In vitro effect of Chrysosporium indicum and Chrysosporium keratinophylum on Toxocara canis eggs / Efecto in vitro de Chrysosporium indicum y Chrysosporium keratinophylum sobre huevos de Toxocara canis

The degree of antagonism exercised by fungi on geohelminth development varies according to the morphological alterations caused by different fungal species. Saprophytic fungi may exert ovicidal or ovistatic effects. The aim of this study was to apply scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the action of two soil saprophytic species of Chrysosporium (C. indicum and C. keratinophylum) on Toxocara canis eggs. The fungal strains to be tested were incubated for 28 days at 28 °C in 2% water agar with a suspension of unembryonated T. canis eggs. A suspension of T. canis eggs in 2% water agar was used as control group. The assay was done in triplicate for each fungus and the control group. SEM observations were performed on the 4th, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day after inoculation. The effect of the fungi on eggs was evaluated in accordance with the alterations observed on the surface and the changes in the normal characteristics of the eggs. Hyphae around the eggs, appresoria penetrating the shell and changes in the typical egg membrane were observed in this assay. Type 3 effect (alterations that occur both in the embryo and the shell, and hyphal penetration of the eggs) was the prevalent effect. SEM allowed us to observe clearly the morphological alterations in T. canis eggs due to the effect of C. indicum and C. keratinophylum. Both saprophytic species of Chrysosporium alter the egg structure and alterations increase as exposure increases.

El grado de antagonismo ejercido por los hongos sobre el desarrollo de los geohelmintos depende de la especie fúngica y las alteraciones morfológicas que causan. Los hongos saprofitos pueden tener efecto ovicida u ovistático sobre los huevos. El objetivo fue aplicar la microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB) para observar la acción de 2 especies de Chrysosporium (C. indicum y C. keratinophylum) saprofitas de suelos, sobre huevos de Toxocara canis.Las especies a ensayar se sembraron en agar agua al 2% con una suspensión de huevos no embri-onados de T. canis y se incubaron 28 días a 28 °C. Como grupo control se utilizó una suspensión de huevos de T. canis en agar agua al 2%. El ensayo se realizó por triplicado para cada hongo y el grupo control. Las observaciones con MEB se realizaron a los 4, 7, 14, 21 y 28 días de incubación. La acción de los hongos se evaluó según las alteraciones en la superficie y los cambios en las características normales de los huevos. En este ensayo se observaron: hifas rodeando los huevos, appresorios penetrando la cubierta y cambios en la membrana característica del huevo, prevaleciendo el efecto tipo 3 (alteraciones que se producen tanto en el embrión como en la cubierta y penetración de hifas al interior de los huevos). La aplicación de la MEB permitió observar claramente que las 2 especies de Chrysosporium saprofitas de suelos, afectan el normal desarrollo de los huevos de T. canis, alteran su estructura y las alteraciones aumentan con el tiempo de exposición.

Discovery of Two Chrysosporium Species with Keratinolytic Activity from Field Soil in Korea

In an ongoing survey of Korean indigenous fungi, two fungal strains (KNU16-74 and KNU16-99) belonging to the genus Chrysosporium were isolated from field soil in Gyeongnam, Korea. Morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis using sequence of the internal transcribed spacer regions were carried out to confirm its precise identification. These strains were identified as Chrysosporium indicum (KNU16-74) and Chrysosporium fluviale (KNU16-99). To examine the keratin degradation efficiency of these two fungal species, human hair strands were incubated with fungus culture. Results revealed that these two fungal species have the ability to degrade keratin substrate. This is the first report of these two species in Korea.

Mycological and Molecular Analysis of Soil Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated in Summer Beaches of the Korean South Coast / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Some species of soil keratinophilic fungi (KPF) are known to be pathogens that may lead to cutaneous infection. People exposed to these species through direct contact with soil on beaches can contract KPF infection. However, there is little literature regarding pathogenic KPF isolated from beaches during summer time. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the distribution of soil KPF isolated from beaches in Korea during summer. METHODS: One hundred eighty soil samples from six beaches in the southern coastline of Korea under three different climatic conditions were collected. The KPF species were isolated using the hair-baiting technique. Then, molecular identification was performed by sequencing the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region to investigate the exact species of the isolated fungi. RESULTS: Among the one hundred eighty soil samples, twenty-nine strains (16.1%) of KPF were recovered. The isolation rate of KPF among the beaches varied from 0 to 34.5%. KPF was most frequently isolated in shaded dry areas (30%), followed by sunny dry areas (18.3%), and sunny wet areas (0%). Molecular identification of the fungi using rRNA ITS analysis helped in their classification. Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma incurvatum (69.0%), Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma gypseum (3.4%), Trichophyton ajelloi/Arthroderma uncinatum (13.8%), Microsporum cookei/Arthroderma cajetani (10.3%), and Chrysosporium indicum/Aphanoascus terreus (3.4%) were identified. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was observed at position 180 of the rRNA ITS2 in the 20 strains of Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma incurvatum, and the species was divided into Types 1 (14 strains) and 2 (6 strains) depending on the base present at the SNP position. The geographic distribution of these two types differed. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the beach is a possible source of keratinophilic fungal infection in humans. People should be aware of pathogenic fungi on the soil of beaches during summer and take measures to prevent possible superficial fungal infections.

Isolation Rates of Fungi from Soil Near Korean Wrestling Fields, Playgrounds, and Beauty Salons in Daegu / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Soil is one of the major habitats of fungi. Keratinophilic fungi are an important group of fungi that live in soil, some of which are potential pathogens for humans and animals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to isolate and identify keratinophilic fungi near Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons. METHODS: We visited 5 Korean wrestling fields, 15 playgrounds, and 10 beauty salons in Daegu, Korea, from July to August 2015. Soil samples were divided into 3 groups according to the distance from Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons: near, 10 m, and 100 m. RESULTS: Of 185 soil samples examined, 60 (32.4%) yielded keratinophilic fungi. Specifically, of the 125 samples around Korean wrestling fields and playgrounds, isolation rates were 37.7% (17/45) at the near distance, 27.5% (11/40) at 10 m, and 0% at 100 m. Of the 60 samples around beauty salons, isolation rates were 85% (17/20) at the near distance, 75% (15/20) at 10 m, and 0% at 100 m. Near Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons, Penicillium spp. were the predominant species (16.9%, 11/65), followed by Fusarium spp. (13.8%, 9/65), Purpureocillium spp. (12.3%, 8/65), Microsporum spp. (6.1%, 4/65), Chrysosporium spp. (3.1%, 2/65), and other species. CONCLUSION: In this study, isolation rates of keratinophilic fungi were higher in the soil closer to the Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons. Especially near beauty salons, we found keratinophilic fungi in most soil samples. We should be aware of these results and pay attention to eliminate hair or keratins in soils.

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.

Rodentborne fungal pathogens in wetland agroecosystem

The past few decades have witnessed an overwhelming increase in the incidence of fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Consequently, zoonotic diseases, especially through rodents constitute a prominent group among the emerging diseases. Rodents are commensal to man and related health risks are common. Water rats (Rattus norvegicus) are typical to Vembanadu-Kol wetland agroecosystems, where they can act as a good carrier nexus for pathogens. The present study evaluates the carrier status of water rats with respect to fungal pathogens. A total of fifty two fungi covering eighteen families were isolated. Among the isolates, eight were dermaptophytes and Chrysosporium sp. (89.18%) was the frequent isolate. The source-wise analyses showed an increased isolation from ventral hair (67 isolates). Water rats of Vembanadu-Kol wetland agroecosystem are potent carrier of dermaptophytes and other opportunistic fungi, and strong carrier paths are existing too.

Adiaspiromycosis of an Apodemus agrarius captured wild rodent in Korea / 한국실험동물학회지

Adiaspiromycosis is caused by pulmonary infection with Emmonsia. Inhalated spores of Emmonsia cause asymptomatic infection to necrogranulomatous pneumonia, depending on the burden of adiaspore and host immunity. For disease monitoring of wild rodents captured on Jeju Island in Korea, we examined the lung tissue of wild rodents histopathologically. Spores composed of thick three-layered walls were found following histopathological examination and were diagnosed as adiaspiromycosis. Adiaspiromycosis has been found in mammals in many parts of the world. To our knowledge, this is the first report of adiaspiromycosis of an Apodemus agrarius captured in Korea.

Deep Adiaspiromycosis Caused by Chrysosporium Associated with Long-Term Treatment with Immunosuppresants in a Patient with Pemphigus Vulgaris / 대한피부과학회지

Adiaspiromycosis is known as an infection that is due to Chrysosporium species which are filamentous soil saprophytes that cause pulmonary infection in rare cases but are classified mainly as a contaminant rather than a pathogen in dermatological areas. Deep fungal infections, commonly by Aspergillosis and Candida, are associated with patients who have an impaired skin barrier or immunosuppression and it takes a long time to identify the pathogen because it is hard to diagnosis it without clinical suspicion. In our case, a 56-year-old female living in a rural area who took immunosuppressants including cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mefetil, and prednisolone due to pemphigus vulgaris presented at our clinic with an erythematous patch with pustular discharges on the left forearm for 2 months. She had been treated with antibiotics under the impression of cellulitis but was not responsive to it. A Chrysosporium species was identified by tissue culture and treatment was successful with an antifungal agent. We here report a case of deep fungal infection caused by Chrysosporium species without pulmonary infiltration which is a rare manifestation.

Heterologous Expression of Endo-1,4-beta-xylanaseA from Phanerochaete chrysosporium in Pichia pastoris

The cDNA of endo-1,4-beta-xylanaseA, isolated from Phaenerocheate chrysosporium was expressed in Pichia pastoris. Using either the intrinsic leader peptide of XynA or the alpha-factor signal peptide of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, xylanaseA is efficiently secreted into the medium at maximum concentrations of 1,946 U/L and 2,496 U/L, respectively.

Distribution of Soil Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated in Summer Beaches of the East Sea in Korea / 대한의진균학회지

BACKGROUND: Soil is well-known as a route to fungal infection in human. Recently, human exposure to potentially pathogenic fungi is threatening the health of people. People are easily and frequently in touch with soil on summer beaches, however, there has been no report suggesting the association between fungal infection in human and soil on summer beaches. Identifying both environments and fungi in places where people are exposed can be of major health concern. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to understand the distribution and frequency of occurrence of keratinophilic fungi (KPF) on summer beaches of the East Sea in Korea. METHODS: To investigate the distribution of soil KPF living in beaches of the East Sea in Korea, soil samples were collected at 132 sites of eleven different areas and KPF were isolated by hair baiting technique. RESULTS: 1. 43 strains of KPF were recovered from 41 (31.0%) out of 132 samples. 2. Isolated fungi were composed of 36 strains of Chrysosporium species, 6 strains of Microsporum gypseum, and 1 strain of Trichophyton ajelloi. 3. Among three areas under different condition of moisture and shadedness (i.e., sunny wet, sunny dry, and shaded dry area), the frequency of isolation was highest in shaded dry area (56.8%) followed by sunny dry (36.4%) and sunny wet area (4.5%). CONCLUSION: The distribution of KPF in beaches of the East Sea in Korea was somewhat different from that in previous studies which had been undertaken in other areas of Korea. Therefore, we think this report can support the association between the fungal infection in human and soil.

Adiaspiromicose pulmonar tratada sem antifúngicos / Pulmonary adiaspiromycosis treated without antifungal drugs

Relata-se caso de lavrador de 40 anos acometido por adiaspiromicose pulmonar, com diagnóstico etiológico estabelecido mediante biópsia por toracoscopia. Optou-se por tratamento com corticosteróide, sem antifúngicos, tendo o paciente respondido bem, com melhora clínico-radiológica após três semanas do início dos sintomas.

The case of a 40-year-old agricultural worker affected by pulmonary adiaspiromycosis is reported. An etiological diagnosis had been established by means of a biopsy via thoracoscopy. Treatment with corticosteroids without antifungal drugs was chosen, and the patient responded well to this, with improvements in clinical and radiological conditions three weeks after the beginning of the symptoms.

Adiaspiromicose pulmonar humana / Human pulmonary adiaspiromycosis

A adiaspiromicose é uma doença fúngica sistêmica que acomete usualmente roedores e raramente atinge o homem. É causada pelo fungo Emmonsia crescens e ocorre após a inalação da forma contagiante (conídios). Embora estas formas não se multipliquem nem se disseminem no organismo humano, induzem uma reação inflamatória crônica granulomatosa de padrão miliar que pode levar a falência respiratória e morte. Apresentamos aqui um caso de adiaspiromicose pulmonar humana em paciente imunocompetente que exibia infiltrado intersticial pulmonar difuso ao exame de imagem e fora diagnosticado mediante biópsia pulmonar.

Adiaspiromycosis is a systemic fungal disease that usually affects rodents and rarely infects humans. It is caused by the fungus Emmonsia crescens and occurs after inhalation of its contagious form (conidia). Although these forms neither multiply nor spread in the human body, they cause a chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction of miliary pattern, which may lead to respiratory failure and death. In this study we present a case of human pulmonary adiaspiromycosis in an immunocompetent patient that showed a diffuse pulmonary interstitial infiltrate diagnosed by pulmonary biopsy.

Molds Isolated from Pet Dogs

Pet dogs have been considered to be involved in the contamination of indoor air by serving as a source of providing molds at houses. Currently, information on the molds originated from pet dogs is rarely available in Korea. The present study was carried out to obtain basic information on the fungi present on pet dogs. For this, fungal isolation was performed to the skin and hairs of 70 pet dogs at different houses and veterinary hospitals. A total of 44 fungal isolates were obtained from skin (27 isolates) and hairs (17 isolates) of the dogs investigated. Based on the observation of microstructures and colony morphology, and the ITS rDNA sequence analysis, the fungal isolates were identified at the level of genus. The identified isolates belong to the genera of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Beauveria, Chrysosporium, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Scopulariopsis, and Trichoderma. Among these genera, Aspergillus (25%), Cladosporium (23%) and Penicillium (20.5%) were 3 major genera. 63% of the 44 isolates showed color changes on dermatophyte test medium (DTM). When we tested the growth ability of 44 isolates at 37degrees C, 45% of the isolates were able to grow. These results show that pet dogs could carry fungi having a potentiality of affecting on human health.

A Case of Chrysosporium Parvum Endophthalmitis

PURPOSE: To report a case of Chrysosporium parvum endophthalmitis after trauma. METHODS: A 42-year-old healthy woman visited our hospital complaining of ocular pain after trauma sustained with a wire used to tie grapes. She showed corneal laceration and iris prolapse of the right eye on slit lamp examination. She underwent primary suture of the corneal laceration. Two days later, she presented with hypopyon of the anterior chamber. She was treated with topical antibiotics and a topical steroid. On follow-up examination, she again presented with hypopyon of the anterior chamber. She was admitted for microbiologic examination and was again treated with topical antibiotics and a topical steroid. Unfortunately, no organisms were identified by culture. Later, she reported a recurrent history of the inflammation. After 9 months, she presented with increased hypopyon of the anterior chamber and was treated with anterior chamber irrigation and intracameral antibiotics injection on two different occasions. But, still no organisams were identified. After one year, the patient visited our clinic with ocular pain and decreased visual acuity. Her intraocular pressure was 72 mmHg and there was whitish infiltration and hypopyon around 360 degrees of the anterior chamber and angle. At the same time, the intraocular pressure and inflammation were uncontrolled. Ultimately, microscopic examination of specimens obtained directly from tissue after enucleation identified the organism as Chrysosporium parvum. CONCLUSIONS: We experienced a case of Chrysosporium parvum endophthalmitis after trauma. To our knowledge, this was the first report of a case of Chrysosporium parvum endophthalmitis in the world.

Diversity of Keratinophilic Fungi on Human Hairs and Nails at Four Governorates in Upper Egypt

The mycobiota of 160 hair and nail samples collected from 4 different governorates in upper Egypt were estimated using soil plate method for isolating keratinophilic and dermatophytic fungi. Twenty- three fungi were recorded on both hair and nail samples collected from the four governorates. Highest fungal diversity (20) was collected from Red Sea samples followed by Qena (18) and Aswan (17) while lowest fungal diversity was recorded from Sohage samples. The common genera were Aphanoascus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Paecilomyces and Chrysosporium. The most prevalent species belonging to these genera were: A. fulvescens, Aphanoascus sp. A. flavus link, A. flavus var. columnaris, P. chrysogenium. P. lilacinus and C. sulfureum. True dermatophytes such as Nannizzia fulva appeared in 20~30% of the male samples.

Queratitis fúngica posterior a accidente laboral / Fungal keratitis after a work-related accident

Se presenta el primer caso de queratitis fúngica debido a Chrysosporium spp, diagnosticado en Chile. Hifas hialinas fueron detectadas en el raspado corneal y los cultivos fueron positivos a este hongo. el paciente habría sido curado después de tratamiento con Ketoconazol y Natamicina.Las Queratitis causadas por hongos filamentosos, del tipo Especies de Fusarium, Aspergillus inducidos por traumatismos por vegetales, metales y lentes de contacto. En este caso la queratitis se produjo como consecuencia de un traumatismo corneal.

Adiaspiromicose humana: lesões cicatriciais em linfonodos do mediastino / Human adiaspiromycosis: cicatricial lesions in mediastinal lymph nodes

Em paciente de 60 anos, sexo masculino, com diagnóstico radiográfico de massa tumoral no pulmão direito - depois reconhecida, por meio de biópsia transbrônquica, como de natureza maligna -, não se descobriu qualquer evidência tomográfica de metástases a distância. Resolveu-se então, para fins de estadiamento da neoplasia, obter material de linfonodos mediastinais. O exame microscópico desse material não demonstrou invasão neoplásica, mas revelou a presença de granulomas em avançado estádio de fibrose, contendo raras estruturas redondas, vazias, de parede espessa e, quase sempre, colapsada, que foram reconhecidas como adiaconídios de Emmonsia crescens. Havia ainda, nos cortes histológicos, grande quantidade de pigmento antracótico.

Remoción de estireno por phanerochaete chrysosporium: en cultivo líquido / Styrene removal by phanerochaete chrysosporium: in liquid culture

El objetivo de este trabajo fue demostrar si un hongo ligninolítico, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, podría tener la capacidad de 1) tolerar altas concentraciones de estireno y 2) remover el estireno en un cultivo líquido. Los resultados mostraron que el hongo fue capaz de crecer a concentraciones de estireno bajas (200mg/l) y relativamente altas (1500mg/l). se mostró que 40 y 46 por ciento de estireno fue biodegradado, respectivamente, en 35 días. Sin embargo, 30 y 53 por ciento, fue removido por volatilización. La detección de la actividad enzimatica de lignina peroxidasa en el cultivo del hongo con estireno a las dos concentraciones, quizas implique su participación en la biodegradación de este compuesto. El ácido benzóico fue detectado en el cultivo como producto de la biodegradación

Adiaspiromicose pulmonar: achado casual em paciente falecido de febre amarela / Pulmonary adiaspiromycosis: casual finding in a patient who died of yellow fever

During an outbreak of yellow fever (rural form of the infection) occurred recently in the State of Goiás, Brazil, a patient, with clinical manifestations suggestive of the infection, died in the University Hospital of Brasilia, DF, on the fifth day from admission. Postmortem examination revealed, microscopically, the characteristic alterations of the infection, and discovered in the lungs and hilar lymph nodes round microrganisms identified as adiaconidia of Emmonsia parva var. crescens.

Durante um surto de febre amarela (forma rural da infecção) instalado, em fins de 1999, no Estado de Goiás, Brasil, um enfermo, com sintomatologia suspeita, faleceu no Hospital Universitário de Brasília, DF, cinco dias após a admissão. À necropsia, microscopicamente, além das alterações hepáticas características da infecção, encontraram-se nos pulmões e linfonodos hilares, estruturas arredondadas, reconhecidas como adiaconídios de Emmonsia parva var. crescens.