The article describes the discovery that extremophilic opportunistic pathognic fungi colonize not only dishwashers, but also washing machines, primarily the rubber seals on the door and the plastic containers for the detergent and softener. They enter the washing machines via the tap water system and become selectively enriched. Washing machine mycobiota is dominated by opportunitic pathogenic species of the genera Candida and Fusarium, that colonize as well dishwashers.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3335759
The article describes the discovery that opportunistic pathogenic fungi, including black yeasts and in particular the species Exophiala dermatitidis, found for the first time in tap water, colonize drinking water of tap water systems and wells. Water acts as vector for the contamination of house appliances with fungi. Adapted species become enriched and form together with bacteria mixed biofilms on different surfaces inside the appliances, while others are "washed out" from the system. Most common water disinfection method - chlorination - inhibits only bacterial growth, while opportunistic pathogenc fungi remain unaffected.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3583055
In the chapter we have analysed the evolution of microorganisms in extreme environments, from natural ones to anthopogenic, such as house appliances. We especially focused on groups of exceptionally adaptable fungi, which are capable of survival in various stressful environments and therefore they have a great potential for use in biotechnology, but they are also increasingly becoming the cause of various infections.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3338831