Efficacy of 7.5% povidone-iodine and 1% clotrimazole in the treatment of otomycosis – A prospective randomized study

Background: Otomycosis is a common condition of the external auditory canal. Aspergillus species and candida species are common causative agents for otomycosis. Clotrimazole is effective in controlling candida species than Aspergillus species. The povidone-iodine is a routinely used antiseptic solution in surgical care. Aims and Objectives: To assess the efficacy of 7.5% povidone-iodine and 1% clotrimazole in the treatment of otomycosis. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized study recruited 128 cases of both genders. The study participants were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received 7.5% povidone-iodine and group 2 received clotrimazole (1%). After removal of otomycotic debris, the study cases were randomly administered with study drugs three drops once a day. All the cases were strictly advised to adhere to the treatment procedure not <2 weeks. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was used to test the significance of qualitative data by SPSS 16.0. The P < 0.005 was considered as statistically significant. Results: After 14 days treatment, 1% clotrimazole group, showed continuous ear discharge (6.25%), pruritus (3.12%), tinnitus (3.12%), otalgia (1.56%), and deafness (1.56%), which was higher than 7.5% povidone-iodine group. Aspergillus niger (1 case) and Aspergillus flavus (2 cases) isolates were observed in 1% clotrimazole group. Good treatment response after the 5th day was seen in 15.62% and 18.75% cases, after the 9th day in 45.31% and 48.43%, and after the 14th day in 87.5% and 75% in 7.5% povidone-iodine and 1% clotrimazole groups, respectively. Conclusion: The cases treated with 7.5% povidone-iodine were showed comparatively less bacterial and fungal isolates and less clinical signs and symptoms than cases treated with 1% clotrimazole after 2 weeks of treatment follow-up.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Invasive Fungal Infections in Acute Leukemia Patients in Tropical Regions / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of invasive fungal infection (IFI) occurenced in patients with acute leukemia (AL) during treatment in tropical regions.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 68 AL patients admitted to the Hainan Hospital of PLA General Hospital from April 2012 to April 2019 was retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting the occurrence of IFI in AL patients.@*RESULTS@#Among the 68 patients, 44 were acute myeloid leukemia, 24 were acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 39 were male, 29 were female and the median age was 41(13-75) years old. The 68 patients received 242 times of chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT), including 73 times of initial chemotherapy or inducting chemotherapy after recurrence, 14 times of HSCT, 155 times of consolidating chemotherapy. Patients received 152 times of anti-fungal prophylaxis, including 77 times of primary anti-fungal prophylaxis and 75 times of secondary anti-fungal prophylaxis. Finally, the incidence of IFI was 31 times, including 24 times of probable diagnosis, 7 times of proven diagnosis, and the total incidence of IFI was 12.8%(31/242), the incidence of IFI in inducting chemotherapy was 24.66%(18/73), the incidence of IFI in HSCT patients was 28.57% (4/14), the incidence of IFI in consolidating chemotherapy was 5.80% (9/155). Multivariate analysis showed that inducting chemotherapy or HSCT, the time of agranulocytosis ≥7 days, risk stratification of high risk were the independent risk factors for IFI in AL patients during treatment in tropical regions.@*CONCLUSION@#The incidence of IFI in patients with AL in the tropics regions is significantly higher than that in other regions at homeland and abroad. Anti-fungal prophylaxis should be given to the patients with AL who have the high risk factors of inducting chemotherapy or HSCT, time of agranulocytosis ≥7 days and risk stratification of high risk.

Anti-dermatophyte activity of the aqueous extracts of Thai medicinal plants

Abstract Medicinal plants have long been prescribed in Thailand for centuries. Different constituents of extracts have been used for treating of various infectious diseases. However, there is even less information available regarding the use in fungal skin infection. In order to assess traditional Thai claims about the therapeutic potential, this study is focused on exploring the anti-dermatophyte property of the plants that are currently used as traditional medicines. The potential of four different plant species were selected for investigate in vitro anti-dermatophyte activity. Ethanolic extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L.), Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.), Eclipta prostrate (Linn.), and Acorus calamus (L.). were analysed for their total phenolic content as well as total flavonoid content and were then subjected to test of their anti-dermatophyte properties using agar well diffusion method. Qualitative flavonoids and phenolics analysis of the extracts showed their biologically active constituents. Among the species examined, the result indicated that most of the extracts demonstrated anti-dermatophyte activity. In particular, A. calamus showed the highest efficacy against test organisms. The experiment confirmed the chemical constituents and efficacy of some selected plants and provides a scientific confirmation of the use of Thai plants in traditional medicine for fungal skin infections.

Resumo As plantas medicinais são prescritas há muito tempo na Tailândia, há séculos. Diferentes constituintes de extratos têm sido usados para o tratamento de várias doenças infecciosas. No entanto, existem ainda menos informações disponíveis sobre o uso em infecções fúngicas da pele. A fim de avaliar as alegações tradicionais tailandesas sobre o potencial terapêutico, este estudo está focado em explorar a propriedade antidermatófita das plantas que são usadas atualmente como medicamentos tradicionais. O potencial de quatro espécies de plantas diferentes foi selecionado para investigar a atividade antidermatófita in vitro. Extratos etanólicos de Chromolaena odorata (L.), Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.), Eclipta prostrate (Linn.) e Acorus calamus (L.) foram analisados quanto ao seu conteúdo fenólico total, bem como ao conteúdo de flavonoides totais. E então submetidos ao teste de suas propriedades antidermatófitas usando o método de difusão em ágar bem. A análise qualitativa de flavonoides e fenólicos dos extratos mostrou seus constituintes biologicamente ativos. Entre as espécies examinadas, o resultado indicou que a maioria dos extratos demonstrou atividade antidermatófita. Em particular, A. calamus mostrou a maior eficácia contra organismos de teste. O experimento confirmou os constituintes químicos e a eficácia de algumas plantas selecionadas e fornece uma confirmação científica do uso de plantas tailandesas na medicina tradicional para infecções fúngicas da pele.

Anti-dermatophyte activity of the aqueous extracts of Thai medicinal plants / Atividade antidermatófita dos extratos aquosos de plantas medicinais tailandesas

Medicinal plants have long been prescribed in Thailand for centuries. Different constituents of extracts have been used for treating of various infectious diseases. However, there is even less information available regarding the use in fungal skin infection. In order to assess traditional Thai claims about the therapeutic potential, this study is focused on exploring the anti-dermatophyte property of the plants that are currently used as traditional medicines. The potential of four different plant species were selected for investigate in vitro anti-dermatophyte activity. Ethanolic extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L.), Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.), Eclipta prostrate (Linn.), and Acorus calamus (L.). were analysed for their total phenolic content as well as total flavonoid content and were then subjected to test of their anti-dermatophyte properties using agar well diffusion method. Qualitative flavonoids and phenolics analysis of the extracts showed their biologically active constituents. Among the species examined, the result indicated that most of the extracts demonstrated anti-dermatophyte activity. In particular, A. calamus showed the highest efficacy against test organisms. The experiment confirmed the chemical constituents and efficacy of some selected plants and provides a scientific confirmation of the use of Thai plants in traditional medicine for fungal skin infections.

As plantas medicinais são prescritas há muito tempo na Tailândia, há séculos. Diferentes constituintes de extratos têm sido usados para o tratamento de várias doenças infecciosas. No entanto, existem ainda menos informações disponíveis sobre o uso em infecções fúngicas da pele. A fim de avaliar as alegações tradicionais tailandesas sobre o potencial terapêutico, este estudo está focado em explorar a propriedade antidermatófita das plantas que são usadas atualmente como medicamentos tradicionais. O potencial de quatro espécies de plantas diferentes foi selecionado para investigar a atividade antidermatófita in vitro. Extratos etanólicos de Chromolaena odorata (L.), Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.), Eclipta prostrate (Linn.) e Acorus calamus (L.) foram analisados quanto ao seu conteúdo fenólico total, bem como ao conteúdo de flavonoides totais. E então submetidos ao teste de suas propriedades antidermatófitas usando o método de difusão em ágar bem. A análise qualitativa de flavonoides e fenólicos dos extratos mostrou seus constituintes biologicamente ativos. Entre as espécies examinadas, o resultado indicou que a maioria dos extratos demonstrou atividade antidermatófita. Em particular, A. calamus mostrou a maior eficácia contra organismos de teste. O experimento confirmou os constituintes químicos e a eficácia de algumas plantas selecionadas e fornece uma confirmação científica do uso de plantas tailandesas na medicina tradicional para infecções fúngicas da pele.

Clinical characteristics and influencing factors for mortality of patients with intra-abdominal candidiasis: a multicenter retrospective study / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of mortality in patients with intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC).Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 203 IAC patients who were admitted to 7 medical centers from June 2018 to June 2020 were collected, including 54 cases in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 31 cases in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 25 cases in Beijing Hospital, 25 cases in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 24 cases in China-Japan Friendship Hospital, 22 cases in General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command of Chinese PLA and 22 cases in Chongqing University Cancer Hospital. There were 130 males and 73 females, aged (64±15)years. Observation indicators: (1) candida infection and treatment of IAC patients; (2) analysis of influencing factors for mortality of IAC patients. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by Logistic regression model. Results:(1) Candida infection and treatment of IAC patients: 134 cases of candida albicans were cultured in the initial abdominal drainage fluid or intraoperative abdominal specimens of 203 patients, and 49 cases were treated with fluconazole. Of 69 cases infected with non candida albicans, 13 cases were treated with fluconazole. The resistance rate of candida albicans to fluconazole was 5.91%(12/203). Of 203 patients, there were 68 cases with infections shock, 53 cases with renal failure, 84 cases with respiratory failure and 63 cases with multiple organ failure, respectively. There were 148 of 203 patients admitted to intensive care unit for 9 days(range, 3-20 days), and the total hospital stay was 28 days(range, 17-50 days). Of 203 patients, 86 cases were cured and discharged, 50 cases were improved and transferred to local hospitals, 32 cases gave up treatment and discharged automatically, 19 cases died, 16 cases had no follow-up data. The mortality was 25.12%(51/203). (2) Analysis of influencing factors for mortality of IAC patients. Results of univariate analysis showed that acute physiology and chronic health evaluation score, sequential organ failure assessment score, the Cr, bilirubin, albumin, procalcitonin, and PLT on the first day of candida positive culture, of the lowest value in a week and the highest in a week, heart disease, diabetes, infections shock, renal failure, respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, anti-fungal therapy were the related factors for mortality of IAC patients ( t=-2.322, Z=-2.550, -2.262, -4.361, t=2.085, Z=-3.734, -5.226, -2.394, -5.542, t=3.462, Z=-4.957, -5.632, 3.670, -5.805, t=3.966, Z=-3.734, -5.727, χ2=4.071, 4.638, 27.353, 18.818, 13.199, 26.251, 13.388, P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the bilirubin, procalcitonin on the first day of candida positive culture and infections shock were independent risk factors for mortality of IAC patients ( odds ratio=1.021, 1.022, 6.864, 95% confidence interval as 1.010-1.033, 1.001-1.044, 1.858-25.353, P<0.05). Conclusions:The common fungus of IAC was candida albicans, and fluconazole can be used as the initial empirical treatment. The prognosis of patients with abdominal candidiasis is poor. Bilirubin, procalcitonin on the first day of candida positive culture and infections shock are indepen-dent risk factors for mortality of IAC patients.

First reported case series of Candida krusei peritonitis secondary to a perforated viscus

Candida peritonitis is associated with high mortality and multiple organ failure. With an evolving epidemiology of candidaemia indicating an increasing prevalence of rare Candida species worldwide, consideration of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens as a cause of abdominal sepsis is paramount. We report three cases of Candida krusei as a cause of secondary and tertiary peritonitis. These cases highlight that the early use of an echinocandin class antifungal in patients not responding to standard regimens warrants consideration.

Isolated renal mucormycosis: a rarity

Mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic, highly aggressive, fungal infection primarily noted in immunocompromised individuals. Isolated involvement of any organ is rare in general. Isolated renal involvement is unusual, with only a few cases reported in literature to date. We present a rare case of isolated renal mucormycosis successfully managed with systemic anti-fungal therapy and nephron sparing surgery.

Graphene Conjugated Usnic Acid Nano-Formulation For The Treatment Of Topical Fungal Infection

Objective: The study aims to investigate the antifungal response of the dug usnic acid with the carrier graphene. Methods: Nano-precipitation method by sonication was adopted to formulate the conjugate. SEM test was performed to check the shape and average size of the conjugate. FTIR test was performed for the chemical interaction between the drug and the carrier. Ointment was prepared by the fusion method and the viscosity test was performed by Brookfield viscometer. Spreadability test was performed by slide method. Animal activity was performed to confirm the antifungal effect of the formulated nano-conjugate. Statistical analysis was done by Anova. Results: SEM study shows that the conjugate is in the nano range and possess a spherical shape. FTIR study shows no interaction between the drug and the carrier. The result of in vitro drug release study shows that the conjugate posses a higher drug release rate as compared to the drug alone. Topical drug administration is more suitable for the treatment of the fungal infection, so the nano-conjugate was incorporated into the ointment by geometric mixing. The viscosity and the spreadability test were performed on the different formulations of the ointment and the suitable one was selected for the topical administration. Anti-fungal study had been performed on the Wistar albino rats for 6 d. Skin culture of rats was performed for the formation of the fungal colonies. Statistical analysis by Anova gives p<0.001. It was found that the normal form of usnic acid, graphene and the nano form both possess anti-fungal activity as 3/6 and 2/6 experimental animals are cured by normal formulation and nano-formulation. Conclusion: The present anti-fungal study revealed that the nano-form of the conjugate possess higher anti-fungal activity than the normal formulation of usnic acid with graphene.

Isolation, identification and antifungal susceptibility of Candida in patients with fungal sepsis

Background: In this study, our aim was to identify and isolate Candida species from patients admitted in ICU,s of our hospital and to determine their susceptibilities to various antifungal agents so as to find the local resistance pattern and guide for empirical treatment.Methods: In our study 37 strains of candida were isolated (4 Candida albicans, 33 Non-albicans Candida strains). Candida species were identified by conventional, biochemical and molecular methods. Antifungal susceptibility tests for amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole were performed with broth microdilution method and E- tests as described by National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS).Results: Out of 37 Candida strains, the most prevalent species were C. tropicalis (43.2%), C. parapsilosis (24.3%), C. krusei (16.2%), C. albicans (10.8%), and C. glabrata (2.7%). Among all strains four strains (10.8 %) were resistant, two Candida albicans where found resistant to fluconazole one Candida krusei and one Candida parapsilosis were found to be resistant to all azoles.Conclusions: Candidemia continues to be associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and non albicans Candida species are the commonly isolated pathogen from those patients admitted in tertiary care hospitals in Indian scenario. Thus, it is imperative to perform antifungal susceptibility to select appropriate and effective antifungal therapy.

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of Triognella foenum graecum Linn seeds: Determination of bioactive compounds and pharmacological analysis

Objective To investigate the effect of temperature and pressure on supercritical CO

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of Triognella foenum graecum Linn seeds:Determination of bioactive compounds and pharmacological analysis

Objective:To investigate the effect of temperature and pressure on supercritical CO2 extraction of Triognella foenum graecum Linn seeds,to determine the optimal condition which leads to highest percentage of the accumulative yield and revealing the chemical composition of supercritical CO2 extract.Methods:Temperatures in the range of 40-60℃ and pressures in the range of 10-25 MPa were used.FTIR and GC-MS analysis were used to detect the bioactive compounds present in the extract.The broth dilution method and slope method were used to evaluate the anti-microbial and anti-tuberculosis activities and the in vitro anti-malarial assay was carried out according to the micro assay protocol of Rieckmann and his coworkers.Results:The temperature was more affected than the pressure on the extraction performance and the highest yield of the extract (3.111％) was attained at 60℃ and 10 MPa.FTIR and GC-MS showed that the chemical composition of the extract included conjugated linoleic acid methyl ester as the major active principle (with concentration of 72.28％),followed by saturated fatty acid methyl esters (16.03％),steroids (8.09％) and organic siloxane compound (3.61％).The extract showed moderate anti-bacterial activity with MIC values 100,250,125 μg/mL towards Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenus respectively.It exhibited high inhibition effect towards the fungi Candida albican with MFC value (250 μg/mL).The extract had low antituberculosis activity with MIC value (100 μg/mL) and comparable MIC value (0.29 μg/mL) towards Plasmodium flaciparurn.Conclusions:Supercritical CO2 extraction as alternate and green technology is performed successfully to extract the bioactive compounds from the seeds of T.foenum graecum Linn and it is concluded that this extract can be used as an alternate source of synthetic anti-biotic drugs.

Novel synthetic anti-fungal tripeptide effective against Candida krusei.

Introduction: Candida species are the major fungal pathogens of humans. Among them, Candida krusei have emerged as a notable pathogen with a spectrum of clinical manifestations and is known to develop resistance against azoles mainly fl uconazole. Anti-microbial peptides play important roles in the early mucosal defence against infection and are potent anti-fungal agents since they fi ght against fungal infection as well as have ability to regulate host immune defence system. The aim of the study was to synthesize a small anti fungal peptide. Materials and Methods: The series of tripeptides were synthesized and screened for antifungal activity against Candida strains according to CLSI guidelines. Toxicity effect of peptide was tested with human erythrocytes. The mode of action of peptide on fungus was resolved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies Results: The tripeptide FAR showed a prominent anti fungal activity among the series. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of tripeptide FAR was found to be 171.25 μg/ml and 685 μg/ml, respectively against Candida krusei. The therapeutic index was 2.9. The haemolytic experiment revealed that this peptide is non - toxic to human cells. The SEM studies showed disruption of cell wall and bleb-like surface changes and irregular cell surface. Conclusion: The peptide showed a signifi cant antifungal activity against C. krusei. Thus, it can set a platform for the design of new effective therapeutic agents against C. krusei.

Clinical observation on the application of terbinafine and mizolastine in combined treatment of chronic ec-zema with dermatophytes infection / 医学研究生学报

Objective The article was to observe the clinical efficacy of the application of terbinafine and mizolastine in com -bined treatment of chronic eczema ( CE) with dermatophytes infection , so as to define the etiology role of dermatophytes in allergic dis-eases. Methods All subjects were randomly divided into experiment group and control group .The experiment group was treated with the combination of terbinafine and mizolastine , while the control group took mizolastine orally alone .EASI grading , recovery rate and effective rate were evaluated at 2, 3 week after the treatment and EASI grading and recurrence rate were evaluated at 4 weeks after the treatment. Results 79 patients had finished the experiment .Significant difference was found in the effective rates between two groups at 3 weeks after treatment (P<0.05).At 4 weeks after the treatment, EASI value and recurrence rate in experiment group were obviously lower than those in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Good therapeutic effect has been achieved through the ap-plication of terbinafine and mizolastine in combined treatment of CE with dermatophytes infection , which implies dermatophytes plays an important role in the etiology of CE .

Anti-fungal potentials of extracellular metabolites of Western Ghats isolated Streptomyces sp. NII 1006 against moulds and yeasts.

Realization of hazardious effects of chemical fungicides has led to an interest in the usage of biocontrol agents. The present study, therefore, evaluates the biocontrol efficacy of Western Ghats (India) soil bacterial isolates. A potential strain NII 1006 was evaluated for its antagonistic property against a diverse range of moulds and yeasts. The strain was characterized morphologically, biochemically and molecularly, which revealed the isolate belonged to Streptomyces genus. Organic solvent extracts of NII 1006 culture filtrates inhibited the growth of the test pathogens indicating that growth suppression was due to extracellular anti-fungal metabolites present in the culture filtrates. The strain produced extracellular chitinase enzyme in addition to some stable partially purified anti-fungal compounds. Morphological changes such as hyphae degradation into debris and abnormal shapes were observed in test fungi and yeast grown on potato dextrose broth that contained the NII 1006 culture filtrate. The cell free supernatant has a tolerance to wide range of pH, temperature and enzymes such as lipase and protease. The biocontrol potential of NII 1006 strain may be correlated significantly with their ability to produce antibiotics as well as extracellular hydrolytic enzymes particularly chitinolytic enzyme.

Zygomycosis as a Rare Cause of Surgical Site Infection: A Case Report and Review Literature

Zygomycosis is a rare invasive fungal infection seen most often in patients with haematological malignancies, particularly in the neutropenic phase[1]. Fungal infection causing surgical site infection is uncommon, of which yeast attributes predominant cause, followed by aspergillosis. But zygomycosis manifesting as the surgical site infection is still very rare entity. The treatment of zygomycosis is multimodal, and consists of surgical debridement, use of antifungal drugs and reversal of underlying risk factors, if possible. We report a case of zygomycosis presenting as post-caesarean surgical site infection.

Clinico‑demographical profile of keratomycosis in Delhi, North India.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinico‑demographical profile of keratomycosis. (January 2004 to January 2012). The corneal scrapings were processed by direct microscopic methods and standard culture techniques. Of 209 cases of keratitis studied, culture yielded growth in 80 cases (38.3%). Out of these 80 cases of growth, fungi were isolated in 77.5% and bacteria in 22.5%. The spectrum of keratomycosis was Aspergillus flavus (22.5%), Fusarium solani (16.1%), A. fumigatus (11.3%), Candida albicans (6.4%), etc., Routine surveillance of fungal keratitis is necessary to know the existing and emerging pattern of pathogens and to prevent use of un‑warranted anti‑microbial therapy.

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa infections in a tertiary-Care facility.

Background: Rhodotorula spp. are an emergent opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Materials and Methods: The aim of the study was to review reported cases of Rhodotorula infection over a period of 9 years to determine epidemiology, risk factors, treatment and outcome. Results: The Rhodotorula spp. were isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (9) and blood (5). The most common pre-disposing factors were prolonged hospital stay (>1 month) and prolonged usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics (>1 month). All the isolates were identified as R. mucilaginosa by conventional methods. Amphotericin B demonstrated lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as compared with other anti-fungal agents (fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole). Conclusions: The recognition of unusual yeasts as an agent of life-threatening infection and their intrinsic resistance increases the burden on the mycology laboratory for complete species identification and to determine minimum inhibitory concentration.

Anti-fungal activity of Morinda citrifolia (noni) extracts against Candida albicans: An in vitro study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fungal activity of Morinda citrifolia fruit extract on Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Juice extract from M. citrifolia fruit was lyophilized and used in anti-fungal testing. Anti-fungal activity of M. citrifolia fruit extract against C. albicans was tested in vitro at various concentrations. The inhibitory effect of M. citrifolia extract on C. albicans was determined by agar culture and applied broth dilution test. Results: M. citrifolia extract at 1000 μg/ml concentration effectively inhibited the growth of C. albicans (16.6 ± 0.3) compared with the positive control - amphotericin B (20.6 ± 0.6). It was found to be a dose-dependent reaction. Conclusion: M. citrifolia fruit extract had an anti-fungal effect on C. albicans and the inhibitory effect varied with concentration.

Analysis on Application Rationality of Anti-fungal Agents for Deep Fungal Infection in Inpatients in a Top Three Hospital / 中国药师

Objective:To investigate the rationality of anti-fungal agents for deep fungal infection used in one hospital and the effects of national rectification of antimicrobial drugs. Methods: The retrospective analysis method was used to survey the inpatients administrated anti-fungal agents for deep fungal infection from April 2010 to Mard 2012, and assessed the rationality. Results:The ir-rational utilization of anti-fungal agents for deep fungal infection included loading dosage lack during the treatment,inappropriate loading dosage and administration frequency. The irrational utilization of anti-fungal agents for deep fungal infection was decreased significantly (P<0. 05)after the national rectification of antimicrobial drugs. Conclusion:After the national rectification of antimicrobial drugs, the hospital can amtrol the irrational use of anti-fungal agents to some extent, while still needs more management and education.

Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activities of ethanol extracts of selected traditional Chinese medicinal herbs

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate in vitro antimicrobial activities of selected 58 ethno-medicinal plant extracts with a view to assess their therapeutic potential.@*METHODS@#A total of 58 traditional Chinese medicinal plants were carefully selected based on the literature review and their traditional use. The antimicrobial activities of ethanol extracts of these medicinal plants were tested against fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus), yeast (Candida albicans), gram-negative (Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The activities were tested at three different concentrations of 1.00, 0.10 and 0.01 mg/mL. The data was analysed using Gene data Screener program.@*RESULTS@#The measured antimicrobial activities indicated that out of the 58 plant extracts, 15 extracts showed anti-fungal activity and 23 extracts exhibited anti-bacterial activity. Eight plant extracts have exhibited both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. For instance, Eucommia ulmoides, Polygonum cuspidatum, Poria cocos and Uncaria rhyncophylla showed activity against both bacterial and fungal strains, indicating their broad spectrum of activity.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results revealed that the ethanol extracts of 30 plants out of the selected 58 possess significant antimicrobial activities. It is interesting to note that the findings from the current study are consistent with the traditional use. A clear correlation has also been found between the antimicrobial activity and the flavonoid content of the plant extracts which is in agreement with the literature. Hence, the results presented here can be used to guide the selection of potential plant species for the isolation and structure elucidation of novel antimicrobial compounds in order to establish the structure-activity relationship. This in turn is expected to lead the way to the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents for therapeutic use.