Prevalence of tinea pedis, tinea unguium of toenails and tinea capitis in school children from Barcelona

ObjetivoEvaluar la prevalencia de tinea capitis, tinea pedis y tinea unguium en niños de diferentes escuelas de la ciudad de Barcelona.MétodoDurante el periodo 2003–2004 se efectuó un estudio prospectivo en 1.305 niños (9% de inmigrantes) de edades comprendidas entre los 3 y los 15 años, en 17 escuelas de dos distritos de la ciudad de Barcelona. Se realizó un examen sistemático de los pies, uñas de los pies y cuero cabelludo de todos los niños, seguido de la toma y posterior cultivo de muestras del cuero cabelludo y pies, así como de muestras ambientales para aislar e identificar la presencia de hongos dermatofitos.ResultadosSe aisló un 2,9% de dermatofitos de las muestras clínicas, correspondiéndose con una prevalencia del 2,5% en pies, 0,23% en cuero cabelludo y 0,15% en uñas de pies. Las especies predominantes fueron Trichophyton mentagrophytes en el 45% de los casos y Trichophyton rubrum en el 31,4%. En uñas se cultivó T. rubrum y Trichophyton tonsurans, mientras que en cuero cabelludo se aisló T. mentagrophytes (dos casos) y Trichophyton violaceum (un caso). El 45% de los dermatofitos se aislaron de niños aparentemente sanos, la mayoría de los cuales se encontraban entre los 13 y los 15 años de edad (p<0,05). Microsporum gypseum fue el único dermatofito aislado del medio ambiente, encontrándose también en un caso de tinea pedis.ConclusiónLos resultados de este estudio demuestran una baja prevalencia de tinea capitis y tinea unguium en escolares de Barcelona. Destaca la elevada prevalencia de aislamientos de dermatofitos en pies, con gran proporción de portadores sanos(AU)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of tinea capitis, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium in children from several schools of Barcelona city.MethodsDuring the period of 2003–2004, a prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 1,305 children (9% immigrant population) between the ages 3 and 15 in 17 schools in Barcelona. A systematic examination of the feet, (including nails and scalp), was performed to identify lesions compatible with tinea. Cultures of scalp and feet samples were done and analysis of environmental samples was performed for dermatophyte isolation.ResultsDermatophytes were isolated in 2.9% of the samples with a prevalence of 2.5% in feet, 0.23% in scalp, and 0.15% in nails of the feet. The predominant etiologic agents in feet were Trichophyton mentagrophytes in 45.7% of the cases and Trichophyton rubrum in 31.4%. In the nails, T. rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans were isolated, while T. mentagrophytes (2 cases) and Trichophyton violaceum (1 case) were identified in scalp samples. Forty-five per cent of dermatophytes were isolated from healthy feet, the majority of cases in children 13–15 years old (p<0.05). Microsporum gypseum was the only agent identified in the environmental samples, and was also found in one of the cases of tinea pedis.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate a low prevalence of tinea capitis and tinea unguium in school children of Barcelona. On the contrary, high prevalence of dermatophytes in feet was found. It highlights the high prevalence of healthy carriers of dermatophytes in feet(AU)

Prevalence of tinea pedis, tinea unguium of toenails and tinea capitis in school children from Barcelona.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of tinea capitis, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium in children from several schools of Barcelona city. METHODS: During the period of 2003-2004, a prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 1,305 children (9% immigrant population) between the ages 3 and 15 in 17 schools in Barcelona. A systematic examination of the feet, (including nails and scalp), was performed to identify lesions compatible with tinea. Cultures of scalp and feet samples were done and analysis of environmental samples was performed for dermatophyte isolation. RESULTS: Dermatophytes were isolated in 2.9% of the samples with a prevalence of 2.5% in feet, 0.23% in scalp, and 0.15% in nails of the feet. The predominant etiologic agents in feet were Trichophyton mentagrophytes in 45.7% of the cases and Trichophyton rubrum in 31.4%. In the nails, T. rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans were isolated, while T. mentagrophytes (2 cases) and Trichophyton violaceum (1 case) were identified in scalp samples. Forty-five per cent of dermatophytes were isolated from healthy feet, the majority of cases in children 13- 15-years-old (p < 0.05). Microsporum gypseum was the only agent identified in the environmental samples, and was also found in one of the cases of tinea pedis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate a low prevalence of tinea capitis and tinea unguium in school children of Barcelona. On the contrary, high prevalence of dermatophytes in feet was found. It highlights the high prevalence of healthy carriers of dermatophytes in feet.

Sensitization to Alternaria in patients with respiratory allergy.

Alternaria alternata (AA) is an important mould in respiratory allergic diseases. The objective is to determine the prevalence of AA sensitization in respiratory allergic patients and to examine the annual variation of Alternaria spores. 824 patients between 5 and 65 years old with allergic rhinitis and /or asthma were enrolled. Prick tests were performed with two different standardized AA extracts with quantification of Alt a 1. Alternaria spores concentrations were provided. 151 patients (18.3%) were sensitized to AA. The patients sensitized to AA were affected more frequently by asthma when compared to the patients not sensitized to AA (chi-square test = 7.34; p = 0.003). The prevalence of AA sensitization in paediatric population was statistically significantly higher than in patients older than 13. Atmospheric levels of Alternaria spores showed two periods of maximum concentration: July/August and October/November. The sensitization prevalence of AA in patients with respiratory allergy is meaningful, fundamentally in paediatric patients and/or allergic asthma patients. There is a significance spore concentration of Alternaria in the studied area, with a seasonal behaviour.

[Thirty years of the "Asociación Española de Micología"]. / La Asociación Española de Micología cumple 30 años.

Since the foundation of the "Asociación Española de Micología" thirty years ago, we have consolidated the Spanish mycological community and also witnessed remarkable changes, not only in the Spanish society but in the scientific community as a whole. As it usually happens to human beings, during this time the "Asociación Española de Micología" has matured transforming itself into a solid scientific society. However, the "Asociación Española de Micología" will have to continue its transformation to adapt to new changes. This article shows the most relevant aspects in the history of the "Asociación Española de Micología" as well as new challenges that the society might face in the future.

La Asociación Española de Micología cumple 30 años / Thirty years of the “Asociación Española de Micología”

Desde su fundación con el objetivo de unir a los micólogos de nuestro país yen sus treinta años de existencia, la Asociación Española de Micología (AEM)ha asistido a los espectaculares cambios que ha experimentado la sociedadespañola y, sobre todo, el mundo científico. De manera análoga a lo queocurre con las personas, el paso del tiempo ha permitido que la AsociaciónEspañola de Micología madure y se consolide como sociedad científica.Sin embargo, la Asociación Española de Micología tendrá que seguirevolucionando para adaptarse a los nuevos tiempos. En este trabajo serecogen los aspectos más sobresalientes de la Asociación Española deMicología a lo largo de su historia y se analizan los retos que tendrá queafrontar en el futuro(AU)

Since the foundation of the “Asociación Española de Micología” thirty yearsago, we have consolidated the Spanish mycological community and alsowitnessed remarkable changes, not only in the Spanish society but in thescientific community as a whole. As it usually happens to human beings,during this time the “Asociación Española de Micología” has maturedtransforming itself into a solid scientific society. However, the “AsociaciónEspañola de Micología” will have to continue its transformation to adapt tonew changes. This article shows the most relevant aspects in the history ofthe “Asociación Española de Micología” as well as new challenges that thesociety might face in the future(AU)

DNA fingerprinting pattern and susceptibility to antifungal drugs in Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii isolates from Barcelona city and rural environmental samples.

Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) was isolated from 12 soil samples mixed with pigeon droppings (16.9%) from 71 soil samples in Barcelona and rural areas of Catalonia. C. neoformans was not isolated from indoor dust and Eucalyptus debris. PCR fingerprinting was performed in 22 representative isolates and all of them corresponded to the VNI pattern. Susceptibility testing for the 22 isolates of C. neoformans var. grubii showed that all of them were susceptible to amphotericin B. Three isolates presented MICs (Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations) > or = 1 microg/ml to Itraconazole, five MICs > or = 1 microg/ml to ketoconazole and four were fluconazole resistant, (MICs > or = 64 microg/ml), while three of them were shown to have MICs > or = 1 microg/ml to voriconazole. In spite that all isolates presented the same DNA fingerprinting pattern, the susceptibility to antifungals is very variable. The possibility of acquiring cryptococcosis infection with primarily resistant environment strains is feasible.

[In vitro susceptibility of fungal and yeast clinical isolates to itraconazole and voriconazole]. / Estudio de la sensibilidad in vitro de aislamientos clinicos de mohos y levaduras a itraconazol y voriconazol.

The interest on the in vitro susceptibility to itraconazole has recently increased due the availability of the intravenous formulation. In this study, comparative MICs of this antifungal with voriconazole were carried out in 62 clinical isolates of filamentous fungi and 100 yeasts isolates using the NCCLS microbroth methods described in M38-A and M27-A2 documents. A MIC90 of 0.125 micrograms per ml was observed for itraconazole and voriconazole against Aspergillus fumigatus. Higher susceptibility to itraconazole was found for the filamentous form of Sporotrhix schenckii (p = 0.001). Voriconazole was more effective against Scedosporium apiospermium while Scedosporium prolificans isolates were resistant to both azoles. Some isolates of Rhizopus stolonifer were susceptible to itraconazole and resistant to voriconazole, but without statistical significance. Susceptibility of nine species of Candida was similar for both triazoles used in this study. However, Candida glabrata was more susceptible to voriconazole. Some fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans isolates were susceptible to itraconazole and / or voriconazole. Cryptococcus neoformans was more susceptible to itraconazole than to voriconazole. Itraconazole and voriconazole showed very close in vitro activity against the tested fungal isolated, except against S. schenckii. In spite of this, there were some differences in susceptibility among isolates within the same fungal species.

Prevalence of tinea capitis and tinea pedis in Barcelona schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Although dermatophytoses can appear at any age, some types are particularly prevalent in children. There are no prior data on the prevalence of tinea capitis and tinea pedis in Barcelona, Spain. To identify the prevalence of tinea in school children in the area with the highest immigrant population in this city, a cross-sectional study was performed. A second objective was to identify the etiologic agent to study the possibility of the introduction of foreign dermatophyte species and to evaluate the possibility of encountering healthy hosts. METHODS: From October 2002 until June 2003, we evaluated 1305 schoolchildren, ages 3-15 years, belonging to 21 schools located in the inner city of Barcelona to determine the prevalence of tinea capitis and pedis in school children. Cultures of scalp and feet were done in each child. RESULTS: 36(2.8%) children had tinea pedis and 3 (0.23%) had tinea capitis. One child had tinea capitis and tinea pedis, caused by different species (t. capitis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes and tinea pedis caused by Trichophyton rubrum). Of the 39 positive cases for dermatophytes, the etiologic agent in 18 (46.1%) was T. mentagrophytes, 17 (43.5%) T. rubrum, 2 (5.5%) Epidermophyton floccosum and 2 (5.5%) Trichophyton tonsurans. Of these 39 cases of tinea, 15 (38.5%) were Spanish natives and 22 (56.4%) were immigrants. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of tinea capitis was lower that we had expected, and it was noted that there was a greater prevalence of tinea pedis among schoolchildren 13-15 years of age (64.10%), the great majority of them male. The number of cases of tinea was significantly greater in immigrants.

[Candiduria in patients with urethral catheter admitted in Intensive Care Unit. Etiology and in vitro susceptibility to fluconazole]. / Candiduria en pacientes con sonda uretral ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Etiología y sensibilidad in vitro al fluconazol.

BACKGROUND: The isolation of Candida species in urine in patients admitted in intensive care units who bear a vesical catheter is considered as a sign of bad prognosis. The etiological mechanisms and the appropriateness of administering an antifungal treatment in these patients is controversial. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The prevalence of Candida species in urine and the in vitro susceptibility to fluconazole by means of the E-test were determined in 560 patients admitted in an intensive care unit. RESULTS: In 60 patients (11%) Candida species was isolated in urine after catheter replacement. 56.7% of isolates corresponded toC. albicans, 21.7% to C. glabrata, 15% to C.tropicalis, 5% to C. parapsilosis and 1.7% to C.kefyr. Only two isolates (C. albicans and C. glabrata)had a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) >= 64 microgram/ml (which was regarded as resistant) and 91% of strains had a MIC between 0.125 and 8 microgram/ml. MIC 90% for C. albicans and C. tropicalis was 1 microgram/ml,while it was 16 microgram/ml for C. glabrata. C. albicans is the most frequent species isolated in urine in these patients. However,over 40% of cases are found to have non-albicans species,especially C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. The majority of Candida isolates (91%) are sensitive in vitro to fluconazole.

Candiduria en pacientes con sonda uretral ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Etiología y sensibilidad in vitro al fluconazol / Candiduria in patients with uretral catheter admitted in intensive care unit. Etiology and in vitro susceptibility to fluconazole

FUNDAMENTO: En enfermos graves con sonda vesical el aislamiento de Candida spp. en orina se considera un signo de mal pronóstico. Existen controversias sobre la etiología y el tratamiento antifúngico. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: En un estudio prospectivo de 560 ingresados en la unidad de medicina intensiva se determinó la prevalencia de las especies de Candida en orina y su sensibilidad in vitro al fluconazol por medio del E-test. RESULTADOS: En 60 pacientes (11 por ciento) se aisló Candida después de cambiar la sonda. El 56,7 por ciento correspondió a Candida albicans, el 21,7 por ciento a C. glabrata, el 15 por ciento a C.tropicalis, el 5 por ciento a C. parapsilosis y el 1,7 por ciento a C. kefyr.Solamente un aislado de C. albicans y otro de C.glabrata presentaron una concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) de 64 µg/ml o mayor, considerándose resistentes. El 91 por ciento presentó una CIM de 0,125 a 8 µg/ml. La CIM90 de C. albicans y C. tropicalis resultó de 1 µg/ml, mientras que para C. glabrata fue de 16 µg/ml. CONCLUSIONES: C. albicans sigue siendo la especie más frecuente en orina; no obstante, en más del 40 por ciento de los casos se aíslan otras especie, principalmente C. glabrata y C. tropicalis. La gran mayoría de los aislados de Candida spp. es sensible in vitro al fluconazol (AU)