Interpretation of 2022 World Health Organization fungal priority pathogens list / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

The global morbidity of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) tends to increase, especially in immunocompromised people.Due to the atypical symptoms, unclear etiological mechanism, and emerging antifungal resistance, IFD challenge current clinical diagnosis and treatment.The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the first WHO fungal priority pathogens list in 2022.The most concerning fungal pathogens were listed and summarized to promote further understanding of the epidemiology of IFD and antifungal drug resistance.It is hoped to provide a basis for the prevention and interventions of IFD.

Síndrome destructivo de línea media secundario a infección por Paracoccidioides sp. Reporte de un caso

El síndrome destructivo de línea media es un grupo de enfermedades inflamatorias y tumorales destructivas del área centrofacial, entre las cuales la paracoccidioidomicosis es una de las etiologías a considerar en los países del trópico. La paracoccidioidomicosis es causada por hongos del género Paracoccidioides. Su forma de blastoconidia favorece la diseminación hematógena, afectando diversos tejidos como glándulas suprarrenales, tejido retículo-endotelial o mucosa oral, esta última donde puede manifestarse como un síndrome destructivo de línea media. Presentamos un caso de paracoccidioidomicosis con afección en cavidad oral, el cual debutó como un síndrome destructivo de línea media crónico, asociado a compromiso grave de la vía aérea que requirió manejo quirúrgico por riesgo de obstrucción y presentó mejoría con manejo antimicótico sistémico.

Summary Midline destructive disease is a group of severe and destructive inflammatory and tumor diseases of the midface area, among which paracoccidioidomycosis is one of the main etiologies in tropical countries. Paracoccidioidomycosis is an endemic mycosis caused by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. Its blastoconidia form favors hematogenous spread, affecting various tissues such as adrenal glands, reticulo-endothelial tissue, or oral mucosa, where it can manifest as a destructive midline syndrome. We present a case of paracoccidioidomycosis with affection in the oral cavity, which debuted as a chronic midline destructive disease with sever airway compromise that required surgical treatment for the risk of obstruction of the airway. The patient received systemic treatment with good response.

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis: the importance of early diagnosis

Abstract The species of the Cryptococcus neoformans complex show different epidemiological patterns in the infection of immunosuppressed or immunocompetent individuals, and a common tropism peculiarity for the central nervous system. Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis is a rare clinical entity, with manifestations that are initially restricted to the skin through fungal inoculation, and the absence of systemic disease. The authors report in the present study the case of a 61-year-old immunocompetent man, with a rapidly evolving mucoid tumor on abrasions in contact with bird droppings on the forearm. The early identification of the polymorphic skin manifestations and treatment are crucial for the favorable prognosis of the infection, which can be life-threatening.

Efecto del glifosato sobre la microbiota, calidad del suelo y cultivo de frijol biofortificado en el departamento del Cesar, Colombia / Effect of glyphosate on microbiota, soil quality and biofortified bean crop in Codazzi, department of Cesar, Colombia

Resumen Las estrategias en seguridad alimentaria con cultivos de alto contenido nutricionaldeben enmarcarse en prácticas agrícolas sostenibles, orientadas a la conservación del suelo, elalto rendimiento y la inocuidad. Esta última característica implica la producción de alimentos sintrazas detectables de agroquímicos, los que podrían amenazar la salud del consumidor. Se des-arrolló un estudio con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto del herbicida glifosato sobre la fertilidadquímica y microbiológica del suelo, así como su residualidad en la semilla de frijol biofortificadocultivado en el departamento de Cesar, Colombia. La metodología comprendió un análisis corre-lacional de indicadores de calidad de suelo, rendimiento del cultivo y residualidad en los granos.Los tratamientos evaluados incluyeron la aplicación o no de glifosato, el uso de coberturas sin-téticas (mulch) o naturales, frente al control manual de las malezas. Se hallaron diferenciasde rendimiento y de la respuesta de los indicadores químicos y microbiológicos en función deltratamiento y las condiciones iniciales de la rizósfera de frijol. La aplicación del herbicida glifo-sato en suelo sin mulch generó una disminución del 29% en el rendimiento, asociada a la mayorprevalencia de plagas y enfermedades fúngicas. En ninguno de los tratamientos con aplicaciónde glifosato se observó residualidad de este herbicida en semillas, pero sí de otras moléculasderivadas de insecticidas usados en el sistema local de producción. De este estudio se concluyóque en lotes de frijol biofortificado con alta presión de la maleza Cyperus rotundus (coquito), se recomienda el uso del herbicida glifosato acompañado de mulch como alternativa para mantener la productividad en el tiempo. Esto constituye un sistema de protección frente al efectonegativo del herbicida sobre ambos, el sistema radical de la planta y la microbiota del suelo.© 2019 Asociacion Argentina de Microbiologıa. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. Este es un artıculo Open Access bajo la licencia CC BY-NC-ND (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Abstract Strategies aimed at achieving food safety in crops of high nutritional value shouldbe carried out through sustainable agricultural practices aimed at soil conservation, high yieldand food safety. This latter characteristic implies food production without detectable tracesof agrochemicals that threaten health. The objective of this study was to assess the effect ofthe herbicide glyphosate on the chemical and biological fertility of the soil and to determineits residual activity on biofortified bean seeds in Codazzi, Department of Cesar, Colombia. Themethod included a correlational analysis of soil quality, crop yield and residuality in bean grains.The treatments included glyphosate application and synthetic and natural mulches, comparedto manual control. The results showed differences in the response of chemical, microbiologicaland yield indicators between treatments and the initial conditions of the bean rhizosphere. Theuse of the herbicide glyphosate in mulch-free soil generates yield losses of 29% associated witha higher incidence of pests and fungal diseases; in all treatments, no glyphosate residualitywas detected in seeds; however, residuality was detected in other molecules derived frominsecticides associated with the local production system. In conclusion, in plots with high weedpressure by Cyperus rotundus, the use of mulch is recommended as an alternative to maintainbean productivity over time; by offering protection against the effect of the herbicide on boththe root system of the plant and the soil microbiota of the biofortified bean crop.© 2019 Asociaci´on Argentina de Microbiolog´ıa. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is anopen access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Fatal systemic Mortierella wolfii infection in a neonatal calf in southern Brazil / Infecção sistêmica fatal por Mortierella wolfii em um bezerro neonato na região Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT: This study described the pathological and microbiological aspects of a fatal systemic Mortierella wolfii infection in a neonatal calf in southern Brazil. The calf was born clinically normal, but on the third day of life it presented apathy, unilateral hypopyon, and neurological signs, and in the next day it was euthanized. At necropsy, multiple soft, and white-yellow nodules were observed in the liver, spleen, kidneys, mesenteric lymph nodes, heart, and lungs. In the brain, reddish, and friable areas were found. In the eye, there were anterior and posterior synechiae, diffuse thickening of choroid, and anterior chamber filled by whitish and friable material. Microscopically, areas of necrosis, pyogranulomatous inflammation, vasculitis, thrombosis, and intralesional fungal hyphae were observed, and the latter were better evidenced through Grocott Methenamine Silver technique. The fungus was identified as M. wolfii through mycological culture and molecular methods. To our knowledge, this is the first description of systemic disease caused by M. wolfii in a neonatal calf outside of Oceania.

RESUMO: Descrevem-se os aspectos patológicos e microbiológicos de uma infecção sistêmica fatal por Mortierella wolfii em um bezerro neonato na região Sul do Brasil. O bezerro nasceu clinicamente normal, porém no terceiro dia de vida apresentou apatia, hipópion unilateral e sinais neurológicos, e no dia seguinte foi submetido à eutanásia. Na necropsia, foram observados múltiplos nódulos macios e branco-amarelados no fígado, baço, rins, linfonodos mesentéricos, coração e pulmões. No encéfalo, havia áreas avermelhadas e friáveis. No olho, notou-se sinéquia anterior e posterior, espessamento difuso da coroide, e câmara anterior preenchida por material brancacento e friável. Histologicamente, foram observadas áreas de necrose, inflamação piogranulomatosa, vasculite, trombose e hifas fúngicas intralesionais, que foram melhor visualizadas por meio da técnica de Prata Metenamina de Grocott. O fungo foi identificado como M. wolfii por meio da cultura micológica e técnicas moleculares. Com base no conhecimento dos autores, este é o primeiro relato de doença sistêmica causada por M. wolfii em um bezerro neonato fora da Oceania.

Correlation between Morphological Architecture of Rice Seed and Transmission of Fungal Pathogens

A total of ten rice (Oryza sativa L) seed samples of variety BR 28 were collected from the farmers of (Salakandi, Boira) Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Prevalence of fungi was recorded as Bipolaris oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium moniliforme, through blotter test. Statistically B. oryzae was recorded as the highest prevalent fungus in all the seed samples of various architectural categories of seeds such as large (14.5%), medium (9.5%), small (11.5%) followed by (14.5%) and (4.5%), respectively in shriveled and chaffy seeds. While in large, medium and small seeds F. moniliforme was recorded significantly as the least prevalent pathogen. The effect of colour on the transmission of B. oryzae was recorded as the highest in number in case of bright seeds (8.5%) and spotted seeds (dark brown) (17.5%). The effect of smooth and rough surface on the prevalence of fungal pathogen B. oryzae was recorded as the highest in number in case of awnned seed (21.5%), smooth surface (12.25%) and rough surface seeds (18.5%). The regression equations of the fungal pathogens indicate that the morphological architecture of the seeds shape & size, colour and smooth and roughness significantly correlated with the transmission of pathogens Statistically, the highest germination of seeds was recorded in the medium sized (83.5%). The highest germination of seed was recorded in the spotted seed (69.5%). The minimum germination of seed was recorded in the bright colour seed. The highest germination of seed was recorded in the awnned seed (59.5%) followed by smooth surface (37.5%) and rough surface (53.5%). These results obviously indicate the tangible effect of the seed architecture at the transmission of the fungal pathogens affecting the planting value as well as germination of the rice seeds.

Clinical risk score for invasive fungal diseases in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy: China Assessment of Antifungal Therapy in Hematological Diseases (CAESAR) study / 医学前沿

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a major infectious complication in patients with hematological malignancies. In this study, we examined 4889 courses of chemotherapy in patients with hematological diseases to establish a training dataset (n = 3500) by simple random sampling to develop a weighted risk score for proven or probable IFD through multivariate regression, which included the following variables: male patients, induction chemotherapy for newly diagnosed or relapsed disease, neutropenia, neutropenia longer than 10 days, hypoalbuminemia, central-venous catheter, and history of IFD. The patients were classified into three groups, which had low (0-10, ~1.2%), intermediate (11-15, 6.4%), and high risk ( > 15, 17.5%) of IFD. In the validation set (n = 1389), the IFD incidences of the groups were ~1.4%, 5.0%, and 21.4%. In addition, we demonstrated that antifungal prophylaxis offered no benefits in low-risk patients, whereas benefits were documented in intermediate (2.1% vs. 6.6%, P = 0.007) and high-risk patients (8.4% vs. 23.3%, P = 0.007). To make the risk score applicable for clinical settings, a pre-chemo risk score that deleted all unpredictable factors before chemotherapy was established, and it confirmed that anti-fungal prophylaxis was beneficial in patients with intermediate and high risk of IFD. In conclusion, an objective, weighted risk score for IFD was developed, and it may be useful in guiding antifungal prophylaxis.

Evaluación de la indicación, consumo y costos de antifúngicos en un hospital pediátrico de Chile / Evaluation of the prescription, consumption and costs of antifungal drugs in a pediatric hospital in Chile

Resumen Introducción: El incremento de la enfermedad fúngica invasora (EFI) en pacientes inmunocomprometidos ha conducido a la frecuente prescripción de fármacos altamente activos pero de elevado costo económico. Objetivo: Caracterizar el uso de antifúngicos, evaluar su indicación y determinar consumo y costos asociados. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, desde enero de 2015 a abril de 2016. Auditoría de prescripciones y revisión de fichas clínicas; cada prescripción se clasificó de acuerdo a si correspondía a una EFI posible, probable o probada. Se calcularon consumos y costos de tratamientos. Resultados: Se auditaron 152 prescripciones de antifúngicos en 79 pacientes. El costo total de los medicamentos antifúngicos fue de US$ 714.413. El 52,1% del gasto (US $ 372.319) correspondió a indicaciones en EFI probada, 10,7% (US $ 76.377) EFI probable, 0.8% (US $ 5.638) no-EFI, 12,2% (US $ 87.459) EFI posibles y 1,5% (US $ 10.896) EFI descartada y 22,6% (US$ 161.723) fue profilaxis. El mayor consumo fue en indicaciones relacionadas a EFI probada con un DOT probada de 10,54 días, siendo anfotericina B liposomal y voriconazol iv los fármacos con mayor consumo con un DOTprobada AnBL de 3,15 y DOT probada voriconazol iv de 3,01. Conclusiones: El consumo de medicamentos antifúngicos genera altos costos correspondiente al 12% del presupuesto total de farmacia de nuestra institución. El gasto se asoció principalmente a indicaciones en EFI probadas, voriconazol y anfotericina B liposomal los con mayor consumo, lo que sumado a su alto costo y días prolongados de terapia generan un gran impacto en el presupuesto.

Background: The increase of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in immunocompromised patients has led to the frequent prescription of highly active antifungal drugs but with a high economic cost. Aim: To characterize the use of antifungals drugs, evaluate its prescription and determine consumption and associated costs. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study from January 2015 to April 2016. Audit of prescriptions and review of clinical files. Each prescription was classified according to whether it corresponded to a possible, probable or proven invasive fungal disease (IFD). Consumptions and treatment costs were calculated. Results: 152 antifungal prescriptions were audited in 79 patients. The total cost of antifungal medications was US $ 714,413. 52.1% of the expenditure (US $ 372,319) corresponded to indications in proven IFD, 10.7% (US $ 76,377) probable IFD, 0.8% (US $ 5,638) non-IFI, 12.2% (US $ 87,459) IFD possible and 1.5% (US $ 10,896) non-IFD and 22.6% (US $ 161,723) was prophylaxis. The highest consumption was in indications related to IFD tested with a proven DOT of 10.54 days, with liposomal amphotericin B and iv voriconazole the drugs with the highest consumption with a DOT probable_AnBL of 3.15 and DOT proven voriconazole iv of 3.01. Conclusions: The consumption of antifungal drug medications generates high costs at 12% of the total pharmacy budget of our institution. The expense was associated mainly with the indications in IFI tested the voriconazole and amphotericin B liposomal with the highest consumption which added to its high cost and prolonged days of general therapy a big impact in the budget.

Diagnóstico oportuno de paracoccidioidomicosis diseminada en un adulto inmunocompetente / Timely diagnosis of disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in an immunocompetent adult

La paracoccidioidomicosis es endémica en bosques húmedos subtropicales de América Latina. En sus formas agudas/subagudas se disemina agresivamente por el sistema linfoganglionar, pero en sus formas crónicas (más frecuentes) se presenta como diagnóstico diferencial de otras enfermedades que comprometen pulmón, orofaringe, piel y eventualmente cerebro. Presentamos el caso de un hombre con diagnóstico presuntivo de cáncer de pulmón con metástasis cerebrales. El hallazgo de levaduras multibrotadas y el posterior desarrollo de un hongo dimorfo identificado como Paracoccidioides sp. a partir de la biopsia de cerebro resultó en un cambio cardinal en el pronóstico y la terapéutica. Este caso resalta la importancia de considerar las micosis sistémicas en el diagnóstico diferencial de cuadros clínicos compatibles en personas que hayan habitado o transitado áreas endémicas.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is endemic in subtropical rainforests of Latin America. Acute/subacute presentations involve an aggressive dissemination throughout the lymphatic system, while chronic forms (more frequent) arise as differential diagnosis for other conditions involving lung, oropharynx, skin, and eventually the brain. We present the case of a man referred for evaluation and treatment of a possible lung tumor with brain metastasis. The finding of multibudded yeasts and the microbiological isolation of a dimorphic fungus identified as Paracoccidioides sp. from a brain biopsy prompted a cardinal change in prognosis and treatment. This case alerts on the importance of considering systemic fungal diseases as differential diagnosis of compatible clinical presentations in patients who had lived in, or visited, endemic areas.

Diseases and pests noxious to Pleurotus spp. mushroom crops / Enfermedades y plagas nocivas en el cultivo del hongo Pleurotus

The Pleurotus genus is one of most extensively studied white-rot fungi due to its exceptional ligninolytic properties. It is an edible mushroom that possesses biological effects, as it contains important bioactive molecules. It is a rich source of nutrients, particularly proFun gal di se a ses; teins, minerals as well as vitamins B, C and D. In basidiomycete fungi, intensive cultivations of edible mushrooms can often be affected by some bacterial, mold and virus diseases that rather frequently cause dramatic production loss. These infections are facilitated by the particular conditions under which mushroom cultivation is commonly carried out such as warm temperatures, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and presence of pests. There is not much bibliographic information related to pests of mushrooms and their substrates. The updated review presents a practical checklist of diseases and pests of the Pleurotus genus, providing useful information that may help different users.

El Pleurotus es uno de los hongos de la podredumbre blanca más extensamente estudiados debido a sus excepcionales propiedades lignocelulolíticas. Es un hongo comestible y también tiene varios efectos biológicos, ya que contiene importantes moléculas bioactivas. Es una fuente rica de nutrientes, particularmente de proteínas y minerales, así como de vitaminas B, C y D. Los cultivos intensivos de hongos comestibles del tipo basidiomicetos a menudo son afectados por enfermedades bacterianas, fúngicas y virales, lo que con frecuencia produce pérdidas significativas en la producción. Estas infecciones son facilitadas por las condiciones particulares bajo las cuales comúnmente se cultivan los hongos, tales como temperaturas cálidas y elevada humedad. Esta revisión presenta una lista práctica y actualizada de enfermedades y plagas frecuentes durante el cultivo del hongo comestible Pleurotus, y proporciona información que puede ser de utilidad para los productores.

Doenças micóticas em gatos no Rio Grande do Sul / Fungal diseases in cats in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

As enfermidades fúngicas são diagnósticos diferenciais de diversas morbidades de caráter infeccioso, degenerativo ou proliferativo neoplásico, principalmente em gatos, que é a espécie mais suscetível a estas. Este trabalho descreve os achados anatomopatológicos de doenças fúngicas em gatos no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2015 pelo SPV-UFRGS. Foram revisados 1.274 protocolos de necropsia e encontrou-se 17 casos de micoses, correspondendo a 1,33% dos diagnósticos. Quanto às amostras provenientes de biopsias, foram verificados 2.615 protocolos e detectou-se 59 casos de doenças fúngicas, totalizando 2,25% dos diagnósticos, sendo revisados seus achados macroscópicos, microscópicos, colorações especiais e cultivo micológico. O principal diagnóstico encontrado foi esporotricose com 34 casos de biópsia e cinco de necropsia. Criptococose obteve seis diagnósticos na necropsia e 13 na biópsia. O pseudomicetoma dermatofítico possui cinco casos de biópsia e dois de necropsia. Histoplasmose obteve um diagnóstico na necropsia e dois na biópsia. Aspergilose teve dois casos diagnosticados na necropsia. Candidíase e feo-hifomicose obtiveram um caso cada. Em quatro ocasiões, não se pode identificar o agente envolvido na lesão e foram classificados conforme a alteração morfológica em: dermatite fúngica, enterite fúngica, rinite micótica e dermatite e osteomielite fúngica. Através deste trabalho, pode-se identificar que a esporotricose foi o diagnóstico de doença fúngica mais frequente em felinos, seguido da criptococose e pseudomicetoma dermatofítico.(AU)

Fungal disease is included in the differential diagnosis of a wide range of disorders in cats. At the Department of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS), evaluation of records data of cats from January 2005 to December 2015 were examined. A total of 1,274 necropsy have been reviewed from which 17 cases of fungal infection was revealed accounting for 1.33%, and a total of 2,615 biopsies have been reviewed from which 59 cases of fungal infection was revealed, accounting for 2.25%. We retrospectively analyzed the gross and microscopic findings and the yield of additional diagnostic approaches employed. Sporotrichosis was the most common diagnosis with 34 cases found in biopsy and five necropsies. Cryptococcosis obtained six diagnoses through necropsy and 13 through biopsy. Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma was found in five cases in biopsy and two necropsies. Histoplasmosis diagnosis was obtained in one necropsy and two biopsies. Aspergillosis had two cases diagnosed in necropsy. Candidiase and phaeo-hyphomycosis accounted for one case each. In four occasions, it was not possible to identify the agent involved and the diagnosis was made regarding the morphological changes: fungal dermatitis, fungal enteritis, mycotic rhinitis, and fungal dermatitis and osteomyelitis. In this study, sporotrichosis could be identified as the most frequent diagnosis of fungal disease in cats, followed by cryptococcosis and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma.(AU)

Deoxynivalenol in wheat and wheat products from a harvest affected by fusarium head blight

Abstract Fusarium head blight is an important disease occurring in wheat, caused mainly by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. In addition to direct damage to crops, reduced quality and yield losses, the infected grains can accumulate mycotoxins (toxic metabolites originating from prior fungal growth), especially deoxynivalenol (DON). Wheat crops harvested in 2014/2015 in southern Brazil were affected by high levels of Fusarium head blight. In this context, the aim of this study was evaluate the mycotoxicological quality of Brazilian wheat grains and wheat products (wheat flour and wheat bran for DON. DON contamination was evaluated in 1,504 wheat and wheat product samples produced in Brazil during 2014. It was determined by high performance liquid chromatograph fitted to a mass spectrometer (LC-MS / MS). The results showed that 1,000 (66.5%) out of the total samples tested were positive for DON. The mean level of sample contamination was 1047 µg.kg-1, but only 242 samples (16.1%) had contamination levels above the maximum permissible levels (MPL) - the maximum content allowed by current Brazilian regulation. As of 2017, MPL will be stricter. Thus, research should be conducted on DON contamination of wheat and wheat products, since wheat is a raw material widely used in the food industry, and DON can cause serious harm to public health.

Parasitic and fungal infections in synanthropic rodents in an area of urban expansion, Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil / Infecções parasitárias e fúngicas em roedores sinantrópicos coletados em área de expansão urbana, Aracaju, Estado do Sergipe, Brasil

This study analysed the prevalence of parasitic and fungal infections in rodents in an area of urban expansion, Aracaju, Brazil. Traps were placed in the area from December 2011 to January 2013. Blood samples, faeces and hair were collected from the animals. We collected a total of 47 rodents; 44 were Rattus rattus, and 3 were Mus musculus. Parasitological evaluation revealed the cestode Hymenolepis diminuta infection in both rodent species. The nematodes Aspiculuris tetraptera and Syphacia obvelata were found in M. musculus, and the commensal Entamoeba coli was found in R. rattus. We observed that 69.2% of the R. rattus and 33.3% of the M. musculus were infected with the haemoparasite Babesia sp. The differential leukocyte count revealed normal (72.3%), neutrophilic (15.9%) and lymphocytic (11.4%) profiles. The evaluation showed the following species of fungi in the rodents: Aspergillus sp. (77.1%), Penicillium sp. (28.6%), Cladosporium sp. (14.3%), Mucor sp. (14.3%), Curvularia sp. (8.6%), Acremonium sp. (8.6%), Chrysosporium sp. (2.9%), Syncephalostrum sp. (2.9%), Alternaria sp. (2.9%), Trichophyton sp. (2.9%) and Scopulariopsis sp. (2.9%). The parasites and fungi found in rodents are potentially zoonotic, and the presence of these household animals demonstrates their potential role as reservoirs and disseminators of fungal and parasitic infections.

Este estudo objetivou analisar a prevalência de infecções parasitárias e fúngicas em roedores em área de expansão de Aracaju, Brasil. Foram colocadas armadilhas com iscas no período de dezembro de 2011 a janeiro de 2013. Os animais coletados foram submetidos à coleta de amostras sanguíneas, fecais e de pelos. Foram coletados 47 roedores sendo 44 Rattus rattus e três Mus musculus e a avaliação parasitológica revelou infecção pelo cestódeo Hymenolepis diminuta em ambas as espécies, pelos nematódeos Aspiculuris tetraptera e Syphacia obvelata em M. musculus e pelo enterocomensal Entamoeba coli em R. rattus. Observou-se também que 69,2% de R. rattus e 33,3% de M. musculus estavam infectados pelo hemoparasita Babesia sp. A contagem diferencial dos leucócitos revelou perfil normal (72,3%), neutrofílico (15,9%) e linfocitário (11,4%). A avaliação micológica apresentou variabilidade qualitativa de fungos: Aspergillus sp. (77,1%), Penicillium sp. (28,6%), Cladosporium sp. (14,3%), Mucor sp. (14,3%), Curvularia sp. (8,6%), Acremonium sp. (8,6%), Chrysosporium sp. (2,9%), Syncephalostrum sp. (2,9%), Alternaria sp. (2,9%), Trichophyton sp. (2,9%) e Scopulariopsis sp. (2,9%). Os parasitas e fungos encontrados nos roedores são potencialmente zoonóticos sendo que a presença destes animais no peridomicílio evidencia o seu papel como reservatórios e disseminadores de infecções parasitárias e fúngicas.

Climate factors and its influence on the expression of fungal diseases in cultivars of Heliconias / Factores climáticos y su influencia en la expresión de enfermedades fúngicas en cultivares de Heliconias / Fatores climáticos e sua inluência sobre a expressão de doenças fúngicas em cultivares de Helicônias

One of the factors limiting the production of heliconias in Colombia is fungal disease, which is influenced by climatic conditions that determine the development of the disease cycle. In order to define a possible relationship between climatic factors and the incidence or severity of the most limiting fungal, we developed a linear correlation analysis of 10 heliconia cultivars in two municipalities, in the departments of Risaralda and Valle del Cauca. We found a direct relationship between the weekly average temperature and the incidence index of Colletotrichum spp., and the severity index of Helminthosporium spp.; areas with weekly average temperatures over 25°C will likely have incidence and severity of these limiting disease exceeding 50 % and 25 % respectively. Based on these results, we propose the development and validation of a predictive model of incidence and severity of limiting diseases, using a climate forecasting system.

Uno de los factores limitantes de la producción de heliconias en Colombia son las enfermedades de origen fungoso. La determinación del desarrollo del ciclo de estas enfermedades, se encuentran influenciadas por condiciones climáticas. Con el propósito de definir posible relación entre los elementos climáticos y la incidencia y severidad de las enfermedades de origen fungoso limitantes; se desarrolló análisis de correlación lineal sobre diez cultivares del género Heliconia en el departamento de Risaralda y Valle del Cauca. Se encontró relación directa entre la temperatura media semanal frente al índice incidencia de Colletotrichum spp. y el índice de severidad de Helminthosporium spp. Se concluye que la probabilidad del índice de incidencia y de severidad de este tipo de enfermedades limitantes, donde la temperatura media semanal supera los 25°C, sobrepase el 50 y 25 % respectivamente. Basados en estos resultados se propone el desarrollo y validación de un modelo predictivo de incidencia y severidad de enfermedades limitantes, bajo un sistema de pronóstico climático.

Um dos fatores que limitam a produção de helicônias na Colômbia são as doenças fúngicas, as quais são influenciadas pelas condições climáticas que determinam o desenvolvimento do ciclo da doença. A fim de definir uma possível relação entre fatores climáticos e a incidência e gravidade das doenças, foi desenvolvida a análises de correlação linear de 10 cultivares do género Heliconia em municípios de Risaralda e Valle del Cauca. Encontrou-se uma relação direta entre a temperatura média em relação ao índice de incidência semanal de Colletotrichum spp. e índice de gravidade Helminthosporium spp. Conclui-se que a probabilidade do índice de incidência e de severidade deste tipo de doenças limitantes; nas zonas em que a temperatura média semanal exceda 25°C, excede os 50 e 25 % respectivamente. Com base nestes resultados, propomos o desenvolvimento e validação de um modelo preditivo de incidência e/ou gravidade de doenças limitantes, sob um sistema de previsão climática.

Histoplasmosis in immunocompetent individuals living in an endemic area in the Brazilian Southeast

Introduction The distribution of infection by Histoplasma capsulatum in Brazil is heterogeneous, and the number of cases affecting immunocompetent individuals is relatively small. This study reports the epidemiological and clinical data regarding histoplasmosis in non-immunosuppressed individuals. Methods The study included only the immunocompetent patients with histoplasmosis who were diagnosed between 1970 and 2012 at a university hospital located in Ribeirão Preto, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected retrospectively from the patient records. Results Of the 123 patients analyzed, 95 had an active disease that manifested in the different clinical forms of histoplasmosis. Men were the predominant gender, and most patients resided in the Northeast of the State of São Paulo and in the nearby municipalities of the State of Minas Gerais. The risk factors for acquiring histoplasmosis and prolonged contact in a rural environment were recorded in 43.9% and 82.9% of cases, respectively. Smoking, alcoholism, and comorbidity rates were high among the patients with the chronic pulmonary and subacute/chronic disseminated forms of histoplasmosis. Many patients achieved clinical cure spontaneously, but 58.9% required antifungals; the disease lethality rate was 5.3%. Conclusions Immunocompetent individuals manifested the diverse clinical forms of histoplasmosis over a period of 4 decades, revealing an additional endemic area of this fungal disease in the Brazilian Southeast. .

Rhinocerebral and rhinopharyngeal conidiobolomycosis in sheep / Conidiobolomicose rinocerebral e rinofaríngea em ovinos

The present study aimed to report the occurrence as well as the clinical, laboratorial, pathological and mycological findings of three outbreaks of rhinocerebral and rhinopharyngeal conidiobolomycosis in sheep from Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. A total of six sheep with clinical signs of conidiobolomycosis were evaluated, and information on history was obtained from ranchers. Clinical signs included depression, progressive emaciation, sero-sanguinolent nasal discharge, tachycardia, dyspnea, miosis and unilateral exophthalmia with increased ocular globe volume, corneal ulceration and nervous system signs. The main hematological alteration was neutrophilia. Serum biochemical evaluation revealed increased values for AST, GGT, creatinine, urea, and glucose, and decreased total proteins and albumin levels. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed the presence of fibrin reticules and pleocytosis. Upon necropsy, longitudinal sections of the head revealed the presence of a nodular mass with a friable consistency and a white-yellowish coloration. Microscopic findings included meningitis, cortex necrosis and encephalitis with the presence of eosinophilic Splendore-Hoeppli substance. Histopathology of the lungs revealed a Splendore-Hoeppli-like material and hyperplasia of alveolar and bronchiolar epithelium. Renal lesions were suggestive of amyloidosis.

O presente estudo objetivou relatar a ocorrência e os achados clínicos, laboratoriais, patológicos e micológicos de três surtos de conidiobolomicose rinocerebral e rinofaríngea em ovinos do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Um total de seis ovinos com sinais clínicos de conidiobolomicose foi avaliado, e informações sobre o histórico foram obtidas dos proprietários. Os sinais clínicos incluíram depressão, emaciação progressiva, descarga nasal serossanguinolenta, taquicardia, dispneia, miosite e exoftalmia unilateral com aumento do volume do globo ocular, ulceração da córnea e sinais nervosos. A principal alteração hematológica foi neutrofilia. A avaliação bioquímica sérica revelou aumento nos valores de AST, GGT, creatinina, ureia e glicose, e redução nos níveis de proteínas totais e albumina. A análise do fluido cerebrospinal revelou presença de retículos de fibrina e pleocitose. À necropsia, secções longitudinais da cabeça revelaram presença de uma massa nodular com consistência friável e coloração branco-amarelada. Os achados microscópicos incluíram meningite, necrose do córtex e encefalite com presença da substância eosinofílica de Splendore-Hoeppli. A histopatologia dos pulmões revelou uma substância similar à de Splendore-Hoeppli e hiperplasia do epitélio alveolar e bronquiolar. As lesões renais foram sugestivas de amiloidose.

Outcome of Surgical Resection for Invasive Pulmonary Fungal Diseases in Patients with Acute Leukemia / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: In patients with hematologic diseases, surgical resection can be recommended for definite diagnosis, curative treatment, and prevention of complications or redevelopment of invasive pulmonary fungal diseases (IPFD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of surgical resection for IPFD in patients planned to undergo subsequent chemotherapy (CTx) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of adult patients with acute leukemia who underwent surgical resection for IPFD which developed during the neutropenic period after CTx. RESULTS: From January 2004 through August 2008, a total of 15 patients (8 males and 7 females with median age of 49 years) underwent surgical resection. All patients were treated by elective surgical resection of residual IPFD lesion before subsequent CTx or HSCT. The median diameter of the main lesion was 66 mm (range, 33-98 mm). Pericardial adhesion due to local invasion of pulmonary lesion was observed in one patient. Lobectomy was performed in 13 cases, lobectomy with wedge resection in 1 case, and segmentectomy with wedge resection in 1 case. Air leakage was complicated in 2 patients. Thirty-day mortality after surgical resection was 0%. After subsequent CTx or HSCT, IPFD redeveloped in 5 patients. However, the overall mortality was not different between the groups with or without the redevelopment of IPFD. Also, mortality attributable to IPFD was only 6% (1/15) during the overall follow-up period (median 184 days, range 58-1,251 days). CONCLUSIONS: In patients planned to receive subsequent CTx or HSCT for acute leukemia, surgical resection combined with medical therapy for IPFD could be considered for those who have significant residual lesion. Further study will be needed to determine whether surgical resection can shorten the duration of medical treatment and improve survival outcome.

Determination of fungal diseases, site and stand characteristics in mixed stands in Ilgaz-Yenice forest district, Cankiri, Turkey.

Fungal diseases, site and stand characteristics were investigated in Yenice forest sub-district headquarters belonging to Ilgaz forest enterprise. Diseases and wood decaying fungi on fallen and cut tree stumps were determined on scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), crimean pine (P. nigra subsp. nigra var.caramanica), and uludag fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana). Altitude (m), exposure, slope (%), relief, rate of mixture (%) and anthropogenic effects were noted for 56 sample plots which have various stand compositions. Age, breast height diameter (cm), top height (m), crown and bole quality, regeneration quality and development of representative tree species were also recorded into vegetation forms. Yellow witches’ broom (Melampsorella caryophyllacearum), which caused drying of uludag fir trees, was determined. Besides, 53 macrofungi species belonging to 3 divisions, 10 orders, 25 families and 36 genera were determined. Some of them cause white and brown decay on living and core wood. The most common parasitic and saprobe fungi are Galerina Ganoderma, Gloeophyllum, Gymnopilus, Hypholoma, Lentinus, Phellinus, Pleurotus, Polyporus and Stereum species in the research area. Trichaptum abietinum is also typical wood decay fungi for living or cut fir trees and it is very common in the research area.

Dermatophytosis among Filipinos: its incidence and flora in the outpatient dermatological clinic of the Philippine General Hospital

1. Mycologic laboratory studies consisting of KOH preparations for direct microscopic examination and cultural procedures for the isolation and identification of the causative pathogenic fungi were performed on 401 cases of suspected dermatophytosis in the Outpatient Skin Clinic of the Philippine General Hospital during the period August, 1948 to May, 19502. Ninety-one cases suspected of tinea pedis were studied. Twenty or 22% showed a positive KOH preparation for hyphal filaments. Eleven positive cultures were obtained, 10 of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and 1 of Trichophyton rubrum. This low figure of demonstration of the fungus is explained mainly by technical errors in the performance of the laboratory examination and the probable non-mycotic nature of a certain percentage of the cases3. Ninety-seven patients with involvement of the hands were seen and only one gave a positive KOH mount. Not a single culture showed growth of a dermatophyte4. Eighty-one cases with lesions on both feet and hands were examined. There were 15 cases with positive KOH of the feet and negative KOH of the hands. One case gave positive findings from both feet and hands. Only three positive cultures were obtained from the feet which proved to be Trichophyton mentagrophytes. None was isolated from the hand lesions5. There were 62 patients suspected of tinea corporis. Out of this total, 40 gave positive KOH mounts. Nineteen cultures were isolated, 13 of Trichophyton rubrum, 4 of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and one each of Trichophyton violaceum and Microsporum gypseum6. Fifty-six cases were diagnosed clinically as tinea cruris. Of these, 47 had a positive KOH mount. Twenty-two cultures were obtained with 19 of Trichophyton rubrum, 2 of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and one of Trichophyton violaceum. This preponderance of Trichophyton rubrum as the causative agent of tinea cruris in the series studied is in contrast to that recorded by most dermatologic textbooks which is Epidermophyton flocosum. The greater tendency of this form of tinea cruris caused by Trichophyton rubrum to spread to adjacent areas and to involve other sites was also observed7. The paucity of cases of tinea capitis, tinea unguium and tinea barbae in the clinical material studied is noted8. The results as obtained are compared with statistics reported by authors from other lands. (Summary)

Comparative study of slide-to-urethra and swabbing of the male urethra in the presumptive diagnosis of gonorrhea

A total of forty eight (48) patients had consulted the clinic, 38 or 79.16% are symptomatic and 10 or 20.84% has none. These patients came in for various reasons like having a urethral discharge, dysuria, being named as contact, for routine check-up, follow up after self medication and/or empirical treatment. They underwent two methods of collection. The first is the slide-to-urethra which has a higher isolation rate compared with the swabbing method which has a lower rate in the detection of gonorrhea thru gram method.