Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
08:28
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
11.4K
A case of Phoma fungal keratitis in a contact lens user
Periyasamy Kumar1, Shery Thomas2, Efrosini Papagiannuli1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK.
JRSM Open
|April 21, 2015
Abstract:
Fungi of the genus Phoma are common plant pathogens and saprophytes and are rarely pathogenic to animals.
Insights
Fungi in the genus Phoma primarily act as plant pathogens and saprophytes. These fungi are infrequently pathogenic to animals, highlighting their specialized ecological roles.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Veterinary Mycology
Background:
- The genus *Phoma* comprises ubiquitous fungi found globally.
- These fungi are known for their diverse ecological roles, including decomposition and pathogenesis.
Observation:
- *Phoma* species are frequently identified as significant plant pathogens, causing various diseases in crops.
- Their saprophytic capabilities allow them to thrive on decaying organic matter.
Findings:
- While prevalent in plant environments, *Phoma* species exhibit limited pathogenicity towards animal hosts.
- Instances of *Phoma* infections in animals are rare and typically associated with specific environmental exposures or compromised immunity.
Implications:
- Understanding the host specificity of *Phoma* is crucial for agricultural disease management.
- Further research into the mechanisms of pathogenicity and host interaction can inform veterinary diagnostics and treatments.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
754
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
754
01:15Antifungal Agents
89
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to...
89
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
6.3K
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
6.3K
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
58
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
58
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.7K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.7K