Candida Tropicalis Spondylodiscits in an Immunocompetent Host: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background Fungal spondylodiscitis is not common but should be suspected in some cases. Candida tropicalis infections are being more frequently diagnosed due to some factors related to the microorganism. Case Description A C. tropicalis spondylodiscitis is described in a 72-year-old man who was treated with a combination of echinocandin (micafungin) and surgery. Conclusion The presence of some risk factors should promptly raise the suspicion of fungal spondylodiscitis. Treatment should be instituted as early as possible for the best outcome for the patient.

Candida auris infection in the central catheter of a patient without sepsis symptoms / Infección por Candida auris en el catéter central de un paciente sin síntomas de sepsis

Abstract Background: Candida auris is an emerging yeast frequently reported as resistant to multiple antifungal drugs commonly used to treat Candida infections. This specie can colonize the patient's skin and has great ability for producing outbreaks in hospitals. C. auris is phylogenetically related to other Candida species, can be misidentified using conventional biochemical or commercial methods and requires specific technology for its identification. Case report: We report the first isolate of C. auris in Cali, Colombia, from a central venous catheter in a 37-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis and endocarditis who did not have symptoms of sepsis. The yeast was initially misidentified as C. haemulonii using the Phoenix system and subsequently identified as C. auris by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration; the isolate was susceptible to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and amphotericin B. Conclusions: This report contributes to knowledge of the epidemiology of C. auris infections in individuals with underlying disease and describes an isolate with a behavior different from what is usually reported.

Resumen Antecedentes: Candida auris es una levadura emergente, informada con frecuencia como resistente a diversos antifúngicos usados comúnmente para tratar infecciones por Candida. Esta especie puede colonizar la piel y tiene gran capacidad de producir brotes en ambientes hospitalarios. Está filogenéticamente relacionada con otras especies de Candida, es mal identificada por los métodos bioquímicos o comerciales, y requiere tecnología específica para su identificación. Reporte de caso: Se informa el primer aislamiento de C. auris en Cali, Colombia en un paciente de 37 años con artritis reumatoide y endocarditis, sin síntomas de sepsis, a partir de la punta de catéter venoso central. La levadura inicialmente se identificó como C. haemulonii por el sistema Phoenix® y posteriormente como C. auris por espectrometría de masas desorción/ionización láser asistida por una matriz con detección de masas por tiempo de vuelo (MALDI-TOF MS). Se determinó la concentración inhibitoria mínima por el método de microdilución en caldo que mostró un aislamiento sensible a fluconazol, itraconazol, voriconazol y anfotericina B. Conclusión: Este informe contribuye al conocimiento de la epidemiología de las infecciones por C. auris en individuos con enfermedad subyacente y describe un aislamiento con un comportamiento diferente a lo indicado en otros estudios.

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identification of yeast-form fungi: a comparison between methods

Introduction: Identification of yeast species has clinical and epidemiological value. Different methods can be used, such as chromogenic media, microculture on corn meal agar with Tween 80, as well as conventional biochemical and automated methods. Recently, proteomic studies employing matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry have been a major advance in diagnosis due to speed of execution and accuracy of results. Methods: For this study, 79 yeast samples were submitted to identification using chromogenic medium, microculture on corn meal-Tween 80 agar, VITEK 2 Compact identification, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Results: Most of the 79 samples were identified, with differences in the performance of the methods used. Colonial morphology and microscopy were compatible with the genus Candida. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry had the best performance, with 78 strains identified (98.7%), compared to VITEK 2 Compact (92.4%) and microculture on corn meal agar (70.9%). Conclusions: MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry using the VITEK MS instrument performed best and has proven to be a revolutionary method in clinical microbiology laboratories. Regarding the identification of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, the chromogenic medium had excellent performance, thus being a good option to optimize the process. (AU)

Comparison of the identification results of Candida species obtained by BD PhoenixT and Maldi-TOF (Bruker Microflex LT Biotyper 3.1) / Comparación de los resultados de identificación de especies del género Candida obtenidos por BD PhoenixT y Maldi-TOF (Bruker Microflex LT Biotyper 3.1)

In patients with invasive fungal infections, the accurate and rapid identification of the genus Candida is of utmost importance since antimycotic sensitivity is closely related to the species. The aim of the present study was to compare the identification results of species of the genus Candida obtained by BD PhoenixT (Becton Dickinson -#91;BD-#93;) and Maldi-TOF MS (Bruker Microflex LT Biotyper 3.1). A total of 192 isolates from the strain collection belonging to the Mycology Network of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, were analyzed. The observed concordance was 95%. Only 10 strains (5%) were not correctly identified by the BD PhoenixT system. The average identification time with the Yeast ID panels was 8h 22 min. The BD PhoenixT system proved to be a simple, reliable and effective method for identifying the main species of the genus Candida.

En pacientes con infecciones fúngicas invasoras, la identificación certera y rápida de las especies del género Candida es de suma importancia, ya que la sensibilidad a los antifúngicos está íntimamente relacionada con la especie. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar los resultados de identificación de especies del género Candida obtenidos con el equipo comercial BD PhoenixT (Becton Dickinson -#91;BD-#93;) y con la técnica de Maldi-TOF MS (Bruker Microflex LT Biotyper 3.1.) Se analizaron 192 aislamientos provenientes del cepario perteneciente a la Red deMicología de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. La concordancia observada fue del 95%. Solo 10 cepas (5%) no fueron identificadas correctamente por el sistema BD PhoenixT. El tiempo promedio de identificación con los paneles Yeast ID fue de 8 h 22 min. El sistema BD PhoenixT demostró ser un método simple, confiable y efectivo para la identificación de las principales especies del género Candida.

Evaluation of the frequency of Candida spp. in hospitalized and non-hospitalized subjects / Avaliação da frequência de candida spp. em indivíduos hospitalizados e não hospitalizados

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of Candida species between a non-hospitalized and a hospitalized population. For this purpose, samples of saliva were sampled through sterile swabs, moistened in peptone water and rubbed in the oral cavity of 140 individuals, from which, 70 were hospitalized patients from the Medical Clinic of a Teaching Hospital and the other 70 were non-hospitalized subjects. All saliva samples were plated in Sabouraud Dextrose agar added with Chloramphenicol and incubated at 36 °C for 48 hours. The morphology identification was performed through macroscopic and microscopic characterization, the CHROMagar Candida medium and the VITEK® system Yeast Biochemical Card (bio Mérieux SA, France). The results showed a colonization of Candida spp. in 85.7% the hospitalized individuals, where the species found were C. albicans (60%), C. tropicalis (23.4%), C. krusei (3.3%) and Candida spp. (13.3%). In the non-hospitalized individuals the colonization by Candida spp was 47.1%, and the species found were: C. albicans (45.5%), C.krusei (9.1%), C. guilliermondii (9.1% %), C. tropicalis (3.0%), C. famata (3.0%) and Candida spp. (30.3%). In spite of their presence in oral cavity in both groups, Candida spp. was more frequently isolated in hospitalized individuals, who were 6.73 times more likely to have this fungus in the oral cavity and were 3.88 times more likely to have Candida albicans.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência de espécies de Candida entre uma população de indivíduos não-hospitalizados e hospitalizados. Para isto, amostras de saliva foram coletadas através de swabs estéreis, umedecidas em água de peptona e friccionadas na cavidade bucal de 140 indivíduos, dos quais 70 eram pacientes internados em uma Clínica Médica de um Hospital Escola e os outros 70 eram indivíduos não hospitalizados sem contato com ambiente hospitalar. Todas as amostras de saliva foram plaqueadas em ágar Sabouraud dextrose adicionadas de cloranfenicol e incubadas a 36 °C durante 48 horas. A identificação morfológica foi realizada através da caracterização macroscópica e microscópica, com o meio CHROMagar Candida e do sistema VITEK® Biochemical Card (bio Mérieux SA, França). Os resultados mostraram uma colonização de Candida spp. em 85,7% dos indivíduos hospitalizados, onde as espécies encontradas foram: C.albicans (60%), C. tropicalis (23,4%), C. krusei (3,3%) e Candida spp. (13,3%). Nos indivíduos não-hospitalizados a colonização por Candida spp foi de 47,1%, e as espécies encontradas foram: C. albicans (45,5%), C. krusei (9,1%), C. guilliermondii (9,1%), C. tropicalis (3,0%), C. famata (3,0%) e Candida spp. (30,3%). Apesar de sua presença na cavidade oral em ambos os grupos, Candida spp. foi mais freqüentemente isolada em indivíduos hospitalizados, que foram 6,73 vezes mais propensos a ter este fungo na cavidade oral e foram 3,88 vezes mais propensos a ter Candida albicans.

La endoftalmitis endógena por Candida, un marcador pronóstico / Endogenous Candida endophthalmitis, a prognostic marker

La candidiasis es la causa más común de endoftalmitis endógena. La afectación ocular se produce entre los 3 y los 15 días siguientes a la fungemia. Las dos formas características de presentación son la coriorretinitis candidiásica, que afecta a la coroides y a la retina sin afectar claramente al vítreo, y la endoftalmitis candidiásica, con presencia de lesiones vítreas redondeadas, de aspecto algodonoso (perlas vítreas), características de esta infección. Los síntomas visuales precoces más habituales son la visión borrosa y los flotadores. Se recomienda entonces realizar fondo de ojo en las 2 primeras semanas del diagnóstico de candidemia para prevenir complicaciones oculares y usar la afectación ocular como indicador de probable infección fúngica invasiva. La anfotericina B, el fluconazol, el voriconazol, el posaconazol y el ravuconazol, así como las equinocandinas entre las que se encuentran la caspofungina han demostrado su utilidad en el tratamiento de la coriorretinitis, pero la efectividad disminuye en los casos de afectación vítrea si no se asocian a vitrectomía(AU)

Candidiasis is the most common cause of endogenous endophthalmitis. Ocular damage occurs within 3 and 15 days after fungemia. The two characteristic forms of presentation are Candida chorioretinitis, affecting the choroid and the retina with no clear impact on the vitreous, and Candida endophthalmitis, with the presence of rounded cottony vitreous lesions (vitreous pearls), characteristic of this infection. The most common early visual symptoms are blurred vision and floaters. It is thus recommended to perform funduscopy within the first two weeks after the candidemia diagnosis to prevent ocular complications and use the ocular damage as an indicator of probable invasive fungal infection. Amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and ravuconazole, as well as echinocandins, among them caspofungin, have proven useful in the treatment of chorioretinitis, but effectiveness is lower in vitreous damage cases when they are not associated to vitrectomy(AU)

Endocarditis fúngica, una causa infrecuente de lesión en válvula cardiaca nativa / Fungal endocarditis, an uncommon cause of native cardiac valve disease

Introducción: La endocarditis fúngica (EF) es una forma grave de endocarditis infecciosa (EI), asociada a una alta morbimortalidad. Su incidencia es baja y se puede presentar después de una cirugía cardiaca, uso de válvula cardiaca protésica, catéteres endovenosos centrales (CVC), etc. Presentación del caso: Hombre de 17 años con antecedente de enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis y múltiples hospitalizaciones por septicemia asociada a CVC, presentó cuadro febril el cual fue tratado con antibióticos y cambio de CVC. Estudio con hemocultivos resultó positivo para Candida parapsilosis. Se decidió hospitalización domiciliaria y tratamiento con Fluconazol. Persistió febril por lo que se decidió hospitalización por sepsis fúngica persistente y continuar tratamiento antimicótico. Estudio con ecocardiograma mostró endocarditis mitral con vegetación móvil en velo anterior e insuficiencia moderada. Se decidió tratamiento quirúrgico, realizándose reemplazo de válvula mitral con prótesis cardiaca biológica. En el intraoperatorio se observó vegetación verrugosa y móvil. Cultivos y estudio histopatológico confirmó EF. Evolucionó con candidemia persistente, pero sin hallazgos ecográficos de endocarditis. Control con tomografía computada demostró hallazgos sugerentes de candidiasis crónica diseminada (CCD), modificándose el tratamiento con Caspofungina y Voriconazol. Al cuarto mes postoperatorio fue dado de alta con tratamiento antifúngico crónico. Discusión: La EF es un tipo infrecuente de endocarditis infecciosa constituyendo un 6% de los casos. Se asocia a una alta mortalidad a pesar de tratamiento médico y quirúrgico combinado. La CCD es una forma infrecuente de candidemia, casi exclusiva de pacientes oncohematológicos. El antecedente de factores de riesgo obliga a sospecharlo.

Introduction: Fungal endocarditis (EF) is a severe form of infectious endocarditis (IE) associated with high morbidity and mortality. Its incidence is low and may be related to heart surgery using prosthetic heart valve, central intravenous catheters (CVC), etc. Case report: Man aged 17 with a history of chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis, and multiple hospitalizations for sepsis associated to CVC, presented febrile illness, which was treated with antibiotics and CVC change. Blood culture study was positive for Candida parapsilosis. Home hospitalization and treatment with Fluconazole was decided. He persisted febrile so hospitalization it was decided by persistent fungal sepsis and to continue antifungal therapy. Echocardiogram study showed mitral endocarditis with mobile vegetation anterior leaflet and mitral insufficiency. Surgical treatment was decided. Mitral valve replacement surgery with biological cardiac prosthesis is performed. A warty and mobile vegetation was observed in the surgery. Cultures and histopathology confirmed EF. He evolved with persistent candidemia, but without sonographic findings of endocarditis. Control with computed tomography showed suggestive findings of chronic disseminated candidiasis (CCD), modifying treatment with Caspofungin and Voriconazole. The fourth postoperative month was discharged with chronic antifungal treatment. Discussion: EF is a rare type of EI constitutes 6% of cases. It is associated with high mortality despite combined medical and surgical treatment. The CCD is an almost exclusive rare form of candidemia in oncohematological patients. The history of risk factors forcing suspect.

Candida auris: emergence and epidemiology of a highly pathogenic yeast

Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant emerging yeast, which was responsible for healthcare-associated infection outbreaks, and was cataloged as a new species in 2009, after being isolated from a patient's ear canal secretion in Japan. Since the notification of this first occurrence, numerous cases have been reported throughout the world, including Brazil. C. auris affects mainly inpatients, patients in intensive care units, exposed to broad-spectrum antifungal medications and who make use of vascular catheters. Currently, this yeast is one of the main responsible for invasive infections in hospitals and has been cause of concern by authorities and organs due to its rapid dissemination and difficult treatment caused by its low susceptibility to antifungal agents traditionally used in clinical practice. As a contributor to the severity of infections associated with C. auris, the transmission mechanism is still unknown, which implies in a lack of control of the microorganism and high mortality rates. Thus, this literature review presents relevant information in order to alert the importance of C. auris as an etiological agent of systemic infections, as well as its epidemiology and the real challenges of the treatment (AU)

Candida arthritis in a patient diagnosed with spondyloarthritis

Abstract Candida arthritis is an unusual manifestation that usually affects the knees. A 35-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of pain and swelling in the right knee. Swelling persisted after anti-inflammatory treatment. Peripheric spondyloarthritis was considered, but methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and methylprednisolone did not reduce the swelling. Direct examination of synovial fluid and a culture were positive for Candida albicans. Intravenous and intra-articular amphotericin-B were administered. The arthritis regressed and a culture and direct staining showed negative results. Candida arthritis should be considered in patients with arthritis that is resistant to treatment and prolonged, even if risk factors are absent.

Evaluación del rendimiento del sistema Rapid™ Yeast Pluz (Remel) a partir de 2 medios de cultivo diferentes / Performance evaluation of Rapid™ Yeast Plus (Remel) system from two different culture media

Dentro del género Candida, la especie más frecuentemente aislada de materiales clínicos es Candida albicans. Debido a la emergencia de otras especies que pueden presentar mayor índice de resistencia a los antifúngicos, se hace necesaria la identificación rápida de aquellas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el rendimiento del sistema RapID™ Yeast Plus a partir de subcultivos en 2 formulaciones diferentes, agar Sabouraud dextrosa modificado por Emmons (medio indicado en el inserto del equipo) y agar Sabouraud glucosado, que es el utilizado habitualmente en los laboratorios de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Se estudiaron 166 cepas de muestras clínicas provenientes de los distintos hospitales que integran la Red de Micología de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. De los resultados obtenidos se concluye que se deben mantener las condiciones y el medio de cultivo indicado por el fabricante

Within the genus Candida, Candida albicans is the most commonly isolated species from clinical samples. Due to the emergence of other species which can show a higher index of antifungal resistance, a fast identification of these species is necessary. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of the RapID Yeast Plus system from two different subculture media formulations: Sabouraud dextrose agar adjusted by Emmons (the medium is indicated in the equipment insert) and Sabouraud glucose agar, which is the most frequently used in Buenos Aires City laboratories. One hundred and sixty-six clinical sample strains coming from different hospitals belonging to the Mycology Network of Buenos Aires City were studied. From the obtained results, we conclude that the conditions and culture medium indicated by the manufacturer should be followed

Tuberculosis and fungal co-infection present in a previously healthy patient / Coinfección de tuberculosis y candidiasis pulmonar en paciente previamente sana

Background: The coexistance among fungal pathogens and tuberculosis pulmonary is a clinical condition that generally occurs in immunosuppressive patients, however, immunocompetent patients may have this condition less frequently. Objective: We report the case of an immunocompetent patient diagnosed with coinfection Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans. Case Description: A female patient, who is a 22-years old, with fever and a new onset of hemoptysis. Clinical findings and diagnosis: PDiminished vesicular breath sounds in the apical region and basal crackling rales in the left lung base were found in the physical examination. Microbiological tests include: chest radiography and CAT scan pictograms in high resolution, Ziehl-Neelsen stain, growth medium for fungus and mycobacteria through Sabouraudís agar method with D-glucose. Medical examinations showed Candida albicans fungus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis present in the patient. Treatment and Outcome: Patient was treated with anti-tuberculosis and anti-fungal medications, which produced good responses. Clinical relevance: Pulmonary tuberculosis and fungal co-infection are not common in immunocompetent patients. However, we can suspect that there is a presence of these diseases by detecting new onset of hemoptysis in patients.

Antecedentes: La coexistencia entre los hongos patógenos y la tuberculosis pulmonar es una condición clínica que se produce generalmente en pacientes inmunosuprimidos, sin embargo, los pacientes inmunocompetentes puede tener esta condición con menor frecuencia. Objetivo: Presentamos el caso de un paciente inmunocompetente con diagnóstico de una coinfección de tuberculosis Mycobacterium tuberculosis y Candida albicans. Caso clínico: Paciente femenina de 22 años con cuadro abrupto de tos, fiebre y hemoptisis sin antecedentes de enfermedad. Hallazgos clínicos y métodos diagnósticos: Al examen respiratorio se halló disminución del murmullo vesicular en la región apical y estertores crepitantes basales en el pulmón izquierdo. Se realizó estudios microbiológicos de muestras tomadas por expectoración y por fibrobroncoscopia en el que se incluyó la tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen, cultivo para micobacteria y hongos en medio Agar Dextrosa Sabouraud y filamentización en suero obteniéndose positividad para Mycobacterium tuberculosis y Candida albicans. Tratamiento y resultado: Se le realizó manejo con antifímicos de primera categoría y antimicóticos con buena respuesta clínica. Relevancia clínica: La coinfección fúngica y tuberculosis pulmonar no es frecuente en pacientes inmunocompetentes, debe sospecharse en episodios abruptos de hemoptisis.

Rapid detection of Candida species in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with pulmonary symptoms

Abstract Candida species, especially C. albicans, are commensals on human mucosal surfaces, but are increasingly becoming one of the important invasive pathogens as seen by a rise in its prevalence in immunocompromised patients and in antibiotic consumption. Thus, an accurate identification of Candida species in patients with pulmonary symptoms can provide important information for effective treatment. A total of 75 clinical isolates of Candida species were obtained from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with pulmonary symptoms. Candida cultures were identified based on nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1-ITS2 rDNA) sequence analysis by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP). Molecular identification indicated that the isolates belonged predominantly to C. albicans (52%), followed by C. tropicalis (24%), C. glabrata (14.7%), C. krusei (5.3%), C. parapsilosis (1.3%), C. kefyr (1.3%) and C. guilliermondii (1.3%). Given the increasing complexity of disease profiles and their management regimens in diverse patients, rapid and accurate identification of Candida species can lead to timely and appropriate antifungal therapy.

Systemic infection by Spencermartinsiella sp. in a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) / Infecção sistêmica por Spencermartinsiella sp. em um crocodilo do Nilo (Crocodylus niloticus)

A male adult crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) was diagnosed with systemic yeast infection. Histologically, there were extensive areas of necrosis in the lung, which were associated with a diffuse severe lympho-plasmo-histiocytic inflammatory infiltrate, with numerous multinucleated giant cells, and myriads of intralesional pseudo-hyphae and yeast like organisms within distended foveolae. Necrotic foci were also observed in the mucosa of the digestive tract, trachea, tunica intima of arteries, liver, and heart, with a marked inflammatory lympho-histiocytic infiltrate, with large numbers of epithelioid macrophages and giant cells, and intralesional and intravascular pseudo-hyphae and yeast-like organisms. Oval yeast structures with 4 to 6 µm in diameter and 5 to 8 µm thick paralleled-wall pseudo-hyphae were observed in PAS or GMS stained sections. PCR with DNA template extracted from paraffin embedded tissues amplified the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene, which was sequenced and found to be identical to sequences of a new species, isolated from rotting wood in Brazil, of the genus Spencermartinsiella, which its closest relative is Spencermartinsiella cellulosicola.(AU)

Um crocodilo macho adulto (Crocodylus niloticus) foi diagnosticado com infecção fúngica sustêmica. Histologicamente, havia extensas áreas de necrose no pulmão, que estavam associadas com infiltrado inflamatório linfo-plasmo-histiocitário, com numerosas células gigantes multinucleadas e miríade de pseudo-hifas e organismos leveduriformes intralesionais, dentro de favéolas distendidas. Focos necróticos também foram observados na mucosa do trato digestório, traquéia, túnica íntima de artérias, fígado e coração, com acentuado infiltrado inflamatório linfo-histiocitário, com grande número de macrófagos epitelioides e células gigantes e hifas e organismos leveduriformes intralesionais e intravasculares. Cortes corados por PAS e GMS evidenciaram estruturas leveduriformes ovais com 4 a 6 µm de diâmetro e pseudo-hifas de paredes espessas e paralelas com 5 a 8 µm. PCR realizado com DNA extraído de material parafinizado amplificou os domínios D1/D2 da subunidade maior do gene rRNA, cuja sequencia foi idêntica a sequências de uma nova espécie, isolada no Brasil de madeira em decomposição, do gênero Spencermartinsiella, cuja espécie mais próxima é Spencermartinsiella cellulosicola.(AU)

Manejo de la infección por cándida en el recién nacido / Management of candida infection

A nivel mundial la mortalidad neonatal corresponde al 41% de las que ocurren en menores de cinco años. Dentro de las causas descritas por la OMS la sepsis corresponde a la tercera, después de la prematurez y la asfixia perinatal. La Candida sp es uno de los agentes etiológicos que en el período neonatal genera alta morbilidad y mortalidad, así como secuelas neurológicas a largo plazo en especial en prematuros y de bajo peso. Estos pacientes cuentan con características inmunológicas propias, requerimientos de procedimientos invasivos y mayor sobrevida en estancias hospitalarias prolongadas, que se convierten en factores de riesgo que predisponen a desarrollar candidiasis sistémica. Dado el impacto de esta patología es importante contar con un abordaje integral diagnóstico y terapéutico eficaz que disminuya la morbimortalidad, mejorando el pronóstico vital y funcional. En los últimos años se han generado diferentes guías y protocolos médicos en busca de optimizar el manejo de esta infección, por lo que es importante describir cuales son las mejores recomendaciones actuales para el enfoque, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la candidiasis neonatal...

Worldwide, neonatal mortality accounts for 41% of deaths occurring in children younger than 5 years. Among the causes described by the WHO, sepsis corresponds to the third most common cause of death, after prematurity and perinatal asphyxia. Candida sp is one of the etiologic agents which generate high morbidity and mortality, as well as, long-term neurologic sequelae predominantly in low birth-weight preterm infants. These patients have particular immunological features, require invasive procedures and greater survival in prolonged hospital stays, which become predisposing risk factors for the development of systemic candidiasis. Due to the impact of this condition it is important to count with a comprehensive diagnostic approach which reduces morbidity and mortality improving vital and functional prognosis. Various medical guidelines and protocols seeking candida infection management optimization have been recently developed, thus, it is essential to describe the best current recommendations to address, diagnose and treat neonatal candidiasis...

Pancreatic Candidiasis That Mimics a Malignant Pancreatic Cystic Tumor on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case Report in an Immunocompetent Patient

Candida is a commensal organism that is frequently found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is the most common organism that causes pancreatic fungal infections. However, magnetic resonance imaging findings of Candida infection in the pancreas have not been described. We report imaging findings of pancreatic candidiasis in a patient in immunocompetent condition. It presented as a multi-septated cystic mass with a peripheral solid component in the background of pancreatitis and restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted image that mimicked a malignant pancreatic cystic tumor.

Three Cases of Candidiasis Misidentified as Candida famata by the Vitek 2 System

No abstract available.

Identificación molecular de Candida lusitaniae en infección de tracto respiratorio inferior / Molecular identification of Candida lusitaniae in lower repiratory tract infection

Candida lusitaniae es una levadura que ha sido descrita como un patógeno nosocomial emergente de baja frecuencia en infecciones profundas. La identificación oportuna de C. lusitaniae es importante porque puede desarrollar resistencia in vivo a la anfotericina B durante la terapia. Comunicamos el aislamiento de C. lusitaniae como agente etiológico de infección de tracto respiratorio inferior en un paciente masculino. Los cultivos de orina y esputo fueron negativos para bacterias y positivos para esta levadura. Los aislamientos fueron identificados por métodos fenotípicos de rutina y confirmados por secuenciación y polimorfismos de longitud de fragmentos de restricción y PCR de la región espaciadora interna del ADN ribosómico

Candida lusitaniae is a yeast that has emerged as a low frequency nosocomial pathogen in deep infections. Although it usually shows in vitro susceptibility to all antifungal agents, in vivo resistance to amphotericin B has been observed in several clinical cases. Therefore, its early identification in the course of therapy is important. We report the isolation of C. lusitaniae as an etiologic agent of a lower respiratory tract infection in a male patient. Urine and sputum cultures were negative for bacteria and positive for this yeast. Isolates were identified by routine phenotypic methods and confirmed by sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR internal spacer of ribosomal DNA

Avaliação da saúde bucal do idoso em uma instituição de apoio a idosos no Distrito Federal / Oral health evaluation of the elderly in a supporting institution to the elderly in the Distrito Federal

INTRODUÇÃO: A equipe odontológica deve estar inserida numa abordagem de saúde com caráter multi e interdisciplinar, atuando favoravelmente para o entendimento do idoso, suas especificidades, conhecendo o contexto biopsicossocial dessa clientela, a fim de que o plano de tratamento vise saúde do indivíduo na sua integralidade. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a saúde bucal de idosos frequentadores de uma instituição de apoio a idosos na Ceilândia - Distrito Federal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, transversal que avaliou a saúde bucal de 106 idosos, que frequentam a escola de avós da Ceilândia ­ Distrito Federal. Foram realizados exames bucais e aplicação de questionário. Aspectos bucais de relevância foram anotados nos formulários que nortearam o exame da cavidade bucal, assim como o preenchimento do questionário. RESULTADOS: As análises dos exames bucais demonstraram que as lesões bucais mais frequentes foram as de mucosa jugal, seguindo- -se das de gengiva/rebordo alveolar. As lesões brancas, fibroses e candidoses encontradas nas mucosas orais estavam relacionadas ao uso de próteses mal adaptadas, antigas e mal higienizadas. Enquanto que os hematomas por trauma na mucosa jugal e no fundo de saco de vestíbulo foram devido a próteses fraturadas e mal adaptadas. Observou-se uma grande quantidade de próteses removíveis, principalmente próteses totais. Suas necessidades também foram detectadas pela ausência total no arco, assim como pela estimativa de troca. Quanto ao nível de instrução de higiene oral, observou- -se que: 97,16% dos idosos examinados sabem higienizar os dentes/ próteses, 68,86% higienizam os dentes/próteses três vezes ou mais ao dia. E, 43,39% desses idosos disseram ter aprendido sobre higiene oral com a equipe de saúde bucal da escola de avós, mas apenas 35,84% desses idosos sabem fazer o autoexame da boca. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo confirmou a importância da saúde bucal dos idosos e das atividades preventivo-promocionais da equipe de profissionais da escola de avós ­ Ceilândia ­ Distrito Federal para o autocuidado desses idosos

INTRODUCTION: The dental team should be inserted in a health team with multi and interdisciplinary approach, acting positively to the understanding of the elderly, their specificities, knowing the biopsychosocial context of this clientele, so that the treatment plan aimed at health of the individual as a whole. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral health of elderly in an institution to support seniors in Ceilândia - Federal District. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study that evaluated the oral health of 106 elderly who attend the school grandparents Ceilândia - Federal District. Oral examinations and a questionnaire were performed. Oral aspects of relevance were noted on the forms that guided the examination of the oral cavity, as well as the questionnaire. RESULTS: The analysis of oral examinations showed that the most frequent oral lesions were the buccal mucosa, followed by the gum / alveolar ridge. The white lesions, fibrosis and candidoses found in the oral mucosa were related to the use of ill-fitting, old and poorly cleaned dentures. While the trauma bruises on the oral mucosa and in the foyer of fornix were due to fractured and poorly fitting dentures. There was a lot of removable dentures, especially full dentures. Their needs were also detected by the total absence in the arc, as well as the estimated return. The level of oral hygiene instruction, it was observed that: 97.16% of elderly examined know sanitize teeth / dentures, 68.86% sanitize teeth / dentures three or more times a day. And 43.39% of seniors said they learned about oral hygiene to dental health team school grandparents, but only 35.84% of the elderly know how to do self-examination of the mouth. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed the importance of oral health of the elderly and preventive-promotional activities of the team of grandparents of school professionals - Ceilândia - Federal District for self-care of the elderly.

Ocorrência de micoses e pitiose em animais domésticos: 230 casos / Occurrence of mycoses and pythiosis in domestic animals: 230 cases

A retrospective study was performed to determine the main mycoses and oomycosis that affected domestic animals diagnosed in the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). A total of 29,686 exams (9,487 necropsy reports and 20,199 biopsy reports) performed between January 1990 and December 2012 were analyzed. Two hundred and thirty cases (78% of mycoses and 22% of pythiosis) were found. Data about epidemiology, clinical signs, gross and histologic lesions were obtained from the reports. In two cases the fungi observed were not identified. The main diseases observed, in descending order of prevalence, were: pythiosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, zygomycosis, dermatophytosis, mallasseziosis, cryptococcosis, megabacteriosis, and sporothrichosis. Others diseases with only one cases each were histoplasmosis and pneumocystosis. Pythiosis affected mainly horses and the mycosis affected mainly companion animals (dogs and cats).

Para determinar as principais micoses e oomicoses que acometeram animais domésticos na área de abrangência do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo em 9.487 protocolos de necropsias e 20.199 exames histopatológicos (totalizando 29.686 casos), realizados no LPV-UFSM, entre janeiro de 1990 e dezembro de 2012. Do total de protocolos analisados, 230 apresentaram micoses ou pitiose (oomicose), sendo 179 casos (78%) de micoses e 51 casos (22%) de pitiose. Os protocolos foram revisados para determinar os principais achados referentes à epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e às alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas. Em dois casos (0,8%) não foi possível determinar o gênero ou o grupo do fungo observado. As principais doenças diagnosticadas, em ordem decrescente de prevalência, foram: pitiose, candidíase, aspergilose, zigomicose, dermatofitose, malasseziose, criptococose, megabacteriose e esporotricose. Outras doenças diagnosticadas numa única ocorrência cada foram histoplasmose e pneumocistose. Os equinos foram os mais acometidos pela pitiose e os animais de companhia (cães e gatos) foram os mais acometidos pelas micoses.

Evaluation of chromogenic media and seminested PCR in the identification of Candida species

Identification of Candida cultured from various clinical specimens to the species level is increasingly necessary for clinical laboratories. Although sn PCR identifies the species within hours but its cost-effectiveness is to be considered. So there is always a need for media which help in the isolation and identification at the species level. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of different chromogenic media and to compare the effectiveness of the traditional phenotypic methods vs. seminested polymerase chain reaction (sn PCR) for identification of Candida species. One hundred and twenty seven Candida strains isolated from various clinical specimens were identified by conventional methods, four different chromogenic media and sn PCR. HiCrome Candida Differential and CHROMagar Candida media showed comparably high sensitivities and specificities in the identification of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and C. krusei. CHROMagar Candida had an extra advantage of identifying all C. parapsilosis isolates. CHROMagar-Pal's medium identified C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. krusei with high sensitivities and specificities, but couldn't identify C. glabrata or C. parapsilosis. It was the only medium that identified C. dubliniensis with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Biggy agar showed the least sensitivities and specificities. The overall concordance of the snPCR compared to the conventional tests including CHROMAgar Candida in the identification of Candida species was 97.5%. The use of CHROMAgar Candida medium is an easy and accurate method for presumptive identification of the most commonly encountered Candida spp.