritonitis associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, orbitopathy and allergic bronchopulmonary disease. .
In addition to the ability of this genus to cause invasive as well as ‘allergic’ disease in humans, it is
reported that a rnycotoxin produced by Bipolaris may induce lung and liver adenomas ill mice

Disseminated Bipolaris Infection in an Immunocompetent Host: An Atypical Presentation [2000]

Deep cutaneous fungal infection by Pleosporales: An exceptional pathogen in tropical Taiwan [2020] reports successful treatment with 200 mg of oral itraconazole daily for 2-10 months.

Bottom Line

Our ability to drill down further is limited because the results only report at the order level. Itraconazole, an antifungal that is the top choice for other fungi reviewed appears to work.

Fungi and the microbiome finally got on my radar. Apologies to some, but there is a lot of different items on the microbiome radar screen.

“Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO)… Two recent studies showed that 26 % (24/94) and 25.3 % (38/150) of a series of patients with unexplained GI symptoms had SIFO. …. but evidence for eradication is lacking.”Small intestinal fungal overgrowth [2015]

As I did with taxa years ago, I will be writing a blog on each one reviewing the literature. If there is sufficient data at the end, I may add it as a feature to Microbiome Prescription. See also:

• Fungi: Exophiala
• Fungi: Malasseziaceae

One of my reader’s results motivated this choice. The data from a Thorne Microbiome Test. Almost 17 out of 20 people have less of it. The person also has a Crohn’s diagnosis (with SIBO and IBS earlier).

Preventive for Fungi

The following are suggestions:

• Reduce and keep your living space humidity at 50% or lower (typically done by dehumidifiers). EPA recommends 30-50% [EPA]; we set our dehumidifiers for 35%.

Moisture parameters and fungal communities associated with gypsum drywall in buildings [2015]

• Use a HEPA filter appropriate to your space.
  Effectiveness of Airborne Fungi Removal by using a HEPA Air Purifier Fan in Houses [2018]
  Typically they are described as “Room Size: Up to 1500 sq.ft. maximum”. We are more aggressive and divide that by 4. For example we use 3 Austin Air HealthMate HEPA Air Purifier for our 900 sq.ft. living space.
• Check the north side of your building for mold. If found pressure wash it off and if possible, apply substances to inhibit them coming back.
• Check for mushrooms in lawns etc. If found, remove them and treat where you found them.

Remember, all fungi are not the same. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices [2017] does not mention all fungi that I am reviewing. Additionally, some spices are known to have Fungal Contamination of some Common Spices [2022] and Fungi and aflatoxins associated with spices in the Sultanate of Oman [2002] which included cloves (often deem an antifungal).

Basic Information

Ergot alkaloids are highly diverse in structure, exhibit diverse effects on animals, and are produced by diverse fungi in the phylum Ascomycota, including pathogens and mutualistic symbionts of plants. These mycotoxins are best known from the fungal family Clavicipitaceae and are named for the ergot fungi that, through millennia, have contaminated grains and caused mass poisonings, with effects ranging from dry gangrene to convulsions and death. However, they are also useful sources of pharmaceuticals for a variety of medical purposes.

Ergot Alkaloids of the Family Clavicipitaceae [2017]

• Not listed on CDC list, Types of Fungal Diseases
• General Information: Clavicipitaceae [Science Direct]
• This consists of many genus and species. Thryve does not identify the genus. Genus include:
  • Aciculosporium
  • Aschersonia  
  • Atkinsonella  
  • Balansia 
  • Cepsiclava  
  • Chamaeleomyces  
  • Claviceps  
  • Collarina  
  • Commelinaceomyces  
  • Conoideocrella
  • Corallocytostroma  
  • Culicinomyces 
  • etc 
• “Different research found that Cordyceps militaris extract suppresses dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis in BALB/c mice by suppressing disease symptoms such as body weight loss, diarrhea and gross bleeding. The extracts prevented shortening of the colon and crypt length and the epithelial damage” [2011]
• “Moreover, recent studies have shown that Cordyceps pruinosa extract is a inhibitor of NF‐ κB activation and can enhance weak immune functions. Based on these facts, I hypothesize that Cordyceps pruinosa extract may thus exert its therapeutic effect on IBD by regulating NF‐κB activity and improving impaired immune functions” [2009]

Bottom Line

This is an interesting fungi with little known ill-effects and some potential good effects for IBD and colitis. Thorne does not identify the genus leaving us with more uncertainty. With no clean human adverse effects (apart from Ergotism this is specific to some members of this family only).

There are two types of ergotism. The first is characterized by muscle spasms, fever and hallucinations and the victims may appear dazed, be unable to speak, become manic, or have other forms of paralysis or tremors, and suffer from hallucinations and other distorted perceptions.^[16] This is caused by serotonergic stimulation of the central nervous system by some of the alkaloids.^[16] The second type of ergotism is marked by violent burning, absent peripheral pulses and shooting pain of the poorly vascularized distal organs, such as the fingers and toes,^[16] and are caused by effects of ergot alkaloids on the vascular system due to vasoconstriction, sometimes leading to gangrene and loss of limbs due to severely restricted blood circulation.

Wikipedia

Unless there are symptoms of ergotism, I would suggest ignoring it. Some genus may do good and other may do harm. We lack sufficient information and I do not advocate taking action without evidence to warrant it.

Fungi and the microbiome finally got on my radar. Apologies to some, but there is a lot of different items on the microbiome radar screen.

“Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO)… Two recent studies showed that 26 % (24/94) and 25.3 % (38/150) of a series of patients with unexplained GI symptoms had SIFO. …. but evidence for eradication is lacking.”Small intestinal fungal overgrowth [2015]

As I did with taxa years ago, I will be writing a blog on each one reviewing the literature. If there is sufficient data at the end, I may add it as a feature to Microbiome Prescription.

• CDC provides a list of known fungal diseases: Types of Fungal Diseases.
• For the current list of Fungi reviewed on this list, click Information of Different Types Of Fungi

One of my reader’s results motivated this choice. The data from a Thorne Microbiome Test. Almost 9 out of 10 people have less of it. The person also has a Crohn’s diagnosis.

Preventive for Fungi

The following are suggestions:

• Reduce and keep your living space humidity at 50% or lower (typically done by dehumidifiers). EPA recommends 30-50% [EPA]; we set our dehumidifiers for 35%.

Moisture parameters and fungal communities associated with gypsum drywall in buildings [2015]

• Use a HEPA filter appropriate to your space.
  Effectiveness of Airborne Fungi Removal by using a HEPA Air Purifier Fan in Houses [2018]
  Typically they are described as “Room Size: Up to 1500 sq.ft. maximum”. We are more aggressive and divide that by 4. For example we use 3 Austin Air HealthMate HEPA Air Purifier for our 900 sq.ft. living space.
• Check the north side of your building for mold. If found pressure wash it off and if possible, apply substances to inhibit them coming back.
• Check for mushrooms in lawns etc. If found, remove them and treat where you found them.

Remember, all fungi are not the same. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices [2017] does not mention this fungi. Additionally, some spices are known to have Fungal Contamination of some Common Spices [2022] and Fungi and aflatoxins associated with spices in the Sultanate of Oman [2002] which included cloves (often deem an antifungal).

Basic Information

Image from [Mycology]

It is sometime identified as  black yeast fungus.

• Not listed on CDC list, Types of Fungal Diseases
• Exophiala – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics – “is an agent of olecranon bursitis²² and central nervous system disease”
• The Black Yeast Exophiala dermatitidis and Other Selected Opportunistic Human Fungal Pathogens Spread from Dishwashers to Kitchens [2016]
  • “The black yeast E. dermatitidis was detected in 47% of the dishwashers, primarily at the dishwasher rubber seals, at up to 10⁶ CFU/cm²“
  • “Eighteen percent of all of the washed items were contaminated with fungi, irrespective of the type of material they were made from.”
• “Exophiala species are common environmental fungi often associated with decaying wood and soil enriched with organic wastes….Phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala species has been reported in both normal and immunosuppressed patients.” [Mycology]
• Cerebral Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Exophiala dermatitidis in a Chinese CARD9-Deficient Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review [2019]
• Disseminated Exophiala dermatitidis causing septic arthritis and osteomyelitis [2018]
• E. dermatitidis is, among other species, a common colonizer of the respiratory tract of patients with CF [2018]
• “predisposing factors for E. dermatitidis infections are diabetes mellitus, steroid medication, concurrent bacterial and fungal infections and nutritional deficiencies” [2018]
• “Immunosuppressed and elderly patients suffer from infections with E. dermatitidis most commonly in the form of phaeohyphomycosis, keratitis or chromoblastomycosis;”[2018]
• “Fatal brain infections caused by the neurotropic E. dermatitidis occurred in otherwise healthy individuals in the Asian population” [2018]

Treatment

• Exophiala dermatitidis: Key issues of an opportunistic fungal pathogen [2018] list these as effective
  • amphotericin B ,
  • 5-fluorcytosine,
  • itraconazole,
  • fluconazole,
  • voriconazole
  • posaconazole (best)

Cleaning Dishwashers etc

The conventional advice is to use vinegar,baking soda or bleach. Studies indicate that it tolerates a very wide variety of pH (Roles of the pH signaling transcription factor PacC in Wangiella (Exophiala) dermatitidis [2009] ), i.e. pH 2.5 to pH 8 with most effective to inhibit being pH 2.5 (where Vinegar is). Bleach is pH 11-13, so likely also effective.

Since this often is black in appearance, sinks and other places should be regularly checked for any black discoloring which could indicate mold..

Bottom Line

This attempts to summarize the current information on Exophiala.

Fungi and the microbiome finally got on my radar. Apologies to some, but there is a lot of different items on the microbiome radar screen.

“Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO)… Two recent studies showed that 26 % (24/94) and 25.3 % (38/150) of a series of patients with unexplained GI symptoms had SIFO. …. but evidence for eradication is lacking.”

Small intestinal fungal overgrowth [2015]

As I did with taxa years ago, I will be writing a blog on each one reviewing the literature. If there is sufficient data at the end, I may add it as a feature to Microbiome Prescription.

• CDC provides a list of known fungal diseases: Types of Fungal Diseases.
• For the current list of Fungi reviewed on this list, click Information of Different Types Of Fungi

One of my reader’s results motivated review using Xenogene (ES) and Thorne (USA) reports that have been shared. The data from a shotgun test by Thorne had this being the highest fungi. They reported the percentile ranking of over 90%ile (i.e. 9 of 10 people who has this fungi, has less). This was their highest percentile and of concern is that this specific fungi is associated with Crohn’s disease which they have (as does 26 other people who have spared their microbiome test results).

Basic Information

• Overview: The Malassezia Genus in Skin and Systemic Diseases [2012] which cites
  “A common characteristic of systemic infections of Malassezia yeasts in adults is the existence of a central venous catheter and total parenteral nutrition . Hematologic malignancies, cancer, and Crohn’s disease were the background of Malassezia systemic infections. ”
  • “the presence of Malassezia had significant consequences on the outcomes of Crohn’s disease models.” [2021]
  • “Malassezia Is Associated with Crohn’s Disease and Exacerbates Colitis in Mouse Models” [2019]
  • Malassezia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Accomplice of Evoking Tumorigenesis [2022]
  • Malassezia spp. induce inflammatory cytokines and activate NLRP3 inflammasomes in phagocytes [2020]
• “Pyrithione zinc kills Malassezia and all other fungi, and is highly effective against the Malassezia species actually found on scalp” [2005] – but that is a topical treatment.
• Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Three Malassezia Species [2023] found Itraconazole as the most effective.

Product	Formulation	Instruction	Evidence level and strength of recommendation	Reference
Systemic treatment
Itraconazole		200 mg daily up to 3 weeks	A I-ii	(77, 78)
Fluconazole		100–200 mg daily for 1–4 weeks	B III	(79, 80)
Fluconazole		300 mg once weekly for 1–2 months	B IV	(82)
Isotretinoin		Dosed as in the treatment of acne	C III	(81)

In terms of non-prescription items:

Antifungal activity of herbal extracts against Malassezia species[2015] lists

• nettle leaves (Urtica dioica),
• colocynths fruits (Citrullus colocynthis),
• green tea (Camellia sinensis),
• burdock root (Arctium lappa) extracts

Anti-Malassezia furfur activity of Several Medicinal Herb [2019]

• Cinnamomum cassia – Best: a.k.a. Chinese cinnamon,
• Rhus javanica (next): a.k.a. Chinese Sumac
  “Rhus javanica Linn, a traditional medicinal herb from the family Anacardiaceae, has been used in the treatment of liver diseases, cancer, parasitic infections, malaria and respiratory diseases in China, Korea and other Asian countries for centuries.” [2015]

Inhibitory effect of plant essential oils on Malassezia strains from Iranian dermatitis patients [2018] reports (in decreasing order):

• Cuminum cyminum [Cumin]
• Lavandula stoechas [Spanish Lavender]
• Artemisia sieberi [the desert worm wood]

More on Crohn’s Disease

” The mycobiota of CD patients were characterized by an expansion of Malassezia and a depletion of Saccharomyces, along with increased abundances of Candida albicans and Malassezia restricta. Malassezia was associated with the need for treatment escalation during follow-up”

The ileal fungal microbiota is altered in Crohn’s disease and is associated with the disease course [2022]

“The two patients whose IBD was active at the time of initiation of treatment had complete clinical and endoscopic response after 6 and 9 months of itraconazole treatment respectively …they were able to withdraw immunosuppression and anti-TNF-α therapy during the entire itraconazole treatment course and the time to relapse in two of the Crohn’s patients was at least 10 months post-itraconazole therapy

The effects of itraconazole on inflammatory bowel disease activity in patients treated for histoplasmosis [2010]

The Montreal Heart Institute[2022] is sponsoring a clinical trail on terbinafine and itraconazole to treat Crohn’s Disease.[Website][WHO Trial Information]

Bottom Line

This attempts to summarize the current information on Malasseziaceae.

Preventive for Fungi

The following are suggestions:

• Reduce and keep your living space humidity at 50% or lower (typically done by dehumidifiers). EPA recommends 30-50% [EPA]; we set our dehumidifiers for 35%.

Moisture parameters and fungal communities associated with gypsum drywall in buildings [2015]

• Use a HEPA filter appropriate to your space.
  Effectiveness of Airborne Fungi Removal by using a HEPA Air Purifier Fan in Houses [2018]
  Typically they are described as “Room Size: Up to 1500 sq.ft. maximum”. We are more aggressive and divide that by 4. For example we use 3 Austin Air HealthMate HEPA Air Purifier for our 900 sq.ft. living space.
• Check the north side of your building for mold. If found pressure wash it off and if possible, apply substances to inhibit them coming back.
• Check for mushrooms in lawns etc. If found, remove them and treat where you found them.

Remember, all fungi are not the same. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices [2017] does not mention this fungi. Additionally, some spices are known to have Fungal Contamination of some Common Spices [2022] and Fungi and aflatoxins associated with spices in the Sultanate of Oman [2002] which included cloves (often deem an antifungal).