Frequency, virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility of Candida parapsilosis species complex isolated from patients with candidemia in the central region of Argentina.

PURPOSE: Our objectives were to report species distribution and survival of patients with candidemia in Argentina's central region and to establish the prevalence of C.parapsilosis sensu lato species, their virulence factors and their antifungal susceptibility profiles. METHODS: Yeasts isolated from bloodstream infections in Córdoba (Argentina) (n=35) were molecularly identified. The production of lipase and acid aspartic protease (Sap), the adhesion capacity, and the isolates' ability to form biofilm were evaluated. The in vitro activity of 7 antifungal drugs was evaluated (CLSIdocument M27-4thed). RESULTS: C. albicans was the most prevalent species (48.57%) followed by C. parapsilosis sensu lato (28.57%). The 30-day survival rate for C. albicans candidemia was slightly lower than non-albicans blood infections (50.00% vs. 57.90%). C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and C. orthopsilosis account for 60% and 40% of the cryptic species. Sap production and biofilm formation capacity were higher in C. parapsilosis sensu strico than in C.orthopsilosis. All the strains were susceptible to caspofungin (CAS), anidulafungin (AFG), amphotericin B (AMB), posaconazole (POS) and voriconazole (VRC). Azoles were the most potent agent against C. parapsilosis sensu lato followed by echinocandins and AMB. There were no differences between MICs for fluconazole, VRC, POS and AMB. Contrarily, C. parapsilosis sensu stricto strains showed lower MIC than C. orthopsilopsis isolates for itraconazole and higher MIC values for echinocandins (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We report a high frequency of isolation of C.orthopsilosis in candidemia patients of central region. Data on the prevalence, virulence capability and antifungal susceptibility of C. parapsilosis complex provide new epidemiological information about these cryptic species in Argentina.

Management of blindness in the practice of cosmetic surgery.

Blindness (amaurosis) as a complication of cosmetic surgery is not common, but has been reported in cases of blepharoplasty, as well as in connection with facial injection of various substances, including collagen. The anatomic and pathophysiologic basis for embolization of the retinal artery is presented, and the literature regarding thromboembolic, spasmodic, and vaso-obliterative etiologic factors in amaurosis is reviewed. It is recommended that ocular examination be carried out prior to both injection of materials into the face and blepharoplasty. The treatment of this most serious complication is reviewed in detail. Finally, it is suggested that the surgeons who practice cosmetic surgery be aware of this complication and the current treatment modalities.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric characterization of an alteration product of malathion detected in stored rice.

Four alteration products of malathion have been observed in crop extracts of rice, which may not be readily identifiable in a typical gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis of the residues. Extracts of rice containing malathion and several related compounds were analyzed on gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) columns of different polarities. The methyl ethyl succinate ester of malathion co-elutes with malaoxon from a nonpolar GLC column. Retention data and GC-MS analysis indicate the presence of 3 previously reported compounds. Evidence was obtained for a fourth compound, O-methyl O-ethyl S-(1,2-bis-carbethoxy) ethyl phosphorodithioate, apparently resulting from the environmental alteration of malathion.

Gas-liquid chromatographic determination of chlordene epoxide in catfish.

Chlordene epoxide was detected in the range of 0.04 to 0.27 ppm in the edible portion of 3 catfish samples during the analysis of 36 fish samples by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) for pesticide and industrial chemical residues. Two of these catfish samples were from suppliers in Louisiana and the third was from a Texas supplier. Chlordene was also present; the amount of chlordene epoxide in the 3 samples averaged 46% of the amount of chlordene present. The epoxide was identified by comparison of the mass spectra and the GLC retention times of the samples with reference material prepared in the laboratory.