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The present study focuses on bioprospecting of halotolerant bacteria from a hypersaline environment for antifungal agents against major mushroom pathogens. A total of 20 morphologically different fungi were isolated from composts and infected fruiting bodies of Agaricus bisporus; belonging to the genera Trichoderma, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Mucor and Rhizopus. In addition, 131 halotolerant bacteria out of 280 exhibited antifungal activity against phytopathogens, Trichoderma sp., and Penicillium sp. The isolates (80) showing maximum and consistent activity were screened against the isolated mushroom pathogens, Trichoderma harzianum MTCC 3178 and Lecanicillium fungicola MTCC 2016. About 33.8% halotolerant bacteria produced an antifungal metabolite that inhibited the mycelial growth of Trichoderma harzianum MTCC 3178, 20% inhibited mycelium growth of Lecanicillium fungicola MTCC 2016, 48.8% other Trichoderma spp., 26.3% Penicillium spp. and 2.5% inhibited Aspergillus spp. The bacterial isolate BGUMS93 showed highest broad spectrum activity against these pathogens. Carbohydrate utilization profile, biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed BGUMS93 as Bacillus sp. (KC991034.1) with 97% similarity to Bacillus subtilis. BGUMS93 produced extracellular antifungal metabolites in butanol extract showing maximum activity against Trichoderma harzianum MTCC 3178 and in chloroform extract against Lecanicillium fungicola MTCC 2016. Thus, Bacillus spp. from Goa’s salterns could be a way to provide natural fungicide as an alternative to synthetic fungicides used in mushroom cultivation.

In the current era of modern medicine, neglected tropical disorders though rare, still remain a cause of significant morbidity in the sufferers. Actinomycetoma is one such disease commonly seen in the rural population of the tropical countries. Due to the presence of other infectious diseases with similar presentation and low yield on cultures, there may be a delay in correct diagnosis and treatment in resource poor settings. We present a 35 year old male patient who came with complaints of raised lesions over his neck. He had been treated with antitubercular drugs for the same, despite which the lesions had persisted. Based on clues from histopathological and clinical features, we diagnosed him with Actinomycetoma. He was started on the welsh regimen and he showed excellent response. This case becomes a rare vignette due to the uncommon site of presentation of mycetoma. Conclusion: Neglected tropical diseases are not to be neglected. Relevant investigations have to be done to rule out their possibility, especially in tropical countries where they are still a burden.

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