Study of Clinico-mycological profile of onychomycosis at a tertiary carehospital

Introduction: Onychomycosis (OM) is a common nail disorder caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte moulds and yeasts. The increased prevalence of OM along with the wide range of associated fungi necessitates the accurate laboratory isola?on and iden?fica?on of the causa?ve fungus for op?mal management strategies. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical, epidemiological and mycological characteris?cs of OM at a ter?ary care hospital in Karimnagar. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Department of Microbiology for a period of one year. 109 pa?ents clinically diagnosed as OM were subjected to detailed history, clinical examina?on and inves?ga?ons. Nail clippings and subungual debris of OM pa?ents were subjected to KOH prepara?on and culture. Isolates were iden?fied by colony characters, pigment produc?on, microscopic morphology. Results: The maximum number of OM cases belonged to the age group 21-30 years with a male preponderance. Higher incidence was noted in males (71.5%) than females (28.4%). Direct microscopy of the nail clippings in 40% KOH solu?on was posi?ve in 56.8% and culture was posi?ve in 75.2% cases. The common e?ological agent was dermatophytes (45.12% cases) followed by yeasts (34.14% and non dermatophyte molds (20.7% cases). T.rubrum was the commonest among dermatophytes and Candida albicans among the yeasts. Conclusions: Although onychomycosis is not life threatening, it can cause a significant nega?ve impact on the quality of life of infected pa?ents. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent distor?on of the nails which can prevent loss of working efficiency of the commonly affected popula?on.

SPECTRUM OF SUPERFICIAL MYCOSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL- A MATTER OF CONCERN

BACKGROUND : Superficial mycosis has been recognized as a common fungal condition worldwide, including India. It refers to fungal infection of skin and its appendages. AIM & OBJECTIVES : 1) To determine the frequency of fungal agents isolated from clinically suspected cases of superficial mycoses, in a tertiary health care hospital. 2) To access the risk factors associated with it. 3) To analyse the demographic profile associated with superficial mycosis. MATERIAL & METHODS: The prospective study was carried out, over a period of 12 months (January 2021 to December 2021), samples such as skin scarping, hair plugs and nail clipping obtained from patients were submitted to Department of Microbiology for the fungal etiology. Samples were subjected to direct microscopy by KOH mount and fungal culture as per standard convectional technique. RESULTS: A total of 63 clinically suspected cases of superficial mycosis were enrolled in the study. Among the isolates recovered the most common were Dermatophytes(41.26%) followed by Candida(14.28%), Aspergillus(6.3%), Mucor(3.1%) and remaining 23.80% were sterile. Among the Dermatophytes, T.rubrum 42.30% was the predominant pathogen followed by T.mentagrophytes 34.61%. The most common age group affected was 21-40 years of age with male predominance of male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Out of total of 48 samples of superficial mycosis 26 were positive by direct microscopy and 48 samples were positive both by microscopy and culture. Most of the positive cases were recovered from immunocompromised individuals suffering from diabetes (37.5%) followed by prolonged antibiotic therapy (25.02%), long steroid therapy (12.5%) and chemotherapeutic agents (10.41%). The cases were mainly seen in the months between April to July which correlates the infection with the humid season. CONCLUSION: The study pinpointed dermatophytes as the most common clinical pattern of superficial mycosis with a male predominance. Dermatophytic infection is one of the emerging fungal disease along with non dermatophytic molds, especially in immunocompromised individuals prompt treatment and management can herald the onset of ensuing complications, thereby limiting the morbidity and thus improving the quality of life.

Alterantes microbianos atípicos en yogures argentinos: mohos gasógenos y bacterias del género Gluconobacter / Atypical spoilage microorganisms in Argentinean yogurts: Gas-producing molds and bacteria of the genus Gluconobacter

RESUMEN El deterioro microbiológico de alimentos conduce a productos no aptos para consumo, y su descarte, a importantes pérdidas económicas para la industria alimenticia. Durante su almacenamiento, los alimentos frescos representan nichos atractivos para la supervivencia y el crecimiento de microorganismos indeseables. En productos lácteos, la presencia de alterantes o patógenos bacterianos está mejor documentada que la de mohos y levaduras. Estos productos son menos proclives al deterioro por mohos que otros, como frutas y verduras, debido a su almacenamiento refrigerado, su elaboración a partir de leche tratada térmicamente y, para fermentados, a la microbiota dominante, que acidifica el medio. Sin embargo, incluso quesos y yogures pueden sufrir deterioro por mohos. Este trabajo presenta casos atípicos de muestras de yogur con desarrollo de mohos gasógenos y bacterias del géneroGluconobactercomo microorganismos alterantes no reportados previamente como tales en leches fermentadas argentinas. Los organismos alterantes «clásicos¼ de yogur fueron siempre levaduras y, en otros países, mohos del géneroAspergillus.

ABSTRACT Microbial food alterations lead to unfit products for consumption, and their discarding, to significant economic losses for the food industry. During storage, fresh foods offer available niches for the survival and growth of undesirable microorganisms. In dairy products, data regarding spoilage and/or pathogenic bacteria is better documented than those for molds and yeasts. Dairy products are less susceptible to mold's contamination than products such as fruits and vegetables, due to their refrigerated storage; their elaboration from heat-treated milk and, for fermented ones, the dominant microbiota that acidifies the medium. However, even cheeses and yogurts may be susceptible to mold contamination. Atypical cases of yogurt samples containing spoilage microorganisms not previously reported (molds producing gas and bacteria of the genusGluconobacter) in Argentinean fermented milks are presented here. For yogurt, in particular, the "classic" altering organisms were always being yeasts, and in other countries, molds belonging to the genusAspergillus.

The setup errors of thermoplastic head and shoulder molds with or without vacuum pad in HFSRT for brain metastases in the lung cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the setup errors of thermoplastic head and shoulder molds alone or combined with vacuum pad in hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastases.Methods:Fifty-four NSCLC patients with brain metastases who received HFSRT from 2017 to 2019 were enrolled in this study. Twenty-four patients were fixed with thermoplastic head and shoulder molds (group A), and 30 patients were fixed with thermoplastic head and shoulder molds plus vacuum pad (group B). The interfraction and intrafraction setup errors were acquired from cone-beam CT online image registration before and after the HFSRT. Optical surface system was applied in monitoring the intrafraction setup errors. The setup errors in each direction between two groups were analyzed by independent samples t-test. Results:For the interfraction setup errors of the whole group, the proportion of the horizontal setup errors of ≥3mm was 7.0% to 15.4% and 7.0% to 12.6% for the rotation setup errors of ≥2°. In group A, the anteroposterior setup error was (1.035±1.180)mm, significantly less than (1.512±0.955)mm in group B ( P=0.009). In group A, the sagittal rotation setup error was 0.665°±0.582°, significantly less than 0.921°±0.682° in group B ( P=0.021). For the intrafraction setup errors of the whole group, the proportion of horizontal setup errors of ≥1mm was 0% to 0.7%, whereas no rotation setup error of ≥1° were observed. In group B, bilateral, anteroposterior and sagittal rotation setup errors were (0.047±0.212)mm, (0.023±0.152)mm and 0.091°±0.090°, significantly less compared with (0.246±0.474)mm, (0.140±0.350)mm and 0.181°±0.210° in group A ( P=0.004, P=0.020, P=0.001), respectively. Optical surface monitoring data were consistent with the obtained results. Conclusions:Thermoplastic head and shoulder molds (with or without vacuum pad) combined with online image registration and six-dimensional robotic couch correction can be applied in HFSRT for brain metastases from NSCLC. The intrafraction setup errors in group B are smaller than those in group A. Optical surface system has certain value in monitoring the intrafractional movement.

Hongos anamorfos biodegradan los libros del Área Histórica de la Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) / Anamorphous fungi biodegrade the books of the Historical Area from the Central University of Ecuador (CUE)

Determinamos los géneros de hongos anamorfos que contaminan los libros del área de cuarentena y limpieza, dentro del Área Histórica de la Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE). Realizamos un hisopado aleatorio a una muestra representativa de 50 de estos libros de acuerdo a una Tabla militarizada estándar. También hisopamos como muestra preferencial a 21 libros gravemente contaminados con hongos. Los hisopados tuvieron una superficie de 5x5 cm, friccionando en la pasta, el borde y el interior de estos libros. Las 213 muestras tomadas fueron inoculadas en medio de cultivo Agar Malta. Los medios fueron incubados a una temperatura de 28°C durante 7 días. Realizamos observaciones por microscopía a 40 y 100x además de usar literatura especializada para la identificación hasta el nivel de género de hongos anamorfos. Los géneros más abundantes en este estudio fueron Penicillium (80,2%) y Mucor (8,1%). (AU)

We determined the genera of anamorphic fungi that contaminate the books in the quarantine and cleaning area, within the Historical Area of the Central University of Ecuador (CUE). We performed a random swab on a representative sample of 50 of these books according to a standard militarized Table. We also swabbed as a preferential sample 21 books seriously contaminated with fungi. The swabs had a surface area of 5x5 cm, rubbing on the paste, the edge and the interior of these books. The 213 samples taken were inoculated in Agar Malta culture medium. The media were incubated at a temperature of 28° C for 7 days. We made observations by microscopy at 40 and 100x in addition to using specialized literature for the identification down to the genus level of anamorphic fungi. The most abundant genus in this study were Penicillium(80,2%) and Mucor(8,1%). (AU)

Molecular Detection of Mycological Content in Ready to Eat Garri in Bayelsa State

Background and Objective: Garri is a powdery carbohydrate-based food material of cassava root tubers (Manihot esculenta Crantz) consumed predominantly in West African countries. It can be processed with palm oil rich in carotenoid (Light-yellow) or without palm oil (Creamy-white). In Nigeria, garri is widely acceptable and consumed by both the poor, the middle men or average Nigerian, and also the rich because it serves as a major source of carbohydrate.The study aimed at detecting fungal strains that produce mycotoxins in garri sourced from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.Materials and Methods:A total number of fifty freshly prepared and market displayed-garri samples were collected and processed using standard mycological techniques and Polymerase Chain Reaction from the 23 villages that constitute the LGA.Results:Results showed that the moulds isolated in yellow garri samples in this study were; Aspergillus spp9(37.50%),Cladosporiumspp 5(20.83%),Fusarium spp4(16.67%),Penicillus spp3(12.50%),Rhizopus spp2(8.30%) and Mucor spp1(4.17%),while those isolated in the white garri samples were; Aspergillus spp 6(25%), Penicilliumspp 8(33.3%), Cladosporium spp 4(16.7%), Rhizopus spp 2(8.3%),Mucor spp 1(4.1%), Alternaria spp 2(8.3%) and Fusarium spp 1(4.1%) with predominance of Penicilliumand Asperigellus species. Twenty samples subjected to molecular analysis to determine the Internal Transcribed Spacerregion (ITS) and characterization of the fungal strains were all positive (100%).Conclusion:Fungal contamination on garri mostly results from unhealthy post-processing activity basically from poor packaging and storage. Mycotoxins from fungal strains have serious health implications on humans therefore it is paramount that proper packaging and storage of this product is publicized to reduce its mycological contamination.

Significativo aumento de onicomicosis por hongos filamentosos no dermatofitos en red de salud privada en Santiago de Chile entre los períodos 2008-2009 y 2016-2017 / Significant increase in onychomycosis due to Filamentous Fungi Non Dermatophytes in Network of Private Health in Santiago de Chile among the periods 2008-2009 and 2016-2017

INTRODUCCION: La onicomicosis corresponde a una patología prevalente causada por hongos dermatofitos, levaduras y en menor proporción, hongos filamentosos no dermatofitos (HFND). Se ha reportado un aumento a nivel mundial en la incidencia de onicomicosis por HFND1 , sin embargo, en Chile no hay registros de ello. OBJETIVO: Comparar la epidemiología local de onicomicosis por HFND en una red privada de Santiago de Chile entre dos períodos de tiempo. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal de análisis de los registros de laboratorio de la Red de Salud UC-Christus entre los períodos 2008- 2009 y 2016-2017. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron un total de 9.579 muestras en ambos períodos, 4.985 entre 2008-2009 y 4.594 entre 2016-2017, con 3.442 (36%) cultivos positivos para hongos, 1.831 (36,7%) en el primer período y 1.611 (35%) en el segundo. Del total 40 muestras (1,2%) fueron de HFND, destacando que la prevalencia aumentó significativamente entre ambos períodos: 8 (0,4%) y 32 (2,0%) cultivos, respectivamente (p<0,0001). Del total, las especies de HFND más prevalentes fueron: 23 Fusarium sp (57,5%), 8 Scopulariopsis sp (20%) y 7 Acremonium sp (17,5%). En pacientes con cultivo positivo para HFND, se buscaron asociaciones probables en los antecedentes a través de la ficha clínica, sin encontrar resultados significativos. CONCLUCION: Los HFND son la tercera causa de onicomicosis y su prevalencia fue 1,2%. Las especies más frecuentes fueron Fusarium sp, Scopulariopsis sp, Acremonium sp. La prevalencia de HFND aumentó significativamente en un período de 6 años.

INTRODUCTION: Onychomycosis is a frequent nail disease caused mainly by dermatophytes, in less proportion yeast and last non-dermatophyte molds (NDM). NDM onychomycosis is an increasing problem worldwide, though in Chile there is no epidemiological registry about it. OBJETIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the local epidemiology of NDM onychomycosis. MATERIAL Y METHODS: We did a transversal cohort study in the Red de Salud UC-Christus between 2008-2009 and 2016-2017. RESULTS: Of the 9,579 clinically suspected cases of onychomycosis, 4,985 in 2008-2009 and 4,594 in 2016-2017, 3,448 (36%) cultures were positive in total, 1,831 (36.7%) in the first period and 1,611 (35%) in the second. Only 40 cultures (1.2%) were NDM in total, but the prevalence significantly increased between both periods with 8 (0.45%) and 32 (2.0%) cultures, respectively (p y (p<0.0001). Among the total of NDM, the most prevalent species were: 23 Fusarium sp (57.5%), 8 Scopulariopsis sp (20%) and 7 Acremonium sp (17.5%). We searched for possible associations of patients with NDM onychomycosis and morbid history, but found no significant result. COMCLUSION: NDM are the third cause of onychomycosis and its prevalence of 1.2% was predominantly from toe nails. The most frequent species were Fusarium sp, Scopulariopsis sp. and Acremonium sp. The prevalence of NDM increased significantly in a period of 6 years.

Effect of Silver (Ag) Nanoparticles on Structural and Mechanical Properties of (PMMA) Blend and its Application for Denture Base

The (PMMA-Ag) nano-composites films were prepared via photo polymerization method with different percentages (0.0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15% and 0.2%) of Ag. The structural, bacterial and mechanical properties of nano-composites were studied, FTIR spectra show a shift in peak position as well as a change in intensity. Scanning electron microscopy shows the surface morphology of the (PMM-Ag) nano-composites films. Three point bending testing, compressive strength, and impact strength were investigated and the results illustrate each mechanical property which improves the polymer characteristics. Then we reached that nano-composite materials are considered as the most important materials which are used as dental molds.

Influence of packaging on the quality of Brazil nuts / Influência da embalagem na qualidade de castanhas-do-brasil

The Brazil nut is an important commodity that grows in the Amazon rainforest and is notable for its high nutritional value. However, the effect that packaging has on product shelf-life is unclear. This study evaluated the microbiological and nutritional quality of unshelled Brazil nuts packed in (a) nylon and polypropylene under vacuum, and (b) in polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene aluminized films. The nuts were stored for nine months under natural environmental conditions. The most probable number of total and thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli, and counting of molds and yeast were determined in the unshelled nuts shortly after collection and every three months during storage. Moisture, lipids, ash, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents were measured by the gravimetric method. Crude protein content was measured using the Kjeldahl method. Coliform levels were within legislated standards in both types of packaging. Mold and yeast growth increased with time in both types of packaging (0.1x10¹ to 9.5x10³ colony forming units g-1), but only nuts packaged in aluminum film showed a significant increase after six months of storage. After nine months of storage, both types of packaged nuts had good nutritional quality. Aluminized packaging resulted in better conservation of the lipid fraction and lower permeability to water vapor, however, vacuum packaging was more effective in controlling fungal growth, possibly due to the lack of oxygen.

As castanhas-do-brasil são um importante produto da floresta amazônica e destacam-se pelo seu alto valor nutricional. Contudo, os efeitos da embalagem sobre a vida de prateleira das castanhas não estão completamente esclarecidos. Sendo assim, neste estudo, avaliou-se a qualidade microbiológica e nutricional de castanhas-do-brasil descascadas, embaladas em (a) nylon mais polipropileno a vácuo e (b) filmes aluminizados de polietileno tereftalato (PET) e polietileno (PE). As castanhas foram armazenadas por um período de nove meses, sob condições ambientais naturais. Logo após a coleta, e a cada três meses, foram determinados nas castanhas o número mais provável de coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes e Escherichia coli, e contagem total de bolores e leveduras. Também foram medidos os teores de umidade, lipídeos, cinzas, fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido por métodos gravimétricos, e os teores de proteína bruta por meio do método de Kjeldahl. Os níveis de coliformes termotolerantes estiveram dentro dos padrões da legislação nos dois tipos de embalagem. A incidência de bolores e leveduras aumentou ao longo do tempo nas duas embalagens (de 0,1x10¹ a 9,5x10³ unidades formadoras de colônia; UFC g-1), porém somente a embalagem aluminizada apresentou aumento significativo após seis meses de armazenamento. Após nove meses, as castanhas nas duas embalagens apresentaram boa qualidade nutricional, porém a embalagem aluminizada apresentou melhor conservação da fração lipídica e menor permeabilidade a vapores de água. Contudo, a embalagem a vácuo foi mais eficiente no controle do crescimento de fungos, possivelmente devido à ausência de oxigênio.

Microbiological assessment of honey in México / Calidad microbiológica de la miel en México

Honey is a product used as a natural sweetener and in several regions of Mexico and other countries it is also used as a therapeutic agent. Microbiological contamination of honey can occur during its extraction and handling. Due to the use and consumption of honey we highlighted here the importance of the assessment of its microbiological quality. One thousand nine hundred twenty samples obtained from 8 honey-producing states from Mexico were analyzed. From these samples, 40.5% (777/1920) did not comply with the NMX-036-NORMEX-2006 specification. Forty five percent (777/1920) of the samples did not comply with the mesophilic aerobic microorganism specification, neither did 17% (327/1920) of the samples with the specification for molds and 18.1% (348/1920) with the specification for yeasts. With regard to coliform bacteria, the samples contained less than 3 NMP/g. Two percent of the samples contained lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Clostridium perfringens was observed in amounts of more than 100 CFU/g. None of the samples from the different states contained more than 100 CFU/g of Staphylococcus aureus; Salmonella spp. was absent in all samples. It is important to avoid contamination sources and implement good hygienic practices in order to maintain and improve the quality of Mexican honeys since a large percentage of them are intended for export. If these honeys are intended for therapeutic use, it is necessary to ensure that they comply with all quality parameters and to apply specific treatments that guarantee the removal of any pathogen that may represent a risk to the patients's health.

La miel es un producto que se usa como edulcorante natural y en algunas regiones de México y otros países, como agente terapéutico. La contaminación de la miel con microorganismos se puede presentar durante la extracción y el manejo. Dado el uso y consumo de la miel, se consideró importante evaluar su calidad microbiológica. Se trabajó con 1.920 muestras de miel obtenidas de 8 estados productores en México. De las muestras de miel analizadas, el 40,5% (777/1.920) estuvo fuera de las especificaciones de la NMX-036-NORMEX-2006. Todas esas muestras no cumplían con las especificaciones referidas a mesofílicos aerobios, en tanto que el 17% (327/1920) no cumplían las relativas a mohos y el 18,1% (348/1920), las fijadas para levaduras. En lo que se refiere a los organismos coliformes, las muestras contenían < 3 NMP/g. Se encontró que el 2% contenía BAL; Clostridium perfringens se puso en evidencia en el 12%, con más de 100 UFC/g. En el caso de Staphylococcus aureus, ninguna muestra estuvo por arriba de 100 UFC/g. Salmonella spp. no se detectó en ninguna de las muestras analizadas. Es importante evitar las fuentes de contaminación y observar buenas prácticas de higiene para mantener y mejorar la calidad de las mieles mexicanas, ya que un buen porcentaje de ellas están destinadas a la exportación. Si estas van a ser destinadas a un uso terapéutico es necesario asegurarse de cumplir con los parámetros de calidad y dar tratamientos específicos que aseguren la eliminación de algún patógeno que pueda poner en riesgo la salud del paciente que utilice la miel.

Identification of pathogenic nonsporulating molds in eyes by internal transcribed spacer sequences alignment / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To identify the species and genus of pathogenic nonsporulating molds(NSM)by internal transcribed spacer(ITS)sequences alignment, and reveal the biodiversity of NSM in Hainan Island with tropical climate. <p>METHODS: Nine teen fungal strains, identified as NSM by conventional method in the laboratory department of Hainan Province Eye Hospital, were involved in this study. All of the strains were isolated from the infectious eye tissues from patients, and cultured with potato-dextrose agar and Sabourand's agar in 37℃ incubator for 7-21d. Any reproductive structure was detected by microscopy for up to 21d. After growth for 3-7d, the genomic DNA of specimens were extracted by grinding method combined with chemical method. Then, ITS sequences in the ribosome were amplified by PCR and analyzed using the National Center for Biological Information(NCBI)GenBank database. Finally, the species and genus were confirmed by sequence alignment. <p>RESULTS: The corresponding target bars could be observed in all 19 specimens after PCR. The results from genetic alignment classified the 19 specimens into 12 species, including Lasiodiplodia theobromae(6 isolates), Curvalaria lunata(1 isolate), Arthrinium sp.(2 isolates), neodeightonia subglabosa(2 isolates), Earliella scabrosa(1 isolate), Hypocreales sp.(1 isolate), phoma multirostrata(1 isolate), Trichophyton rubrum(1 isolate), Aspergillus westerdijkiae(1 isolate), roussoella siamensis(1 isolate), Ceriporia lacerata(1 isolate), Fusarium solqni(1 isolate).<p>CONCLUSION: ITS sequence alignment can identify NSM to genus and species level. The NSM in Hainan Island contains varies species, and is associated with multiple infectious diseases of the eye.

Qualidade microbiológica de manteigas extra qualidade / Microbiological quality of extra quality butters

A manteiga é um produto lácteo fabricado a partir do creme de leite pasteurizado. É necessária uma série de condições e cuidados, desde a obtenção da matéria-prima até a sua comercialização, para evitar o comprometimento da sua qualidade e evitar danos à saúde do consumidor. Nessa perspectiva, este trabalho avaliou a qualidade microbiológica de diferentes marcas de manteiga extra qualidade comercializadas no norte do Mato Grosso. Foram determinados coliformes totais, termotolerantes e Escherichia coli, bolores e leveduras. Todas as marcas avaliadas apresentaram resultados negativos para coliformes. Os resultados da contagem de bolores e leveduras variaram de 1,0x102 a 8,37x104 UFC/g.(AU)

Espectrometría de masas MALDI-TOF: evaluación de la etapa preanalítica para la identificación de hongos miceliales / MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry: Evaluation of the preanalytical phase for identification of molds

Se evaluaron 3 metodologías de extracción de proteínas para la identificación de hongos miceliales por MALDI-TOF MS en 44 aislados: la extracción con agua-ácido fórmico (E. agua), la extracción con zirconio-etanol-acetonitrilo-ácido fórmico (E. zirconio) y la recomendada por el proveedor del equipo (E. tubo). Se compararon 2 bases de datos: Bruker (BK) y BK + National Institutes of Health. Los resultados obtenidos utilizando dichas bases fueron los siguientes (en el orden citado): identificación correcta (IC) a nivel de género, 10 y 16 con E. agua; 27 y 32 con E. zirconio y 18 y 23 con E. tubo; IC a nivel de especie, 5 y 7 con E. agua; 17 y 20 con E. zirconio y 11 y 14 con E. tubo; identificaciones no confiables, 18 y 12 con E. agua y 9 y 4, tanto con E. zirconio como con E. tubo; ausencia de pico, 16 con E. agua, 8 con E. zirconio y 17 con E. tubo. La extracción con zirconio mostró el mejor rendimiento (p < 0,05).

In order to optimize the identification of molds with MALDI-TOF MS, three protein extraction-methodologies were evaluated against 44 isolates: water extraction (WE), zirconium extraction (ZE) and the provider's recommended method (PRM). Two data bases were compared, Bruker (BK) and Bruker + National Institutes of Health. Considering both databases, results were respectively as follows: correct identification (CI) at gender level, 10 and 16 by WE; 27 and 32 by ZE and 18 and 23 by PRM; CI at species level, 5 and 7 by WE; 17 and 20 by ZE and 11 and 14 by PRM; non-reliable identification, 18 and 12 by WE; 9 and 4 by ZE and by PRM. No peaks were observed in 16 by WE, 8 by ZE and 17 by PRM. ZE showed the best perfomance (p < 0.05).

Diagnóstico de la calidad sanitaria en las queserías artesanales del municipio de Zacazonapan, Estado de México / Diagnostic of health quality in artisanal cheese dairies of Zacazonapan municipality, State of Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y el grado de contaminación por mohos y levaduras (M&L), bacterias mesófilas aerobias (BMA), coliformes totales (CT) y Salmonella spp. (S) como indicadores de calidad e higiene en el entorno de fabricación del queso de Zacazonapan. Material y métodos: En cinco queserías se obtuvieron muestras de agua, leche, cuajo y queso, y de superficie de las manos y de los utensilios que están en contacto con el queso. Resultados: Todas las superficies presentaron contaminación; por lo tanto, se observa falta de higiene al elaborar el queso. Los conteos durante la elaboración de queso fueron, para leche, de 6.8, 6.7 y 4.5 log10 UFC/ml para M&L, BMA y CT, respectivamente. En queso, se detectó la presencia de S y cuentas de 9.16, 9.23 y 9.18 log10 UFC/g para M&L, BMA y CT. Conclusiones: La poca higiene en queserías y utensilios al elaborar el queso representa un riesgo para la salud humana.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence and the degree of contamination by molds and yeasts (M&Y), aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB), total coliforms (TC) and Salmonella spp. (S). These microorganisms were considered indicators of quality and hygiene in the manufacturing environment of Zacazonapan cheese. Materials and methods: Samples from five cheese dairies at Zacazonapan municipality were collected. The samples were collected directly from hands, water, milk, curd, cheese and surface of utensils for cheese making. Results: All surfaces sampled were contaminated, there was an evident lack of hygiene in the cheese making process, the microorganisms count during cheese manufacturing were: for milk; 6.8, 6.7 and 4.5 log10 CFU/ml for M&Y, AMB and TC, respectively. For cheese, the presence of S was detected and presented the following counting: 9.16, 9.23 and 9.18 log10 CFU/g to M&Y, AMB and TC. Conclusions: The lack of hygiene in dairies and implements for cheese manufacturing represents a risk for human health.

Avaliação da qualidade de queijo parmesão ralado de diferentes marcas comerciais / Quality evaluation of grated parmesan cheese from different brands

O queijo parmesão é um produto bastante consumido no país, principalmente na forma ralada e existem poucos trabalhos científicos disponíveis na literatura, abordando a qualidade do produto comercializado. Assim, torna-se necessário, avaliar as diferentes marcas de queijo parmesão ralado disponíveis no mercado. Desta forma, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a qualidade físico-química de queijo parmesão ralado de oito diferentes marcas comercializadas nos estados de Minas Gerais e do Espírito Santo, verificando se os produtos atendem aos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação vigente. Foram realizadas as análises físico-químicas de umidade, cinzas e cloretos, análise qualitativa de amido e análise microbiológica de bolores e leveduras, em três repetições. A metade das marcas avaliadas apresentou teor de umidade fora do padrão estabelecido pelo regulamento técnico para fixação de identidade e qualidade de queijo ralado, onde o valor máximo de umidade é de 20,0% para o queijo parmesão ralado. Dentre as quatro marcas irregulares, a umidade variou de 20,69% a 33,28%, indicando uma elevada variação acima do limite estabelecido. Na análise de cloretos foram encontrados teores entre 3,32% e 8,17%, bem como a análise de cinzas apresentou resultados variando entre 6,62% e 10,31%, indicando a ocorrência de uma elevada variação nos processos tecnológicos de produção, principalmente na etapa de salga, a qual influencia no teor de cinzas. Em nenhuma amostra foi detectada a presença de amido, indicando que não houve a adição indevida do mesmo aos produtos. Em relação à presença de bolores e leveduras, 12,5% das amostras avaliadas apresentaram contagens acima do limite estabelecido pela legislação, inconformidade que pode estar relacionada às condições de processamento e armazenamento inadequadas.

Parmesan is widely consumed in Brazil, mainly in the shredded form and few studies are available on literature about the commercial product quality. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate different brands available in the market. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical quality of parmesan shredded cheese from eight different brands available in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo State, Brazil, markets, evaluating their accordance to food legislation. Moisture content, chloride, minerals, starch qualitative analysis and microbiological analysis for yeasts and molds were the physical-chemical evaluations, carried out in three replications. Half of the evaluated brands presented moisture content outside the established standard for the identity and quality of the shredded cheese, in which the maximum moisture content is 20.0% for the shredded parmesan cheese. Between the four brands outside the standard, the moisture content varied from 20.69 to 33.28%, indicating a high variation above the established standard. For chlorides, contents from 3.32 to 8.17% were observed and for total minerals the results varied from 6.62 to 10.31%, indicating a high variation in the steps of production, mainly on cheese salting, which can influence the minerals content. No starch was observed in the samples, indicating that no starch addition was made in the products. For the yeasts and molds evaluations, 12.5% of the samples presented the counting above the legislation established limit, which could be related to the processing and storage conditions.

Aspergillus niger – a possible new etiopathogenic agent in Tinea capitis? Presentation of two cases

Abstract Tinea capitis is generally considered as the most frequent fungal infection in childhood, as it accounts for approximately 92% of all mycosis in children. The epidemiology of this disease varies widely ranging from antropophillic, zoophilic, and geophillic dermatophytes, as the main causative agent in different geographic areas, depending on several additional factors. Nowadays, the etiology is considered to vary with age, as well with gender, and general health condition. The former reported extraordinary Tinea capitis case reports have been replaced by original articles and researches dealing with progressively changing patterns in etiology and clinical manifestation of the disease. This fact is indicative that under the umbrella of the well-known disease there are facts still hidden for future revelations. Herein, we present two rare cases of Tinea capitis in children, which totally differ from the recently established pattern, in their clinical presentation, as well as in the etiological aspect, as we discuss this potential new etiological pattern of the disease, focusing on our retrospective and clinical observation. Collected data suggest that pathogenic molds should be considered as a potential source of infection in some geographic regions, which require total rationalization of the former therapeutic conception, regarding the molds’ higher antimitotic resistance compared to dermatophytes. Molds-induced Tinea capitis should be also considered in clinically resistant and atypical cases, with further investigations of the antifungal susceptibility of the newest pathogens in the frame of the old disease. Further investigations are still needed to confirm or reject this proposal.

Avaliação da qualidade microbiológica de polpas de frutas congeladas comercializadas na cidade de Cuiabá - MT / Evaluation of the microbiological quality of frozen fruit pulps commercialized in the city of Cuiabá-MT

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de polpas de frutas congeladas comercializadas na cidade de Cuiabá - MT, comparando aos padrões da legislação vigente. Foi avaliada a qualidade microbiológica de 25 amostras de polpas de frutas coletadas na cidade de Cuiabá-MT, de cinco diferentes polpas (abacaxi, acerola, caju, goiaba e maracujá) e de cinco marcas comerciais (denominadas A, B, C, D e E), para determinação da população global de bolores e leveduras, em unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC/mL), determinação do Número Mais Provável (NMP. mL-1) de coliformes totais e termotolerantes (a 45ºC) e determinação da presença/ausência de Salmonella sp. Os resultados para detecção de Salmonella sp. coliformes totais e termotolerantes nas polpas congeladas mostraram que estas se encontravam de acordo com a legislação vigente. Para a contagem de bolores e leveduras, porém, três amostras (12%) apresentaram índices elevados, acima do limite máximo estabelecido pela legislação vigente. Tais resultados sugerem possível inadequação do controle higiênico de algumas das indústrias evidenciando que as condições higiênicas durante o processamento, manipulação e armazenamento podem estar em desacordo com as Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF).

This work aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of frozen pulps (pineapple, acerola, cashew, guava, passion fruit) from five commercial brands commercialized in Cuiabá city, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Analysis microbiological were performed (Salmonella sp., molds and yeasts, total coliform, and thermotolerant counts) in 25 samples, in accordance with the accordance to the Brazilian legislation requirements. The counts of Salmonella sp., total and thermotolerant coliforms in the samples were in accordance to the Brazilian legislation requirements, except for frozen pulp of pineapple of one commercial brand for Escherichia coli because was present, but with value lower than of the legislation limit. Results for molds and yeasts were bigger than legislation limit, with presence in 12% of total samples. Concluded with this work that it is possible that some frozen pulps in some commercial brands sold in Cuiabá were not being manipulated neither with necessary hygienic conditions during processing, handling and storage.

Fungal Infections in Aseer Central Hospital: A Retrospective Laboratory-based Study of 340 Cases during the Years 2011 to 2015.

Objectives: The incidence of fungal infections is increasing due to increasing episodes of risk factors such as immune competence; broader used of antibiotics and longer hospital stays. This study aimed to analyze fungal isolates from patients admitted to Aseer Central Hospital between 2011 and 2015 and to shed light on practical recommendations based on scientific evidence for improving laboratory diagnosis. Methods: Retrospectively, for a period of 4 years (2011-2015), we analyzed 340 specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory, at Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia. The study involved the isolation and identification of fungi using standard methods. Cultures were done on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plates and Brain Heart Infusion Agar + 5% Sheep Blood (BHIA) according to the type of the clinical specimens. Suspected mold and yeast cultures were identified on the basis of colony morphology appeared on SDA and on microscopic features as per standard criteria. Resulted were analyzed using SPSS investigating prevalence among specimens types, sex, age groups and hospital wards. Results: Of the 340 specimens, positive fungal cultures were obtained in 105 (30.88%), no growth was seen in 218 plates (64.12%) and 17 plates (5%) had been contaminated or overgrown by bacteria. Out of the 105 positive fungal cultures, yeast represented 47 cases (44.76%) of which 23 samples (21.9%) belonged to the genus Candida. Dermatophytes were 18 isolates (17.14%) of which Trichophyton tonsurans was the dominant species 9 patients (8.57%). Aspergillus species were 13 cases (12.38%); Zygomycetes 9 (8.57%); Penicillium species, only 1 case (0.95%) and unidentified molds were 17 (16.19%). Gender showed significant differences (p=0.034) but no differences among ages groups (p = 0.187). Specimens derived from skin represented the highest percentage of fungal infections followed by the lower respiratory tract and subcutaneous tissue. Significance differences were recorded among hospital wards (p = 0.001) nonetheless male and female medical and surgical words revealed relatively higher rates of fungal infections. Conclusion: These fungi represent a considerable hazard to patient health. What is needed in the region is to increase detection rate, by improving sample quality and expanding laboratory capacity in order to enhance patient's health.

Survey of Fungal Cultures and the Identification Tests Used by Diagnostic Laboratories in Korea

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of fungal cultures and the identification tests used by diagnostic laboratories in Korea. METHODS: From 22 October to 30 November 2013, we surveyed 76 laboratories, participating in the regular proficiency survey program of The Korean Association of Quality Assurance for Clinical Laboratory, with a questionnaire on fungal cultures and their identification tests. In March 2014, five mold were distributed to ninety-one participating laboratories, as an educational challenge. RESULTS: Fifty-six (73.7%) out of seventy-six laboratories replied to the survey questionnaire. Yeast was identified using commercial kits in all laboratories and to species level in 82.1% of the laboratories, whereas moulds were mainly identified by morphological examinations, to species level in 41.1% of the laboratories. The response rate to the five proficiency specimens was 67.0%–71.1%. The percentage of correctly identified dermatophytes was lower than that of Aspergillus species. CONCLUSIONS: An improvement is required in the mould culturing and identification techniques used in diagnostic laboratories in Korea.