Aspergillus Fumigates Research Articles

Fluconazole-loaded Hyaluronic Acid-modified Transfersomal Hydrogels Containing D-panthenol for Ocular Delivery in Fungal Keratitis Management.

Fungal keratitis (mycotic keratitis) is an eye infection in which the cornea is infected by fungi and such fungal keratitis management can be effectively possible by ocular administration of antifungal drugs. The main objectives of the present research were to develop and evaluate fluconazoleloaded transfersomal hydrogels for ocular delivery in the effective management of fungal keratitis. A 23 factorial design-based approach was used for statistical optimization, where (A) the ratio of lipid to edge activators, (B) the amount of hyaluronic acid (% HA), and (C) the ratio of edge activators (sodium deoxycholate to Span 80) were taken as three factors. The average vesicle diameter (Z, nm) of transfersomes was taken as a response. Further, fluconazole-loaded transfersomes (FTO) were incorporated into 1% Carbopol 940-based hydrogel (OF1) and 2% HMPC K4M-based hydrogel (OF2) containing D-panthenol (5% w/w). The optimal variable setting for the optimized formulations of FTO was (A) = 9.15, (B) = 0.30%, and (C) = 3.00. FTO exhibited 66.39 nm Z, 0.247 polydispersity index, - 33.10 mV zeta potential, and 65.38 ± 1.77 % DEE, and desirable elasticity. TEM image of FTO demonstrated a unilamellar vesicular structure. The ex vivo ocular permeation of fluconazole from transfersomal hydrogels was sustained over 24 h. All the transfersomal hydrogels showed good bioadhesion and excellent antifungal activity with respect to the zone of inhibition against Candida albicans than Aspergillus fumigates, in vitro. HET-CAM study results demonstrated that both the hydrogels were nonirritant and safe for ocular. Short-term physical stability study suggested the stability of the developed formulation. The current research demonstrated a new way to enhance the ocular penetration of fluconazole via transfersomal hydrogel formulations for ocular delivery in the effective management of fungal keratitis.

Identification and Characterization of Multi-Mycotoxins Recovered from Dry Corn in Selected Markets in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria

Corn is an important food crop that forms a major meal plan in Nigeria. Its high nutritious value also makes it perfect for fungi to thrive and produce its metabolites. Mycotoxin is a fungi metabolite that is toxic to both humans and animals. This study aimed at isolation of fungi from corn vended in selected markets in Enugu metropolis, identification and characterization of mycotoxin produced from the isolates. A total of 9 corn samples were collected from 3 different markets in Enugu metropolis comprising of Emene ,Ogbete and New markets respectively . The samples were cultured on potatoes dextrose agar for isolation, isolates were identified and characterized by cultural, biochemical and microscopic analysis of the organisms; selected isolates were further characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The isolates were subjected for mycotoxin production by culturing in potatoe dextrose broth for 14 days at 35°C after which the filtrates were assayed for the presence of mycotoxin using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and individual aflatoxins were further characterized using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). From the study, Fusarium and Aspergillus flavus occurred at 66% respectively, Aspergillus niger at 55%, Mucor spp at 77%, Penicillium spp at 33%, and Aspergillus fumigates at 44%. PCR amplified products of the selected isolates showed positive amplification at 650bp for internal transcribed spacer gene. Mycotoxins identified from isolates were aflatotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA), citrinin, patulin, citreoviridin, T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), diacetoxyscirpenol, zearalenone (ZEN), nivalenol, Ht-2 toxin, cyclopiazonic acid with ochratoxin A, Diacetoxyscirpenol and Ht-2 toxin being above consumption limit at 2.64ug/kg,1.27ug/kg and 424.48ug/kg respectively. The isolates showed varied concentration of individual aflatoxins comprising of B1, B2, G1 and G2. These aflatoxins were produced by Aspergillus flavus strain ZMXL11, Aspergillus flavus strain AF-13, and Penicillium citrinin PEN-65 among, B1 was found to be above the maximum limit at 99% in all the isolates.Aflatoxin has been found as to be a group 1 carcinogen implicated in liver cancer. Constant consumption of mycotoxin contaminated corn could lead to varying health risk that includes liver cancer, kidney and gastrointestinal disturbances. This study showed that corn sold in selected markets in Enugu metropolis were contaminated with mycotoxigenic fungi that produced high levels of mycotoxin concentrations which is of public health concern.

Investigation of Seasonal Dynamism of Peroxidase from Strains of Aspergillus sp.

Peroxidases A and B production were carried out from Aspergillus tamari and fumigates respectively isolated from petroleum hydrocarbon spilled soil. Physicochemical properties of the respective soil showed pH of 4.45 and 6.5 for soils from point 1 and II respectively and higher conductivity of 613 and 1013 (Ω-1 Cm-1), respectively when compared with the control sample. Dissolved mineral of Cl-, SO4, K, Ca, Mg in the respective soil samples from the petroleum spilled sites was significantly high when compared with the control experiment except for soil sample I which showed a relative low phosphate concentration of 1,23 in the presence of the control experiment, respectively. TOC and TOM contents were 87.91, 119.04; 108.13 and 146.42 mg/g for soil sample I, and III, respectively. In all the tested parameters, the experimented soils were significantly high than the control soil sample. Molecular tests (18S rDNA.) were used to identify the pure isolates of Aspergillia. Studies on the effect of the incubation period on the production of peroxidase from strains of ofAspergillus tamarrii sp. and Aspergillusshowed that the highest peroxidase (A and B) activity representing peroxidase from dry and wet conditions were obtained on the day 6th and 5th of the fermentation time figure peroxidase A activity peaked at pH 5 while that of peroxidase B peaked at pH 6.0; proteins with highest peroxidase activity was peak precipitated at 60% and 80% saturation of the salt for peroxidase A and B, respectively. The gel chromatogram showed single almost superimposed peaks of enzyme activity for peroxidase A and B respectively. Peroxidase A and B activity peaked at pH 4.5 and 5.0. Optimum temperature for the enzyme activity was at 50 and 60°C respectively. Km and V max of 3.45mM and 280 μmole/min; 2.44mM and 305μmole/min were extrapolated from the reciprocal curve of Lineweaver-burke at various concentrations of 2,6 DMP for peroxidase A. Fe, Ca, Co and Mn selected as their notable impact in the active site of peroxidase guided the selected were assayed in the presence of the enzymes, respectively. The stability curve obtained for the peroxidases was single biphasic which represents the first order; Peroxidase B maintained greater stability than A at its optimum pH and pH 7. The enzymes maintained greater than 50% of their activity after 30 min of incubation as activity progressively decreased up to 40% after 60 min of incubation. Thermal stability of peroxidase A and B at their respective optimum temperatures (50 and 60°C) and at 70°C showed a biphasic stability curve of peroxidase A but single phase in peroxidase B. Peroxidase B maintained greater stability than A at its optimum temperature and at 70°C. The enzymes maintained greater than 50% of their activity after 60 min of incubation. Stability curve of peroxidase A and B at 70°C showed a maximum activity of the enzymes after 30 min of incubation. However, Peroxidase B maintained greater stability than A after 60 min of incubation. Peroxidase B maintained 57.89% of its activity after 60 min while peroxidase A from fig 19 showed a residual activity of 41.2%.

Antifungal Activity of Trichoderma orientale FMR 12486 Crude Extract against Some Human Pathogenic Fungi

This work aimed to investigate the prevalence of pathogenic fungi and evaluate the antifungal activity of Trichoderma orientale FMR12486 crude extract against pathogenic fungi isolated from patients attending the National Center for Thoracic and Respiratory Diseases (having a history of tuberculosis) and consultant of Dermatology of Baghdad hospital, Iraq. A total of 80 clinical specimens were collected: 20 skin scrapings specimens and 60 sputum specimens. The results of direct examination by KOH 10% and culture showed that 11 (55%) cases from 20 skin specimens were positive for fungal infections, while in the sputum specimens, 28 (47%) cases from 60 were positive. Candida albicans represented the most common fungal infection isolated from sputum specimens which represented 18 cases at a rate of 64.2%, followed by Candida tropicalis 5 (17.9%), Aspergillus fumigates 2 (7.1%), Aspergillus flavus 1 (3.6%), Candida glabrata 1 (3.6%) and Candida krusei 1 (3.6%). While in the skin scrapes, Candida parapsilosis was the common which represented 3 cases at a rate of 27.3%, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophyte 2 (18.2%), Microsporium canis 2 (18.2%), C. albicans 2 (18.2%), Trichophyton rubrum 1 (9.1%), C. tropicalis 1 (9.1%). T. orientale isolates were collected from the gardens soil of the University of Baghdad and were then identified depending on the morphological feature of the colony and microscopic characteristics. To confirm identification, PCR technique was used in which DNA of T. orientale was extracted at a concentration of 54 - 294 μg/2 g wet mycelium with a purity of 1.6 - 1.8. DNA samples were amplified with primers ITS-1and ITS-4, And the results confirmed that the isolate was T. orientale strain FMR12486. This isolate was processed with ethyl acetate using a standard extraction method and the final amount of crude extract being 6 grams. Different concentrations of crude extract 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml were prepared and used against fungal pathogens isolated using the agar-well diffusion method. The results showed high antifungal activity against pathogenic isolates, significantly recording maximum inhibition zones of 20 and 22 mm against C. parapsilosis at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg/ml, respectively. It was followed by T. mentagrophyte and C. glabrata. 16, 20, and 16, 20 mm that were recorded at concentrations of 2 and 4mg/ml, a significant maximum inhibition zone was recorded 26 mm against C. glabrata, followed by C. parapsilosis, M. canis and T. mentagrophyte (24, 26; 16, 24 and 20, 24mm respectively). Just Trichophyton rubrum fungus in this study showed resistance to all concentrations of the crude extract where the inhibition zone was zero. The results of the current study showed that T. orientale strain FMR12486 crude extract can be used to make an effective drug to treat human fungal infections.

Comparative Antimicrobial Activity of Securidaca longipedunculata (Fresen) Extracts on Selected Human Pathogens

The escalating trend of microbial resistance has become a pressing global concern, challenging the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents in treating infections. This study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activity of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of Securidaca longipedunculata against selected human pathogens. The antimicrobial screening against bacterial pathogens- (e.g., Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus feacalis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomans fluorescens and Klebsiella pneumonieae) and fungal pathogens (which includes Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigates, and Microsporum canis) was performed using agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods. The results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with higher efficacy against S. aureus. Susceptibility test results showed that the extract inhibited the growth of all the test organisms (bacteria and fungi) with a mean zone of inhibition range of 18-29 mm, with the exception of VRE, S. typhimurium, P. fluorescens, C. krusei and M. canis in all the three extracts, while Hexane extract showed no inhibition against E. coli and A. niger. The standard drugs sparfloxacin and ciprofloxacin (500 µg/cm3) had zone of inhibition ranging from 28 - 40 mm. While the antifungal drugs fluconazole and fulcin exhibited zone of inhibition ranging from 27 mm to 34 mm. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the extracts ranges from 62.5 - 250µg/cm3, while the Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentrations (MBC/MFC) range from 250 - 500 µg/cm3, respectively. The ethyl acetate extracts possessed higher antimicrobial activity among the three extracts tested against S. Aureus. The findings suggest that S. longipedunculata leaves hold promise as a natural source of antimicrobial agents, warranting further exploration for potential therapeutic applications.

Phytochemical Contents and In Vitro Pathogenic Microbial Growth Inhibitory Activities of Acanthus montanus Root and Leaf Extracts

The study was directed at extraction, bioactivity analysis and ascertaining phytochemical composition of the leaf and root extracts of Acanthus montanus. Acanthus montanus (Acanthaceae family) is a shrub that is popularly grown in tropical countries of the world. The plant materials were harvested from Choba community in Rivers State, Nigeria. Extracts of Acanthus montanus (28.3, 19.45 and 25.5 g of n-hexane, ethylacetate and ethanol leaf extracts; and 3.45, 11.32 and 12.44 g of n-hexane, ethylacetate and ethanol root extracts respectively) were obtained through sequential maceration and were separately subjected to in vitro bioassay against a wide range of pathogenic microbes using the agar well diffusion method. Fifteen microorganisms were employed in the investigation, eight bacteria which included Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonniea, Shigella dysentariae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyogenes and seven fungi which included Candida albicans, Sacharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizopus eligastus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigates, Fusa equisetti and Aspergillus niger. The crude extracts exhibited high microbial growth inhibitory activities with zones of inhibition which ranged between 14 and 34 mm, though there was moderate (19 mm zone of inhibition), or no activity observed for the n-hexane leaf and root extracts. All test organisms were sensitive to the extracts. Standard analytical methods and Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) were used for analysis and quantification of the phytochemicals present in the extracts. Major phytochemical contents of the leaf and root extracts included flavonoids (86% - 52.66%), alkaloids (10.66% - 3.25%) and other phenolic compounds (20.52% - 6.38%). In conclusion, the leaf and root extracts of Acanthus montanus are broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents also rich in flavonoids.

Analysis of Antimicrobial Activity of Sapindus trifoliatus L.

Abstract: 
 
 Sapindus trifoliatus L. is an extremely valuable medicinal plant distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Plant extracts appear to be one of the better alternatives as they are known to have a minimal environmental impact and danger to consume in contrast to synthetic pesticides. The seed extracts of Sapindus trifoliatus L. exhibited activity against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial activity of each plant extract was tested against bacterial and fungal organisms
 I.e. Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and
 E.coli. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavous and Fusarium spp.
 The antimicrobial activity was done for Chloroform, Ethyl Alcohol, Petroleum Ether, Acetone and Aqueous extracts. The study revealed that the ethanolic extract of the pericarp of Sapindus trifoliatus L. showed positive prominent antibacterial activity against E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The ethanol extract showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigates and Aspergillus niger at 100% plant extract. The inhibitory activity of the various seed extracts like Chloroform, Acetone, Petroleum ether, Ethyl alcohol and aqueous were observed.

Clinicomycological assessment of fungal sinusitis in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Rhinosinusitis (RS) poses a major health problem, substantially affecting quality of life, productivity, and finances. Materials & methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Adesh Institute of Medical Science and Research, Bathinda on admitted patients of chronic rhinosinusitis suspected with fungal sinusitis. The specimen obtained during surgery was sent for fungal culture. All the results were analyzed by Microsoft excel software. Results: Fungal sinusitis was present in 50 percent of the patients. Mean age of the patients belonged to the age group of 39.76 years. 58 percent of the patients were males while the remaining 42 percent of the patients were females. Nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and headache were present in 44 percent, 40 percent and 38 percent of the patients. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigates was present in 32 percent and 24 percent of the patients. Mucormycosis was present in 12 percent of the patients while Candida albicans was present in 14 percent of the patients respectively.

Phosphate solubilization, siderophore production and extracellular enzyme production activities of endophytic fungi isolated from tea (Camellia sinensis) bushes of Assam, India

In the present study, a total of ten endophytic fungi were isolated from Camellia sinensis root, stem and leaf samples collected from twelve different tea gardens of Assam, India and evaluated for phosphate solubilization, siderophore production and extracellular enzyme producing activities. Out of ten, nine fungi were found positive for phosphate solubilization, siderophore production and cellulase activities. The highest fungal population was recorded in the root sample ORG-B (7.5 x 105) followed by ORG-A (7.4 x 105). Phosphate solubilization index was recorded highest in Penicillium sclerotiorum (2.87±0.01) followed by Penicillium sp F 7 (2.22±0.02) after 9 days of incubation. The highest siderophore percentage was observed in P. chrysogenum F 5 (61.09 ± 0.75%) followed by P. chrysogenum F1(56.29 ± 0.43) after 6 days of incubation. The highest cellulase (42.25±2.6 µg/ml/30 min), amylase (41.50±1.54 µg/ml/30 min) and xylanase (32.00±2.18 µg/ml/30 min) activites were recorded for P. chrysogenum F5, Aspergillus fumigates and A. niger respectively.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Profiling of Ethanol-Toluene Extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Pod

The research reports the characterization and antimicrobial profiling of an ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The sample was powdered and extracted with a solvent system of ethanol-toluene (2:1). The extract was characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, as well as a wet analysis investigation. The qualitative and quantitative analysis reveals the presence of flavonoids (0.307), phenols (0.4545), alkaloids (1.7165), tannins (6.118), saponins (5.700), and glycosides (0.2375). The FTIR revealed the presence of 1723cm-1, which was assigned to carbonyl groups, and the peaks within the range of 3416.10–3777.54cm-1 were attributed to hydroxyl groups. The GC-MS reveals the presence of 34 molecules in the chromatogram, which is consistent with the mass spectra. The ethanol-toluene extract contains 19 guaiacyl and its derivatives, as well as 15 syringyl and its derivatives. The molecule, propenylsyringol (cis)b has the highest yield based on the height of the peak. Other lignin-derived molecules with a good percentage of extraction were vanillin, syringaldehyde and synapylalcohol (cis). The antimicrobial analysis of the extract was tested on nine pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus bacilli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida species, Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus fumigates). The result therefore reveals that the ethanol-toluene extract of PMBP was more effective on S. pyogenes (0.9mm), P. bacilli (0.5 mm), and Fusarium spp. (0.9mm) at the MIC of 6.25mg/mL. The standard antimicrobial agents, Focknazol (antifungal) and Ciprotab (antibacterial), have the highest zone inhibition at an MIC of 6.25mg/mL, when compared with the ethanol-toluene extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod can be used as a source of guaiacyl or syringyl derivatives and also clinically since it is sensitive to some pathogens.

Antimicrobial Activity and Multi-therapeutic Potential of Salvia officinalis and Mentha longifolia Essential Oils in Leaves

The objective of the current work was to test the antimicrobial impact of Salvia officinalis and Mentha longifolia collected from Al-Madinah city in Saudi Arabia and extracted by hydrodistillation versus Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), Enterobacter cloacae (ATCC13047), Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803), and Aspergillus fumigates (ATCC46645). M. longifolia essential oils showed higher inhibition zones versus tested microorganisms, especially against E. coli and C. tropicalis. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of M. longifolia essential oils were determined for M. longifolia, where 3.9 and 62.5 µg/ml were the resulted values of the essential oils versus E. coli and C. tropicalis, respectively. Antioxidant impact of essential oils from both plants was compared using a DPPH assay where, M. longifolia showed the most promising antioxidant action with an IC50 of 88.73 ± 2.59 µg/ml. Transmission electron microscopic examination was applied after treatment of E. coli and C. tropicalis using M. longifolia essential oils, which showed their impact to destroy tested bacterial and fungal microbes as standard drugs. M. longifolia essential oils were further tested versus colorectal cancer cells, showed their cytotoxic impact versus cancer cells with an IC50 of 97.61 ± 1.8 μg/ml and confirmed by flow cytometric analysis, which showed that treated cells by M. longifolia essential oils dramatically elevated their apoptotic rate (P< 0.05) compared to untreated Caco-2 cells. M. longifolia essential oils showed minimal cytopathic action versus Vero cells, which revealed their potency. These results illustrated the possible pleiotropic experimental roles of M. longifolia growing in Al-Madinah City to be applied in pharmaceutical applications after in vivo confirmation of results.

Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Characterization of Pyrazole N-Mannich Base Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents

In this work we aimed to design synthesis and evaluate the N-Mannich bases of pyrazole. A novel series of N-Mannich bases of pyrazole analogues were designed and synthesized with an effort to overcome the increasing antibiotic resistance. Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) comprises an N-terminal domain, which has the fold of the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Computational Autodock 4.2 tools will be employed in this study for docking of pyrazole ligand molecules against Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) of Escherichia coli (PDB code: 1x8x) and Staphylococcus aureus (PDB code: 1jil.pdb). Molinspiration server was used for lead optimization. The ligand molecules were subjected to molecular docking studies with enzyme Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. The molecular docking studies are supported to compare in-vitro antibacterial activity by the use of binding energy of the docked ligand molecules. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by UV, IR and various physico-chemical methods. Further, the antibacterial activity of N-Mannich bases of pyrazole compounds were assessed with zone of inhibition by agar well diffusion method using gram negative bacterial strain Escherichia coli and gram-positive strain staphylococcus aureus. These same compounds were subjected to find the antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigates and Aspergillus Niger.

Profiling of Antifungal Activities from the Leaf Extract of Selected Apiaceae Family Plants against <i>Aspergillus fumigates</i>

Many ethnic plants are used as a source of traditional medicine to cure a variety of illnesses in both humans and animals. Developing secondary metabolites in plants with antifungal characteristics, offer alternative medications for reasonably priced and safe treatments. In the present study, methanolic, ethanolic, hexane and ethyl acetate leaves extracts of fifteen Apiaceae family plants were taken on the premise of their ethno botanical uses. The antifungal activity was assessed against significant fungal strain; Aspergillus fumigates by measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Zone of inhibition compared with standard drug fluconazole. Ethanol and methanol extracts of the plants were more effective than the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts against A. fumigates. Extracts of Cuminum cyminum, Pastinca sativa, Carum carvi, Dacus carota, Centella asiatica, Anthriscus cerefolium, Trachyspermum ammi, Pimpenella anisum and Apium graveolens showed relatively low inhibition effects between 3.5 to 8.5 mm. The MIC value of extracts was determined ranging between 0.8 to 0.43 μg/ml. The extract of Petroselinum crispum, Foeniculum vulgare, Ferula assaefoetida, Bunium persicum, Anethum graveolens and Coriander sativum could be considered as potential source of antifungal compounds for treating diseases in humans. Conclude remarks that these six extracts show astonishing fungicidal properties that can be used to discover drugs of very high potential.

ANALYSIS OF ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY USING POWDERED CUTTLEBONE Sepia pharaonis EHRENBERG, 1831 AGAINST SELECTED PATHOGENS

Sea food is regarded as a good source of animal protein since it had a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Cephalopods are considerably important a food resource as well as in scientific investigations. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antifungal activity of methanolic extract of powdered cuttlebone of Sepia pharaonis against five fungal strains such as, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigates using well diffusion method. The methanolic extract was active against Candida albicans, Mucor and Aspergillus fumigates at higher concentarion level and dormant against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. These results revealed that the methanolic extract of powdered cuttle bone possess relatively good antifungal activity.

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of Schiff base complexes derived from Salicylaldehyde and amino acid (isoleucine)

Complexes of Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) with a Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and isoleucine were successfully synthesized. All complexes were distinctly colored and were characterized by molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, infrared and UV spectroscopy. Infrared spectroscopy shows the Schiff base ligand is coordinated to the central metal ion in a tridentate manner through the N-atom of the azomethine and two oxygen of the phenol and carboxylate. All complexes contain two ligands molecules per metal ion (ML2). An octahedral geometry is proposed for the metal complexes. Antimicrobial study of the complexes was undertaken against five pathogenic bacteria strains and two fungi, mucus species and Aspergillus fumigates. The result reveal that most of the complexes and particularly Co (II) and Zn (II) have a much enhanced activity against Staphyllococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Ozone impairs endogenous compensatory responses in allergic asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by acute exacerbations triggered by inhaled allergens, respiratory infections, or air pollution. Ozone (O3), a major component of air pollution, can damage the lung epithelium in healthy individuals. Despite this association, little is known about the effects of O3 and its impact on chronic lung disease. Epidemiological data have demonstrated that elevations in ambient O3 are associated with increased asthma exacerbations. To identify mechanisms by which O3 exposure leads to asthma exacerbations, we developed a two-hit mouse model where mice were sensitized and challenged with three common allergens (dust mite, ragweed and Aspergillus fumigates, DRA) to induce allergic inflammation prior to exposure to O3 (DRAO3). Changes in lung physiology, inflammatory cells, and inflammation were measured. Exposure to O3 following DRA significantly increased airway hyperreactivity (AHR), which was independent of TLR4. DRA exposure resulted in increased BAL eosinophilia while O3 exposure resulted in neutrophilia. Additionally, O3 exposure following DRA blunted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. Finally, there were significantly less monocytes and innate lymphoid type 2 cells (ILC2s) in the dual challenged DRA-O3 group suggesting that the lack of these immune cells may influence O3-induced AHR in the setting of allergic inflammation. In summary, we developed a mouse model that mirrors some aspects of the clinical course of asthma exacerbations due to air pollution and identified that O3 exposure in the asthmatic lung leads to impaired endogenous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses and alterations inflammatory cell populations.

Antifungal Biofilm Strategies: A Less Explored Area in Wound Management.

The treatment of wound-associated infections has always remained a challenge for clinicians, with the major deterring factor being microbial biofilms, majorly bacterial or fungal. Biofilm infections are becoming a global concern owing to resistance to antimicrobials. Various fungal pathogens form fungal biofilms, namely Candida sp., Aspergillus fumigates, Trichosporon sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cryptococcus neoformans, among others. The rising cases of fungal biofilm resistance add to the burden of wound care. Additionally, with an increase in the number of surgical procedures, transplantation, and the exponential use of medical devices, the fungal bioburden is rising. The review discusses the methods of biofilm formation and the resistance mechanisms against conventional treatments. The potential of novel delivery strategies and the mechanisms involved therein are also highlighted. Further, the prospects of nanotechnology-based medical devices to combat fungal biofilm resistance have been explored. Some clinical trials and up-to-date patent technologies to eradicate biofilms are also mentioned. Due to the many challenges faced in preventing/eradicating biofilms, only a handful of approaches have made it to the market. Eradication of fungal biofilms are a fragmentary area that needs further exploration.

S1.5b The burden of mycotic keratitis in West Africa

S1.5 Mycotic keratitis, September 21, 2022, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM BackgroundFungal infection of the cornea, known as mycotic keratitis, can cause permanent corneal scarring and perforation resulting in the loss of the eye. This paper reviews the prevalence and epidemiology of mycotic keratitis in different countries in West Africa to estimate its burden.MethodsAn exhaustive search of the literature was made on Google, PubMed, MEDfacts, Cochrane Library, and Web of knowledge using different sets of keywords, viz. mycotic keratitis, ocular fungal infection, West Arica, risk factor, prevention, etc.ResultsA study in Nigeria over a period of 4 years (1974-1977) dealt with 42 confirmed cases of mycotic keratitis with Fusarium solani as the predominant etiological agent (14 cases) followed by Penicillium citrinum (8 cases) and Aspergillus fumigates (5 cases), Candida spp (3 cases). The remaining 12 cases were that of Fusarium moniliforme, Aspergillus spp, Penicillium sp, and Cladosporium spp. The predisposing factors identified were trauma from palm tree leaves, thorns, kernels, or other plant objects, mechanical tools, and frying oil. A 10-year review (2003-2012) of 152 cases of corneal ulcers at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria revealed only 2 (2.9%) cases due to Aspergillus sp, many patients in this study were farmers. Other studies from Nigeria only mentioned the prevalence of keratitis without any mention of fungal etiology. Of the two studies from Ghana, the one conducted in 1999 showed the predominant agents Fusarium spp. (52.3%) and Aspergillus spp. (15.3%), in the other one conducted in 1999-2001, these agents were represented by 42.2% and 17.4% respectively. In another prospective study of suppurative corneal ulcers in 290 cases in Ghana (June 1999-May 2001), the etiological agents identified in culturally proven 77 (85.5%) cases of mycotic keratitis were Fusarium spp-46, A. flavus-9, A. fumigates-7, A. niger-1, A. nidulans-1, and Aspergillus sp-1 A Siera Leonian study of cases of suspected infectious ulcerative keratitis from January 2005 to January 2006) detected 35.6% of mycotic keratitis and 13.7% of mixed fungal and bacterial etiology. A study on the burden of serious fungal infections in Togo mentioned an annual incidence of 951 cases of mycotic keratitis but no details of fungal etiology were mentioned.ConclusionInvestigators have estimated the annual global incidence of fungal keratitis at over 1 million cases. Reports of cases reported from some countries represent only a tip of the true burden of mycotic keratitis in West Africa. There is a need for comprehensive surveys (involving collaboration between ophthalmologists and microbiologists) of mycotic keratitis in representative communities in collaboration with primary health centers and hospitals in different countries. It should be possible to produce a combined antifungal antibacterial preparation for widespread and immediate prophylactic first-aid use after corneal trauma, especially in rural areas.

COVID-19-Associated Rhino-Mucormycosis and Pulmonary Aspergillosis Infection

In the current pandemic, the incidence of fungal infections-associated COVID-19 is surging. Diabetes mellitus, overzealous steroid, and antibiotic use for COVID-19 management may cause or exacerbate the fungal disease. In paranasal sinus (PNS), ethmoids followed by the maxillary sinus are commonly involved with the risk of intra-orbital or/and intracranial involvement is quite common. In lungs, COVID-19 infection has higher mortality rate, if there is an associated fungal infection. Aspergillus fumigates is the most common fungus that cause lung infection and present as discrete lesion different from COVID-19 manifestation. Two cases of COVID-associated fungal infections, i.e., rhino-mucormycosis and pulmonary aspergillosis are described here. In the first case, computed tomography (CT) of PNS was done for the complaints of mild right-sided facial swelling and mild restriction of the eye globe on day 27 of illness. CT showed hyperdense content involving the right-sided nasal sinus with the remodeling of bones with erosion and thinning of the inferior and medial orbital wall with the extension of soft tissue into the extraorbital space. The patient was treated with Amphotericin B and posaconazole oral suspension as the first-line antifungal monotherapy. In the second case, on complaints of cough with expectoration on the 20th day of illness, X-ray chest and CT chest were done which confirmed a thick-walled cavity in the right lung and other post COVID features. The tracheal aspirate culture was suggestive of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus antigen galactomannan was found positive in the fluid. The patient was treated for the same with antifungal therapy. Hence it is important to pay attention to the high probability of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients. The association of coronavirus with mucormycosis of the PNSs and aspergillosis of the lung must be given outmost consideration. Noncontrast CT of the PNSs is usually the first investigation of choice for PNS involvement, and CT chest help in the diagnosis of pulmonary fungal infection. Uncontrolled diabetes and use of steroids are two of the main factors for aggravating factors. Both early surgical intervention and anti-fungal treatment should be sought for the management.

Antifungal Activity of Basidiomycete Carpophores Fungi Against Mycotoxigenic Species

Abstract: This study aims the determination of antifungal activity and the flavonoids content of extracts from carpophores of some wild and cultivated fungi. The work was conducted on Wild fungi (Fomes fomentarius, Hericiumerinaceus, Schizophyllum commune, Plerotus ostreatus were collected in Tunisia from Ain Drahem (Northern west), Tbainia (Northern west), Kef Rand (Northern east), and Tunis regions. Cultivated mushroom were Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) species from Ain Drahem. Cultivation of these last two species was realized on logs of Populus sp. and Quercus canariensis respectively. The total flavonoid content of crude extract was determined by the aluminium chloride colorimetric method. The antifungal activity was tested against five fungal strains: Alternaria alternate, Penicillium olsonii, Ulocladium atrum, Phytophtora nicotianae, Aspergillus fumigates. Results showed significant differences between the fungal species and between the two extracts studied. Methanol extracts showed the highest flavonoid amount. The most important value was reached by methanol extract of Wild Plerotus ostreatus (2.3 mg RE/ml). Aqueous extract of studied mushrooms showed the most important antifungal activities. Fomes fomentarius Ain Drahem and cultivated P. ostreatus aqueous extracts showed the highest inhibitory rate again Alternaria alternata species (70% and 63.33% respectively).