Sporotrichosis: In silico design of new molecular markers for the Sporothrix genus.

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis, a cosmopolitan mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the Sporothrix complex, affects humans and animals. This study aimed to develop new molecular markers for Sporothrix genome detection in biological samples using PCR. METHODS: A specific region of DNA sequences from the Sporothrix genus, publicly available in GenBank, was chosen for primer design. After testing the in silico specificity of these primers, in vitro specificity was evaluated using the PCR technique. RESULTS: Three specific primers with 100% specificity for the Sporothrix genus were generated. CONCLUSIONS: PCR using the designed primers can be used to develop molecular diagnostics for sporotrichosis.

Sporotrichosis: In silico design of new molecular markers for the Sporothrix genus

ABSTRACT Background: Sporotrichosis, a cosmopolitan mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the Sporothrix complex, affects humans and animals. This study aimed to develop new molecular markers for Sporothrix genome detection in biological samples using PCR. Methods: A specific region of DNA sequences from the Sporothrix genus, publicly available in GenBank, was chosen for primer design. After testing the in silico specificity of these primers, in vitro specificity was evaluated using the PCR technique. Results: Three specific primers with 100% specificity for the Sporothrix genus were generated. Conclusions: PCR using the designed primers can be used to develop molecular diagnostics for sporotrichosis.

Correlations among neck circumference and anthropometric indicators to estimate body adiposity in people living with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: Neck circumference (NC) and anthropometric data of people living with HIV (PLWH) are correlated. METHODS: Socioeconomic, NC, body mass index (BMI), tricipital skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm circumference (MAC), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) data of 72 PLWH were correlated. RESULTS: Higher adiposity was observed in NC (40.3% [n=29]) and WC (31.9% [n=23]). Correlations between NC/BMI, NC/WC, NC/HC, NC/MAC, NC/MAMC, and NC/WHtR were significant. Increased NC (40.3%[n=29]) and WC (31.9 [n=23]) were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. CONCLUSIONS: NC correlations are adequate for estimating cardiometabolic risk.

Efeito da suplementação de própolis verde no câncer de pâncreas: um relato de caso / Effect of green propolis supplementation on pancreas cancer: a case report

Introdução: O aumento da incidência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e a mortalidade associada a estas causas têm se destacado mundialmente. Entre essas doenças, destaca-se o câncer de pâncreas, que é caracterizado por tendência à evolução com metástase e baixa sobrevida. Relato de caso: As terapias oncológicas podem afetar a qualidade de vida e o estado nutricional dos pacientes e, por essa razão, a utilização de terapias alternativas e complementares, como o uso da própolis, podem auxiliar na melhoria da qualidade do tratamento, através da diminuição na proliferação de células neoplásicas e dos efeitos tóxicos da quimioterapia, devido às características epigenéticas, antitumorais, apoptóticas, antioxidantes e imunomodulatórias. Este relato de caso aborda o acompanhamento clínico e nutricional de um paciente idoso do sexo masculino, portador de câncer pancreático em tratamento quimioterápico, sob aconselhamento nutricional associado à suplementação de extrato hidroalcoólico de própolis verde. Conclusão: Observou-se com este relato de caso, a melhora da qualidade de vida e aumento da taxa de sobrevida do paciente de 12 meses para três anos e meio, além de estabilização da progressão tumoral. (AU)

Introduction: The increase in the incidence of chronic noncommunicable diseases has been highlighted in terms of worldwide mortality rates. Among these diseases, pancreatic cancer stands out, which is characterized by a tendency towards the evolution of metastasis and low survival. Weight loss is associated with increased basal energy expenditure, decreased energy consumption and malabsorption of nutrients. Case report: Oncological therapies can affect to quality of life and nutritional status of individuals, due to the toxic and immunosuppressive effects. For this reason, the use of alternative and complementary therapies, such as the use of propolis, can help to improve the quality of treatment, by decreasing the proliferation of neoplastic cells and the toxic effects of chemotherapy, due to the epigenetic, antitumor, apoptotic characteristics, antioxidants and immunomodulatory. This case report addresses the clinical and nutritional monitoring of an elderly male patient, with pancreatic cancer undergoing chemotherapy, under nutritional advice associated with the supplementation of hydroalcoholic extract of green propolis. Conclusion: There was an improvement in the quality of life and an increase in the patient’s survival rate from 12 months to three years, in addition to stabilization of tumor progression. (AU)

Correlations among neck circumference and anthropometric indicators to estimate body adiposity in people living with HIV

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Neck circumference (NC) and anthropometric data of people living with HIV (PLWH) are correlated. METHODS: Socioeconomic, NC, body mass index (BMI), tricipital skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm circumference (MAC), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) data of 72 PLWH were correlated. RESULTS Higher adiposity was observed in NC (40.3% [n=29]) and WC (31.9% [n=23]). Correlations between NC/BMI, NC/WC, NC/HC, NC/MAC, NC/MAMC, and NC/WHtR were significant. Increased NC (40.3%[n=29]) and WC (31.9 [n=23]) were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. CONCLUSIONS: NC correlations are adequate for estimating cardiometabolic risk.

New molecular marker for phylogenetic reconstruction of black yeast-like fungi (Chaetothyriales) with hypothetical EIF2AK2 kinase gene.

In eukaryotes, phosphorylation of the α-subunit of eIF2 is a mechanism to adjust cellular gene expression profiles in response to specific signals. The eIF2α kinases are a group of serine-threonine kinases that perform important functions in response to infection, proteotoxicity, and nutrient scavenging. The conserved nature of eIF2α kinases among fungi makes them potential evolutionary markers, which may contribute to deeper understanding of taxonomy and evolution. To date, only few studies are available of eIF2α kinases in black yeasts, which are members of Chaetothyriales containing potential agents of a gamut of major human diseases, such as chromoblastomycosis, phaeohyphomycosis and mycetoma. To establish the phylogenetic validity of sequences of eIF2α kinases hypothetical genes, we compared these genes between members of different classes of fungi, including black yeasts and allies, aiming at evaluation of the phylogeny of this group using an alternative molecular marker, compared to standard ribosomal genes. Trees generated with eIF2α kinase sequences of fungi were compared with those generated by ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS rDNA) sequences from the same species. Sequences used were obtained from the protein Non-redundant database of NCBI, were aligned using CLUSTALX v1.8 and alignments were analyzed with RAxML v8.2.9 on the CIPRES Science Gateway portal. The trees generated had similar topologies, demonstrating that eIF2α kinases hypothetical gene sequences present a coherent reflection of evolution among fungi, compared to trees reconstructed by the use of ribosomal sequences. Our preliminary findings with a limited dataset strongly suggest that the evolution of kinases among black yeasts follows a similar path as revealed by ribosomal data, which underlines the validity of current taxonomy of black yeasts and relatives.

Study and Development of an Anthroposophical Formula Based on Phosphorus and Formica rufa for Onychomycosis´s Treatment.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate or nail bed that leads to the gradual destruction of the nail. The main difficulties in the treatment of onychomycosis refer to the duration of treatments and their side effects. Thus, it becomes relevant to look for new therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of such common diseases that are efficient without causing the undesirable side effects on the patient's body. In this way, the objective of this study was to develop an anthroposophical formula for the treatment of onychomycosis, based on Phosphorus and Formica rufa, from an extensive bibliographic survey on the functions of these components, evaluating within the principles of Anthroposophy. Considering the set of knowledge and practices on the use of these components, it was possible to arrive at a proposal therapy that can be effective for the treatment of onychomycosis. After an extensive review of several existing patents, it was observed that formulations containing Phosphorus and Formica rufa together have not been described in other studies. Subsequently, our research group published a patent of the anthroposophical formula using these two components, with the number BR1020180750755, which will be efficient to help the recovery of nails, and facilitate normal growth.

Oficinas culinárias aumentam a ingestão de fibras e melhoram o estado emocional e a qualidade de vida de pacientes diabéticos? / Do cooking workshops increase fiber intake and improve the emotional state and quality of life of diabetic patients?

INTRODUÇÃO: O diabetes mellitus (DM) é uma condição metabólica de evolução crônica que pode resultar em complicações clínicas e prejuízos multidimensionais na qualidade de vida (QV) em dois pacientes. OBJETIVO: Comparar a QV, ou estado de saúde e consumo de fibras, entre pacientes com DM participantes (G1) e não participantes (G2) de consultorias de culinária. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com voluntários com DM tipo II, de ambos os sexos. A QV foi endossada por meio da fermentação do WHOQOL-BREF, dois valores de forame voluntário ou estado emocional na escala B-PAID, e o consumo de fibra foi endossado para cabelos recordatórios de 24 horas. Os dados para o software de análise de cabelo ® Stataversão 13.0. RESULTADOS: Os participantes dos serviços de culinária relataram QV "boa" em 81,8% dos dois casos em detrimento de 18,2% dos participantes dos escritórios de culinária. Em relação ao consumo de fibras, o consumo médio foi de 24,6 g para ou G1 e 19,7g para ou G2 (p <0,001). Com a avaliação da escala B-PAID, observa-se prevalência de frequências de respostas como "nenhum problema" e "pequeno problema" para o ou G1, ou que caracterizam uma maior certeza de questões emocionais ligadas ao ou DM, no G2 no Há um maior número de respostas do tipo "é um problema moderado", "que problema sério" e "um problema sério" ou que caracteriza uma instabilidade emocional relacionada ao ou DM. CONCLUSÃO: Diabéticos participantes de consultorias gastronômicas relatam sobre QV, consumo de fibras alimentares e estado de saúde

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease of chronic evolution that can result in clinical complications and multidimensional damage to the emotional state and quality of life of patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare dietary fiber intake, emotional state, and quality of life of diabetics attending and not attending culinary workshops. METHODS: A descriptive observational study carried out in an outpatient clinic belonging to a public university of the Inconfidentes Region, Minas Gerais, with type 2 diabetes patients of both sexes. The evaluations of fiber intake, emotional state and quality of life were carried out through the application of the 24-hour recall, B-PAID scale and WHOQOLBREF, respectively. Data were analyzed by Stata® software, version 13.0. RESULTS: In total, 22 type 2 diabetic patients participated in this study allocated in two groups: group 1 (G1) participants of culinary workshops (n=11) and group 2 (G2) nonparticipants in culinary workshops (n=11). The average dietary fiber intake was 24.6g for G1 and 19.7g for G2 (p < 0.01). As for the emotional state evaluation score, it was observed that the participants of the culinary workshops obtained 11.7 points and non-participants 30.7 points (p < 0.01). Participants in culinary workshops reported "good" quality of life in 81.8% of cases to the detriment of 18.2% of non-participants in culinary workshops (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Diabetics attending the culinary workshops reported higher fiber intake, better emotional state and quality of life of diabetic patients

Canine visceral leishmaniasis: Detection of Leishmania spp. genome in peripheral blood of seropositive dogs by real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR).

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis caused by the protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Among the species, L. infantum and/or L. infantum (chagasi) are the most important species affecting the Americas. Domestic dogs are the main reservoir of the parasite and participate effectively in the parasite' transmission cycle. The Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis Control Program (PCLV) adopted in Brazil present as strategies the vector control, health education and serological diagnosis of CVL in dogs followed by culling of the seropositive ones. The resolution to eliminate seropositive dogs by euthanasia, when necessary, are the most controversial and least accepted by society. The diagnostic methods for canine visceral leishmaniasis, currently indicated and approved in Brazil by the Ministry of Health from Brazil are the Dual Path Platform (DPP)® as a screening test and the Enzyme immunoassay test (ELISA®). This study aimed to verify the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in peripheral blood samples of dogs presenting positive serological results byDPP® and ELISA® tests,throughreal-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR), using the pair of primers 150-152 already described. For this purpose, were collected blood samples from 185 seropositive dogs among them, 41 (22%) exhibited some clinical signal of disease, whereas 144 (78%) was asymptomatic. The animals were also analyzed according to gender, race and hair size. According to the results of rt-PCR, it was observed that among the185 seropositive dogs analyzed, only 132 (71%) presented positive results for CVL and 53 (29%) presented negative results. From this, 41/41 symptomatic dogs were positive (100%), while among the asymptomatic dogs, 91/144 were positive (63, 2%) and 53/144 were negative (36, 8%). Concerning the hair size of seropositive dogs, we found that 41 (22%) had long hair, while 144 (78%) had short hair. No statistical significance occurred between the results of rt-PCR, ELISA and DPP tests and the profile of the animals (gender, size of the dogs and hair size), probably due to the small number of samples and the sampling differences of each profile. But statistical significance occurred between the results of rt-PCR and the clinical evaluation, since the rt-PCR was positive in all symptomatic dogs. Thus, through these results, we reached at the following question, which may contribute to an important current debate: the dogs presenting CVL seropositive diagnosis confirmed by tests distributed by the Ministry of Health were in reality ill or were they seropositive by living in an endemic area of the disease? Would these asymptomatic seropositive dogs spread the disease to the inhabitants even presenting a low parasite charge circulating in the blood.

A case of disseminated sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis.

This paper presents a case of disseminated sporotrichosis in a 13-year-old female, originating from a rural area in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The patient was hospitalized in Santa Casa hospital of Belo Horizonte, with hyporexia, prostration, fever and disseminated ulcerative lesions, besides anemia, leucopenia and sepsis of probable cutaneous focus. The patient was admitted without proven immunosuppression. She was diagnosed with cutaneous-disseminated sporotrichosis. The drug therapy chosen was itraconazole during 12 months, leading to important clinical improvement and healing of cutaneous lesions.

Paracoccidioidomycosis: Detection of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis´ genome in biological samples by quantitative chain reaction polymerase (qPCR).

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a chronic mycosis caused by the saprobic and dimorphic species Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii. This disease is prevalent in Latin American countries. PCM appears as a relevant concern and challenge for the mycologists, since until now there is no a methodology suitable for an efficient and safe diagnosis and species identification. Thus, the present study aimed to validate a methodology for PCM´s diagnosis, using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) through target amplification of the gene encoding the recombinant protein Pb27, a common protein to the both species Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii. The experiments were performed in vitro to determine the specificity, efficiency and detection limit of qPCR assay, using specific primers and probe, which sequences were subject to a patent deposited in Brazilian CTIT, under the registration number: BR1020160078830. According to the results the technique showed sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 100%, demonstrating that it will be possible to develop a new fast and safe diagnostic PCM and can be standardized in order to present a low cost, accessible to the patient served by the public health system in Brazil and Latin America.

Disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis prediagnosticated as neoplasm: An important challenge in diagnosis using rt-PCR.

This paper presents a case of disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in a 62-year-old male patient, who lives in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. The patient was hospitalized with icteric syndrome of cholestatic pattern and weight loss, with loss 30 kg in 5 months. The imaging of the abdomen showed lesion of infiltrative pattern, affecting gallbladder and intrahepatic bile ducts, suggesting neoplasia of malignant behavior, besides to presenting the yellow nail syndrome. Dermatological examination presented erythematous-infiltrated plaques in the occipital region. Also, the patient presented tegumentary lesions on the scalp and lumbar region from which the histopathological examination was carried out, which evidenced yeasts cells. The drug of choice for therapy was Liposomal Amphotericin-B. At the end of the antifungal treatment, liver enzyme dosages were normalized and there was improvement of the general condition of the patient, as well as the skin lesions. Here, we demonstrate the importance of molecular biology to confirm the diagnosis. Especially in cases of difficult diagnosis.

Biological Activities of Red Propolis: A Review.

BACKGROUND: The red propolis (RdProp) is a resin produced by Apis mellifera bees, which collect the reddish exudate on the surface of its botanic source, the species Dalbergia ecastophyllum, popularly known in Brazil as "rabo de bugio". Considered as the 13th type of Brazilian propolis, this resin has been gaining prominence due to its natural composition, rich in bioactive substances not found in other types of propolis. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to address the most important characteristics of RdProp, its botanical origin, the main constituents, its biological properties and the patents related to this natural product. METHOD: By means of the SciFinder, Google Patents, Patus® and Spacenet, scientific articles and patents involving the term "red propolis" were searched until August 2017. RESULTS: A number of biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antitumor, antioxidant, metabolic and nutraceutical activities are attributed to RdProp, demonstrating the great potential of its use in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. CONCLUSION: The available papers are associated to pharmacological potential of RdProp, but the molecular mechanisms or bioactive compounds responsible for each activity have not yet been fully elucidat ed. The RdProp patents currently found are directed to components for the pharmaceutical industry (EP2070543A1; WO2014186851A1; FR3006589A1; CN1775277A; CN105797149A; CN1879859A), cosmetic (JP6012138B2; JP2008247830A; JP6012138B2) and food (JP5478392B2; CN101380052A; WO2006038690A1).

Green Propolis: Thirteen Constituents of Polar Extract and Total Flavonoids Evaluated During Six Years through RP-HPLC.

In order to verify the chemical qualities of polar extract of Green Propolis produced in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was analyzed by means of RP-HPLC, the concentration of eleven flavonoids, Artepillin C and p-coumaric acid were analyzed by means of RP-HPLC. Samples were collected in the months of February, March, May, July, September, and October, during a period of six years (2008 to 2013) and the results compared with purchased standards. Artepillin C was the main constituent (80-90%) found in all samples. Lower concentrations of p-coumaric acid, chrysin and kaempferide were observed in March, and of ricin and galangin in September. Respectively, these months correspond to the end of Summer and Spring period in Brazil. The variation in concentration of the analyzed constituents always occurred in the same month, during the entire six years of evaluation period. All thirteen constituents of Green Propolis were detected throughout the study period, and the average concentration of each one was similar in relation to the respective monthly collection period of each year. Due to similarities among chemical constituents of Green Propolis with those present in B. dracuncufolia, this plant was identified as being the principal source of Green Propolis.

Diagnóstico da aspergilose invasiva:Aplicação das Técnicas de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) e Ensaio Imunoenzimático de Detecção da Galactomanana (EIA-GM®) / Diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: Application of Polymerase Chain Reaction Techniques (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detectionof Galactomannan (EIA-GM®)

Introdução: a aspergilose invasiva (IA) é uma infecção fúngica grave causada por espécies do gênero Aspergillus e acomete principalmente pacientes leucêmicos,diabéticos e aqueles receptores de transplante de células-tronco, que apresentem neutropenia. Os esporos dos fungos que colonizam o epitélio pulmonar podem invadir as células endoteliais de revestimento e o acesso vascular e, assim, disseminar-se paraoutros órgãos através do sangue. A elevada mortalidade da doença está relacionada à imunossupressão grave, à rápida progressão da infecção e, principalmente, à ausência de um diagnóstico precoce e eficiente. Portanto, o diagnóstico na fase inicial da infecção é adequado, proporcionando uma terapia mais eficaz, o que pode reduzir a taxa de mortalidade da doença. Objetivo: o presente estudo teve em vista avaliar a aplicabilidadeda técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) no auxílio do diagnóstico de AI, em comparação com os resultados gerados pelo ensaio imunoenzimático de galactomanana (EIA-GM®), este já validado comercialmente. Métodos: foram analisadas 245 amostras de pacientes tratados no hospital Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte. Entre essas amostras, 16% (N = 39) foram positivos nos testes EIA-GM®. Em seguida, essas 39amostras positivas foram analisadas pela técnica de PCR. Resultados: de acordo com os resultados, a técnica de PCR apresentou taxa de 97,44% de sensibilidade, 97,96% de acurácia e 100% de especificidade, quando comparada ao método EIA-GM®. Conclusão:a técnica de PCR pode auxiliar no diagnóstico da AI, sempre associando os seus resultados à clinica do paciente e aos testes de imunoensaios.

Introduction: invasive aspergillosis (AI) is a serious fungal infection caused by species of the genus Aspergillus that primarily affects leukemic and diabetic patients and those recipients of stem cell transplants, which have neutropenia. The fungi spores that colonize the lung epithelium may invade the endothelial cell lining and vascular access and thus, spread to other organs through the blood. The high mortality of the disease is related tosevere immunosuppression, rapid infection progression, and especially lack of an early and efficient diagnosis. Therefore, the diagnosis in the initial infection phase is beneficial,providing a more effective therapy that can reduce the disease?s mortality rate. Objective:this study aimed at evaluating the applicability of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cheganin assisting the diagnosis of AI compared to the resultsgenerated by galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (EIA-GM®) that is already commercially validated. Methods: 245 samples from patients treated in the Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte hospital were analyzed. Among these samples, 16% (N = 39) were positive in EIA-GM®tests. Subsequently, these 39 positive samples were analyzedby PCR. Results: According to the results, the PCR technique showed 97.44% sensitivity, 97.96% accuracy, and 100% specificity compared to EIA-GM®. Conclusion:the PCR technique may aid in the diagnosis of AI,always associating the results to the patient's clinicaland immunoassay tests.

Paracoccidioidomicose (doença de Lutz-SPLENDORE-almeida): tratamento, duração do tratamento, recidiva, reação paradoxal, prognóstico, profilaxia / Paracoccidioidomycosis (Lutz-Splendore-Almeida disease): treatment, duration of treatment, recurrence, paradoxical reaction, prognosis, prophylaxis

A paracoccidioidomicose, apesar de ser a micose profunda mais importante da América Latina, ainda possui muitas lacunas quanto à sua abordagem, especialmente em relação à duração de seu tratamento, controle de cura e profilaxia. Na dependência da sua gravidade podem ser usadas em seu tratamento: sulfas, azólicos (itraconazol e o cetoconazol)e anfotericina. O prognóstico depende da sua gravidade, do tempo para estabelecer o diagnóstico e da terapêutica instituída. Nas formas leves é bom; e nas formas moderadas e graves, em que há risco do desenvolvimento de sequelas e de morte, é reservado.

Paracoccidioidomycosis, despite being the most important deep mycosis in Latin America, still has many blindspots in terms of its approach, especially in relation to duration of treatment, cure control and prophylaxis. Depending on severity, the following can be used in the treatment: sulfonamides, azoles (itraconazole and ketoconazole), and amphotericin. The prognosis depends on severity, time between onset and diagnosis, and therapy instituted. In mild forms, prognosis is good; in moderate and severe forms, for which there is risk of developing sequelae and death, it is guarded.

Paracoccidioidomicose (doença de Lutz-Splendore-Almeida): propedêutica complementar, diagnóstico diferencial, controle de cura / Paracoccidioidomycosis disease (Lutz-Splendore-Almeida disease): Additional workup, differential diagnosis, cure control

O diagnóstico da paracoccidioidomicose requer a presença de dados epidemiológicos e de algumas manifestações clínicas mais típicas, entretanto, depende da propedêutica complementar que ainda requer métodos intervencionistas, o diagnóstico diferencial com patologias de grande relevância como tuberculose e linfomas, e o controle de cura.Nesta atualização são discutidos os avanços nessas várias áreas que inclui a propedêutica complementar, o diagnóstico diferencial e o controle de cura, apontando para as perspectivas de desenvolvimento que poderão ajudar a definir melhor a sua abordagem.

The diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis requires epidemiological data to be available and for the presence of some more typical clinical manifestations.It requires complementary investigation with interventional methods, differential diagnosis of pathologies of great importance such as tuberculosis and lymphomas, and cure control. This update discussesthe advances in these various areas, which include complementary investigation, differential diagnosis and cure control, pointing to development prospects that may help better define the best approach to this disease.

Antifungal activity of trichothecenes from Fusarium sp. against clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a human mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, is a serious public health problem in several countries of Latin America. In our search we found that the crude extract of the endophytic fungus UFMGCB 551 was able to inhibit several clinical strains of P. brasiliensis, and was also active in the bioautographic assay against Cladosporium sphaerospermum. The endophytic fungus UFMGCB 551 was isolated from the plant Piptadenia adiantoides J.F. Macbr (Fabaceae). The fungus was identified as Fusarium sp. based on its macro- and micro-morphology, and on the sequence of the internally transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of its rRNA gene. The chromatographic fractionation of the fungal extract was guided by the bioautographic assay to afford three known trichothecene mycotoxins: T2-toxin (1) and a mixture of 8-n-butyrylneosolaniol (2) and 8-isobutyrylsolaniol (3). The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the these compounds against eleven clinical strains of P. brasiliensis were evaluated and found to be in the range between 75 and 640 nmol l(-1) for 1 and 160-640 nmol l(-1) for the mixture of 2 and 3.

Detection of Leishmania kDNA in human serum samples for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.

The performance of PCR to detect Leishmania kDNA in serum for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was assessed in serum samples from 65 patients with VL, 17 non-infected individuals and 17 patients with other febrile hepatosplenic diseases. Serum PCR showed a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 100% and efficiency of 90%. The sensitivity values obtained for blood PCR (97%) and rK39 ELISA (95%) were significantly higher (P=0.01) than the values observed for L. chagasi ELISA (88%) and serum PCR (85%), whilst no difference was observed among the specificity rates obtained with rK39 ELISA (94%; P=0.47) and L. chagasi ELISA (85%; P=0.06). This work suggests that the use of serum samples may be an alternative for the diagnosis of VL when peripheral blood samples are not available or require significant operational efforts.