Effect of Cultural Conditions on Biosurfactant Production by Candida sp. Isolated from the Sap of Elaeis guineensis

Aims: This study is aimed at determining the effect of cultural condition on biosurfactant production by Candida sp. isolates from saps of Elaeis guineensis. Methodology: Chemical analysis of the sap was carried out. Yeast isolates from the sap were screened for biosurfactant production based on emulsification index (E24), emulsification assay, haemolytic assay, oil displacement test, CTAB and tilted glass slide ability. The best biosurfactant-producing yeast isolate was identified based on its phenotypic, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics. The emulsification capacity of the produced biosurfactant on selected oils was studied. Optimum cultural and nutritional requirements (temperature, pH, inoculum concentration, nitrogen sources and carbon sources) for biosurfactant production by the isolate were determined. Results: The characteristics of the sap from Elaeis guineensis were reducing sugar (0.51 ± 0.03 mg/ml), alcohol (14.04 ± 0.15%), specific gravity (0.827±0.024), and pH (5.68±0.03). The crude biosurfactant produced displaced a thin film of crude oil on petri dish by 55 mm, and revealed high emulsification index (E24) of 52.5% using Olive oil as substrate compared to E24 of 60.6% by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Based on colonial, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics, the isolate SA2 was identified as Candida sp. The crude biosurfactant showed varying capacity in emulsifying the different oils that were examined. Optimization data revealed maximum biosurfactant production after 7 days of incubation, inoculum concentration of 10%, at temperature of 20ºC, pH of 2 with cassava peel as substrate. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated the capacity of Candida sp. from the sap of Elaeis guineensis to produce biosurfactant utilizing cassava peel as substrate. The use of cassava peel, which represents a low-cost substrate, is important in reducing the cost of biosurfactant production. Moreover, using yeasts from Elaeis guineensis make the production process ecologically friendly.

Anti-Candida and anti-quorum sensing activity of airborne microorganisms detected by a rapid method

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Introducing new antibiotics to the clinic is critical. METHODS: We adapted a plate method described by Kawaguchi and coworkers in 20131 for detecting inhibitory airborne microorganisms. RESULTS: We obtained 51 microbial colonies antagonist to Chromobacterium violaceum, purified and retested them, and of these, 39 (76.5%) were confirmed. They comprised 24 bacteria, 13 fungi, and 2 yeasts. Among the fungi, eight (61.5%) produced active extracts. Among the bacterial, yeast, and fungal strains, 17 (44.7%) and 12 (31.6%) were active against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed screening method is a rapid strategy for discovering potential antibiotic producers.

Desempenho da citologia em meio líquido na identificação de agentes microbiológicos cérvico-vaginais / Liquid medium cytology performance in identification of cervico-vaginal microbiological agentes

Verificar o desempenho da citologia em meio líquido na identificação de agentes microbiológicos cérvico-vaginais em relação à citologia convencional. Métodos: Estudo analítico e transversal realizado no Laboratório de Citopatologia de um centro universitário. Foram realizadas coletas citopatológicas pelas duas metodologias: convencional e em meio líquido (Liqui-PREP®), além de coleta microbiológica. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 67 amostras cérvico-vaginais pelas duas técnicas citopatológicas, verificando-se que a citologia convencional identificou 26 esfregaços com microrganismos de interesse clínico, enquanto que a citologia em meio líquido identificou 20 casos, sendo observada boa concordância entre as técnicas na identificação de Gardnerella vaginalis e Candida spp. A citologia convencional também evidenciou mais casos de esfregaços com Trichomonas vaginalis e ocorreu boa concordância entre as técnicas citopatológicas e o exame microbiológico na identificação de Gardnerella vaginalis. Conclusão: Observou-se boa concordância entre as técnicas citopatológicas na identificação de Candida spp. e Gardnerella vaginalis, assim como entre as duas técnicas frente ao exame microbiológico na evidência de Gardnerella vaginalis.

Experiencia clínica pediátrica en endocarditis infecciosa por Candida spp / Pediatric clinical experience in infectious endocarditis due to Candida spp

Resumen Introducción: El tratamiento y evolución de endocarditis infecciosa por Candida spp en niños debe basarse en guías de manejo; sin embargo, aún existen controversias al respecto. Objetivo: Describir nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de EI por Candida spp en pacientes pediátricos. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, analítico, realizado entre enero de 2006 y diciembre 2017. Análisis paramétrico de variables cuantitativas; razones, proporciones, comparación por medio de χ2 y prueba exacta de Fisher con IC al 95% para variables no paramétricas. Tasa de mortalidad. Resultados: Veinticinco episodios de endocarditis por Candida spp recibieron tratamiento anti fúngico estándar. La mortalidad fue superior en pacientes sometidos a resección de la vegetación endocárdica (66,7%) RR 3,16, χ2 p = 0,029, en niños con síndrome linfo-hemofagocítico SLHF (50%), RR= 1,18 (χ2 NS), en co infección con bacterias multi-resistentes (57,1 %) RR= 2, (χ2 NS) y en EI trombótica (88,9%) RR = 4,74 (χ2 p = 0,004). Conclusiones: Co-infección de EI por Candida sp con bacterias multi-resistentes, SLHF y/o manejo quirúrgico de la vegetación endocárdica, pueden considerarse factores de mal pronóstico.

Background: Treatment and outcome of Candida spp infectious endocarditis in children it most be based on treatment guidelines, however there are some controversies. Aim: To describe our experience on treatment of pediatric candidal infective endocarditis. Methods: Analytic prospective study, from January 2006 to December 2017. Parametric analysis for quantitative variable. Proportions were compared by χ2 and exact Fisher Test CI 95%. Mortality rate. Results: 25 episodes of Candida spp infective endocarditis were treated with standard antifungal drugs. Mortality rate was higher on patients submited to endocardic vegetation resection (66.7%) RR= 3.16, (χ2 p = 0.029), children with lymphohemophagocytic syndrome (LHFS) (50 %) RR= 1.18 (χ2 = N.S.), in multidrug resistant bacterial co infection (57.14%), RR = 2, (χ2 = NS) also thrombotic endocarditis (88.9%) RR= 4.74 (χ2 p = 0.004). Conclusion: Multidrug resistant bacteria co infection with Candida sp IE, LHFS, and/or surgical treatment of endocardic vegetation, might be considered as bad prognostic factors.

Antifungal activities of the essential oil and its fractions rich in sesquiterpenes from leaves of Casearia sylvestris Sw

ABSTRACT Casearia genus (Salicaceae) is found in sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world and comprises about 160-200 species. It is a medicinal plant used in South America, also known as "guaçatonga", "erva-de-tiú", "cafezinho-do-mato". In Brazil, there are about 48 species and 12 are registered in the State of Rio de Janeiro, including Casearia sylvestris Sw. There are many studies related to the chemical profile and cytotoxic activities of extracts from these plants, although few studies about the antifungal potential of the essential oil have been reported. In this work, we have studied the antifungal properties of the essential oil of C. sylvestris leaves, as well as of their fractions, against four yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisae, Candida albicans, C. glabrata and C. krusei) for the first time. The chemical analysis of the essential oil revealed a very diversified (n = 21 compounds) volatile fraction composed mainly of non-oxygenated sesquiterpenes (72.1%). These sesquiterpenes included α-humulene (17.8%) and α-copaene (8.5%) and the oxygenated sesquiterpene spathulenol (11.8%) were also identified. Monoterpenes were not identified. The fractions are mainly composed of oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and the most active fraction is rich in the sesquiterpene 14-hydroxy -9-epi-β-caryophyllene. This fraction was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of three yeast strains.

Ethanol production from Rice (Oryza sativa) straw by simultaneous saccharification and cofermentation.

Ethanol production from alkali treated rice straw was investigated by simultaneous saccharification and cofermentation (SSCF) using commercial cellulase and 3 different yeast strains viz., Saccharomyces cerevisiae HAU-1, Pachysolen tannophilus and Candida sp. individually as well as in combination at varied fermentation temperature and incubation time. Dilute alkali (2%) pretreatment of straw resulted in efficient delignification as observed by low residual lignin (12.52%) with 90.6% cellulose and 28.15% hemicellulose recovery. All the 3 yeast strains were able to produce ethanol form alkali treated rice straw and overall ethanol concentration varied from 5.30 to 24.94 g/L based on different fermentation time and temperature. Comparative analysis of ethanol production from different yeast strains combinations revealed maximum ethanol concentration of 23.48 g/L after 96 h incubation at 35ºC with P. tannophilus individually and 24.94 g/L when used as co-culture with Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Pattern of susceptibility to azoles by E test method in candidemia patients.

Background: Blood stream infections due to Candida sp have considerably increased in recent years, along with the increase of drug-resistant isolates in immunocompromised patients. This increase in resistance makes it important to determine the antifungal susceptibility profile of each Candida species isolated from blood prior to treatment. Hence, this study was done to detect the resistant strains of Candida causing candidemia. Methods: About Seventy Candida species isolated from blood cultures were used for this study. These included 27 Candida albicans, 23 Candida tropicalis, 8 Candida parapsilosis, 3 Candida krusei, 2 Candida glabrata and 7 other candida species. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the most commonly used azoles like fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole were determined by E test method. Results: The resistance percentage of Candida albicans for fluconazole and itraconazole was 11.1% and 7.4%; fluconazole resistance in Candida tropicals was 8.7%. Candida parapsilosis had good activity against all azoles with only 12.5% resistance for itraconazole. Conclusions: Fluconazole had good activity against most of the Candida sp except for Candida glabrata and Candida krusei with MIC 90 > 256 μg/ml. Itraconazole was less effective for Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis (MIC 90 >32 μg/ml). Voriconazole was found to be the most effective drug against all species of Candida with low MIC values (MIC 90 < 0.25 μg/ml). Hence it can be used to treat blood stream infections caused by Candida species.

Antifungal activity of natural compounds against Candida species isolated from HIV-positive patients

To evaluate the antifungal effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) and Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils and honey against strains of Candida sp. from HIV-positive patients in order to subsidize new therapeutic strategies for candidiasis. Methods: The study evaluated the antifungal effect of natural antimicrobials against 30 strains of Candida sp. isolated from oral cavities in HIV-infected patients. Then, they were compared to the action of fluconazole and amphotericin B. Antifungal susceptibility was evaluated by the broth macrodilution technique and the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum fungicidal concentration were determined. Results: Among all antifungals evaluated in this study, amphotericin B was the one showing the best results; however, all compounds studied here showed inhibitory activities against isolates of Candida sp. Honey (0.031 3 to 64 μg/mL) demonstrated fungistatic activity inhibiting 70% of the isolates. C. zeylanicum essential oil (0.0313 to 64 μg/mL) inhibited 93.3% of the Candida strains and Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (0.0313 to 64 μg/mL) was able to inhibit 73.3% of them. Conclusions: Therefore, all natural compounds evaluated in this study, especially C. zeylanicum essential oil, may become promising agents for oral candidiasis therapy including in HIV-positive patients.

Antifungal activity of natural compounds against Candida species isolated from HIV-positive patients

Objective: To evaluate the antifungal effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) and Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils and honey against strains of Candida sp. from HIV-positive patients in order to subsidize new therapeutic strategies for candidiasis. METHODS: The study evaluated the antifungal effect of natural antimicrobials against 30 strains of Candida sp. isolated from oral cavities in HIV-infected patients. Then, they were compared to the action of fluconazole and amphotericin B. Antifungal susceptibility was evaluated by the broth macrodilution technique and the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum fungicidal concentration were determined. RESULTS: Among all antifungals evaluated in this study, amphotericin B was the one showing the best results; however, all compounds studied here showed inhibitory activities against isolates of Candida sp. Honey (0.0313-64 μg/mL) demonstrated fungistatic activity inhibiting 70% of the isolates. C. zeylanicum essential oil (0.0313-64 μg/mL) inhibited 93.3% of the Candida strains and Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (0.0313-64 μg/mL) was able to inhibit 73.3% of them. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, all natural compounds evaluated in this study, especially C. zeylanicum essential oil, may become promising agents for oral candidiasis therapy including in HIV-positive patients.

Diferentes intervalos de tempo de leitura do sistema API 20C AUX® na identificação de leveduras de interesse médico / Different reading time intervals of the API 20C AUX® system for identifying the yeasts of medical interest

Infecções de corrente sanguínea por leveduras do gênero Candida são uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em pacientes imunocomprometidos. Candida albicans permanece a espécie mais isolada nestas infecções e é de fácil e rápida identificação. Contudo, existem outras espécies, como C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata e C. krusei, que são encontradas com menor frequência e que necessitam de maior período de tempo e de metodologias comerciais automatizadas ou semi-automatizadas para sua identificação. Neste estudo foram analisadas 146 cepas de leveduras quanto à capacidade do Sistema API 20C AUX® (Biomerieux®, França) em identificar corretamente o gênero e a espécie de microrganismos em diferentes períodos de leitura, visando-se a liberação do resultado em menor tempo. C. parapsilosis, C. guilliermondii, C. pelliculosa, C. colliculosa, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Saccharomyces cerevisae, Trichosporon mucoides e T. asahii foram as leveduras cujos resultados finais puderam ser liberados nos períodos de tempo de 96, 120 e 144 h. Oitenta por cento das C. glabrata e 69 % das C. tropicalis também foram identificadas nos períodos além do tempo estabelecido. Com os resultados obtidos é possível antecipar a identificação do gênero e de algumas espécies de leveduras...

Glutathione levels in and total antioxidant capacity of Candida sp. cells exposed to oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide / Níveis de glutationa e capacidade antioxidante total em células de Candida sp. expostas a estresse oxidativo causado por peróxido de hidrogênio

INTRODUCTION: The capacity to overcome the oxidative stress imposed by phagocytes seems to be critical for Candida species to cause invasive candidiasis. METHODS: To better characterize the oxidative stress response (OSR) of 8 clinically relevant Candida sp., glutathione, a vital component of the intracellular redox balance, was measured using the 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB)-glutathione disulfide (GSSG) reductase reconversion method; the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured using a modified method based on the decolorization of the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid radical cation (ABTS*+). Both methods were used with cellular Candida sp. extracts treated or not with hydrogen peroxide (0.5 mM). RESULTS: Oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide clearly reduced intracellular glutathione levels. This depletion was stronger in Candida albicans and the levels of glutathione in untreated cells were also higher in this species. The TAC demonstrated intra-specific variation. CONCLUSIONS: Glutathione levels did not correlate with the measured TAC values, despite this being the most important non-enzymatic intracellular antioxidant molecule. The results indicate that the isolated measurement of TAC does not give a clear picture of the ability of a given Candida sp. to respond to oxidative stress.

INTRODUÇÃO: A capacidade de suportar o estresse oxidativo imposto por fagócitos parece ser crítica para que espécies de Candida causem candidíase invasiva. MÉTODOS: Para melhor caracterizar a resposta ao estresse oxidativo (REO) de oito Candida sp. clinicamente relevantes, um componente vital do balanço redox intracelular, a glutationa, foi mensurada pelo método de reconversão DTNB-GSSG redutase e a capacidade antioxidante total (CAT) foi mensurada por um método modificado baseado na descoloração do ABTS*+. Ambos os métodos foram utilizados em extratos celulares das espécies de Candida tratadas ou não com peróxido de hidrogênio (0,5mM). RESULTADOS: O estresse oxidativo induzido pelo peróxido de hidrogênio claramente reduziu os níveis intracelulares de glutationa. Esta diminuição foi mais intensa em C. albicans e os níveis de glutationa em células não tratadas foram também maiores nesta espécie. A capacidade antioxidante total demonstrou variação intraespecífica na capacidade antioxidante. CONCLUSÕES: Os níveis de glutationa não se correlacionaram com a capacidade antioxidante total mensurada, apesar desta ser a defesa antioxidante intracelular não-enzimática mais importante. Os resultados indicam que a medição isolada da CAT não fornece um quadro claro da habilidade de certa espécie de Candida responder ao estresse oxidativo.

Comparação entre microdiluição e disco difusão para o teste de susceptibilidade aos antifúngicos contra Candida spp / Comparison of microdilution broth and disk diffusion for antifungal susceptibility testing against Candida spp

A evolução da resistência fúngica pode ser avaliada pelo teste de susceptibilidade aos antifúngicos. Os protocolos mais utilizados para testes de susceptibilidade são a micro diluição em caldo (MDC), disco difusão (DD) e E-test. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi comparar os testes de sensibilidade realizados pelos métodos de MDC e DD para a anfotericina B e o fluconazol contra cepas de Candida spp. isoladas em Fortaleza/CE. Foram utilizadas 40 C. albicans, 50 C. tropicalis e 47 C. parapsilosis, isoladas de amostras de sangue e urina de pacientes atendidos no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza. Os testes foram realizados pelos métodos MDC e DD, de acordo com os protocolos M27-A3 e M44-A2 do CLSI. As metodologias foram comparadas e calculadas os percentuais de concordância. Para a anfotericina B e fluconazol, ocorreu um predomínio de cepas com susceptibilidade. O percentual de concordância para as metodologias foi acima de 97% e não foram detectados erros graves. A utilização de DD para realização de testes de susceptibilidade antifúngica pode ser aplicada na rotina laboratorial, pois é uma técnica fácil, barata, e de confiança quando comparada ao teste de MDC, sem comprometer os resultados para as cepas de C. albicans, C. tropicalis e C. parapsilosis.

The evolution of fungal resistance can be evaluated by testing susceptibility to antifungal agents. The protocols for susceptibility testing most common are Broth Microdilution (BMD), Disk Diffusion (DD) and E-test. The objective of this study was to compare the susceptibility tests conducted by the BMD and DD methods for amphotericin B and fluconazole against Candida spp. isolated in Fortaleza/CE. Were used 40 C. albicans, 50 C. tropicalis and 47 C. parapsilosis isolated from blood and urine samples of patients treated at Fortaleza General Hospital. The tests were conducted by the BMD and DD methods according to protocols M27-A3 and M44-A2 of the CLSI. These methods were compared and the percentages of agreement were calculated. For amphotericin B and fluconazole was a predominance of strains with reduced susceptibility. The percentage of agreement for the methods tested was above 97%. No serious errors were detected. The use of DD for performing antifungal susceptibility testing can be applied in routine laboratory tests, since one technique is easy, inexpensive, and reliable when compared to the BMD without compromising the results for the strains of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis.

Two New Species of Cryptococcus sp. and Candida sp. from Wild Flowers in Korea

Among 80 types of yeast isolated from wild flowers in Daejeon, Korea, two species that have not yet been identified by phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) genes and 26S rDNA sequences were identified as Candida sp. 44-C-1 and Cryptococcus sp. 9-D-1. Neither of the newly identified species formed ascospores, while Candida sp. 44-C-1 formed pseudomycelium and Cryptococcus sp. 9-D-1 did not.

Medium composition influence on Biotin and Riboflavin production by newly isolated Candida sp

Complex B vitamins as Biotin and Riboflavin are required by living organisms, not only for growth but also for metabolite production, and the feed market classifies them as growth promoters. Since Brazil will soon be one of the world's biggest animal protein producers, feed production is a large consumer of vitamins and micronutrients. The industry requires 10 mg riboflavin/0.2 mg biotin per kilogram of feed; a ratio of 40 ~ 50:1. Although few studies have been conducted specifically on riboflavin production using factorial design and surface response method as an optimization strategy, it is a common practice in biotechnology with many research reports available. However, there are no reports on the use of statistical design for biotin production. This study set out to evaluate medium composition influence on biotin and riboflavin production using a statistical design. There are no studies relating biotin and riboflavin production by Candida sp LEB 130. In this preliminary study to improve the simultaneous production of biotin and riboflavin, the maximum riboflavin/biotin ratio of 8.3 µg/mL was achieved with medium component concentrations of: sucrose 30 g/L, KH2PO4 2 g/L, MgSO4 1 g/L and ZnSO4 0.5mL/L.

Quantificação e identificação de Candida na cavidade oral de crianças / Quantification and identification of Candida in the oral cavity children

A identificação correta e precisa do agente causal de uma candidose é importante para a caracterização epidemiológica do tipo de infecção, como também para a escolha do tratamento. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram isolar, quantificar e identificar asleveduras do gênero Candida, presentes na cavidade oral de crianças de 2 a 4 anos de idade. Para a realização deste trabalho foram feitas coletas semanais em um grupo formado por dez crianças de 2 a 4 anos de idade, com o auxílio de swabs estéreis, friccionados na região periodental. O material coletado foi inoculado em meio cromogênico, utilizando-se a técnica de esgotamento e incubado a 36oC. A quantificação e identificação seguiram a metodologia descrita por Gwendolyn. Os resultados mostraram que, em 2.256 colônias isoladas, a C. albicans foi a mais frequente com 70,00; 70,44 e 95,15%, seguido pela C. tropicalis, com 16,99; 13,85 e 4,65%, C. glabrata com 11,77; 4,98 e 0,20%, respectivamente para 2, 3 e 4 anos de idade. A espécie que apresentou menor frequência foi a C. krusei com 1,24 e 10,73%, para 2 e 3 anos. Em crianças de 4 anos, não se verificou a presença dessa espécie .

The correct and precise identification of the causative agent of thrush is important for epidemiological characterization of the type of infection, but also for the choice of treatment. The objectives of this work was to isolate and quantify identify yeasts of the genus Candida in the oral cavity of children 2 to 4 years of age. For this work, samples were collected weekly in a group of ten children from 2 to 4 years old, and the samples were taken with sterile swabs, which were rubbed on the periodontal region. The collected material was inoculated on chromogenic medium, using the technique of exhaustion and incubated to 36 C. The quantification and identification followed the methodology described by Gwendolyn, (2005).The results showed that in 2256 isolated colonies, C.albicans was the most frequent with 70.00, 70.44 and 95.15%, followed by C. tropicalis, with 16.99, 13.85 and 4.65%, C. glabrata with 11.77, 4.98 and 0.20% respectively for 2, 3 and 4 years of age. The species that showed a lower frequency was C. krusei with 1.24and 10.73% for 2 and 3 years. In children aged 4 years, there was the presence of this species .

Avalia ao da susceptibilidade a antifungicos de diferentes espécies de leveduras candida isoladas de mucosa bucal e pele / Evaluation of antifungal susceptibility of different species of candida yeast isolated from buccal mucosa and skin

A variabilidade das diferentes especies de Candida sp, juntamente com as distintas respostas as formas de tratamento, desenvolveram a necessidade da utiliza tao de diferentes metodos diagn6sticos e esquemas terapeuticos. Entre as leveduras deste grupo, a Candida albicans e urn dos pat6genos mais comuns envolvidos nas candidiases mucocutaneas e da orofaringe, porem as especies nao albicans tern aumentado em numero e em importancia devido ao acrescimo do perfil de resistencia aos antifUngicos. A resistencia da Candida albicans e das especies nao albicans ao fluconazole outros derivados az61icos e descrito na literatura com freqOencia, o que torna importante a realiza tao de testes de susceptibilidade. Neste contexte esta pesquisa tern como objetivo determinar o perfil de susceptibilidade das leveduras Candida em diferentes sftios anatomicos. As leveduras isoladas da mucosa bucal e de pele foram semeadas em CHROMagar Candida, incubadas por 48 horas, a 35°C sendo posteriormente identificadas e avaliado in vitro o perfil de susceptibilidade utilizando o metodo da macrodilui tao. Entre as 25 amostras analisadas, verificou-se urn perfil de resistencia maior ao fluconazol em compara tao ao cetoconazol, sendo que 44% dos isolados de boca e 50% de pele mostraram-se resistentes ao fluconazol.

The variability of the different species of Candida sp, together with the distinct responses to treatment, elicited the need of using different diagnostic methods and therapeutic programs. Among the yeast of this group, Candida albicans is one of the most common pathogens involved in muco-cutaneous and oropharingeal candidiases, but the non-albicans species have increased in number and importance due to antifungal resistance. The resistance of Candida albicans and the non-albicans species to fluconazole and other azolic derivatives is frequently reported, which makes susceptibility tests important. Within this scope, this research has the purpose of determining the susceptibility profile of Candida yeast from different anatomical sites. The yeast cells isolated from buccal mucosa and skin were seeded in CHROMagar Candida, incubated for 48 hours at 35°C; later, they were identified and the susceptibility profile was assessed in vitro using themacrodilution method. Of the 25 samples analyzed, a higher profile of resistance to fluconazole compared to ketoconazole was noticed, where 44% ofthe buccal and 50% ofthe skin isolates were resistant to fluconazole.

Productividad y selectividad del medio de cultivo a partir de guayaba agria (psidium araca) en el crecimiento de levaduras nativas del género candida sp / Productivity and selectivity of culture medium from the sour guava (psidium araca) in the growth of native yeast candida sp

El presente trabajo se llevó a cabo para evaluar la eficiencia del medio de cultivo a partir de guayaba agria (Psidium araca) frente a medios comerciales en el crecimiento de tres cepas nativas: Candida guillermondii, Candida famita y Candida sp. Se evaluó el crecimiento microbiano a diferentes concentraciones de fruta, 5, 10, 25 y 50% p/v, tomando como control los medios comerciales: Malta, Sabouraud y agar papa dextrosa (PDA). La productividad y selectividad del medio de guayaba agria fue determinada mediante el método Ecométrico en un tiempo de 48 horas. Los análisis estadísticos aplicados para evaluar y comparar el crecimiento de las cepas en los medios comerciales y en el medio de guayaba agria a diferentes concentraciones demostraron lo siguiente: Candida guillermondii presentó crecimiento mayor o igual a 25 y 50% p/v comparado con los medios comerciales; Candida famata y Candida sp presentaron mejores crecimientos al 5% p/v, con respecto a los diferentes medios comerciales. Los resultados demostraron que el medio de cultivo es altamente productivo y no selectivo, lo que representa una alternativa en la conservación, el mantenimiento y el desarrollo de las levaduras estudiadas.

This work was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of the culture medium from sour guava (Psidium araca) against commercial media in the growth of three native strains: Candida guillermondii, Candida famata and Candida sp. Microbial growth was evaluated at different concentrations of fruit, 5, 10, 25, 50% w /v, using as control the commercial media: Malta, Sabouraud and PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar). The productivity and selectivity of the sour guava medium was determined by the Ecometric method in a time of 48 hours. The applied statistical analysis to evaluate and compare growth of strains in commercial culture medium and in the medium from sour guava at different concentrations showed: Candida guillermondii grew greater than or equal to 25 and 50% w / v compared with commercial medium, Candida famata and Candida sp showed better growth at 5% w / v, with respect to commercial medium. The results showed that the medium is highly productive and non-selective representing an alternative to the conservation, maintenance and development of the yeasts.

Aspectos micológicos e suscetibilidade in vitro de leveduras do gênero Candida em pacientes HIV-positivos provenientes do Estado de Mato Grosso / Mycological aspects and susceptibility in vitro the yeast of the genus Candida from HIV-positive patients in the State of Mato Grosso

INTRODUÇÃO: A candidíase é uma das infecções fúngicas mais frequentes entre os pacientes infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana. O presente estudo objetivou a caracterização das leveduras do gênero Candida de distintas amostras clínicas, provenientes de pacientes HIV - positivos, assim como a determinação do perfil de suscetibilidade in vitro a cinco drogas antifúngicas. MÉTODOS: A caracterização dos isolados de Candida sp foi realizada através da metodologia clássica, testes bioquímicos (zimograma e auxanograma) e morfológicos (prova do tubo germinativo e microcultivo em lâmina). Também, foram realizadas a técnica genotípica (PCR) e identificação pelo método comercial API 20C AUX (BioMeriéux). Para a determinação do perfil de suscetibilidade in vitro, foram utilizadas cinco drogas antifúngicas (cetoconazol, fluconazol, itraconazol, voriconazol e anfotericina B), através do método comercialmente disponível - Etest. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 105 isolados de leveduras do gênero Candida provenientes de 102 pacientes infectados pelo vírus HIV. Destes, foram caracterizadas 82 (78,1 por cento) Candida albicans, 8 (7,6 por cento) Candida parapsilosis, 8 (7,6 por cento) Candida tropicalis, 4 (3,8 por cento) Candida krusei, 2 (1,9 por cento) Candida glabrata e 1 (1 por cento) Candida guilliermondii. CONCLUSÕES: Considerando o perfil geral de sensibilidade, 60 por cento dos isolados foram suscetíveis a todos os antifúngicos testados, porém as espécies C. tropicalis e C. krusei demonstraram uma tendência a valores mais elevados de CIMs para os azóis do que os encontrados paraC. albicans, sugerindo resistência.

INTRODUCTION: Candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections among patients infected by human immunodeficiency virus. The present study aimed to characterize yeasts of the genus Candida from distinct clinical samples from HIV-positive patients and determine the in vitro susceptibility profile to five antifungal drugs. METHODS: Characterization of Candida sp was achieved using the classic methodology: biochemical (zymogram and auxanogram) and micromorphology (germinative tube growth test and slide microculture) tests. Genotypic technique (PCR) and identification by the commercial method API 20C AUX (Biomeriéux) were also performed. To determine the in vitro susceptibility profile, five antifungal drugs were used (ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and amphotericin-B) following a commercially available method, the Etest. RESULTS: The procedure isolated 105 yeasts of the genus Candida from 102 HIV-infected patients. Of these, 82 (78.1 percent) were characterized as Candida albicans, 8 (7.6 percent) as C. parapsilosi s, 8 (7.6 percent) C. tropicalis, 4 (3.8 percent) C. krusei, 2 (1.9 percent) C. glabrata, and 1 (1 percent) as C. guiilliermondii. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the general profile of sensitivity, 60 percent of isolates were susceptible to all the antifungal drugs tested; however, the species C. tropicalis and C. krusei showed a tendency toward higher MICs to azoles than those obtained for C. albicans, suggesting resistance.

Identificação por PCR e sensibilidade a antifúngicos de isolados clínicos vaginais de Candida sp / Identification by PCR and antifungal susceptibility of vaginal clinical Candida sp isolates

INTRODUÇÃO: A candidíase vaginal é uma condição que afeta um grande número de mulheres em idade fértil. Candida albicans é a espécie mais frequentemente isolada de secreção vaginal, entretanto, outras espécies mais resistentes às drogas antifúngicas podem ser isoladas de amostras clínicas vaginais. MÉTODOS: Foram identificadas as espécies de 30 isolados vaginais de Candida sp por PCR utilizando o primer universal ITS4 e primers espécie-específicos para C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis e C. krusei. A sensibilidade destes isolados frente à anfotericina B, fluconazol e voriconazol foi determinada pelo método de macrodiluição M27-A2 do CLSI. RESULTADOS: Através dos ensaios de PCR, 28 isolados foram caracterizados como C. albicans e 2 isolados apresentaram amplificação para os primers específicos de C. albicans e C. glabrata. A concentração inibitória mínima para anfotericina B variou de 0,03µg/mL a 0,25µg/mL, para o fluconazol de 0,125µg/mL a 16µg/mL e para o voriconazol de 0,03µg/mL a 0,25µg/mL. CONCLUSÕES: A identificação de Candida ao nível de espécie através de ensaios de PCR deve ser relevante para o gerenciamento clínico destas infecções.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal candidiasis is a condition that affects innumerous fertile women. Candida albicans is the most frequently isolated species from vaginal discharge; however, other different species that are more resistant to antifungal drugs can be identified in vaginal clinical samples. METHODS: The species of 30 vaginal Candida isolates was identified by PCR using the universal ITS4 primer and species-specific primers for C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. krusei. The sensitivity pattern to amphotericin B, fluconazole and voriconazole was assessed using the CLSI M27-A2 macrodilution method. RESULTS: The PCR assay revealed 28 C. albicans and 2 samples showed amplification for C. albicans and C. glabrata primers. The minimum inhibitory concentration for amphotericin B ranged from 0.03µg/mL to 0.25µg/mL, for fluconazole from 0.125µg/ml to 16µg/mL and for voriconazole from 0.03µg/mL to 0.25µg/m. CONCLUSIONS: Identification at Candida species level by PCR assay could be relevant for clinical management of these infections.

Incidencia y etiología de vaginitis infecciosa en mujeres Guatemaltecas / Incidence and etiology of infectious vaginitis Guatemalan women

La vaginitis es el proceso patológico que con mayor frecuencia afecta a mujeres en edad reproductiva y puede ser responsable, en algunos casos, de complicaciones y secuelas serias para la salud de la mujer. En Guatemala, no se tiene conocimiento preciso de la frecuencia de estos procesos, ni tampoco de los agentes que lo causan, razón por la cual se llevó a cabo esta investigación. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en 594 pacientes que asistieron a la clínica de Papanicolaou de la Asociación Pro-bienestar de la familia (APROFAM) en la ciudad de Guatemala, las cuales fueron evaluadas clínicamente y mediante pruebas de laboratorio para determinar la presencia de microorganismos patógenos. Utilizando una metodología de laboratorio sencilla y estrictas definiciones de caso, se determinó que 305 pacientes (51.3%) padecían de vaginitis...