scholarly journals Identification of Candida Species Circulating in Dakar using Multiplex Nested PCR

Author(s):  
Aida Badiane

Background: In most developing countries, laboratory identification of Fungi belonging to the genus Candida is often problematic. The germ test tube known as Blastese test, which is the most used has the limitation that it only differentiates the C. albicans complex from other Candida complexes. Not only it is important to know the involvement of other species in the occurrence of fungal infections, but also the difference in sensitivity to the azoles used in the treatment of these fungal infections makes it necessary to identify the Fungi at the species level. The objective of this study was to identify by multiplex nested PCR the Candida species isolated in the laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Senegal. Methodology: Candida isolates were obtained from patients who were admitted to the laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology with suspected fungal infections. After identification by conventional methods, isolates were preserved in a storage medium and kept at -20°C. Species identification was performed by nested PCR. Results: A total of 42 yeast isolates were collected after culture on Sabouraud medium, among which 10 (24%) from vaginal swabs and 32 (76%) from patients suffering from superficial mycoses (skin and nails). C. albicans represented 68% and nonCandida albicans (NAC) species 32%. The distribution of the NAC species was as follows: C. parapsilosis (group I and II) 17% (8), C. tropicalis 8.5% (4), C. kefyr 4.25% (2) and C. lusitaniae 2.15% (1). Mixed infection with two species represented 17.39% of the isolates. Conclusion: This study shows that other Candida species are common in Dakar, although their identification is not routinely performed in most laboratories. Thus, it is necessary to improve the technical facilities in these diagnostic laboratories.

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (02.1) ◽  
pp. 33S
Author(s):  
Lyn Awad ◽  
Hani Tamim ◽  
Ahmad Ibrahim ◽  
Dania Abdallah ◽  
Mohammad Salameh ◽  
...  

Introduction: Recently there has been a significant increase in the incidence of fungal infections attributed to Candida species worldwide, with a major shift toward non-albicans Candida (NAC). Herein, we described the distribution of Candida species among different departments in a Lebanese hospital and calculated the antifungal consumption in this facility. We, then, correlated the consumption of antifungals and the prevalence of Candida species. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of Candida isolates recovered from the hospital microbiology laboratory database between 2010 and 2015. Data on antifungal consumption between 2008 and 2015 were extracted from the hospital pharmacy database. Spearman's coefficient was employed to find a correlation between Candida species distribution and antifungal consumption. Results: The highest antifungal consumption was seen in the haematology/oncology department (days of therapy/1000 patient days = 348.12 ± 85.41), and the lowest in the obstetrics department (1.36 ± 0.47). The difference in antifungal consumption among various departments was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Azoles were the most common first-line antifungals. A non-homologous distribution of albicans vs. non-albicans was noted among different departments (p = 0.02). The most commonly isolated NAC was Candida glabrata, representing 14% of total isolates and 59% of NAC. The total antifungal consumption correlated positively with the emergence of NAC. The use of azoles correlated positively with Candida glabrata, while amphotericin B formulations correlated negatively with it. None of these correlations reached statistical significance. Conclusion: Different Candida species were unequally distributed among different hospital departments, and this correlated with consumption of antifungals in respective departments, highlighting the need for antifungal stewardship.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Nathan P. Wiederhold

Invasive infections caused by Candida that are resistant to clinically available antifungals are of increasing concern. Increasing rates of fluconazole resistance in non-albicans Candida species have been documented in multiple countries on several continents. This situation has been further exacerbated over the last several years by Candida auris, as isolates of this emerging pathogen that are often resistant to multiple antifungals. T-2307 is an aromatic diamidine currently in development for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. This agent has been shown to selectively cause the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential in yeasts when compared to mammalian cells. In vitro activity has been demonstrated against Candida species, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. auris strains, which are resistant to azole and echinocandin antifungals. Activity has also been reported against Cryptococcus species, and this has translated into in vivo efficacy in experimental models of invasive candidiasis and cryptococcosis. However, little is known regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of this agent, as published data from studies involving humans are not currently available.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3666
Author(s):  
Bettina Szerencsés ◽  
Attila Gácser ◽  
Gabriella Endre ◽  
Ildikó Domonkos ◽  
Hilda Tiricz ◽  
...  

The increasing rate of fungal infections causes global problems not only in human healthcare but agriculture as well. To combat fungal pathogens limited numbers of antifungal agents are available therefore alternative drugs are needed. Antimicrobial peptides are potent candidates because of their broad activity spectrum and their diverse mode of actions. The model legume Medicago truncatula produces >700 nodule specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides in symbiosis and many of them have in vitro antimicrobial activities without considerable toxicity on human cells. In this work we demonstrate the anticandidal activity of the NCR335 and NCR169 peptide derivatives against five Candida species by using the micro-dilution method, measuring inhibition of biofilm formation with the XTT (2,3-Bis-(2-Methoxy-4-Nitro-5-Sulfophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide) assay, and assessing the morphological change of dimorphic Candida species by microscopy. We show that both the N- and C-terminal regions of NCR335 possess anticandidal activity as well as the C-terminal sequence of NCR169. The active peptides inhibit biofilm formation and the yeast-hypha transformation. Combined treatment of C. auris with peptides and fluconazole revealed synergistic interactions and reduced 2-8-fold the minimal inhibitory concentrations. Our results demonstrate that shortening NCR peptides can even enhance and broaden their anticandidal activity and therapeutic potential.


1991 ◽  
Vol 260 (3) ◽  
pp. H730-H734 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. N. McWilliam ◽  
T. Yang

The action of electrically evoked activity in somatic afferent fibers on the sensitivity of the baroreceptor reflex was examined in decerebrate cats. The sensitivity of the reflex was expressed as the difference between the maximum prolongation of R-R interval in response to carotid sinus pressure elevation and the mean of 10 R-R intervals immediately before pressure elevation. The control value of R-R interval prolongation was 192 +/- 50 ms. Stimulation (10 Hz) of group I and II fibers of the right peroneal nerve (evoked volleys recorded from the sciatic nerve) had no effect on R-R interval prolongation (171 +/- 45 ms). Recruitment of group III fibers (10 Hz) conducting at 23.6 +/- 0.65 m/s reduced the prolongation of R-R interval to 52 +/- 14 ms. Recruitment of group IV fibers (10 Hz) conducting less than 2.5 m/s further reduced the prolongation of R-R interval to 1.0 +/- 8.0 ms. It is concluded that the inhibition of the cardiac vagal component of the baroreceptor reflex produced by electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve is mediated by afferent fibers of groups III and IV.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 440
Author(s):  
Juan Vicente Mulet Bayona ◽  
Nuria Tormo Palop ◽  
Carme Salvador García ◽  
Begoña Fuster Escrivá ◽  
Mercedes Chanzá Aviñó ◽  
...  

In addition to the increase in fungal infections that has been observed in the last few decades, it has been reported that severe clinical COVID-19 can increase the risk of invasive fungal infections. The main objective of this study was to evaluate if there had been an increase in candidaemia and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) cases since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Data were retrospectively collected from April 2019 to March 2021, from patients admitted to Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (Spain). A total of 152 candidaemia cases (56 of which were due to Candida auris) and 108 possible IPA cases were detected. A great increase in candidaemia cases was produced during the first and the third epidemic waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (June 2020, and January 2021, respectively), while an increase in IPA cases was produced during the third wave. The 28-day mortality rates in patients affected by candidaemia and IPA increased in 2020 and 2021. C. auris has displaced the other Candida species, becoming the most isolated Candida species in blood cultures since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Antifungal consumption increased in 2020 when compared to 2019, especially echinocandins, voriconazole and isavuconazole.


1960 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Wodzicka

The monthly wool growth of three groups of rams was studied at Beltsville, Maryland. Group I received natural daylight (at 38° 53' N.) and was shorn monthly. Group II had a 7:17 hours of daylight to hours of darkness rhythm and was shorn every 6 months, once in winter and once in summer. Group III received natural daylight and was likewise shorn every 6 months. The rams of all groups produced more wool in summer than in winter. This difference was significant (P<0.001). The mean body weight and food intake were both greater in the winter months, which indicated that the seasonal rhythm of wool growth was not a consequence of poorer feeding in winter. The rams which were shorn monthly (group I) grew considerably more wool than the other two groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. The short-day treatment of group II did not increase the annual wool production nor decrease the seasonal rhythm of wool growth. The balance of evidence from this and other experiments indicates that temperature rather than light controls the seasonal rhythm of wool growth.


2005 ◽  
Vol 93 (01) ◽  
pp. 76-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Leizorovicz ◽  
Alexander Cohen ◽  
Alexander Turpie ◽  
Carl-Gustav Olsson ◽  
Samuel Goldhaber ◽  
...  

SummaryThe clinical importance of asymptomatic proximal and distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remains uncertain and controversial. The aim of this retrospective,post-hoc analysis was to examine mortality and risk factors for development of proximal DVT in hospitalized patients with acute medical illness who were recruited into a randomized, prospective clinical trial of thromboprophylaxis with dalteparin (PREVENT).We analyzed 1738 patients who had not sustained a symptomatic venous thromboembolic event by Day 21 and who had a complete compression ultrasound of the proximal and distal leg veins on Day 21. We examined the 90-day mortality rates in patients with asymptomatic proximal DVT (Group I, N = 80), asymptomatic distal DVT (Group II, N = 118) or no DVT (Group III, N = 1540).The 90-day mortality rates were 13.75%, 3.39%, and 1.92% for Groups I–III, respectively. The difference in mortality between Group I and Group III was significant (hazard ratio 7.63, 95% CI = 3.8–15.3;p < 0.0001),whereas the difference between Groups II and III did not reach significance (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% CI = 0.41–4.45).The association of asymptomatic proximal DVT with increased mortality remained highly significant after adjusting for differences in baseline demographics and clinical variables. Risk factors significantly associated with the development of proximal DVT included advanced age (p = 0.0005), prior DVT (p = 0.001), and varicose veins (p = 0.04). In conclusion, the high mortality rate in patients with asymptomatic proximal DVT underscores its clinical relevance and supports targeting of asymptomatic proximal DVT as an appropriate endpoint in clinical trials of thromboprophylaxis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 3445-3451
Author(s):  
Chen Yake

Objectives: In this paper, the effects of tobacco on aerobic exercise ability and physical fitness recovery of college students were studied. Methods: University group sports intervention form: traditional characteristic project (basketball) + Taiji soft ball (R&D intervention project). Exercise time: 3 times/week; Activity duration: 30min; Activity intensity: the heart rate is controlled at 120-140 beats/min. All the college students in the experimental group are students who have never smoked, and the college students in the control group are students who have smoked for more than two years. The other conditions are the same. Results: The exercise time and endurance of experimental groups I and II were significantly lower than those of the control group, and the cardiopulmonary function was significantly lower than that of the control group. The indexes of experimental group II changed significantly compared with experimental group I, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Cigarette smoke can significantly reduce the aerobic exercise ability and anti fatigue ability. The longer the smoking time, the more serious the adverse effects. Therefore, tobacco smoke and nicotine will damage college students’ aerobic exercise ability and have a negative impact on the recovery of physical fitness after exercise.


2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 50-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biljana Pejovic ◽  
Milica Rankovic-Janevski ◽  
Niveska Bozinovic-Prekajski

Introduction. Drug safety depends on trough levels. Objective. Objective of the study was to measure gentamicin and amikacin trough levels in neonates and to identify risk groups by gestational and postnatal age. Methods. Gentamicin and amikacin were applied according to the clinical practice guidelines. Trough levels (mg/l) were deter- mined using fluorescence polarization immunoassay methodology. Target trough levels were <2 mg/l for gentamicin, and <10 mg/l for amikacin. Patients were divided in 3 groups by gestational age: I ?32, II 33-36, and III ?37 gestational weeks and, by postnatal age, in 2 groups: ?7 and >7 days. Results. Out of 163 neonates, 111 were receiving gentamicin and 52 amikacin. Mean amikacin trough level was 7.8?4.8 mg/l and, in group I 10.5?4.9 mg/l, which was above the target range and significantly higher than in group II (LSD, p<0.05). In the amikacin group, 26 patients were 7 and less, and 26 more than 7 days old, without significant differences in trough levels between the groups. In the gentamicin group, 52.3% of neonates had trough values within the target range. Gentamicin trough level in group I was above the trough range, 3.7?1.8, 2.3?1.5 in group II and, 1.8?1.4 mg/l in group III. The difference in trough levels among the groups was highly significant (F=9.015, p<0.001, ?2=17. 576, p<0.001). Further analysis revealed that differences between groups I and II (LSD, p=0.002) and between I and III (LSD, p=0.000) were highly significant. Conclusion. Obtained gentamicin and amikacin trough levels are high. Inverse correlation has been confirmed between trough level and gestational age, with highly significant difference, and the risk group has been identified. There is obviously a need to change the dosing regimen in terms of those with extended intervals, particularly for neonates of the lowest gestational age, along with pharmacokinetic measurements.


2008 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-228
Author(s):  
Violeta Pavlovic ◽  
Slavoljub Zivkovic

Aim: To evaluate the effect of irrigation techniques, i.e. different types of irrigation needles, on the quality of cleaning of root canal walls using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Material and Method: The study was conducted on 16 extracted, single-rooted, human teeth. The samples were allocated to two experimental groups depending on the type of the irrigation needle. Conventional needles were used for the irrigation of Group I and laterally perforated ones for Group II. All root canals were instrumented using K files and the Step-back technique. During instrumentation, all samples were irrigated with 2.5 % sodium hypochlorite solution followed by final irrigation with 17 % EDTA for 1 min. After that, all samples were irrigated with 10 ml of distilled water. The roots were, then, sectioned longitudinally and middle one third of each root canal was analyzed using SEM. Quantitative analysis was based on criteria by H?lsmann et al. Results: The obtained results showed that the more efficient removal of debris and the smear layer was accomplished in the group of samples irrigated using laterally perforated needles than conventional needles. The difference between the investigated irrigation techniques were statistically significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: The use of laterally perforated needles for irrigation allows more efficient cleaning of root canal walls, i.e. the removal of debris and the smear layer.


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