scholarly journals ​Evaluation of Fungi Isolated in the Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory in Terms of Human Health

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Kahya Demirbilek ◽  
Ö. Ardıçlı ◽  
H. Kurnaz
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Microbiology Laboratory ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Direct Microscopic Examination ◽  
Malassezia Spp ◽  
Penicillium Spp

Background: The importance of zoonotic fungal infections is increasing today and continues to increase due to changing living conditions. Methods: Between 2012 and 2019 evaluated of fungi species isolated from 51 (20.07%) of 254 samples from 10 different animal species (dog, cat, horse, cow, goat, sheep, camel, penguin, bird, rabbit) with 10 different sample types Thus, the risk of those with zoonotic characteristics was assessed. Despite fungal hyphae and/or spores were seen in 63 (24.8%) of 254 samples in the direct microscopic examination, the isolation of fungi on Sabouraud dextrose agar occurred in only 51 of these samples (20.07%). Conclusion: Of all the 51 samples, 9 (17.64%) samples had more than one fungal agent. The predominant isolate was Aspergillus spp. with an isolation rate of 24 (47.05%), followed by Malassezia spp. 11 (21.56%), Alternaria spp. 6 (11.76%), Penicillium spp. and various yeasts 4 (7.84%), Microsporum spp. 3 (5.88%), Candida spp., Mucor spp., Geotrichum spp. 2 (3.92%) and Trichophyton spp. and Rhizopus spp. 1 (1.96%). Besides, samples were examined for the presence of bacteria and one or more of the bacteria were also isolated from 14 (27.4%) of 51 samples. This assessment in the veterinary microbiology laboratory has shown that the isolated fungi agents pose a significant risk of infection for people who take care of these animals or consume animal products and pet owners.

Accuracy of Interpretation of Fungi by Direct Microscopy using Chlorazol Black E versus Gold Standard Potassium Hydroxide

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-387
Keyword(s):  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Potassium Hydroxide ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Direct Microscopy ◽  
Direct Microscopic Examination ◽  
Negative Findings ◽  
Siriraj Hospital ◽  
The Mean

Background: Superficial fungal infections are skin diseases that affect people worldwide. To confirm the diagnosis of these diseases, mycological investigation by direct microscopic examination and culture are required. Chlorazol black E (CBE) is an acid-based dye of the trisazo group of dyes that has a high affinity for chitin. Data specific to the efficacy of CBE for detection of fungi by direct microscopy is limited. Objective: To investigate the accuracy of interpretation of fungi by direct microscopy using CBE versus potassium hydroxide (KOH). Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study, conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in 2018. Slide interpretations by 33 microscopists were reviewed. The interpretation scores of all participants in each specimen were recorded and compared between CBE and KOH. Results: Thirty-three participants were included. The mean interpretation score of all participants was 17.2±4.9. The mean interpretation scores of overall specimens using CBE was significantly more than using KOH (p<0.001). For Candida spp. and dermatophytes, the accuracy of interpretation using CBE was statistically higher than KOH (p=0.020, p<0.001, respectively). Relative to negative findings, CBE yielded significantly more false-positive results than KOH (p=0.003). Conclusion: CBE for direct microscopic examination of fungi specimens is helpful for increasing the accuracy of interpretation. However, falsepositive results are more prevalent when using CBE. Keywords: Accuracy, Interpretation, Fungus, Direct microscopy, Chlorazol black E, Potassium hydroxide

scholarly journals Dermatomycosis: Conditions that contribute to the disease development

2011 ◽  
pp. 231-243
Author(s):  
Igor Stojanov ◽  
Jasna Prodanov-Radulovic ◽  
Ivan Pusic ◽  
Milos Kapetanov ◽  
Radomir Ratajac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Hair Follicles ◽  
Target Tissue ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Malassezia Spp ◽  
Infected Skin

Skin lesions caused by dermatophytes are classified depending on the infected skin structure: surface layer of cutis, fur layer, clutches or nails. Surface mycoses are caused by dermatophytes: Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton species (also important are Malassezia spp., Candida spp., and Trichosporon). Skin is the target tissue for fungal infections if the epithelial layer is damaged and immune system cannot cope with the infection, or if the conditions are favorable for dermatophytes, which spread in the cutis due to the enzyme activities. Dermatophytes can be found on skin surface if they contaminate or colonize epidermis or hair follicles. However, clinical symptoms of lesion on the skin are sometimes absent. According to the literature data 6-9% of skin lesions are caused by dermatophyte in human medicine. Similar situation is in veterinary medicine. Fungus that cause dermatomycosis are widespread in the nature and could be divided into: zoophilic, geophilic and anthrophilic. The goal of this paper is to present the latest knowledge in pathogenesis on dermatomycosis, predisposing factors important for the outcome of the disease, and immunological reaction of organism to the fungal infection. Our intention is to summarize the subject and present the facts related to specific problems in dermatomycosis.

scholarly journals The Impact of Gelatin on the Pharmaceutical Characteristics of Fucoidan Microspheres with Posaconazole

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4087
Author(s):  
Marta Szekalska ◽  
Aleksandra Citkowska ◽  
Magdalena Wróblewska ◽  
Katarzyna Winnicka
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Drug Release ◽  
Spray Drying ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Drug Loading ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Vaginal Fluid ◽  
Sustained Drug Release ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
The Impact

Fungal infections and invasive mycoses, despite the continuous medicine progress, are an important globally therapeutic problem. Multicompartment dosage formulations (e.g., microparticles) ensure a short drug diffusion way and high surface area of drug release, which as a consequence can provide improvement of therapeutic efficiency compared to the traditional drug dosage forms. As fucoidan is promising component with wide biological activity per se, the aim of this study was to prepare fucospheres (fucoidan microparticles) and fucoidan/gelatin microparticles with posaconazole using the one-step spray-drying technique. Pharmaceutical properties of designed fucospheres and the impact of the gelatin addition on their characteristics were evaluated. An important stage of this research was in vitro evaluation of antifungal activity of developed microparticles using different Candida species. It was observed that gelatin presence in microparticles significantly improved swelling capacity and mucoadhesiveness, and provided a sustained POS release. Furthermore, it was shown that gelatin addition enhanced antifungal activity of microparticles against tested Candida spp. strains. Microparticles formulation GF6, prepared by the spray drying of 20% fucoidan, 5% gelatin and 10% Posaconazole, were characterized by optimal mucoadhesive properties, high drug loading and the most sustained drug release (after 8 h 65.34 ± 4.10% and 33.81 ± 5.58% of posaconazole was dissolved in simulated vaginal fluid pH 4.2 or 0.1 M HCl pH 1.2, respectively).

scholarly journals Post-Translational Modifications Drive Success and Failure of Fungal–Host Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Charmaine Retanal ◽  
Brianna Ball ◽  
Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Fungal Host ◽  
Resistant Species

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) change the structure and function of proteins and regulate a diverse array of biological processes. Fungal pathogens rely on PTMs to modulate protein production and activity during infection, manipulate the host response, and ultimately, promote fungal survival. Given the high mortality rates of fungal infections on a global scale, along with the emergence of antifungal-resistant species, identifying new treatment options is critical. In this review, we focus on the role of PTMs (e.g., phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, and methylation) among the highly prevalent and medically relevant fungal pathogens, Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Cryptococcus spp. We explore the role of PTMs in fungal stress response and host adaptation, the use of PTMs to manipulate host cells and the immune system upon fungal invasion, and the importance of PTMs in conferring antifungal resistance. We also provide a critical view on the current knowledgebase, pose questions key to our understanding of the intricate roles of PTMs within fungal pathogens, and provide research opportunities to uncover new therapeutic strategies.

Vancomycin enhances growth and virulence of Trichosporon spp. planktonic cells and biofilms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro ◽  
Bruno Nascimento da Silva ◽  
Ana Luiza Ribeiro de Aguiar ◽  
Livia Maria Galdino Pereira ◽  
Fernando Victor Monteiro Portela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Tolerance Induction ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Planktonic Cells ◽  
Persister Cells ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Patients At Risk

Abstract Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are important worldwide health problem, affecting the growing population of immunocompromised patients. Although the majority of IFIs are caused by Candida spp., other fungal species have been increasingly recognized as relevant opportunistic pathogens. Trichosporon spp. are members of skin and gut human microbiota. Since 1980’s, invasive trichosporonosis has been considered a significant cause of fungemia in patients with hematological malignancies. As prolonged antibiotic therapy is an important risk factor for IFIs, the present study investigated if vancomycin enhances growth and virulence of Trichosporon. Vancomycin was tested against T. inkin (n = 6) and T. asahii (n = 6) clinical strains. Planktonic cells were evaluated for their metabolic activity and virulence against Caenorhabditis elegans. Biofilms were evaluated for metabolic activity, biomass production, amphotericin B tolerance, induction of persister cells, and ultrastructure. Vancomycin stimulated planktonic growth of Trichosporon spp., increased tolerance to AMB, and potentiates virulence against C. elegans. Vancomycin stimulated growth (metabolic activity and biomass) of Trichosporon spp. biofilms during all stages of development. The antibiotic increased the number of persister cells inside Trichosporon biofilms. These cells showed higher tolerance to AMB than persister cells from VAN-free biofilms. Microscopic analysis showed that VAN increased production of extracellular matrix and cells in T. inkin and T. asahii biofilms. These results suggest that antibiotic exposure may have a direct impact on the pathophysiology of opportunistic trichosporonosis in patients at risk. Lay abstract This study showed that the vancomycin stimulated Trichosporon growth, induced morphological and physiological changes on their biofilms, and also enhanced their in vivo virulence. Although speculative, the stimulatory effect of vancomycin on fungal cells should be considered in a clinical scenario.

Opportunistic yeast pathogen Candida spp.: Secreted and membrane-bound virulence factors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Si Jie Lim ◽  
Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali ◽  
Suriana Sabri ◽  
Noor Dina Muhd Noor ◽  
Abu Bakar Salleh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Structural Studies ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Structural Investigations ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Aspartyl Proteinases

Abstract Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida spp. especially Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Although the medicinal therapeutic strategies have rapidly improved, the mortality rate due to candidiasis has continuously increased. The secreted and membrane-bound virulence factors (VFs) are responsible for fungal invasion, damage and translocation through the host enterocytes besides the evasion from host immune system. VFs such as agglutinin-like sequences (Als), heat shock protein 70, phospholipases, secreted aspartyl proteinases (Sap), lipases, enolases and phytases are mostly hydrolases which degrade the enterocyte membrane components except for candidalysin, the VF acts as a peptide toxin to induce necrotic cell lysis. To date, structural studies of the VFs remain underexplored, hindering their functional analyses. Among the VFs, only secreted aspartyl proteinases and agglutinin-like sequences have their structures deposited in Protein Data Bank (PDB). Therefore, this review scrutinizes the mechanisms of these VFs by discussing the VF-deficient studies of several Candida spp. and their abilities to produce these VFs. Nonetheless, their latest reported sequential and structural analyses are discussed to impart a wider perception of the host-pathogen interactions and potential vaccine or antifungal drug targets. This review signifies that more VFs structural investigations and mining in the emerging Candida spp. are required to decipher their pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms compared to the prominent C. albicans. Lay Abstract Candida virulence factors (VFs) including mainly enzymes and proteins play vital roles in breaching the human intestinal barrier and causing deadly candidiasis. Limited VFs’ structural studies hinder deeper comprehension of their mechanisms and thus the design of vaccines and antifungal drugs against fungal infections.

scholarly journals Evaluation of pathogenic fungi occurrence in traumatogenic structures of freshwater fish

2011 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Caetano Oliveira Leme ◽  
Marcos Mendes de Barros Negreiros ◽  
Fernando Akira Koga ◽  
Sandra de Moraes Gimenes Bosco ◽  
Eduardo Bagagli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Fish ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Dematiaceous Fungi ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Infection Route ◽  
5.8S Rdna ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Pimelodus Maculatus

INTRODUCTION: Fungal infections in human skin, such as sporotrichosis, can occur after fish induced trauma. This work aimed to identify fungi in freshwater fish that are pathogenic to humans. METHODS: Extraction of dental arches from Serrassalmus maculatus (piranha) and Hoplias malabaricus (wolf fish), stings from Pimelodus maculatus (mandis catfish), dorsal fin rays from Plagioscion spp. (corvina) and Tilapia spp., for culture in Mycosel agar. Some cultures were submitted to DNA extraction for molecular identification by sequencing ITS-5.8S rDNA. RESULTS: Cultures identified most yeast as Candida spp., while sequencing also permitted the identification of Phoma spp. and Yarrowia lipolytica. CONCLUSIONS: While the search for S. schenckii was negative, the presence of fungus of the genera Phoma and Candida revealed the pathogenic potential of this infection route. The genus Phoma is involved in certain forms of phaeohyphomycosis, a subcutaneous mycosis caused by dematiaceous fungi, with reports of infections in human organs and systems. Traumatizing structures of some freshwater fish present pathogenic fungi and this may be an important infection route that must be considered in some regions of Brazil, since there are a large number of a fisherman in constant contact with traumatogenic fish.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Candida albicans and non-albicans isolates from vaginal secretions: comparative evaluation of colonization, vaginal candidiasis and recurrent vaginal candidiasis in diabetic and non-diabetic women

2014 ◽  
Vol 132 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciene Setsuko Akimoto Gunther ◽  
Helen Priscila Rodrigues Martins ◽  
Fabrícia Gimenes ◽  
André Luelsdorf Pimenta de Abreu ◽  
Marcia Edilaine Lopes Consolaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Diabetic Group ◽  
Vaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Dm Type 2

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is caused by abnormal growth of yeast-like fungi on the female genital tract mucosa. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are more susceptible to fungal infections, including those caused by species of Candida. The present study investigated the frequency of total isolation of vaginal Candida spp., and its different clinical profiles - colonization, VVC and recurrent VVC (RVVC) - in women with DM type 2, compared with non-diabetic women. The cure rate using fluconazole treatment was also evaluated. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in the public healthcare system of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: The study involved 717 women aged 17-74 years, of whom 48 (6.7%) had DM type 2 (mean age: 53.7 years), regardless of signs and symptoms of VVC. The yeasts were isolated and identified using classical phenotypic methods. RESULTS: In the non-diabetic group (controls), total vaginal yeast isolation occurred in 79 (11.8%) women, and in the diabetic group in 9 (18.8%) (P = 0.000). The diabetic group showed more symptomatic (VVC + RVVC = 66.66%) than colonized (33.33%) women, and showed significantly more colonization, VVC and RVVC than seen among the controls. The mean cure rate using fluconazole was 75.0% in the diabetic group and 86.7% in the control group (P = 0.51). CONCLUSION: We found that DM type 2 in Brazilian women was associated with yeast colonization, VVC and RVVC, and similar isolation rates for C. albicans and non-albicans species. Good cure rates were obtained using fluconazole in both groups.

scholarly journals Epidemiological characterization of dermatophytes at a tertiary care hospital in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankur Kumar ◽  
Vandana Upadhyay ◽  
Amresh K. Singh ◽  
Jayesh Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Direct Microscopic Examination ◽  
Superficial Mycosis

Background and Purpose: Superficial mycosis is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries, such as India. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of superficial mycosis and identify the most common dermatophytic species in this region. Materials and Methods: For the purpose of the study, a total of 220 skin scraping, nail, and hair root specimens were collected. Direct microscopic examination was performed using potassium hydroxide mount. Additionally, the samples were inoculated onto Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and dermatophyte test medium (DTM). The fungal colony of each isolates was stained with lactophenol cotton blue mount, and observed under microscope for species identification. Results: Out of 220 isolates, 172 samples, obtained from 108 males 64 females, were positive for skin fungal infections by either KOH mount or culture. Furthermore, 113 isolates were identified as dermatophytes, while 59 samples were found to be non-dermatophytes. Among the dermatophytes isolated from different clinical samples, Trichophyton verrucosum (42/113, 38%) was the most common species, and Tinea corporis was the most common infection (36.2%). Conclusion: As the findings indicated, dermatophytes had an isolation rate of 78%, which is higher than normal. This can be due to the fact that the majority of the patients were from a rural background (71.7%) with a low socioeconomic status and poor personal hygiene who were exposed to climatic changes.

scholarly journals Candida Coinfection among Patients with Pulmonary tuberculosis in the World; A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehran Ghazalibina ◽  
Ali Shakerimoghaddam ◽  
Azad Khaledi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Secondary Infection ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
Early Diagnose

Abstract Background Diagnosis of fungal co-infections in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis has critical importance. In this review, we aimed to determine the prevalence of candida coinfection in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods The present systematic review of cross-sectional studies was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Protocol. Studies published online in English from January 2001 to March 2019 were assessed. Literature search was performed in Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus databases using keywords combinations of “pulmonary fungal”, “pulmonary coinfection”, OR “pulmonary mycosis”, “pulmonary fungal infections/agents”, OR “polymicrobial infection”, OR “secondary infection”, OR “mixed infections”, “pulmonary candidiasis”, “fungi coinfection”, “fungal co-colonization”, AND “pulmonary tuberculosis”, OR “pulmonary TB”. Data was analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated by Cochran's Q, and I 2 tests.Results The pooled global prevalence of candida coinfection among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was 25.7% (95% CI: 23.7-27.9). C. albicans was the most prevalent Candida spp. with a pooled prevalence of 65.8% (95% CI: 54.3-75.7). Risk factors of candida coinfection included smoking, diabetes, advanced age, and low body mass index.Conclusion The present review showed the high rate of candida coinfection among patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. Adequate measures are necessary to early diagnose and treat these infections.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document