Epidemiological profile of patients hospitalized with candiduria in the Central-Western region of Brazil / Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes hospitalizados con candiduria en la región centro-oeste de Brasil

Background: Candida yeasts are considered the main agents of nosocomial fungal infections. Aims: This study aimed to establish the epidemiological profile of patients with candiduria hospitalized in the capital of the State of Mato Grosso, in the Central-Western region of Brazil. Methods: Patients from three private hospitals and a public hospital participated in the study. This was an observational and cross-sectional study including analysis of patients mortality. It was carried out from March to August 2015. Results: A total of 93 patients with candiduria were evaluated. Candida tropicalis was found most commonly (37.6%; n=35), followed by Candida albicans (36.6%; n=34), Candida glabrata (19.3%; n=18), psilosis complex (4.3%; n=4), Candida lusitaniae (1.1%; n=1) and Candida krusei (1.1%; n=1). Antibiotic therapy (100%) and the use of an indwelling urinary catheter (89.2%; n=83) were the most frequent predisposing factors. Antifungal treatment was given to 65.6% of the patients, and anidulafungin was the most used antifungal. Mortality rates were 48% higher among patients with candiduria who had renal failure. Micafungin was the antifungal most prescribed among the patients who died. Candidemia concomitant with candiduria occurred in eight (8.6%; n=8) cases. Considering the species recovered in the blood and urine, only one patient had genetically distinct clinical isolates. Conclusions: Non-C. albicans Candida species were predominant, with C. tropicalis being the most responsible for most cases of candiduria

Antecedentes: Las levaduras del género Candida están consideradas los principales agentes de infecciones micóticas nosocomiales. Objetivos: El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes con candiduria hospitalizados en la capital de Mato Grosso, estado situado en la Región centro-oeste de Brasil. Métodos: Participaron en el estudio pacientes de tres hospitales privados y un hospital público. Se trataba de un estudio observacional y transversal que incluía el análisis de la mortalidad de los pacientes. Se llevó a cabo de marzo a agosto de 2015. Resultados: Se incluyó en el estudio a un total de 93 pacientes con candiduria. Candida tropicalis se encontró con mayor frecuencia (37,6%; n=35), seguida por Candida albicans (36,6%; n=34), Candida glabrata (19,3%; n=18), Candida psilosis complex (4,3%; n=4), Candida lusitaniae (1,1%; n=1) y Candida krusei (1,1%; n=1). El tratamiento antibiótico (100%) y el uso de una sonda urinaria permanente (89,2%; n=83) fueron los factores predisponentes más frecuentes. Se prescribió tratamiento antimicótico al 65,6% de los pacientes y la anidulafungina fue el antimicótico utilizado con más frecuencia. Las tasas de mortalidad fueron un 48% superiores entre los pacientes con candiduria con insuficiencia renal. Los pacientes que murieron presentaron la mayor proporción de prescripción del antimicótico micafungina. La candidemia concomitante con candiduria se produjo en ocho casos (8,6%; n=8). Si se tienen en cuenta las especies recuperadas en sangre y orina, solo en un paciente se encontraron aislamientos clínicos genéticamente diferentes. Conclusiones: Las especies de Candida no C. albicans fueron predominantes. C. tropicalis fue la responsable de la mayoría de los casos de candiduria

Epidemiological profile of patients hospitalized with candiduria in the Central-Western region of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Candida yeasts are considered the main agents of nosocomial fungal infections. AIMS: This study aimed to establish the epidemiological profile of patients with candiduria hospitalized in the capital of the State of Mato Grosso, in the Central-Western region of Brazil. METHODS: Patients from three private hospitals and a public hospital participated in the study. This was an observational and cross-sectional study including analysis of patients mortality. It was carried out from March to August 2015. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients with candiduria were evaluated. Candida tropicalis was found most commonly (37.6%; n=35), followed by Candida albicans (36.6%; n=34), Candida glabrata (19.3%; n=18), psilosis complex (4.3%; n=4), Candida lusitaniae (1.1%; n=1) and Candida krusei (1.1%; n=1). Antibiotic therapy (100%) and the use of an indwelling urinary catheter (89.2%; n=83) were the most frequent predisposing factors. Antifungal treatment was given to 65.6% of the patients, and anidulafungin was the most used antifungal. Mortality rates were 48% higher among patients with candiduria who had renal failure. Micafungin was the antifungal most prescribed among the patients who died. Candidemia concomitant with candiduria occurred in eight (8.6%; n=8) cases. Considering the species recovered in the blood and urine, only one patient had genetically distinct clinical isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Non-C. albicans Candida species were predominant, with C. tropicalis being the most responsible for most cases of candiduria.

Therapeutic Response in Adult Patients with Nonsevere Chronic Paracoccidioidomycosis Treated with Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim: A Retrospective Study.

According to the Brazilian Consensus on Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), itraconazole is the drug of choice for treatment. However, the combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (SMX-TMP) is most commonly used in clinical practice because of its higher availability in the public health services. The aims of this study were to evaluate the therapeutic response of patients with nonsevere chronic PCM to SMX-TMP and highlight the factors related to treatment failure. An adequate therapeutic response was defined as completely improved disease signs and symptoms after medication use for a minimum of 6 months, followed by normalized hematological and biochemical changes, radiological improvements, and negative mycological examination findings. Medical records were analyzed for 244 patients with nonsevere chronic PCM who were treated between 1998 and 2014. In total, 41.9% of the patients had PCM for ≥ 8 months. Seven (2.9%) patients were coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The median (25%, 75% percentiles) treatment duration was 21 (10, 25) months. Adequate treatment adherence was reported by 68.3% of patients. In addition, 73.6% of patients exhibited an adequate therapeutic response. The majority (82.6%) of patients who were treated with SMX-TMP for > 24 months displayed an adequate therapeutic response, and the frequency of adequate therapeutic response gradually decreased as the duration of treatment decreased. Treatment nonadherence (P < 0.001) and PCM-HIV coinfection (P = 0.019) were factors associated with therapeutic failure. The study results support the good efficacy of SMX-TMP. Attention should be given to PCM-HIV coinfection, emphasizing the concern of a higher risk of PCM therapeutic failure in these patients.

FACTORS RELATED TO ORAL CANDIDIASIS IN ELDERLY USERS AND NON-USERS OF REMOVABLE DENTAL PROSTHESES.

This study examined the association between oral candidiasis in elderly users and nonusers of prosthesis and its predisposing factors. To this end, we performed a cross-sectional study where saliva samples from 48 patients were collected they used prosthesis and 43 patients (control group) who did not use. Among the 91 patients, Candida spp were isolated in 40 (83.3%) who used prosthesis and in 23 (53.5%) in the control group. A statistically significant association was determined between the two groups, the isolation of yeasts and dental prosthesis (p < 0.05, OR = 4.3). The most common etiological agent was Candida albicans (37 isolates), with 23 (62.2%) in the denture group and 14 (37.8%) (control group). Among patients who presented clinical manifestations of oral candidiasis (n = 24), 83.3% (n = 20) belonged to the group that wore dentures, while only 16.7% (n = 4) belonged to the control group. Elderly patients with diabetes had 4.4 times higher estimated risk of developing oral candidiasis when compared with individuals without this condition. There was no statistically significant association between being user prostheses and have diabetes with the onset of candidiasis. No statistically significant association was determined between xerostomia, use of prosthesis and oral candidiasis. The use of prosthetics and poor oral hygiene in elderly patients predisposes to the development of oral candidiasis.

Molecular typing and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus spp from patients in Midwest Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcosis is a systemic fungal infection that affects humans and animals, mainly due to Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Following the epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), fungal infections by C. neoformans have become more common among immunocompromised patients. Cryptococcus gattii has primarily been isolated as a primary pathogen in healthy hosts and occurs endemically in northern and northeastern Brazil. We to perform genotypic characterization and determine the in vitro susceptibility profile to antifungal drugs of the Cryptococcus species complex isolated from HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients attended at university hospitals in Cuiabá, MT, in the Midwestern region of Brazil. METHODOLOGY: Micromorphological features, chemotyping with canavanine-glycine-bromothymol blue (CGB) agar and genotyping by URA5-RFLP were used to identify the species. The antifungal drugs tested were amphotericin B, fluconazole, flucytosine, itraconazole and voriconazole. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined according to the CLSI methodology M27-A3. RESULTS: Analysis of samples yelded C. neoformans AFLP1/VNI (17/27, 63.0%) and C. gattii AFLP6/VGII (10/27, 37.0%). The MICs ranges for the antifungal drugs were: amphotericin B (0.5-1 mg/L), fluconazole (1-16 mg/L), flucytosine (1-16 mg/L), itraconazole (0.25-0.12 mg/L) and voriconazole (0.06-0.5 mg/L). Isolates of C. neoformans AFLP1/VNI were predominant in patients with HIV/AIDS, and C. gattii VGII in HIV-negative patients. The genotypes identified were susceptible to the antifungal drugs tested. CONCLUSION: It is worth emphasizing that AFLP6/VGII is a predominant genotype affecting HIV-negative individuals in Cuiabá. These findings serve as a guide concerning the molecular epidemiology of C. neoformans and C. gattii in the State of Mato Grosso.

Fatal Cryptococcus gattii genotype AFLP6/VGII infection in a HIV-negative patient: case report and a literature review.

Cryptococcus gattii, a species belonging to the Cryptococcus complex which occurs endemically in tropical and subtropical regions, has been reported as a causative agent of cryptococcosis in healthy individuals. We report a case of meningitis in HIV-negative patient from Cuiaba, MT, in the Midwestern region of Brazil. Cryptococcus gattii AFLP6/VGII was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid and molecular typing was performed by URA5-RFLP. The in vitro susceptibility profile was determined using the standard method according to the document M27A3, CLSI 2008. C. gattii AFLP6/VGII was shown to be susceptible to the antifungals tested. Treatment with 0.8 mg/kg of amphotericin B was initiated; however, the patient died 2 days after the onset of therapy.

Fatal fungemia due to Paracoccidioides lutzii.

We report the first case of fungemia caused by Paracoccidioides lutzii in a 51-year-old male farm worker from the central-west region of Brazil. The fungus was isolated from blood cultures and the species was confirmed by phylogenetic identification. Despite specific treatment and intensive care, the patient died 39 days after admission.

Serological and antigenic profiles of clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides spp. from Central Western Brazil.

Clinical Paracoccidioides spp. isolates from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in Mato Grosso, Brazil exhibit different patterns of serologic reactivity. The results observed for reactions of radial immunodiffusion against the commonly used exoantigens containing a 43-kDa glycoprotein (gp43) suggest that this fungus exhibits major antigenic variability by geographic region. There is a phylogenetic gap between Paracoccidioides spp. isolates among different regions of Latin America. In particular, those from the central region of Brazil (i.e. Mato Grosso state) exhibit a lower rate of genetic similarity. We aimed at investigating the phylogenetic classification of clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides spp. in Central Brazil and the different antigenic profiles that produce. Exoantigens were obtained from five clinical isolates: two P. brasiliensis (Pb166 and Pb2880) and three P. lutzii (PL2875, PL9840, and PL2912). The protein/glycoprotein profiles of P. lutzii exoantigens were different from each other. Isolate PL9840 exhibited the most distinct bands, and isolates PL2875 and PL2912 exhibited more diffuse bands and a very intense band between 50 and 60 kDa. P. brasiliensis isolates had similar protein profiles, exhibiting a low-intensity band at 220 kDa and a diffuse band between 50 and 60 kDa. P. lutzii isolates exhibit high species-specific antigen variability, which we have already been assessed in proteomic studies.

Six-year trend analysis of nosocomial candidemia and risk factors in two intensive care hospitals in Mato Grosso, midwest region of Brazil.

We conducted this cross-sectional retrospective study using clinical and laboratory data from two tertiary hospitals in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil, in order to explore the risk factors and estimate mortality, prevalence and lethality of candidemia between 2006 and 2011. A total of 130 episodes of candidemia were identified. The prevalence of candidemia was 1.8 per 1,000 admissions, the mortality rate was 0.9 per 1,000 admissions, and the lethality was 49.2 %. The main agent in this population was Candida parapsilosis (n = 50), followed by C. albicans (n = 45). Comparison between the numbers of episodes in the two triennia revealed that the non-albicans group grew by 48.2 %. The distribution of yeast species of Candida per hospital unit revealed that C. albicans was more prevalent than C. parapsilosis in the adult ICU and C. parapsilosis was more prevalent than C. albicans in the neonatal ICU. Patients remained hospitalized for an average of 53.5 days. Central venous catheters, parenteral nutrition and age were the variables that proved to be independent in the multivariate analysis and that maintained a statistically significant association with the incidence of death in patients with candidemia. The annual prevalence of candidemia showed a significant increase in the second triennium (2009-2011) compared with the first (2006-2008) probably due to increased exposure to risk factors: central venous catheter, H2 blockers, nutrition parenteral corticosteroids and mean hospital duration.

Características epidemiológicas y clínicas de la candidiasis nosocomial en hospitales universitarios de Cuiabá − Mato Grosso, Brasil / Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of nosocomial candidiasis in university hospitals in Cuiabá - Mato Grosso, Brazil

Antecedentes. Las micosis están emergiendo como una importante causa de enfermedad en el ser humano, en especial entre pacientes hospitalizados con enfermedades subyacentes graves y otros factores de riesgo. Objetivos. Examinar las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de los pacientes con candidiasis nosocomial en hospitales universitarios de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Métodos. Durante un período de 20 meses, se realizó un estudio descriptivo de 91 pacientes ingresados en hospitales universitarios de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, con un diagnóstico clínico y de laboratorio de candidiasis nosocomial. Resultados. Se determinó una tasa de infección nosocomial por Candida de 5 por cada 1.000 ingresos; la tasa de mortalidad fue del 14,4% y la de letalidad del 53,8%. Las edades de los pacientes variaron entre 29 días y 82 años. El 74,7% de los pacientes estaban en la edad adulta y el 25,3% eran niños. Las unidades de cuidados intensivos contribuyeron con el mayor número de casos de infección por Candida (69,2%). La enfermedad subyacente más importante fue un proceso del tracto gastrointestinal (11%). La prematuridad y el bajo peso al nacer fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes entre los recién nacidos. La administración de antibióticos, los procedimientos cruentos, el uso de antagonistas H2, las múltiples transfusiones de sangre y una duración de la estancia hospitalaria ≥ 21 días fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes entre los adultos. C. albicans fue la especie más habitual en todos los casos. Conclusiones. En el presente estudio, C. albicans fue la especie detectada con más frecuencia en las candidiasis y las exposiciones de riesgo aumentaron la predisposición de los pacientes hospitalizados a adquirir una infección nosocomial por Candida spp(AU)

Background. Fungal infections are emerging as an important cause of human disease, especially among hospitalized patients with serious underlying disease and several risk factors. Aims. To evaluate epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with nosocomial candidiasis in university hospitals in Cuiabá - MT, Brazil. Methods. A descriptive study of 91 patients admitted to university hospitals in Cuiabá - MT, with clinical and laboratory diagnosis of nosocomial candidiasis, over a 20-month period. Results. A rate for nosocomial infections by Candida spp. of 5 per 1000 admissions, proportional mortality of 14.4% and lethality of 53.8% were determined. The patient age ranged from 29 days to 82 years-old, among which, 74.7% were adults and 25.3% children. The intensive care units contributed with the highest number of cases of infection by Candida spp. (69.2%). The most important underlying disease was gastrointestinal tract disease (11%). Prematurity and low birth weight were the most important risk factors among newborns. The use of antibiotics, invasive procedures, H2 blockers, multiple blood transfusions and stay length of ≥21 days were the most frequent risk factors among adults. Candida albicans was the most common species in all cases. Conclusions. In this study, C. albicans was the most frequently detected species in candidiasis and risk factors increased the susceptibility of hospitalized patients to acquiring a nosocomial infection by Candida spp(AU)

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of nosocomial candidiasis in university hospitals in Cuiabá--Mato Grosso, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Fungal infections are emerging as an important cause of human disease, especially among hospitalized patients with serious underlying disease and several risk factors. AIMS: To evaluate epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with nosocomial candidiasis in university hospitals in Cuiabá - MT, Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive study of 91 patients admitted to university hospitals in Cuiabá - MT, with clinical and laboratory diagnosis of nosocomial candidiasis, over a 20-month period. RESULTS: A rate for nosocomial infections by Candida spp. of 5 per 1000 admissions, proportional mortality of 14.4% and lethality of 53.8% were determined. The patient age ranged from 29 days to 82 years-old, among which, 74.7% were adults and 25.3% children. The intensive care units contributed with the highest number of cases of infection by Candida spp. (69.2%). The most important underlying disease was gastrointestinal tract disease (11%). Prematurity and low birth weight were the most important risk factors among newborns. The use of antibiotics, invasive procedures, H(2) blockers, multiple blood transfusions and stay length of ≥21 days were the most frequent risk factors among adults. Candida albicans was the most common species in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, C. albicans was the most frequently detected species in candidiasis and risk factors increased the susceptibility of hospitalized patients to acquiring a nosocomial infection by Candida spp.

Primeira descrição da caracterização fenotípica e susceptibilidade in vitro a drogas de leveduras do gênero Cryptococcus spp isoladas de pacientes HIV positivos e negativos, Estado de Mato Grosso / First description of phenotypic profile and in vitro drug susceptibility of Cryptococcus spp yeast isolated from HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in State of Mato Grosso

Foram avaliados 37 isolados de 10 pacientes HIV negativos e 26 positivos, em Mato Grosso. Exame direto, cultura e quimiotipagem de espécies foram realizados. Cetoconazol, itraconazol, voriconazol, fluconazol e anfotericina B foram avaliados. Foram identificadas 37 leveduras do gênero Cryptococcus spp sendo 26 de pacientes HIV- positivos (25 Cryptococcus neoformans e um Cryptococcus gattii) e 10 de HIV- negativos (cinco Cryptococcus neoformans e cinco Cryptococcus gattii). Considerando isolados clínicos (Cryptococcus neoformans) de HIV positivos observou-se resistência (8 por cento e 8,7 por cento) e susceptibilidade dose-dependência (20 por cento e 17,4 por cento) para fluconazol e itraconazol respectivamente. Para isolados de Cryptococcus neoformans oriundos de pacientes HIV negativos, observou-se susceptibilidade dose-dependência (40 por cento) ao fluconazol. Os isolados de Cryptococcus gattii provenientes de pacientes HIV- negativos mostraram-se susceptíveis a todos os antifúngicos, exceto um isolado de Cryptococcus gattii que foi susceptível dose-dependente ao fluconazol (20 por cento). O isolado proveniente do paciente HIV- positivo demonstrou resistência ao fluconazol (CIM > 256µg/mL) e itraconazol (CIM=3µg/mL).

Thirty-seven isolates from 10 HIV-negative and 26 HIV-positive patients in Mato Grosso were evaluated. Direct examination, culturing and chemotyping of species were performed. Ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B were evaluated. Thirty-seven yeasts of Cryptococcus spp were identified, of which 26 were from HIV-positive patients (25 Cryptococcus neoformans and one Cryptococcus gattii) and 10 from HIV-negative patients (five Cryptococcus neoformans and five Cryptococcus gattii). The Cryptococcus neoformans clinical isolates from HIV-positive patients showed resistance (8 percent and 8.7 percent) and dose-dependent susceptibility (20 percent and 17.4 percent) to fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively. Among the Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from HIV-negative patients, there was dose-dependent susceptibility (40 percent) to fluconazole. Cryptococcus gattii isolates from HIV-negative patients were shown to be susceptible to all antifungal agents, except for one isolate of Cryptococcus gattii that showed dose-dependent susceptibility to fluconazole (20 percent). The Cryptococcus gattii isolate from an HIV-positive patient showed resistance to fluconazole (MIC > 256 »g/ml) and itraconazole (MIC = 3 »g/ml).

Micoses sistêmicas: fatores associados ao óbito em pacientes com infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana, Cuiabá, Estado de Mato Grosso, 2005-2008 / Systemic mycosis: factors associated with death among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, Cuiabá, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, 2005-2008

A prevalência de micose sistêmica entre 1.300 pacientes portadores de HIV/Aids de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso foi de 4,6 por cento, no período de 2005-2008. As espécies de fungos isoladas foram o Cryptococcus neoformans (50 por cento), Cryptococcus gattii (1,6 por cento), Cryptococcus spp (6,6 por cento), Histoplasma capsulatum (38,3 por cento) e Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (3,3 por cento). Óbito foi registrado em 32 (53,3 por cento) pacientes, sendo a criptococose a principal causa. A contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ foi baixa e semelhante entre os pacientes que sobreviveram ou faleceram por micose sistêmica. O etilismo (OR:8,2; IC95 por cento: 1,4-62,1; p=0,005) e o nível médio de desidrogenase lática [758 (182) U/L vs 416 (268) U/L; p<0,001] foram as características independentemente associadas ao óbito dos pacientes do estudo. Os resultados mostram alta letalidade por micoses sistêmicas em pacientes portadores de HIV/Aids de Cuiabá e sugerem que características clínico-laboratoriais tais como o etilismo e a elevação precoce da desidrogenase lática podem ser fatores relacionados ao pior prognóstico nessas condições.

Between 2005 and 2008, the prevalence of systemic mycosis among 1,300 HIV/AIDS patients in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, was 4.6 percent. The fungus species isolated were Cryptococcus neoformans in 50 percent, Cryptococcus gattii in 1.6 percent, Cryptococcus spp in 6.6 percent, Histoplasma capsulatum in 38.3 percent and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in 3.3 percent. Death was recorded in the cases of 32 patients (53.3 percent), and cryptococcosis was the main cause. The CD4+ T lymphocyte count was low and similar among patients who survived or died due to systemic mycosis. The factors independently associated with the deaths of these patients were alcoholism (OR: 8.2; 95 percent CI: 1.4-62.1; p = 0005) and the mean level of lactate dehydrogenase [758 (182) U/l vs. 416 (268) U/l; p < 0001]. The findings showed that systemic mycosis was highly lethal among the patients with HIV/AIDS in Cuiabá and suggested that clinical-laboratory characteristics such as alcoholism and early elevation of lactate dehydrogenase may be factors relating to worse prognosis under these conditions.

Acute disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in a 3 year-old child

Clinical cases involving paracoccidioidomycosis in children, diagnosed in Mato Grosso State, in the central western region of Brazil, are rare despite the state being classified with a moderate to high incidence. We describe a clinical case of infant acute disseminated Paracoccidioidomycosis in Mato Grosso State, Brazil, highlighting the importance of early differential diagnosis from other severe pathologies, thus contributing to the survival of compromised patients. A 3 year-old male child, weighing 12.8 Kg, originating from Vila Rica, MT, Brazil. The patient presented intermittent 40ºC fever evolving over 40 days, dry cough and painless bilateral cervical adenomegaly, showing no signs of inflammation. This was associated with diarrhea, distension and important abdominal pain and weight loss. Diagnosis was achieved by visualization of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts in a direct mycological exam and posterior fungus isolation in culture medium. The patient evolved presenting good clinical response to antifungal treatment and progressive reduction of abdominal and cervical ganglions. To improve the prognosis of compromised patients it is essential that professionals realize a full clinical-laboratorial evaluation, including differential diagnoses for other severe pathologies, as early as possible. The degree and intensity of paracoccidioidomycosis compromise are determining factors for defining the most efficient treatment.

[First description of phenotypic profile and in vitro drug susceptibility of Cryptococcus spp yeast isolated from HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in State of Mato Grosso]. / Primeira descrição da caracterização fenotípica e susceptibilidade in vitro a drogas de leveduras do gênero Cryptococcus spp isoladas de pacientes HIV positivos e negativos, Estado de Mato Grosso.

Thirty-seven isolates from 10 HIV-negative and 26 HIV-positive patients in Mato Grosso were evaluated. Direct examination, culturing and chemotyping of species were performed. Ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B were evaluated. Thirty-seven yeasts of Cryptococcus spp were identified, of which 26 were from HIV-positive patients (25 Cryptococcus neoformans and one Cryptococcus gattii) and 10 from HIV-negative patients (five Cryptococcus neoformans and five Cryptococcus gattii). The Cryptococcus neoformans clinical isolates from HIV-positive patients showed resistance (8% and 8.7%) and dose-dependent susceptibility (20% and 17.4%) to fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively. Among the Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from HIV-negative patients, there was dose-dependent susceptibility (40%) to fluconazole. Cryptococcus gattii isolates from HIV-negative patients were shown to be susceptible to all antifungal agents, except for one isolate of Cryptococcus gattii that showed dose-dependent susceptibility to fluconazole (20%). The Cryptococcus gattii isolate from an HIV-positive patient showed resistance to fluconazole (MIC > or = 256 (1/4)g/ml) and itraconazole (MIC = 3 (1/4)microg/ml).

[Systemic mycosis: factors associated with death among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, Cuiabá, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, 2005-2008]. / Micoses sistêmicas: fatores associados ao óbito em pacientes com infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana, Cuiabá, Estado de Mato Grosso, 2005-2008.

Between 2005 and 2008, the prevalence of systemic mycosis among 1,300 HIV/AIDS patients in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, was 4.6%. The fungus species isolated were Cryptococcus neoformans in 50%, Cryptococcus gattii in 1.6%, Cryptococcus spp in 6.6%, Histoplasma capsulatum in 38.3% and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in 3.3%. Death was recorded in the cases of 32 patients (53.3%), and cryptococcosis was the main cause. The CD4+ T lymphocyte count was low and similar among patients who survived or died due to systemic mycosis. The factors independently associated with the deaths of these patients were alcoholism (OR: 8.2; 95% CI: 1.4-62.1; p = 0005) and the mean level of lactate dehydrogenase [758 (182) U/l vs. 416 (268) U/l; p < 0001]. The findings showed that systemic mycosis was highly lethal among the patients with HIV/AIDS in Cuiabá and suggested that clinical-laboratory characteristics such as alcoholism and early elevation of lactate dehydrogenase may be factors relating to worse prognosis under these conditions.

Acute disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in a 3 year-old child.

Clinical cases involving paracoccidioidomycosis in children, diagnosed in Mato Grosso State, in the central western region of Brazil, are rare despite the state being classified with a moderate to high incidence. We describe a clinical case of infant acute disseminated Paracoccidioidomycosis in Mato Grosso State, Brazil, highlighting the importance of early differential diagnosis from other severe pathologies, thus contributing to the survival of compromised patients. A 3 year-old male child, weighing 12.8 Kg, originating from Vila Rica, MT, Brazil. The patient presented intermittent 40 masculineC fever evolving over 40 days, dry cough and painless bilateral cervical adenomegaly, showing no signs of inflammation. This was associated with diarrhea, distension and important abdominal pain and weight loss. Diagnosis was achieved by visualization of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts in a direct mycological exam and posterior fungus isolation in culture medium. The patient evolved presenting good clinical response to antifungal treatment and progressive reduction of abdominal and cervical ganglions. To improve the prognosis of compromised patients it is essential that professionals realize a full clinical-laboratorial evaluation, including differential diagnoses for other severe pathologies, as early as possible. The degree and intensity of paracoccidioidomycosis compromise are determining factors for defining the most efficient treatment.

[Entomophthoramycosis (zygomycosis) caused by Conidiobolus coronatus in Mato Grosso (Brazil): case report]. / Entomoftoromicose (zigomicose) causada por Conidiobolus coronatus em Mato Grosso (Brasil): relato de caso.

Zygomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by soil fungi, such as Conidiobolus coronatus. In general, the main clinical manifestation is a chronic rhinofacial tumor. We report the first case of zygomycosis (entomophthoramycosis) caused by Conidiobolus coronatus, occurring in Mato Grosso, West Brazil.

Entomoftoromicose (zigomicose) causada por Conidiobolus coronatus em Mato Grosso (Brasil): relato de caso / Entomophthoramycosis (zygomycosis) caused by Conidiobolus coronatus in Mato Grosso (Brazil): case report

Zigomicoses são micoses subcutâneas causadas por fungos do solo, que geralmente manifestam-se como uma infiltração granulomatosa crônica da submucosa nasal, estendendo-se para o tecido subcutâneo e pele da face. Descreve-se aqui o primeiro caso de zigomicose nasofacial causada pelo Conidiobolus coronatus, ocorrendo em Mato Grosso, Brasil.

Diagnóstico de paracoccidioidomicose disseminada grave em aspirado de medula óssea: relato de caso / Severe disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis diagnosis in bone marrow aspirate: a case report

Acute or chronic disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis can be associated with changes in blood and bone marrow cell counts, mainly in the severe forms of this disease. However, there are few reports about the microbiological confirmation of the mycosis in bone marrow tissue. The present report describes a case of an adult patient with severe chronic multifocal paracoccidioidomycosis, whose etiological diagnosis has been done by the microscopical exam and culture fo the bone marrow aspirate. The authors emphasize the importance of these exams as an alternative way for the diagnosis of suspected cases of severe paracoccidioidomycosis.