[Evaluation of anti-Candida properties of cationic peptides derived from Rana ridibunda skin]

Background: Antimicrobial peptides with relative length [2-100 amino acids] and positive charge [pure charge [+9]-[+2]] are amphiphilic that isolated from a wide range of animals. Recently, these peptides have been known as a part of innate immune response. Nowadays, more than 500 antimicrobial peptides from animals have been reported

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-Candida effects of cationic peptides derived from Rana ridibunda skin

Methods: In this study, using alcohol-acid technique, peptides of frog's skin were isolated and purified by Sep-Pack and Sephadex column. Then the anti-Candida activity [Fluconazole Resistance C. albicans, Fluconazole Sensitive C. albicans, and C. glabrata] of the peptides in different concentrations were evaluated

Results: Regarding to statistical analysis, peptides in concentration ranging from 25 to 100 micro g/ml had the most anti-Candida activities. In respect to different understudy Candida species, these agents had the less effect on the Fluconazole Resistance C. albicans [p<0.05]

Conclusions: The anti-Candida effects of cationic peptide obtained from frog skin are approved in this study

[Chemical composition and anti-candida activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil on azoles resistant Candida albicans isolates from oral cavity of HIV+ patients]

Oral candidiasis, caused by Candida albicans, is one of the most common infections in immunocompromised patients, especially in HIV+ individuals. The aims of this study were to evaluate the susceptibility of C. albicans isolates to azole drugs and Trachyspermum ammi essential oil. Oral swabs were cultured from 70 HIV+ patients and In order to identify and confirm of C. albicans isolates, Chrom agar, Corn meal agar, germ tube production, carbohydrate assimilation, growth at 45[degree sign]C and PCR were performed. Sensivity to fluconazol, ketoconazole and clotrimazol were assessed by disc diffusion and also the effect of T. ammi essential oil was determined by disc diffusion and microdilution broth methods. The causative agent, in 50 patients with oral candidiasis, was C. albicans [71.4%]. In sensivity determination survey to antifungal drugs, the resistance of isolates to fluconazole, ketoconazole and clotrimazole were determined 32%, 28% and 14%, respectively. In disc diffusion, all isolates have an acceptable sensivity at 10 - 20 micro L of the oil and 30 micro L inhibit the growth completely in plate. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrsation [MIC] by microdilution broth method was 500ppm and 750ppm in 72% and 28% of isolates, respectively, and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration[MFC] in 70% of isolates were 750ppm and for the rest of the isolates [30%] were 1000ppm. We conclude that use of this native plant, as an antifungal compound, could act as a treatment of the patients with mucosal candidiasis, beside of other drugs in to the future

[Growth inhibition and morphological alterations to Penicellium citrinium in response to Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil]

The growing interest in substitution of chemical food preservative with natural ones has fostered researches on plant essential oils and extracts. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on growth respose, the percent of growth inhibitory and morphology of Penicellium citrinum. Different concentrations of the essential oil [0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600 ad 1000 ppm] were used in agar dilution method to evaluate growth and spore production parameters. The cultured mold were studied by scanning electron microscope. Values among groups were compared using 1-way ANOVA. It was found that the effect of different concentrations of essential oil on radial growth and sporulation was statistically significant [p<0.05]. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum fungicidal concentration [MFC] both were 400ppm. According to scaning electron microscopy the treatment with the oil led to alterations in hyphal morphology. Our results suggest that Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil can be used as a natural preservative against Pencillium citrinum in foods

[Comparision of auricle and external ear canal fungal flora between healthy domestic short-hair and Persian cats]

Fungal agents are considered as one of the most prevalent organisms in external otitis. The aim of this study was to compare the fungal flora of external ear canal and concave surface of auricle in healthy Persian and Domestic Short Hair [DSH] cats. Samples were collected from 120 healthy cats [60 Persians and 60 DSH] with swab and cellophane tape. Out of 103 [85.8%] organisms isolated from cats, 83 [80.6%] were identified as molds. infection with Dermatophytes were detected in 3 [5%] samples. Yeasts were also present in 20 [19.4%] cats. Based on the results of this study there wasn't any significant difference in fungal flora of the ear canal between Persian and DSH cats. Ear canal and pinna in most of healthy cats harbor fungal filamentous and yeast organisms that maybe pathogenic in suitable conditions. Furthermore dermatophyte organisms in apparently healthy cats can be transmitted to their owners

Effects of Zataria multiflora and Geranium pelargonium essential oils on growth-inhibiting of some toxigenic fungi

The effects of two Iranian medicinal plants including Zataria multiflora and Geranium pelargonium were evaluated on growth-inhibiting of some toxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. ochraceus and Fusarium verticillioides. In this study, standard Z. multiflora and G. pelargonium essential oils [EOs] were diluted in 0.01% dimethyl sulfoxide. Different dilutions of Z. multiflora [500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 ppm] and G. pelargonium EOs [1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 ppm] along with 0.1 ml of each fungal suspension were inoculated onto sabouraud glucose agar and incubated at 25 [degree sign] C for 7 days. Zataria multiflora [>/= 2000 ppm] and G. pelargonium [>/= 8000 ppm] EOs completely inhibited all the tested fungi. Aspergillus species were more susceptible than F. verticillioides to two EOs. The EOs considerably exhibited inhibitory effects against these important toxigenic fungi and their different concentrations demonstrated various degrees of growth inhibition. This study showed inhibitory effects of Z. multiflora and G. pelargonium EOs against some toxigenic fungi including A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. ochraceus and F. verticillioides

Socioeconomic disparities and smoking habits in metabolic syndrome: evidence from Isfahan healthy heart program

The metabolic syndrome [Mets] consists of major clustering of cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors. This study determines the association of socioeconomic determinants and smoking behavior in a population-based sample of Iranians with Mets. This cross-sectional survey comprised 12600 randomly selected men and women aged >/= 19 years living in three counties in central part of Iran. They participated in the baseline survey of a community-based program for CVD prevention entitled" Isfahan Healthy Heart Program" in 2000-2001. Subjects with Mets were selected based on NCEP- ATPIII criteria. Demographic data, medical history, lifestyle, smoking habits, physical examination, blood pressure, obesity indices and serum lipids were determined. The mean age of subjects with Mets was significantly higher. The mean age of smokers in both groups was higher than non-smokers but with lower WC and WHR. Marital status, age and residency were not significantly different in smokers with Mets and non-smokers with Mets. Smoking was more common in the middle educational group in the income category of Quartile 1-3. Mets was significantly related to age, sex and education. Middle-aged and elderly smokers were at approximately 4-5 times higher risk among Mets subjects. Low education decreased the risk of Mets by 0.48; similarly in non-smokers, 6-12 years of education decreased the risk of Mets by 0.72. More educated persons had a better awareness and behavior related to their health and role of smoking. In the lower social strata of the Iranian population, more efforts are needed against smoking habits

Fungal flora isolated from the skin of healthy dromedary camels [Camel us dromedarius]

Hair samples from 58 healthy camels were examined for the presence of saprophytic fungi. One -hundred and seventy-four samples were obtained from three different locations of dromedary camel's body. Several fungal specific media were used for isolating and identifying the saprophytes. Fungal isolates belonged to 15 genera. The most common in order of frequency were members of the genera Aspergillus [48% of the total examined camels], Penicillium [16.1%], Mucor [14.2%], Alternaria alternata [5.6%], Rhizopus [3.1%], Chrysosporium [2.7%], Acremonium [1.1%], Scoupolariopsis [1%], Cladosporium [0.8%], Fusarium, Psuedallescheria boydii and Stachybotrys atra [0.2%]. The highest frequently yeasts isolated were related to Candida species [6%], followed by Geotrichum candidum [0.6%] and Malassezia species [0.2%]. Skin infections caused by any of the contaminants were not encountered. The study demonstrates that Aspergillus, Penicillium and Mucor species were the common components of healthy camel skin mycoflora, and that camel hair analyzed in this study was free from true dermatophyte

comparative study of digestive tract mycoflora of broilers with layers

Fungal agents, especially yeasts, are resident in digestive system as microflora and they can invade the mucosal tract in animals with predisposing factors. The prevalence of the resident fungal flora in the digestive tract of healthy broilers and layers during April to September 2008 was investigated. The samples were taken from the preventriculus, jejunum and cecum contents of 120 birds and cultured on Sabouraud glucose agar. Both filamentous fungus and yeasts were isolated and a predominance of the Candida species was found, followed by Trichosporon beigelii, Geotrichum candidum, Rhodotorula rubra and Saccharomyces cerevisiae species, which were found in 84.6%, 5.5%, 4.6%, 3.3% and 0.5% of cultures, respectively. Among the yeast isolates, Candida albicans [45.8%] was the most prevalent fungal agent, representing a significant proportion when compared to the other fungal isolates [P<0.05]. The frequency of the yeast in the layers' digestive tract was significantly higher than that found in the broilers [P<0.05]. Mycological examination revealed the highest numbers of yeasts in the cecum and lower numbers in the jejunum and preventriculus in two breeds

Aflatoxin detoxification in rice using citric acid

Aflatoxins cause health hazards to human and animals and has also economical problems. Therefore, the detoxification effect of citric acid was investigated in rice as the main food of Iranian people. Initially 275 samples of rice were examined for aflatoxins by HPLC. The aflatoxins contaminated samples were later treated by aqueous citric acid and detoxification of aflatoxins were quantified using HPLC. Among the 275 samples analyzed, aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2 were detected in 211 [76.72% of total] samples. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in 203 [73.82% of total] samples with a mean and standard deviation of 2.3 +/- 10.21ppb. Aflatoxin B2 together with aflatoxin B1 were detected in only 8 [2.91% of total] samples with a mean and standard deviation of 1.38 +/- 2.7ppb of aflatoxin B2 and 2.99 +/- 1.56 of aflatoxin B1 respectively. Aflatoxin B1 level in 5 samples [1.82%] was above the maximum tolerated level of aflatoxin B1 in Iran [5ppb]. However considering the Iranian maximum tolerated level for aflatoxins in rice [30ppb], only 3 [1.09%] samples were above the 30ppb and also in regard to the European maximum tolerated level for aflatoxins in rice [4ppb], only 9 [3.27%] samples were considered as higher than 4ppb. The HPLC assay showed that although aflatoxins with a concentration of<30 and<4 ppb in the rice samples were completely degraded, but 97.22% degradation occurred in rice contaminated with 30 and 4ppb when treated with 1N citric acid. These results revealed the efficacy of 1N citric acid in reducing aflatoxins levels in rice

Common environmental allergenic fungi causing respiratory allergy in North of Iran

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify airborne fungi from locations in Babol city, Babolkenar forest and a beach on the Caspian Sea [all in North part of Iran] in spring and summer. Of 126 samples collected, the most clinically important isolated fungi were Mucor spp. [18.6%] in the forest, Alternaria spp. [13.4%] at the beach; and Cladophialophora spp. [15.8%], Mucor spp. [11.7%] and Alternaria spp. [10.6%] in the urban areas. Non-sporulating fungal isolates were grouped in Mycelia sterilia. The concentration of air spora in the forest location was significantly greater than the other locations [p<0.05]. In this study, the highest quantities of isolated fungi were found in the summer. The results showed that Alternaria spp., Clodophialophora spp. and Mucor spp. were the most predominant fungi isolated in the different locations. Since some allergenic fungi have been shown to play a role in the appearance of clinical signs in allergic conditions, the results of this study can be used by physicians and veterinarians for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies

Microsporum canis infection in a red fox [Vulpes vulpes]

A 3-month-old male red fox that was in contact with a Persian cat referred to the small animal hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran with multi-focal circular non-pruritic skin lesions and hair loss mainly on the head and extremities. A complete series of dermatologic tests such as Wood's light examination, direct microscopic examination, and fungal culture were performed. The isolated pathogen was identified as Microsporum canis. The animal was treated using topical and systemic ketoconazole for 4 weeks. After treatment, the lesions were completely disappeared, and there was no recurrence of skin lesions during the follow-up period. It should be noted that asymptomatic cats may carry M. canis, thus may increase the risk of fungal infections for their owners and other pets as well. This is the first documented report of M. canis infection and its treatment in a red fox

Mycological and histopathological findings of experimental disseminated candidiasis in dogs

Disseminated candidiasis is an opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed animals by Candida species. The purposes of this study were to determine the predominant candidal forms in different tissues and tissue reactions. Sixteen dogs were selected in this study. The treatment dogs were immunosuppressed by intravenous administration of cyclophosphamide and after 5 days, they were challenged with 1 _ 10[5] blastospores of C. albicans by intravenous injection. Both mycological and histopathological examinations were performed for detection of Candida in various tissues. The results showed that the highest counts of C. albicans were recovered from the lungs, followed by the kidneys, heart and liver on day 2 after challenge. The presence of yeast mixed with hyphal forms of C. albicans was confirmed in all tissues. In most tissues, the yeast cells of Candida were predominant, whereas hyphal forms, particularly true hyphae, were mostly found in the brain and eyes

[Effects of eucalyptus globules labill essential oil on some immunological variables of common carp [cyprinus carpio]]

Influence of both dietary and bath administration of Eucalyptus globules labill was evaluated on some immunological variables of common carp [Cyprinus carpio] under temperature less than optimum in order to determine stimulatory effect of the essential oils. Fish weighing 30-35 g were bathed or fed with different doses of 30, 60 and 120 micro/L or mg/kg feed for a period of 8 days. Serum lysozyme activity, bactericidal activity, total white blood cells, total protein, globulin and albumin were measured on days 1, 2, 8, 15 and 23 after the essential oils administration. On day 23 post administration the remaining fish from each group were intraperitonealy injected with killed Aeromonas hydrophila [6x10[8] cells/ml] and antibody titer was measured 3 weeks later. The obtained results showed that Eucalyptus globules had a limited immunostimulatory effect on these immunological variables although antibody titers and total white blood cells in some test groups were significantly [p<0.05] higher than the control one. The reduction of the immunological factors is probably related to the lower water temperature, inappropriate administrating dose and duration of essential oils administration

Presentation of dermatophyte lesions on different sites of adult cattle

Seventy cattle suspected to dermatophytosis were examined between March and April 2003. The samples were taken from different lesions by scraping method. Direct microscopic examination and culture were carried out. The mean of infection duration was 2 weeks. Forty-three cases were appeared with positive clinical signs of dermatophytosis and 27 cases were asymptomatic. The etiologic agent of the infection was only Trichophyton verrucosum. A significant relation was observed between the frequency of head and neck lesions and other sites. There was a significant difference between the frequency of head lesions and other sites. Since human dermatophyte infections due to Trichophyton verrucosum have been reported repeatedly in Iran, it is necessary to design a preventive program such as developing an effective vaccine against dermatophytosis into the future

unusual case of nasal mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a German shepherd dog

This study represents an unusual case of mucormycosis localized in nasal cavity of a German shepherd dog. The patient was a 1-year-old male guard dog with unilateral nasal epistaxis, mucopurulent nasal discharge, sneezing and nose pawing. The dog had a history of head trauma about 2 months before admission, which was associated with mild self-limited epistaxis. Initial nasal rhinoscopy showed severe turbinate destruction. The samples of nasal discharge were collected by nasal flush technique and submitted to the Central Laboratory of School of Veterinary Medicine in Tehran for routine cytological, mycological and bacteriological examinations. Direct microscopic examination with 10% KOH/DMSO wet mount revealed the fragments of non-septate hyphae. The fungus was recovered in culture and identified as Rhizopus oryzae. This case showed that the veterinary practitioners should be aware of the possibility of localized nasal mucormycosis when examining dogs with chronic nasal discharge

[Comparision of MICs of some Iranian herbal essences against azole resistance and azole susceptible of candida albicans]

Candida albicans is the most important species, cause candida infections. The common forms of candidiasis are cutaneous and mucosal candidiasis, include oral [thrush], Vaginal candidiasis and onychomycosis. Different studies showed the drug resistance between candida albicans isolates, so it seems necessary to find replacement treatment for prevention of this resistance, side effects and avoidance of recurrent infection. Aim of this study is to determine of MICs of three essences against candida albicans isolates. Also, we compared the effects of essences between azole resistance and azole susceptible isolates. In this study, 30 candida albicans isolates [16 azole resistance and 14 azole susceptible isolates] obtained from oral, vaginal and nails of patients with candidiasis were evaluated. In order to determine of susceptibility of Zataria multiflora, Geranium herbarum and Artemisia sieberi essences against candida albicans, Macrodilution broth Serial dilution of essences was prepared in sabouraud glucose broth tubes. Essences were solved in DMSO [0.12] as solvent. The same solvent at an appropriate concentration was used as a control [with and without organisms]. After inoculation, incubation and subculture, MICs, compared to control tubes were determined. The obtained results of MICs for Zataria multiflora, Geranium herbarum and Artemisia sieberi were between 0.11-0.25 micro l/ml [mean: 0.18 micro l/ml], 0.4-1.25 micro l/ml [mean: 0.83 micro l/mI] and 0.62-1.25 micro l/ml [mean: 1.4 micro l/ml], respectively. Also, there are not significant differences in MICs of these essences against azole resistance and azole susceptible isolates. We conclude that anti-candida activity of three herbal essences under study, against azole resistance and azole susceptible isolates were similar. With attention to resistance of different candida albicans to synthetic and chemical antifungals, these herbal essences are safe replacement treatments for cutaneous and mucosal candidia infections

[ comparative study of mycoflora of Iranian and imported soybeans]

The natural occurrence of fungal contamination was evaluated in stored soybeans in different agro-ecological zones. Of 30 samples examined, fungal contaminations were positive in 25.9 percent and 74.1 percent of Iranian and imported soybeans [p<0.05]. The total fungal CFU/g counts were calculated 6.3 * 10[2] in Iranian and 18 * 10[2] in imported samples. The most frequent isolated fungi from soybeans originated from Iran and imported were Aspergillus spp. [59.7, 58.6 percent], Penicillium spp. [26.8, 27.3 percent], and Fusarium spp. [13.5, 14 percent], respectively. Soybeans with a high incidence of diverse species of fungi to need for proper surveillance and monitoring for the prevention of fungal and mycotoxin contaminations

Evaluation of the effects of Zataria multiflora, Geranium elargonium, Myrth and Lemon essences on immune system function in experimental animals

The effects of some Iranian herbal essences have been evaluated on the function of immune system using experimental animals. Rabbits received Zataria multiflora, Geranium pelargonium, Myrth, Lemon essences and normal saline [control group], 6 times with 6 days of interval. Five days after the last injection of the essences, Candida albicans antigens were injected into all the animals. Phagocytosis and killing assays and lymphocyte transformation test [LTT] were carried out on blood samples. The cellular immunity was significantly stimulated against C. albicans antigens and Con-canavalin A [Con-A] mitogen in animals that injected subcutaneously with Z. multiflora and G. pelargonium in comparison with the control group, whereas Myrth essence had no considerable effect and Lemon essence suppressed the cellular responses. Zataria multiflora, Myrth and Lemon essences stimulated innate immunity when injected subcutaneously, whereas G. pelargonium essence had no significant effect. Humoral responses to Candida antigens were significantly decreased in animals injected with Lemon essence as compared to other essences [p < 0.05]

Isolation and identification of parasite and saprophyte fungi from fungal affected eggs of the rainbow trout [oncorhynchus mykiss] in Mazandaran province

The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify parasites and saprophytes from fungal affected eggs of Rainboe trout.The samples[n = 900] were obtained from six fish farm and transferred to mycology laboratory in stril tubes. The samples were inoculated in cculture media, [SDA, CMA, GPagar and hemp seeds cultures] at room temperature [18-24 C]. Twelve species of fungi isolated from the fungal eggs. Three isolated fungi were belonged to the saprolegniaceas' family including: Saprolegnia parasitica, Saprolegnia sp., Achlya sp. Other nine fungi were: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Paeciliomyces, Acremonium, Fusarium oxysporum, F.solani, Alternaria, Mucor and Helminthosporium. In this study three species of pathogenic aquatic fungi were Saprolegnia parasitica, Saprolegnia sp., Achlya sp. It seems that saprolegnia parasitica was the most important fungal egg infestation in Mazandaran salmonid hatcheries. Meanwhile, saprophytic fungi can help for spreading of fungal egg infection

Identification of Isolated fungi from different lesions of birds with aspergillosis referred to mycology research center, faculty of veterinary medicine, university of Tehran [1991-2003]

In this study, the samples of 263 birds suspected to Aspergillosis were examined by direct microscopy, culture and histopathological methods. Of 263 affected birds, 185[85.3%], 23[79.3%], and 12[70.6%]were infected to pulmonary, ocular, and skin Aspergillosis, respectively. The most frequent aspergillus species were A.fumigatus[70.4%], and then A.flavus[22.7%], A.niger[3.6%], A.terreus[2.3%], and A.ustus[0.9%]. Chickens were the most affected birds[85%]. Aspergillus flavus was the most frequent pathogenic isolate in canary[61.5%]. Young birds were most involved with pulmonary lesions[96.1%], whereas the ocular and skin lesions were mainly observed in adults. Regarding to high prevalence of different Aspergillus species in the environment and contaminated feedstuffs, it should be considered to plan a program to prevent the growth of these pathogens in breeding poultry