ABSTRACT
With the increasing number of immunocompromised hosts, the epidemiological characteristics of fungal infections have undergone enormous changes worldwide, including in China. In this paper, we reviewed the existing data on mycosis across China to summarize available epidemiological profiles. We found that the general incidence of superficial fungal infections in China has been stable, but the incidence of tinea capitis has decreased and the transmission route has changed. By contrast, the overall incidence of invasive fungal infections has continued to rise. The occurrence of candidemia caused by Candida species other than C. albicans and including some uncommon Candida species has increased recently in China. Infections caused by Aspergillus have also propagated in recent years, particularly with the emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus. An increasing trend of cryptococcosis has been noted in China, with Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii ST 5 genotype isolates as the predominant pathogen. Retrospective studies have suggested that the epidemiological characteristics of Pneumocystis pneumonia in China may be similar to those in other developing countries. Endemic fungal infections, such as sporotrichosis in Northeastern China, must arouse research, diagnostic, and treatment vigilance. Currently, the epidemiological data on mycosis in China are variable and fragmentary. Thus, a nationwide epidemiological research on fungal infections in China is an important need for improving the country's health.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , China , Epidemiology , Fungi , Genetics , Virulence , Genotype , Incidence , Mycoses , EpidemiologyABSTRACT
Objective To design and synthesis novel triazole antifungal derivatives with dithiocarbamates side chain and study the antifungal activities .Methods Nine title compounds were synthesized and characterized by 1 H NMR ,MS spectra . The in vitro antifungal activities of all the compounds were evaluated against eight human pathogenic fungi .Results The title compounds exhibited strong antifungal activities .Some compounds showed excellent activities against Candida albicans with the MIC80 values less than 0 .125 g/ml ,6d was 64 times higher than that of Itraconazole .Conclusion The introduction of the propyl ,sulphur and benzyl moiety to the side chain could affect the antifungal activities .
ABSTRACT
Four weeks after SD diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin,skin thickness was obviously reduced with obscure multilayer epithelium features.Moreover,the thickness of epidermic layers in diabetic rat skin was significantly thinner than that ofnornlal rat skin at the eighth week[(0.016±0.006 vs 0.041±0.007)mm,P<0.01].The percentage of G2/M phase cells in epidermic layers of diabetic group was significantly lower than that in the normal group.At the twelfth week,skin microangiopathy was easily detected in the diabetic group.The blood levels of advanced glycation end products(AGEs)and malonialdehyde were significantly increased and glutathione decreased in diabetic rats compared with control rats(aU P<0.01),along with the increased contents of local glucose and AGEs in the skin of diabetic rats.These results suggest that the local accumulation of glucose and AGEs seems to be one of the important mechanisms in the pathogenesis of diabetic skin lesions.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To investigate the postoperative morbility of deep fungal infections and the source and composition of the pathogenic fungi.METHODS Clinical data of 816 patients with post-operative deep fungal infections from Jul 2006 to Jun 2008 were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS The detectable rate of post-operative deep fungal infections was 24.82%,among which Candida albicans was the most common(65.69%),followed by C.tropicalis(10.57%);the rate of broad-spectrum antibiotic application in peri-operation was 96.45%;the infection site in the descending order was cardio-thorax,gastrointestinal tract,urinary tract,female reproductive system,blood and skeleton.CONCLUSIONS Operative trauma is an important factor that causes deep fungal infections in hospital,and is closely related to broad-spectrum antibiotic application.Positive prevention,timely diagnosis and effective treatment should be highly emphasized when dealing with post-operative deep fungal infections.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the effect of itraconazole/IFN-gamma on IFN-? and IL-10 in nude mice and mice and clinical significance. Methods Systemic infection of animals that induced by abdominal injection of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, Expression of IFN-? and IL-10 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results After treated with Itraconazole and IFN-gamma, the levels of IFN-gamma were increased and ones of IL-10 were decreased significantly. Conclusions Itraconazole and IFN-gamma may play key roles in the immune function of those animals.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>PURPOSE</b>To review the characteristics and evolution of the fungal spectrum, and the risk factors causing fungal infection, and to make progress in diagnosing fungal infection after organ transplantation.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>An English-language literature search (MEDLINE 1990 - 2000) and bibliographic review of textbooks and review articles.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Twenty-three articles were selected from the literature that specifically addressed the stated purpose.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fungal infections in organ transplant patients were generally divided into two types: (1) disseminated primary or reactivation infection with one of the geographically restricted systemic mycoses; (2) opportunistic infection by fungal species that rarely cause invasive infection in normal hosts. The risk factors of fungal infection after a transplant can be evaluated and predicted according to the organ recipient's conditions before, during and after the transplant. Progress in early diagnostic methods during the past 10 years has mainly revolved around two aspects, culture and non-culture.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It is important to undertake a systemic evaluation on the condition of the organ recipient before, during and after a transplant; should any risk factor for fungal infection be suspected, diagnosis should be made as early as possible by employing mycological techniques including culture and non-culture methods.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Mycoses , Organ Transplantation , Postoperative ComplicationsABSTRACT
Objective To investigate genetic relationships among five serotypes of two variants of Cryptococcus neoformans. Methods PCR mediated DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) and sequence analysis of 28S rDNA of C. neoformans were performed in ten reference strains, C. neoformans capsular-deficient strain CAP10, and nineteen clinical isolates from non-HIV patients. Results The results of DGGE and analysis of nucleotide sequences of 28S rDNA showed identical patterns and nucleotide sequences in the serotype A and D of C. neoformans var. neoformans, which were distinct from the serotye B and C of C. neoformans var. gattii. The patterns and sequences of serotype AD coincided with those of C. neoformans var. gattii. The patterns and nucleotide sequences of C. neoformans capsular-deficient strain CAP10 (serotype D) and serotype A and D were identical. Of the nineteen clinical isolates, seventeen had patterns of serotype A and D, and the others had patterns of serotype B and C. Conclusions PCR mediated DGGE integrated with sequence analysis of 28S rDNA is a valuable tool for the classification of C. neoformans. The clinical isolate of C. neoformans var. neoformans is predominant in Chinese non-HIV patients. Serotype AD is genetically close to C. neoformans var. gattii rather than C. neoformans var. neoformans. The data seem not to be in favor of previous study that serotype A, C. neoformans var. grubii, is a new variant of C. neoformans.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the sensitivity of combination of itraconazole and amphotericin B to20clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans and their in vitro interactions.Methods The sensitivity of combination of itraconazole and amphotericin B and their in vitro interactions were determined with20clinical isolates of C.neoformans by a checkerboard titration broth microdilution-based method in accord with the recommendations of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards(NCCLS),USA.Results When both drugs were given in combination,there was significant reduction of geometric means of MICs for itraconazole(from0.2730to0.1195?g/mL)and for amphotericin B(from0.6830to0.2102?g/mL).Synergistic effects were found in35%of isolates,additive effects in55%of isolates,and indifferent effects in10%of isolates.Antagonistic effects were not observed.The colony formation unit(cfu)per millilitre was significantly decreased in an isolate which was treated with different concentrations of the combination of both drugs,in comparison to that with the corresponding concentrations of individual drug.Conclusion The combination of itraconazole and amphotericin B is significantly more active against C.neoformans in vitro than individual drug alone.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of compound bifonazole solution for the treatment of superficial mycosis.Methods The study groups were treated with compound bifonazole solution and the control group with clotrimazole solution in a double-blind controlled clinical trial.The solutions were applied to skin lesions once a day.The course of treatment was two weeks for tinea corporis and tinea cruris and four weeks for tinea manus and tinea pedis.The patients were followed up weekly for two weeks after cessation of treatment and evaluated with regard to erythema,papule,blister,scale,keratinization and pruritus.Mycologic examinations were performed before,during and right after treatment and two weeks after treatment.Results A total of434patients participated into the study.The clinical cure rates of study group were82.25%in tinea corporis and tinea cruris,and68.75%tinea manus and tinea pedis,with a total response rates of95.85%and92.5%in tinea corporis and tinea cruris,and92.5%in tinea manus and tinea pedis,respectively.The clinical cure rates of control group were58.6%in tinea corporis and tinea cruris,and44.7%in tinea manus and tinea pedis,with a total response rates of83.0%and87.2%in tinea corporis and tinea cruris,and in tinea manus and tinea pedis,respectively.The MICs to350clinical isolates of pathogenic fungi were1.6~2.5mg/L for compound bifonazole solution,and3.125~25mg/L for clotrimazole solution.Conclusions Compound bifonazole solution is a high-effective,broad-spectrum anti-fungal agent.It is keratolytic,well permeable and safe for relatively long term application.
ABSTRACT
0.05).PZs of clinical and environmental isolates were0.501?0.049and0.565?0.131,respectively(P
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of heat-inactivated Cryptococcus neoformans(H-CN)on an experimental murine model of meningoencephalitis and on IL-1?,IFN-?and TNF-?gene ex-pression on the brain and spleen.Methods An experimental murine model of intracerebral infection with C.neoformans was established.Mice were divided into H-CN-treated group and control group.The brain and spleen of two groups were collected to obtain total RNA,and IL-1?,IFN-?and TNF-?were detected by RT-PCR method.After intracerebral challenging with lethal doses of C.neoformans,the survival time and colony forming units(cfu)of C.neoformans in the brain of two group were observed.Results The survival time was prolonged,and cfu of C.neoformans were decreased in the brain of H-CN-treated group in com-parison with those of control group.Expression of IL-1?was positive,and IFN-?and TNF-?negative in the brain tissue of H-CN-treated mice;while expression of IL-1?,IFN-?and TNF-?was all negative in the control mice,as indicated by RT-PCR.Expression of3cytokines,IL-1?,IFN-?and TNF-?was all positive in the spleen tissue of both groups,suggesting that there was no significant difference in the levels of cytokine gene transcripts in both groups.Conclusion These findings suggest that murine resistance to central nervous system infection of C.neoformans be enhanced by intracerebral administration of H-CN,and anti-cryptococcal mechanism probably involves a local cytokine IL-1?elicitated by H-CN in central nerve system.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the unique DNA profile and the relationship between DNA profile and phenotype of Trichophyton rubrum,and establish an effective molecular method to identify T. rubrum.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three primers, including (GACA)(4), (GTG)(5) and M13 core sequence (5'-GAGGGTG-GCGGTTCT-3'), were used to distinguish variations among 20 clinical isolates of T. rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Different PCR-fingerprinting was seen between T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes using three different primers. 2 stains of T. rubrum were identified among 6 supposed T. mentagrophytes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>T. rubrum can be distinguished using PCR, and (GACA)(4) is the most suitable primer.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , DNA Fingerprinting , Methods , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Methods , Trichophyton , GeneticsABSTRACT
Objectives：To study the molecular mechanism of Cryptococcus neoformans mutation in the production of melanin.Methods：By comparing wild types(Mel+) and mutants(Mel-),we detected C.neoformans mutant laccase (CNLAC1) gene by PCR.We also cloned gene of the CNLAC1 containing about 450bp in length.E.coli DH5α was the host strain for the plasmid containing the DNA clone.Results：No deletion was found in wild type.However,CNLAC1 deletion (about 450 bp) was present (between 1 715 bp and 2 617 bp).CNLAC1 containing about 450 bp in length was cloned successfully.Conclusions：The present study was helpful in the biochemical and molecular study of CNLAC1 mutation.It might also provide us a target gene for the prognosis and gene therapy of Cryptocosis.
ABSTRACT
Cryptococcus neoformans is an important conditional pathogenic fungus;the capsular polysaccharide surrounding its outer wall is the first identified major toxic factor of Cryptococcus neoformans.This review summarizes the progress in the research of capsule characteristics and dynamics of Cryptococcus neoformans,including the structural changes,tissue constitution,development and growth,etc,hoping to provide a basis and new ideas for studying Cryptococcus neoformans related diseases.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the interaction between antifungal drugs to yeasts in vitro.Methods The in vitro interaction of antifungal drugs was detected with checkerboard microdilution method based on M27-A of NCCLS for28strains of yeasts.Results There was a significant reduction in the geometric means of MICs by the combinations of antifungal drugs to the yeasts compared with the individual agents(P
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the viability of Cryptococcus in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with cryptococcal meningitis.Methods Electron microscopy,animal inocul ation and neutral red staining of the cere-brospinal fluid specimens were empl oyed.Results Transmission electron microscopy r evealed intact cells and budding cells of cryptococcus which appeared frequently during the early treatment.Edema of cytoplasm and d isar-rangement of structure of capsule we re often found during the later thera py.All mice inoculated experimenta lly with the cerebrospinal fluid specimens were positive on direct examination b ut negative in routine culture were i nfected.A definite number of deep blood-red fu ngal cells were observed in many spec imens.Conclusion These findings add a new approach for dynamic studying o f the viability of Cryptococcus in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Crypto-coccal meningitis and provide an imp ortant parameter for evaluating therapeutic effect.
ABSTRACT
Objective To report a case of disseminated cryptococcosis with cutaneous manifestations and osteomyelitis. Methods and Results A 33 year old female was admitted due to multiple nodules and ulcers on the upper arms, shoulders, buttocks and thighs for one year. The patient was pregnant when admitted, and gave birth to a premature baby during her illness. The nodules increased half a month after delivery, which was suspected to be hematogenously disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis and was given anti tuberculous therapy for three months but failed. Physical examination showed there were 39 nodules or ulcers on the face, gum, trunk, buttocks and extre mities. The bone structure of the left tibia and fibula destroyed and a sinus developed on the left fibula. Microbiologic examination showed that lots of spores were seen in the smear of pus and necrotic tissues, which produced yeast like colonies in culture with positive urease and caffeic acid test. Cryptococcus neoformans, serotype A was identified by API yeast reaction band and serology. Inoculation with mice and rats showed that their brains, lungs and livers were involved easily. Further identification as C.neoformans var.neoformans was obtained based on sequence analysis of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region 2. The anti tuberculous therapy was stopped and anti fungal therapy was initiated at once. Intravenous and topical amphotericin B in combination with fluconazole were chosen in the initial therapy and itraconazole for maintenance. The nodules disappeared after 30 days and the last ulcer in the left tibia healed completely after 200 days. The anti fungal therapy was discontinued after 277 days and the patient was completely cured.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the DNA typing, observe relationship between DNA fingerprinting patterns and serotypes of Cryptococcus neoformans, and find a suitable genotyping standard for Cryptococcus neoformans. Methods Three primers, including CN 1(GTG) 5, CN 2(GACA) 4 and CN 3(GATA) 4, were used to distinguish variations among strains of C.neoformans. Results The distinguishable fingerprinting bands for serotype of C.neoformans were yielded by primer CN 2. Using this primer, of 24 clinical and environmental isolates of serotype A of C.neoformans and 8 standard strains investigated by PCR, 20 strains produced complete identical fingerprinting patterns, the other 4 strains had different fingerprinting patterns. 2 strains of serotype B and C yielded indistinguishable fingerprinting patterns. Conclusions ①The majority of strains of serotype A had similar and stable fingerprinting patterns. ②Some strains of serotype B and C had an indistinguishable fingerprinting patterns. ③The same serotype strains from different sources may produce different DNA fingerprinting patterns. ④The DNA fingerprinting is a rapid, simple and feasible method for identifying Cryptococcus neoformans.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the mechanism of Cryptococcus neoformans mutant in CNLAC1and investigate the difference of CNLAC1between wild type(Mel+ )and the mutant (Mel- ).Methods The ab-normal PCR DNA product of Cryptococcus neoformans was cloned into sequencing vector PG EM-T for se-quencing.An expression vector was c onstructed for efficient expressio n in E.coli DH 5? .The gene was sequenced.Results The cloned DNA sequence was found to b e different between wild type(Mel+)and the mutant (Mel-)(between 1715bp and 2617bp).The differences were not only in len gth,but also in base sequence.Con-clusion The mechanism of the mutant in CNLAC1might be a change of sequence(between 1715bp and 2617bp),and not a DNA deletion.This finding might provide us a target gene for the prognosis and treatment of cryptococcosis.
ABSTRACT
To screen specific DNA probes by double hybridization from the constructed DNA li- brary of serotype A Cryptococcus neoformans.On the basis of the nucleotide sequence of vector pUC18, a pair of primers was synthesized.The insert fragments were amplified from the library on a PCR pro- cessor.The PCR products were spotted onto hybond-N~+ membranes.All inserts amplified from the ge- nomic library by PCR were screened by dot blot with 26 ~(32)P-labelled DNA from infectious agents for dif- ferentiation and from healthy persons.Twenty-eight candidate clones were obtained.The twenty-eight clone inserts got from low melting point agar were further characterized by dot blot with above 27 kinds of DNA for differentiation.Three specific DNA probes from the library of serotype A Cryptococcus neo- formans were obtained.Colony pCNIIA6 was serotype A-specific,which gave signals only with sertype A strain and did not cross hybridize with other DNAs.Colony pCNIIB5 was species-specific which gave signals only with DNA from Cryptococcus neoformans.Colony pCNIIIG1 was specific for var.neofor- mans,which gave signals only with serotype A and D strains.We can make a rapid diagnosis of Crypto- coccus neoformans infection at an early stage and distinguish the variants of C.neoformans and C.gattii using above specific probes.