Changes in the elastase activity and colonization ability of Aspergillus fumigatus after successive inoculations in mice.

In a previous work we demonstrated a clear link between elastase activity and pathogenicity using what we have named the Elastase Activity Index (EAI). In the present study we have evaluated the possible variability of this index as a consequence of successive inoculations in mice. Two strains of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from the environment without elastase activity were used. These strains were inoculated into successive batches of ten mice. Our results showed that with each inoculation there was an increase in the number of mice on each batch from which the strain could be isolated and an increase in the number of strains with an EAI>1. This study suggests that A. fumigatus could adapt to the environment in which it is developed, increasing its pathogenic capabilities from host to host.

Effect of recombinant human growth hormone administration on body composition and vascular function and structure in old male Wistar rats.

The process of ageing affects negatively both cardiovascular system and body composition. On the other hand, the hormones of the somatotrophic axis, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), whose production is reduced by age, are involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GH on body composition, vascular function and structure in old male rats. Old (20 months) and adult (4 months) male Wistar rats were used. One group of old animals was treated with GH for 4 weeks. Periepididimary fat weight, Specific Gravity Index (SGI), dose responses to Acetylcholine (ACh), Isoproterenol (Iso), Phenylephrine (Phe) and ACh in the presence of NG-nitro-L: -arginine metylester (L-NAME; ACh + L-NAME), as well as vascular morphology in aortic rings, were studied. Old rats showed increased fat weight and decreased SGI as compared to adult animals. GH increased SGI and tended to reduce fat weight. Old rats showed an impairment in the vasodilator response to ACh and Iso; GH significantly improved the vasodilatation induced by Iso, whereas the response to ACh was not significantly enhanced by GH treatment. There were no significant differences between adult and old rats in the contractile response to Phe, and GH did not show any effect. Contraction induced by ACh + L-NAME was higher in old rats as compared to adults, and treatment with GH significantly reduced this response. Aortic media area was increased in old rats, and GH administration reduced this parameter. In conclusion, GH shows beneficial effects on body composition, as well as on vascular function and morphology in old male rats.

Evaluation of molecular and immunological techniques for the diagnosis of mammary aspergillosis in ewes.

Three techniques for the diagnosis of mammary aspergillosis in ewes were compared: indirect ELISA to detect the level of anti-Aspergillus IgG in serum, determination of galactomannan (Platelia procedure), and detection of DNA of Aspergillus in serum by a nested PCR. Twenty sera from proven cases of aspergillosis in ewes were positive using ELISA (100%), 80% were positive using PCR, but only 55% were positive using Platelia. All 20 control sera were negative using ELISA and PCR, whereas using Platelia methodology one was positive and the other doubtful. The detection of antibody by ELISA in sera is therefore a reliable criterion for the diagnosis of mammary aspergillosis in ewes. Platelia showed the same deficiencies reported in humans, with the appearance of false positives and negatives. The use of PCR was promising and might have valuable application in human medicine.

Evaluation of two PCR methodologies for the detection of Aspergillus DNA.

We investigated the application of two different nested PCR methodologies for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, by studying the possible cross-reactions among different fungal species and genera. The sensitivity obtained using both techniques can be considered adequate, although we obtained amplified products from fungal genera other than Aspergillus, showing the presence of cross-reactions with fungal DNA.

[Canine onychomycosis produced by Microsporum gypseum. A case report]. / Onicomicosis canina producida por Microsporum gypseum. A propósito de un caso.

One case of severe canine onychomycosis is described. The aetiological agent was identified as Microsporum gypseum. The incidence of this fungus in this kind of pathology is discussed, with special attention to the successful treatment with topic enilconazole and systemic griseofulvin.