The activity of propolis against pathogenic fungi isolated from human infections

Abstract Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by bees from the buds or other parts of plants. It is known for having various biological properties, including antifungal activity. Among the substances present in propolis, flavonoids and phenolic acids and their esters are responsible for its antifungal properties. This means that propolis is ideal for use as an antifungal agent in alternative medicine to treat a number of both topical and systemic infections caused by Candida species and other yeast-like fungi, dermatophyte and nondermatophyte moulds, without the serious side effects typical of synthetic treatment. It is also active against strains of fungi that are resistant to polyenes and azoles, the classes of drugs most commonly used to treat fungal infections. In this article, we review current knowledge about the activity of propolis from different parts of the world and its components in vitro and in vivo against pathogenic fungi isolated from human infections. The article also indicates the possible mechanism of antifungal activity of propolis and its components.

In Vitro additive effect on griseofulvin and terbinafine combinations against multidrug-resistant dermatophytes

ABSTRACT Griseofulvin (GF) and terbinafine (TF) are commonly used drugs to treat dermatophytosis, a fungal infection of the skin. Today there is an increase in drug resistance to these antifungals which highlight the need for alternative synergistic therapies. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of GF and TF were determined against fungi clinical isolates from local hospitals with values ranging 0.03-2.0 µg mL-1 and 0.24-4.0 µg mL-1, respectively. A checkboard test was used to determine the combination of GF:TF which could induce an additive effect against the fungi isolates Multidrug-resistant isolates showed susceptibility after treatment with 16:2 µg mL-1 GF:TF. An MTT assay further verified that GF and TF combinations have greater additive effect against pathological and multidrug-resistant isolates than antifungals alone. Herein we disclose GF:TF combinations that could constitute as a possible new anti-dermatophyte therapy.

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.

Dermatofitoses: agentes etiológicos, formas clínicas, terapêutica e novas perspectivas de tratamento / Dermatophytoses: etiologic agents, clinical forms, therapy and new perspectives of treatment

As dermatofitoses têm ocorrência mundial, sendo mais prevalentes em países de clima tropical e subtropical. Dados epidemiológicos indicam que essas micoses estão entre as infecções fúngicas de maior ocorrência. O quadro clínico mais comum de dermatofitose inclui despigmentação, placas anulares, prurido e perda de cabelo, com lesões tipicamente conhecidas como tineas, ocasionadas por fungos filamentosos dermatofíticos de três gêneros anamórficos: Microsporum, Trichophyton e Epidermophyton. O tratamento das dermatofitoses, em geral, está relacionado ao uso de antifúngicos tópicos e/ou sistêmicos, apresentando como problemática o surgimento de espécies multirresistentes. Esta revisão aborda as dermatofitoses e seus agentes etiológicos de forma aprofundada em aspectos epidemiológicos, apresentando a importância clínica do tema, com ênfase na causa, prevenção, tratamento e prognóstico dessa micose cutânea (AU)

Dermatophytoses have worldwide occurrence with higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical countries. Epidemiological data show that these mycoses are among the most frequent fungal infections. The most common symptoms of dermatophytoses include depigmentation, annular plaques, itching and hair loss, with lesions such as tinea, caused by dermatophytic filamentous fungi of three anamorphic genera: Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. Topical and/or systemic antifungalmedications are used in the treatment of dermatophytoses in general, resulting in problems such as the emergence of multidrug-resistant species. This review discusses dermatophytoses and their etiological agents with a focus on epidemiological aspects, presenting the clinical importance of the issue, with emphasis on cause, prevention, treatment and prognosis of this skin mycosis (AU)

Onychomycosis: A study of self-recognition by patients and quality of life.

Background: Onychomycosis accounts for approximately half of all nail disorders and is usually asymptomatic. Objectives: To evaluate patients’ recognition of fungal nail disease, concomitant fungal skin diseases, complications, and quality of life. Methods: Patients from the fungal nail clinic were enrolled between May 2011 and April 2012. Patients’ awareness of diseased nails was evaluated and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire was used to evaluate the impact of dermatologic disease on quality of life. Results: A total of 110 patients with onychomycosis were enrolled in the study, of which 64 (58.2%) were female and the mean age was 60.8 years. The number of patients who were able to recognize the presence of onychomycosis was 71 (64.5%), while 32 (29.1%) and 7 (6.4%) were diagnosed by a dermatologist and other physicians, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patient recognition of the disease was signifi cantly associated with female sex and young age. The mean DLQI score was 3.6. Limitation: Patient recall bias including the duration of fungal nail infection, long-term past history and previous treatment was a limitation of this study that affected DLQI scores. Conclusion: About half of onychomycosis patients, especially elderly males, could not recognize the disease by themselves. It is important for physicians to educate patients with risk factors for onychomycosis to recognize this condition early to prevent concomitant infection and complications, and to improve patients’ well-being.

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.

Comparison of in vitro activity of five antifungal agents against dermatophytes, using the agar dilution and broth microdilution methods / Comparação da atividade in vitro de cinco agentes antifúngicos para dermatófitos, usando os métodos de diluição em ágar e microdiluição em caldo

The purpose of this study was to compare the agar dilution and broth microdilution methods for determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin and terbinafine for 60 dermatophyte samples belonging to the species Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. The percentage agreement between the two methods, for all the isolates with < 2 dilutions that were tested was 91.6 percent for ketoconazole and griseofulvin, 88.3 percent for itraconazole, 81.6 percent for terbinafine and 73.3 percent for fluconazole. One hundred percent agreement was obtained for Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolates evaluated with ketoconazole and griseofulvin. Thus, until a reference method for testing the in vitro susceptibility of dermatophytes is standardized, the similarity of the results between the two methods means that the agar dilution method may be useful for susceptibility testing on these filamentous fungi.

O propósito do presente trabalho foi comparar os métodos de diluição em ágar e diluição em caldo para a determinação de concentração inibitória mínima de fluconazol, itraconazol, cetoconazol, griseofulvina e terbinafina para 60 amostras de dermatófitos pertencentes às espécies, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton. mentagrophytes e Microsporum canis. A porcentagem de acordo entre os dois métodos para todos os isolados testados considerando-se valores < 2 diluições, foram de 91,6 por cento para cetoconazol e para griseofulvina, de 88,3 por cento para itraconazol, de 81,6 por cento para terbinafina e de 73,3 por cento para fluconazol. Uma concordância de 100 por cento foi obtido para isolados de Trichophyton mentagrophytes avaliados com cetoconazol e griseofulvina. Desta forma, até que um método de referência seja padronizado para testar a suscetibilidade in vitro para os dermatófitos, os resultados semelhantes encontrados para os dois métodos fazem com que o método de diluição em ágar possa ser útil no teste de suscetibilidade para estes fungos filamentosos.

Incidence of keratinophilic fungi in waterlogged condition of paddy soil.

Prevalence of keratinophilic fungi was observed in paddy field soil during different stages of cultivation viz., transplanting, tillering, milking and maturation. Out of total 76 soil samples, 65 soil samples were found to be positive for the keratinophilic fungi. Fourteen species belonging to a single genus Chrysosporium were isolated through out the cropping season. C. keratinophilum (17.1%) followed by C. tropicum (13.15%) were found to be the most dominating geophilic species. The highest percent distribution of keratinophilic fungi appeared during the milking stage (100%) of paddy cultivation, followed by the maturation stage (89.47%).

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.

Study of onychomycosis: prevailing fungi and pattern of infection.

A mycological study of onychomycosis was undertaken in 88 patients. The nails were judged to be infected by their clinical appearance. Direct microscopy of the nail clips in 20% KOH solution was positive in 72 (81.8%) and culture was positive in 43 (48.8%) cases. Out of the samples cultured, dermatophytes were grown in 26 cases (29.5%), non dermatophyte moulds in 12 (13.6%) and Candida spp. in 5 (5.6%) while 45 (51.1%) samples yielded no growth. Amongst dermatophytes, T. rubrum was found to be commonest etiological agent (57.6%) followed by T. mentagrophyte. Amongst the non-dermatophyte mould (NDM), Aspergillus spp. was the most prevalent species followed by Alternaria spp, Curvularia spp. and Fusarium spp. Commonest age group affected was above 31 years. Males were predominantly affected (65%), male to female ratio being 1.8:1. Fingernails were affected more frequently than toe nails with the ratio of 3:1. Distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO) was more common (50%) than other clinical pattern followed by proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) (20.4%), white superficial onychomycosis (SWO) (2%), total dystrophic onychomysosis (TDO) (14%) and paronychia (10.2%).

Onychomycosis in eastern Nepal.

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail is responsible for up to 50.0% of all nail diseases. Though, dermatophytes are most frequently implicated as the causative agents in onychomycosis, yeast and molds are increasingly recognized as causative pathogens. This study was aimed to know the clinical and mycological pattern of onychomycosis in eastern Nepal. Eighty-two clinically diagnosed patients of onychomycosis attending the Dermatology Outpatient department of a tertiary hospital over a period of one year were enrolled in this study. Clipping from the severely affected nail and skin scrapping from active border of the skin lesions if associated were collected from each patient and subjected to microscopy and culture for identification of fungi. The commonest affected age group was 21-40 years. The male: female ratio was 2.7:1. Fifty-one patients had isolated fingernail involvement, while involvement of toenails was seen in 15 patients. Distolateral subungual onychomycosis (67%) was the commonest clinical type followed in decreasing order by superficial white onychomycosis (14.6%), proximal subungual onychomycosis (9.8%), candidal onychomycosis (7.4%) and total dystrophic onychomycosis (1.2%). Trichophyton mentagrophytes (28.8%) was the most common pathogen isolated followed by Trichophyton rubrum (21.2%), Trichophyton tonsurans (11.5%), Candida albicans (11.5%), Trichospron beigelii, (9.6%), Epidermophyton floccosum (7.7%), Trichophyton violaceum (5.8%), and Aspergillus flavus (3.9%). Distolateral subungual onychomycosis was the most common clinical presentation and T. mentagrophytes and T. rubruni were the most frequently isolated fungi for onychomycosis in eastern Nepal.

Identification of common species of dermatophytes by PCR-RFLP / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To establish a simple, sensitive and effective technique for the identification of six common dermatophytes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) targeting Topoisomerase II gene were used. The DNA of 6 common dermatophytes was amplified by primer dPsD1 and then primers dPsD2. The products generated by dPsD2 were digested with restriction enzyme Hinc II and Hinf I separately. A DNA fragment of about 3390 bp was amplified by using primer dPsD1 from the genomic DNA of each dermatophyte species. The product of dPsD2 was 2380 bp and the restriction profiles of Hinc II and Hinf I were between 58-1670 bp. By using PCR-RFLP, all of the 6 dermatophytoses were diagnosed to species level and no obvious difference identification between Hinc II and Hinf I. It is concluded that the PCR-RFLP identification of dermatophytes by Hinc II or Hinf I is efficient and rapid in clinical practice.

Clinical identification of common species of dermatophytes by PCR and PCR-RFLP / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To find a fast and efficient way of identifying seven common dermatophytes in clinical practice, we used the techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) targeting Topoisomerase II gene. The DNA of 7 dermatophytes, along with Candida albicans, Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus flavus were amplified by consensus primer dPsD1. They were then subjected to a second PCR with primers dPsD2 and species-specific primers PsT and PsME separately. 6 of the products generated by dPsD2 were digested with restriction enzyme Hinc II. DNA fragments of 3390 bp and 2380 bp was amplified by using consensus primer dPsD1 and dPsD2 from the genomic DNA of each dermatophyte species separately. By combining the results of the two species-specific primer sets (PsT and PsME), all species of dermatophyte yielded unique sizes-set of PCR products expect for T. mentagrophytes and T. tonsurans. From the restriction profiles of Hinc II, 6 of the 7 dermatophytoses were diagnosed to species level including T. mentagrophytes and T. tonsurans. By combining the results of the PCR and PCR-RFLP, the 7 common dermatophytes can be identified to species level. It is conclude that the multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP identification targeting the DNA topoisomerase II gene is rapid and efficient.

Dermatofitose e grupos sanguíneos humanos / Human Dermatofitose and blood groups

Com a finalidade de investigar a relação entre as dermatofitoses e os grupos sanguíneos, os autores realizaram a tipagem sanguínea, a identificação dos dermatófitos e avaliaram a resposta imune celular específica de 29 pacientes portadores desta micose. Verificaram que 24% dos pacientes mostraram-se reatores à fase tardia dessa prova (48h) nas seguintes proporções: Tinea corporis, 28,5%; Tinea unguium, 25% e Tinea pedis, 23%. 34% dos casos apresentaram positividade à fase imediata (30 min) da reação. Das amostras submetidas à cultura, 14 resultaram positivas, sendo que o T. rubrum foi isolado em 57% dos pacientes. A associação entre dermatófitos isolados e resposta imediata à tricofitinia foi observada nas seguintes proporções: T.rubrum em 37,5% dos pacientes e T. mentagrophytes em 75%. A distribuição do grupo sanguíneo nas dermatofitoses demonstrou que 45% dos pacientes pertenciam ao grupo O, 41% ao grupo A e 14% ao grupo B. A relação entre o grupo sanguíno e os dermatofitos demonstrou que o T. rubrum foi encontrado em 37,5% dos pacientes pertencentes ao grupo A, 37,5% ao grupo O e 25% ao grupo B; e o fungo T.Mentagrophytes foi isolado em 100% dos pacientes pertencentes ao grupo sanguineo A são mais suscetiveis a infecção por dermatófitos, especialmente pelo T. rubrum.

Isolamento e identificaçäo da microbiota fúngica e de dermatófitos da pele de equinos hígidos e daqueles afetados por dermatofitose / Isolation and identification of fungal microbiota and of dermatophytes from healthy horses and from dermatophytosis-affected horses

Pela inexistência na literatura latino-americana e brasileira de trabalhos que enfoquem a microbiota fúngica de equinos hígidos e as principais espécies de dermatófitos em casos de equinos com lesöes sugestivas de infecçäo dermatofítica do tegumento cutâneo, utilizaram-se 175 equinos, de ambos os sexos, tanto de raça definida como daqueles sem perfeita condiçäo racial, de diferentes idades e que foram reunidos em 2 grupos. O GRUPO I composto de 133 equinos assintomáticos e desprovidos de lesöes cutâneas, dos quais, após exame dermatológico, interposiçäo da Luz de Wood (48 equinos), colheram-se, pela técnica do carpete, material que foi semeado em meios de ágar Sabouraud Dextrose, Mycobiotic ágar, Tricophyton ágar 3, Tricophyton ágar 5 e incubados a 25§ e 37§C durante 30 dias. Isolaram-se: Penicillium sp (80,4 por cento), Rhizopus sp (62,4 por cento), Aspergillus sp (41,3 por cento), Fusarium sp (40,6 por cento), Cladosporium sp (33,1 por cento), Trichoderma sp (21,0 por cento), Mucor sp (18,0 por cento), Epicoccum sp (12,0 por cento), Mycelia sterillia (8,8 por cento), Rhodotorula sp (2,2 por cento), Neurospora sp (4,5 por cento), Alternaria sp (3,7 por cento), Aureobasidium sp (3,7 por cento), Geotrichum sp (3,0 por cento), Paecilomyces sp (2,0 por cento), Monascus sp (2,2 por cento), Cephalosporium sp (1,5 por cento), Nigrospora sp (0,7 por cento), Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (0,7 por cento), Trichosporun sp (0,7 por cento). O GRUPO II foi composto por 42 equinos portadores de lesöes sugestivas de dermatofitose que, após terem sido submetidos a exame dermatológico, expostos à luz de Wood (22 equinos), tiveram pelame e crostas submetidos a cultivo micológico, isolando-se em 6 (14,3 por cento) cepas de Dermatophylus congolensis e em 3 (7,1 por cento) equinos houve o crescimento de dermatófitos da espécie Microsporum canis. Dos 70 equinos expostos à radiaçäo ultravioleta observou-se falsa fluorescência em 2 animais

Micetomas en cuero cabelludo por Microsporum canis en huésped inmunocompetente / Scalp mycetomas due to Mycosporum canis in a immunocompetent host

Se presenta una paciente de 15 años de edad con lesiones tumorales en el cuero cabelludo acompañadas de descamaciones. Se observaron además otras formaciones de aspecto verrugoso en cara anterior de piernas, manos, cola de ceja izquierda y otra en la úvula. Los estudios histopatológicos determinaron que las lesiones de piel eran verrugas vulgares; la lesión de la úvula fue un condiloma acuminado, y las del cuero cabelludo correspondieron a un micetoma con granos de un Eumycote. Por tal motivo se extirpó quirúrgicamente la lesión biopsiada del cuero cabelludo y se la cultivó en medio de Sabouraud y Lactrimel, obteniéndose el desarrollo de un Microsporum canis. También se cultivaron pelos y escamas, aislándose el mismo microorganismo. El examen físico así como los exámenes de laboratorio, no pusieron en evidencia alteraciones significativas. Con el diagnóstico de micetoma por Microsporum canis se le instituyó un tratamiento con griseofulvina a razón de 15 mg/kg/día, durante seis meses. Las lesiones cicatrizaron, las verrugas remitieron espontáneamente y el condiloma acuminado fue extirpado quirúrgicamente

Estudo da flora dermatofítica na populaçäo do Distrito Federal / Survey of the dermatophytic flora in the population of the Distrito Federal

Objetivando estudar o comportamento da flora dermatofítica do Distrito Federal, Brasil, foi realizada uma análise epidemiológica, com base em material procedente de quatro instituiçöes sediadas na regiäo. A amostra foi representada por 3.466 exames de portadores de dermatofitoses, clínica e laboratorialmente confirmadas, compreendendo 1.592 mulheres e 1.874 homens, com idades variando de três meses a 94 anos, selecionada entre 13.644 exames de pacientes atendidos no período de janeiro de 1983 a dezembro de 1990. A rotina laboratorial constou de exame direto, cultura e, quando necessário, histopatologia. O estudo preocupou-se com as variáveis sexo, idade, procedência, espécies de dermatófitos isoladas, morfotopografia clínica, influências ambientais e econômicas, variabilidade temporal da populaçäo micótica. Os resultados foram comparados com estudos similares anteriores, realizados na mesma regiäo e em outras regiöes brasileiras. A pesquisa caracterizou, na área, uma flora constituída, principalmente, de oito espécies de dermatófitos, com predominância absoluta e relativa do Trichophyton rubrum, que representou mais de 50% das espécies isoladas. Também foi constatada a prevalência dos dermatófitos geofílicos e zoofílicos, na populaçäo infantil. A análise comparativa sugere possível influência da urbanizaçäo sobre a prevalência das dermatofitoses, assim como sobre a variabilidade periódica da populaçäo dermatofítica da regiäo