Detection of seasonal asymptomatic dermatophytes in Van cats

Abstract The Van cat is a domestic landrace found in the Van province of eastern Turkey. In this study, we aimed to determine the seasonal carriage of dermatophytes in Van cats without clinical lesions. A total of 264 hair specimens were collected from clinically healthy cats in and around the Van Province. Of these samples, 30.3% were obtained in spring, 30.6% in summer, 16.6% in autumn, and 22.3% in winter; 45.1% of samples were from male cats and the rest from female ones. Of the studied cats, 118 were younger than 1 year, 78 were 1–3 years old, and 68 were older than 3 years. The specimens were subjected to direct microscopic examination with 15% potassium hydroxide and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and dermatophyte test medium supplemented with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Dermatophyte identification was carried out based on macroscopic and microscopic colony morphology, urease activities, in vitro hair perforation test, growth at 37 °C, and pigmentation on corn meal agar. Dermatophytes were isolated from 19 (7.1%) of the 264 specimens examined. The most frequently isolated fungi were Trichophyton terrestre (4.1%), followed by Microsporum gypseum (1.1%), M. nanum (1.1%), and T. mentagrophytes (0.7%), and these fungi may represent a health risk for humans in contact with clinically healthy Van cats. M. canis was not isolated from any of the specimens. Our results show no significant (p > 0.05) association between carriage of dermatophytes and the gender of cats. The carriage rate of dermatophytes was high in spring and winter, and the only possible risk factor for infection was age of the animal.

Micosis superficiales: casuística del Departamento de Micología del Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel”, Caracas,Venezuela (2001-2014) / Superficial mycoses: casuistry of the Mycology Department of the Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel”, Caracas, Venezuela (2001-2014)

Las micosis superficiales son muy comunes y por ello son motivo de consulta médica frecuente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la frecuencia de diagnóstico de las micosis superficiales en el Departamento de Micología del Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel” en Caracas, Venezuela, durante 14 años (2001-2014). Se realizó un estudio transversal y retrospectivo de revisión de historias micológicas de pacientes con diagnóstico presuntivo de micosis superficial. Las muestras procesadas fueron uñas, pelos y escamas epidérmicas. La identificación de los hongos se realizó mediante observación macro y microscópica de las colonias y pruebas de identificación bioquímicas y fisiológicas, según requerimiento del agente aislado. Para la investigación de Malassezia spp. solo se realizó examen directo. De las 3228 muestras procesadas, 1098 (34%) resultaron positivas y su distribución según el agente etiológico fue: 79,5% dermatofitos; 10,9% levaduras; 5,1% hongos no dermatofitos y 4,5% Malassezia spp. El dermatofito más aislado fue el Complejo Trichophyton rubrum (70,1%), seguido del Complejo T. mentagrophytes (15,1%), Microsporum canis (9,4%) y Epidermophyton floccosum (4%). Las tiñas más frecuentes fueron: Tinea unguium (66,8%), seguida de Tinea pedis (16,4%) y Tinea capitis (8,1%). En el grupo de levaduras el Complejo Candida parapsilosis (37,5%) fue el más aislado y entre los hongos no dermatofitos el más frecuente fue Fusarium spp. (53,6%), seguido de Aspergillus spp. (19,6%) y Acremonium spp. (10,7%). La identificación del agente etiológico es fundamental para orientar un tratamiento adecuado. Esta casuística constituye un aporte importante para el conocimiento de la epidemiología de las micosis superficiales en nuestro país.

The superficial mycoses are very common infectious diseases and therefore are a frequent reason for medical consultation. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic frequency of superficial mycoses in the Mycology Department of the Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel” during 14 years (2001-2014). A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to review the mycological records of patients with presumptive diagnosis of superficial mycosis. Nails, hairs and epidermal scales were the processed samples. The identification of fungi was performed by macro and microscopic observation of colonies and biochemical and physiological tests, as required of the isolated agent. For the investigation of Malassezia spp. only direct examination was performed. Of the 3 228 samples processed, 1 098 (34%) were positive and their distribution according to the etiological agent was: dermatophytes 79.5%; 10.9% yeasts; non-dermatophytes fungi 5.1% and 4.5% Malassezia spp. The most frequently isolated dermatophyte was Trichophyton rubrum Complex (70.1%), followed by T. mentagrophytes complex (15.1%), Microsporum canis (9.4%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (4%). The most frequent ringworms were: Tinea unguium (66.8%), followed by Tinea pedis (16.4%) and Tinea capitis (8.1%). Candida parapsilosis complex (37.5%) was the most frequently isolated yeast and Fusarium spp. (53.6%) was the most isolated among non-dermatophyte fungi, followed by Aspergillus spp. (19.6%) and Acremonium spp. (10.7%). The identification of the etiological agent is essential to guide appropriate treatment. This study constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of the epidemiology of superficial mycoses in our country.

Dermatophytes and other associated fungi in patients attending to some hospitals in Egypt

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that infect keratinized tissues causing diseases known as dermatophytoses. Dermatophytes are classified in three genera, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. This investigation was performed to study the prevalence of dermatomycosis among 640 patients being evaluated at the dermatology clinics at Kasr elainy, El-Husein and Said Galal hospitals in Cairo and Giza between January 2005 and December 2006. The patients were checked for various diseases. Tinea capitis was the most common clinical disease followed by tinea pedis and tinea corporis. Tinea cruris and tinea unguium were the least in occurrence. Tinea versicolor also was detected. The most susceptible persons were children below 10 years followed by those aged 31–40 years. Unicellular yeast was the most common etiological agent and T. tonsuranswas the second most frequent causative agent followed by M. canis.

Interdigital foot infections: Corynebacterium minutissimum and agents of superficial mycoses

Interdigital foot infections are mostly caused initially by dermatophytes, yeasts and less frequently by bacteria. Erythrasma caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum can be confused with superficial mycoses. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of the etiologic agents of superficial mycoses and the frequency of Corynebacterium minutissimum in interdigital foot infections. All the samples obtained from the 121 patients with interdigital foot infections were examined directly with the use of 20% potassium hydroxide mounts and Gram stain under the microscope and cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar plates. In identification of superficial mycoses, the rate was found to be 14% with the cultural method and 14% with direct microscopic examination. Using a combination of direct microscopic examination and culture, a 33.8% ratio was achieved. In the culture of these samples, the most isolated factor was Trichophyton rubrum (33.7%). In 24 of the patients (19.8%) Corynebacterium minutissimum was detected by Gram staining, in 6 of these patients Trichophyton rubrum was found, Trichophyton mentagrophytes was found in 2 and Trichosporon spp. was found in 1. The examination of interdigital foot lesions in the laboratory, the coexistence of erythrasma with dermatophytes and yeast should be considered.

Comparison of the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration of Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole and Terbinafine Against Clinical Isolates of Dermatophytes.

Superficial fungal infections affect millions of people worldwide. Earlier most dermatophyte strains had relatively restricted geographical distribution. But currently, dermatophytosis has become one of the most common human infectious diseases worldwide. Fungal infections are common in hot and humid climate of tropical countries like India. Topical and systemic therapies are commonly used to treat dermatophyte infections.Clotrimazole is one of the most commonly used topical antifungal drugs. This study compared the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of Clotrimazole with Miconazole, Ketoconazole and Terbinafine in skin dermatophytes. The study demonstrated that Clotrimazole had lower MFCs as compared to Ketoconazole and Miconazole against Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. Clotrimazole had comparable MFCs versus Terbinafine against Trichophyton rubrum but it had lower MFCs against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. Thus, Clotrimazole is an effective antifungal agent for dermatophytosis even today.The efficacy of Clotrimazole even against strains with intermediate resistance or resistance to the older azole anti fungal drugs reiterate the current decisions of empirical treatment with topical Clotrimazole for the management of superficial dermatophyte infections.

Distribution ofddermatophytes from soils of urbn and rural areas of cities of paraiba state, Brazil / Distribuicao de dermatofitos isolados de solos de cidades do Estado da Paraiba, Brasil

SUMMARY The dermatophytes, keratinophilic fungi, represent important microorganisms of the soil microbiota, where there are cosmopolitan species and others with restricted geographic distribution. The aim of this study was to broaden the knowledge about the presence of dermatophytes in soils of urban (empty lots, schools, slums, squares, beaches and homes) and rural areas and about the evolution of their prevalence in soils of varying pH in cities of the four mesoregions of Paraiba State, Brazil. Soil samples were collected from 31 cities of Paraiba State. Of 212 samples, 62% showed fungal growth, particularly those from the Mata Paraibana mesoregion (43.5%), which has a tropical climate, hot and humid. Soil pH varied from 4.65 to 9.06, with 71% of the growth of dermatophytes occurring at alkaline pH (7.02 - 9.06) (ρ = 0.000). Of 131 strains isolated, 57.3% were geophilic species, particularly Trichophyton terrestre (31.3%) and Mycrosporum gypseum (21.4%). M. nanum and T. ajelloi were isolated for the first time in Paraiba State. The zoophilic species identified were T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (31.3 %) and T. verrucosum (7.6 %), and T. tonsurans was isolated as an anthropophilic species. The soils of urban areas including empty lots, schools, slums and squares of cities in the mesoregions of Paraiba State were found to be the most suitable reservoirs for almost all dermatophytes; their growth may have been influenced by environmental factors, soils with residues of human and/or animal keratin and alkaline pH. .

RESUMO Os dermatófitos, fungos queratinofílicos, representam importantes microrganismos da microbiota do solo, onde existem espécies cosmopolitas e outras de distribuição geográfica restrita. Este estudo teve como objetivo ampliar o conhecimento da distribuição de dermatófitos do solo proveniente de áreas urbanas (terrenos baldios, escolas, favelas, praças, praias e residências) e rurais de quatro mesorregiões paraibanas e da influência do pH na adaptação desse grupo de fungos. Amostras de solos urbanos e rurais foram coletadas de 31 cidades do estado da Paraíba, Brasil. De 212 amostras 62% apresentaram crescimento fúngico, destacando-se a Mesorregião da Mata Paraibana (43.5%), a qual apresenta clima tropical, quente e úmido. O pH das amostras de solo variou de 4.65 a 9.06, com crescimento de 71% dos dermatófitos em pH alcalino (7.02 - 9.06) (ρ = 0.000). Das 131 cepas isoladas 57.3% eram espécies geofílicas, destacando-se Trichophyton terrestre (31.3%) e Microsporum gypseum (21.4%). M. nanum e T. ajelloi foram isolados pela primeira vez no estado da Paraíba. Entre as espécies zoofílicas foram identificadas T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (31.3%) e T. verrucosum (7.6%) e como espécie antropofílica foi isolada T. tonsurans. Os solos de terrenos baldios, escolas, favelas e praças de cidades paraibanas são os reservatórios mais adequados dos dermatófitos, cujo crescimento pode ter sido influenciado por fatores ambientais, solos com resíduos de queratina humana e ou animal e pH alcalino. .

Dermatophytosis diagnosed at the Evandro Chagas Institute, Pará, Brazil

Dermatophytosis is caused by a dermatophyte fungus that affects the stratum corneum and keratinized tissue. Dermatophyte fungus has been reported worldwide as the causative agent of dermatophytosis, but the etio-epidemiological aspects of these mycoses in the state of Pará remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the etio-epidemiological profile of dermatophytosis diagnosed in patients at the Evandro Chagas Institute from May 2005 to June 2006. A total of 494 patients were admitted, and their samples were collected, submitted for direct microscopic examination using 20% KOH and cultured in Sabouraud and Mycosel medium. The identification was based in macro and microscopic characteristics. Direct examinations were positive in 13% (66/494) of the patients, and agent isolation by cultivation of the biological sample was successful in 4% (20/494), with a high prevalence of T. mentagrophytes (40%; 8/20). Dermatophytosis was more frequent in women (58%; 38/66). Fifty-two percent (21/38) of the cases were children with an average age of 8 years. The most frequent clinical presentation was Tinea corporis (55%, 36/66). For the cases in which the dermatophyte agent was not isolated, we discuss the factors that may be interfering with isolation. Tinea corporis occurred more frequently observed when T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum were the major etiologic agents.

Keratinophilic fungi recovered from feathers of different species of birds in St Kitts and Nevis / Hongos queratinofílicos obtenidos de las plumas de diferentes especies de aves en St Kitts y Nevis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi including dermatophytes on feathers of domestic and wild birds in the islands of St Kitts and Nevis. METHOD: During 2010-2011, samples of feathers from ninety-four birds were examined by hair-baiting technique in Petri-dishes containing sterilized soil. Fungal growths appearing on the feathers and the hair-baits were microscopically examined and the cultures obtained were identified on the basis of their microscopic and colonial morphology. RESULTS: Chrysosporium constituted the majority (86.9%) of the 72 isolates of keratinophilic fungi, represented by mainly C tropicum and C indicum. Sepedonium spp isolates were recovered from nine of the feather samples; two of these were identified as Sepedonium chrysospermum, and the other two as S ampullosporum. CONCLUSION: Recovery of four isolates of the dermatophyte, Microsporum gypseum complex (two each of M gyspeum and M fulvum) from feathers of birds is a finding of public health significance.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la presencia de hongos queratinofílicos, incluyendo dermatofitos, en las plumas de aves domésticas y silvestres en las islas de St Kitts y Nieves. MÉTODOS: Durante 2010-2011, se examinaron muestras de plumas de noventa y cuatro aves, utilizando la técnica de anzuelo queratínico (técnica de Vanbreuseghem) en placas de Petri con tierra esterilizada. Los crecimientos fúngicos que aparecieron sobre las plumas y los anzuelos de queratina de pelos (hair baits) fueron examinados bajo el microscopio, y los cultivos obtenidos fueron identificados sobre la base de su morfología microscópica y colonial. RESULTADOS: Chrysosporium constituyó la mayor parte (86.9%) de los 72 aislados de hongos queratinofílicos, representados principalmente por el C tropicum y el C indicum. Aislados de Sepedonium spp fueron obtenidos de nueve muestras de plumas. Dos de ellos fueron identificados como Sepedonium chrysospermum y los otros dos como S ampullosporum. CONCLUSIÓN: La recuperación de cuatro aislados del complejo M gypseum dermatofito (formado por dos M gyspeum y dos M fulvum respectivamente) de las plumas de aves, es un hallazgo de importancia para la salud pública.

Isolation of Microsporum gypseum in soil samples from different geographical regions of Brazil, evaluation of the extracellular proteolytic enzymes activities (keratinase and elastase) and molecular sequencing of selected strains

A survey of Microsporum gypseum was conducted in soil samples in different geographical regions of Brazil. The isolation of dermatophyte from soil samples was performed by hair baiting technique and the species were identified by morphology studies. We analyzed 692 soil samples and the recuperating rate was 19.2%. The activities of keratinase and elastase were quantitatively performed in 138 samples. The sequencing of the ITS region of rDNA was performed in representatives samples. M. gypseum isolates showed significant quantitative differences in the expression of both keratinase and elastase, but no significant correlation was observed between these enzymes. The sequencing of the representative samples revealed the presence of two teleomorphic species of M. gypseum (Arthroderma gypseum and A. incurvatum). The enzymatic activities may play an important role in the pathogenicity and a probable adaptation of this fungus to the animal parasitism. Using the phenotypical and molecular analysis, the Microsporum identification and their teleomorphic states will provide a useful and reliable identification system.

Antimicrobial effects of allicin and ketoconazole on trichophyton rubrum under in vitro condition

Dermatophytosis is caused by a group of pathogenic fungi namely, dermatophytes, is among the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide. Azole drugs are widely used in the treatment of dermatomycosis, but can cause various side effects and drug resistance to the patients. Hence, for solving this problem can be used from the plant extract as alternative for chemical drugs. Allicin is a pure bioactive compound isolated from garlic was tested for its potential as a treatment of dermatomycosis in this study. This study evaluated the in vitro efficacy of pure allicin against ten isolates of Trichophyton rubrum and the MIC50 and MIC90 ranged from 0.78-12.5 µg/ml for allicin. The results revealed that the order of efficacy based on the MICs values, all isolates showed almost comparable response to allicin and ketoconazole except for some isolates, at 28 ºC for both 7 and 10 days incubation. Mann-Whitney test indicate that MICs at 7 days incubation was not observed a significant difference between the effects of allicin and ketoconazole (p > 0.05), but MICs at 10 days incubation, a significant difference was observed (p < 0.05). On the other side, time kill studies revealed that allicin used its fungicidal activity within 12-24 h of management in vitro as well as ketoconazole. In conclusion, allicin showed very good potential as an antifungal compound against mycoses-causing dermatophytes, almost the same as the synthetic drug ketoconazole. Therefore, this antifungal agent appears to be effective, safe and suitable alternative for the treatment of dermatomycosis.

A 7-year survey of superficial and cutaneous mycoses in a public hospital in Natal, Northeast Brazil

In the present study, we determined the frequency of superficial and cutaneous mycoses and their etiologic agents during a 7-year period (2002-2008) in Natal, Brazil. A total of 1,717 specimens of skin, nail, and hair were collected from 1,382 patients with suspected mycoses lesions and were then subjected to direct microscopy and culture.

Growth inhibition and morphological alterations of Trichophyton rubrum induced by essential oil from Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt ex Bor

Trichophyton rubrum is one of the most common fungi causer of dermatophytosis, mycosis that affect humans and animals around the world. Researches aiming new products with antifungal activity become necessary to overcome difficulties on treatment of these infections. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of essential oil from Cymbopogon winterianus against the dermatophyte T. rubrum. The antifungal screening was performed by solid medium diffusion method with 16 T. rubrum strains, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) were determined using the microdilution method. The effects on mycelial dry weight and morphology were also observed. Screening showed essential oil in natura inhibited all the tested strains, with inhibition zones between 24-28 mm diameter. MIC50 and MIC90 values of the essential oil were 312 µg/mL for nearly all the essayed strains (93.75 percent) while the MFC50 and MFC90 values were about eight times higher than MIC for all tested strains. All tested essential oil concentrations managed to inhibit strongly the mycelium development. Main morphological changes on the fungal strains observed under light microscopy, which were provided by the essential oil include loss of conidiation, alterations concerning form and pigmentation of hyphae. In the oil presence, colonies showed folds, cream color and slightly darker than the control, pigment production was absent on the reverse and with evident folds. It is concluded that C. winterianus essential oil showed activity against T. rubrum. Therefore, it could be known as potential antifungal compound especially for protection against dermatophytosis.

Dermatophytes from urban soils in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil / Dermatofitos de suelos urbanos de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

A total of 68 soil samples was collected from "favelas" (slums), schools, public squares, beaches and vacant lots in the city of João Pessoa-PB, Brazil. A search for dermatophytes in these soils was carried out by using the Vanbreuseghem technique. As a result, 48 strains and 6 dermatophytes species were isolated. Trichophyton terrestre (25.0%), Microsporum gypseum (20.8%) and Anthroderma gypsea (2.1%) were identified among the geophilic species, and T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (37.5%) among the zoophilic species and T. tonsurans (4.2%), among the anthropophilic species. The growth of 75% of dermatophytes occurred in alkaline pH (7.02-9.00) and their presence in the soil should not be underestimated, since some of the identified species are aetiological agents of dermatophytoses in humans and animals.

Se informan los resultados obtenidos tras la búsqueda de dermatofitos utilizando la técnica de Vanbreuseghem en un total de 68 muestras de suelo recolectadas de favelas, escuelas, plazas, playas y sitios deshabitados en la ciudad de João Pessoa, PB, Brasil. Se aislaron 48 cepas pertenecientes a 6 especies distintas de dermatofitos a partir de estos suelos. Dentro de las especies geofílicas fueron identificadas Trichophyton terrestre (25,0%), Microsporum gypseum (20,8%) y Anthroderma gypsea (2,1%); dentro de las zoofílicas, T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (37,5%) y entre las antropofílicas T. tonsurans (4,2%). El crecimiento del 75% de los dermatofitos se dio a pH alcalino (7,02-9,00). Se concluye que la presencia de estos dermatofitos en el suelo no debería ser subestimada, dado que algunas de las especies identificadas son agentes de dermatofitosis para los humanos y los animales.

Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum in free-living Bradypus variegatus (Schiz, 1825) in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil / Dermatofitose por Microsporum canis e Microsporum gypseum em Bradypus variegatus (Schiz, 1825) de vida livre no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Three cases of dermatophytosis in free living brown-throated three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus) in the Zona da Mata, North of Pernambuco State, Brazil, were studied. Two animals presented areas of alopecia on the pelvic member and thorax and one animal on the pelvic member only. The three animals presented scabs. Hair and scabs samples were submitted to microscopical examination after treatment with a 30 percent KOH and cultivated in Mycosel Agar. The direct examination indicated the presence of arthrospores in the hair. Colonies grown after seven days of culture were confirmed as Microsporum based on examination of the structure of the macroconidia. This is the first observation of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum in free living sloths in the State of Pernambuco.

Foram estudados três casos de dermatofitose em preguiças-de-garganta-marrom (Bradypus variegatus) de vida livre na Zona da Mata, Norte do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Dois animais apresentavam áreas de alopecia nos membros pélvicos e torácicos e um apenas no membro pélvico. Em todos os animais foi observada a presença de crostas. As amostras de pêlos e crostas foram submetidas ao exame microscópico direto com KOH a 30 por cento e cultivo em Ágar Mycosel. Ao exame direto foram observados artrosporos nos pêlos e sete dias após o cultivo foram observadas colônias sugestivas do gênero Microsporum, confirmadas através da observação da estrutura dos macroconídeos. Trata-se do primeiro relato de ocorrência de dermatofitose por Microsporum canis e Microsporum gypseum em preguiças de vida livre no Estado de Pernambuco.

Isolamento de dermatófitos em animais domésticos em Vila Real, Portugal / Dermathophytes isolated from domestic animals in Vila Real, Portugal

During a six-year period from 2000 to 2006, 257 animal samples (fur and skin desquamation) were submitted to mycological examination in the Laboratory of Microbiology at the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Dermathophytes were cultured from 38 of 257 (14.8 percent) specimens. Chi-squared test was used to compare differences between independent groups. The most frequent isolated dermathophyte was Microsporum canis (47.4 percent). Other isolated dermathophytes were: Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (31.5 percent), Microsporum gypseum (15.8 percent), and Microsporum nanum (5.3 percent). The rates of dermathophytes isolation were 8.4 percent in dogs; 21.3 percent in cats; 66.7 percent in rabbits; and in 11.1 percent in horses.

Comparison of potassium hydroxide mount and mycological culture with histopathologic examination using periodic acid-Schiff staining of the nail clippings in the diagnosis of onychomycosis.

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a common problem noticed in clinical practice. Currently available standard laboratory methods show inconsistent sensitivity; hence there is a need for newer methods of detection. AIMS: This study involves comparison of standard laboratory tests in the diagnosis of onychomycosis, namely, potassium hydroxide mount (KOH mount) and mycological culture, with histopathologic examination using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining of the nail clippings. METHODS: A total of 101 patients with clinically suspected onychomycosis were selected. Nail scrapings and clippings were subjected to KOH mount for direct microscopic examination, culture using Sabouraud's dextrose agar (with and without antibiotics) and histopathologic examination with PAS staining (HP/PAS). Statistical analysis was done by McNemar's test. RESULTS: Direct microscopy with KOH mount, mycological culture, and HP/PAS showed positive results in 54 (53%), 35 (35%), and 76 (75%) patients respectively. Laboratory evidence of fungal infection was obtained in 84 samples by at least one of these three methods. Using this as the denominator, HP/PAS had a sensitivity of 90%, which was significantly higher compared to that of KOH mount (64%) or mycological culture (42%). CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologic diagnosis with PAS staining of nail clippings was the most sensitive among the tests. It was easy to perform, rapid, and gave significantly higher rates of detection of onychomycosis compared to the standard methods, namely KOH mount and mycological culture.

[Study of the types of dermatophytes infections in damascus and its countrydis, and the importance of fungal culture in diagnosis]

This study aims to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes infection in Damascus and Damascus countryside and the importance of fungal culture in diagnosis. A 2 years prospective study was carried out in 893 clinically suspected patients who were consulted by dermatologists and referred to the laboratory for KOH test and cultures to detect dermatophytes or yeast forms in the following sites: scalp, skin, hands nails, and feet nails, during the period between 2004 and 2006. High rates of dermatophytes infections were recorded in Damascus. Direct examination and culture method showed high rates of positive results for scalp, skin, hand and feet nails [31.9%, 67.7%, 48.2% 55.2% respectively]. The results showed that the most prevalence species in Damascus and its country side in the scalp are Microsporum audouini and trichphyton tonsurans, while in skin are Trichophyton Rubrum and Candida, then Epidermophyton floccosum. Wherase the most prevalence species in hands nails are Candida and Trichophyton then Aspergillus, however in feet nails are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophytoninterdigitalis, then Candia. Prevalence of dermatophytes infections in Damascus showed to be of high importance. The culture method of scalps specimens for fungal diagnosis showed not to be necessary, however culture for skins was important, and of a great important for hands and feet nails

Arthroderma gypseum y su anamorfo en el jardín central de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina / Artroderma gypseum and its anamorph from the central garden of the Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, Argentina

Con el objeto de contribuir al conocimiento de la micobiota en áreas públicas, en especial en la búsqueda de propágulos infectivos para el hombre y los animales de dermatofitos geofílicos desde sus fuentes saprofíticas, se estudiaron en el lapso de 2 años, 8 muestras superficiales de suelo (una cada 3 meses) desde los jardines centrales de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán mediante la Técnica de Vanbreuseghem, usando pelos de niños como anzuelo queratínico. Las 8 muestras sembradas en 24 placas de Petri, presentaron todas al cabo de 25-30 días la presencia de Arthroderma gypseum y su anamorfo Microsporum gypseum como único dermatofito presente. Los cultivos en Sabouraud glucosado y en Sabouraud al 10 por ciento (medio deTakashio), permitieron identificar las cepas típicas del anamorfo. La presencia y prevalencia en el tiempo de este agente en las muestras colectadas en dependencias universitarias rodeadas de aulas, laboratorios y oficinas, posee un impacto en salud pública y ambiental por su conocido oportunismo en pacientes inmunocompetentes e inmunocomprometidos.

With the purpose of knowing the presence of mycobiota in public areas, mainly in the search of propagules of geophilic dermatophytes which are infective for man and animals from their saprophytic sources, 8 superficial samples of soil (every 3 month), collected from the central gardens of the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán were studied during a 2-year period, by using the Vanbreuseghem Technique which employs children hair as a keratinic bait. The overall 8 samples sowed on 24 Petri plates revealed after 25-30 days the presence of Arthroderma gypseum and its anamorph Microsporum gypseum as the only dermatophyte present. Cultures in glucose Sabouraud and in 10 percent Sabouraud (Takashio medium), allowed the identification of the typical strains of the anamorph. Presence and prevalence in time of this agent in samples collected from university buildings surrounded by classrooms, laboratories and offices means an impact on public and environmental health due to its well known opportunism in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.