Causative Species Research Articles

Establishment of a protocol for preventive vaccination against equine insect bite hypersensitivity

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a seasonal dermatitis of horses caused by IgE-mediated reactions to bites of Culicoides midges characterized by an imbalance of T-cell subsets. Iceland is free of the causative species but the prevalence of IBH in exported Icelandic horses is especially high. We have shown that intralymphatic (i.l.) vaccination with r-Culicoides allergens in Aluminum hydroxide (alum) and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) adjuvants induces a desired Th1/regulatory T-cell response. The aim of this study was to compare i.l. to subcutaneous (s.c.) injection. Twelve healthy Icelandic horses were injected, i.l. or s.c., three times with four-week interval, using purified r-Culicoides allergens in alum/MPLA. Serum antibody levels and cytokine profile following in vitro re-stimulation of PBMC were analysed. Comparable allergen-specific IgG antibodies were induced following both routes of vaccinations. The antibodies showed similar capacity to block binding of IgE from IBH-affected horse to the allergens. Upon re-stimulation of PBMC, IL-10 was induced. Horses vaccinated i.l. produced more IFN-γ and less IL-4 as compared to the horses injected s.c., but the difference did not reach significance. It can be concluded that applying the simpler s.c. injection instead of i.l. to obtain a suitable immune response could be option in IBH immunotherapy.

Molecular and morphological description of a novel microsporidian Inodosporus fujiokai n. sp. infecting both salmonid fish and freshwater prawns.

A new microsporidian disease of cultured rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss has recently been confirmed in Japan, and the causative species was tentatively designated as Microsporidium sp. RBT-2021. Involvement of common prawn Palaemon paucidens in its transmission was suggested based on the previous feeding trials, although the microsporidian infection in P. paucidens was not confirmed. In this study, P. paucidens in Lake Biwa, Japan was investigated for microsporidian infection and 4 types of spores (types 1-4) were newly found. The nucleotide sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene was identical between type 1 and Microsporidium sp. RBT-2021, indicating they are conspecific. However, intriguingly, the spore morphology and the mode of development in fish and prawn were strikingly different. Morphological observations revealed type 1 in the prawn possesses characteristics of the genus Inodosporus Overstreet and Weidner, 1974, while Microsporidium sp. RBT-2021 in the trout exhibited the characteristics of the genus Kabatana Lom, Dyková and Tonguthai, 2000. In the phylogeny, type 1 was placed within a clade comprising Kabatana spp. and Inodosporus octosporus. Based on the morphological and molecular analyses, we describe Microsporidium sp. RBT-2021 as Inodosporus fujiokai n. sp. Together with the success of the previous prawn-feeding trials, this study strongly suggests I. fujiokai n. sp. has a multi-host life cycle utilizing fish and crustacean hosts and different modes of development in each host. Such polymorphic life cycle has barely been known among fish microsporidians. This study also suggests that the genus Kabatana is a junior synonym of the genus Inodosporus.

Haff disease associated with consumption of buffalofish (Ictiobus spp.) in the United States, 2010–2020, with confirmation of the causative species

Background In the United States, buffalofish (Ictiobus spp.) are sporadically associated with sudden onset muscle pain and weakness due to rhabdomyolysis within 24 h of fish consumption (Haff disease). Previous genetic analyses of case-associated samples were unable to distinguish the three species of buffalofish that occur in the US, Ictiobus cyprinellus (bigmouth buffalo), Ictiobus bubalus (smallmouth buffalo), and Ictiobus niger (black buffalo). Methods Ten events were investigated between 2010 and 2020 and demographic and clinical information was collected for 24 individuals. Meal remnants were collected from 5 of 10 events with additional associated samples (n = 24) collected from another five of 10 events. Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (genome skimming) was used to identify meal remnants. Results Patients (26–75 years of age) ranged from 1–4 per event, with 90% involving ≥2 individuals. Reported symptoms included muscle tenderness and weakness, nausea/vomiting, and brown/tea-colored urine. Median incubation period was 8 h. Ninety-six percent of cases were hospitalized with a median duration of four days. The most commonly reported laboratory finding was elevated creatine phosphokinase and liver transaminases. Treatment was supportive including intravenous fluids to prevent renal failure. Events occurred in California (1), Illinois (2), Louisiana (1), New York (1), Mississippi (1), Missouri (2), New Jersey (1), and Texas (1) with location of harvest, when known, being Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin. Meal remnants were identified as I. bubalus (n = 4) and I. niger (n = 1). Associated samples were identified as I. bubalus (n = 16), I. cyprinellus (n = 5), and I. niger (n = 3). Discussion Time course, presentation of illness, and clinical findings were all consistent with previous domestic cases of buffalofish-associated Haff disease. In contrast to previous reports that I. cyprinellus is the causative species in US cases, data indicate that all three buffalofish species are harvested but I. bubalus is most often associated with illness.

Anisakiasis Annual Incidence and Causative Species, Japan, 2018-2019.

Using data from 2018–2019 health insurance claims, we estimated the average annual incidence of anisakiasis in Japan to be 19,737 cases. Molecular identification of larvae revealed that most (88.4%) patients were infected with the species Anisakis simplex sensu stricto. Further insights into the pathogenesis of various anisakiasis forms are needed.

P025 A study on candiduria in neonates and infants from a tertiary care center, North India.

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjective Candida albicans is the major cause of fungal UTI in neonates and infants but nowadays incidence of other species of Candida is also increasing, and these are mostly multidrug resistant. It is, therefore, important to determine the causative Candida species in fungal UTI for appropriate management. This study was undertaken to determine the Candida species distribution in UTI along with susceptibility patterns and outcomes in infants and neonates admitted to various wards and intensive care units (ICUs) of our hospital. The incidence rate of candiduria in ICUs was also assessed.MethodUrine samples were collected from infants and neonates presented in pediatric and neonatal ICUs and clinical wards with a clinical suspicion of candiduria. Infants at risk of invasive candidiasis were also included in the study. Identification of Candida species was done by Gram's staining, germ tube test, chlamydospore formation on corn meal agar, color of colonies on CHROMagar, and confirmed by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF). Antifungal susceptibility was performed by using the Broth microdilution method as per the latest CLSI guidelines (M27-A3/M27-S4).ResultUrine samples were received from 219 infants, and Candida was isolated from samples from 52 infants (isolation rate 23.75%), of which 30 were admitted to pediatric or neonatal ICU and 22 in the wards. The incidence rate of candiduria in ICU was 3.25%. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species from the samples of infants in the wards (13/22 ie, 59%), while Candida tropicalis was most frequently isolated from samples of infants in the ICUs (13/30 ie, 43.34%). Candida glabrata was the least commonly isolated species and was only encountered in the ICU. The species distribution of isolates is given in Table 1. There was no discrepancy between the results of conventional methods of identification and MALDI-TOF.Antifungal susceptibility was performed for 18 randomly selected isolates. All were found to be susceptible to caspofungin, micafungin, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B. MIC distribution for various isolates is given in Table 2.ConclusionHigh index of suspicion of candiduria is necessary for early diagnosis of fungal UTI and initiation of antifungal treatment, especially in critically ill infants requiring intensive care. Species other than C. albicans are also encountered more frequently nowadays and these species often have higher MICs for commonly used antifungal drugs, which may lead to delayed or failed response to routine antifungal therapy and necessitate prolonged use and or higher doses of antifungals. Identification of Candida isolates at species level along with analysis of the susceptibility patterns is therefore important for successful outcomes in candiduria in neonates and infants.

P395 Clinical utility of semi-nested conventional PCR for diagnosis of mucormycosis in fresh clinical samples

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ObjectivesWe aim to assess the clinical utility of the semi-nested conventional PCR in smear positive, culture-negative clinical samples for diagnosis of mucormycosis.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted for a period of 3 months (April-June 2021). A total of 218 clinical samples were included from patients in whom smear was positive for aseptate hyphae, but the culture failed to grow within 2 days of incubation or smear was negative but had high suspicion of mucormycosis. Molecular diagnosis was attempted using semi-nested PCR with Mucorales-specific primers targeting 18S region, described previously by Bialek et al.1. Phenol-chloroform based manual DNA extraction protocol was optimized in the mycology laboratory of the department of medical microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh. This method was applicable to different types of clinical samples to yield good quality DNA with minimal chances of extraneous contamination (Fig. 1). Amplified PCR products were further sequenced to identify the causative species (Fig. 2).ResultsAmong 218 patients with suspected mucormycosis included in this study, the majority were rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM), (77.7%, n = 169), followed by pulmonary mucormycosis (19.2%, n = 42), cutaneous (0.02%, n = 4), and gastro-intestinal (GI) mucormycosis (0.01%, n = 3). In 24 samples, the presence of both septate and aseptate hyphae was seen under microscopic examination raising the possibility of mixed infection. On microscopic examination, 90.3% samples (197/218) had aseptate hyphae while the remaining samples were smear-negative but had strong clinical suspicion of mucormycosis. The molecular technique was able to identify causative agent in 154 culture-negative samples (81.9%, 154/188) and 52.4% (11/21) in smear-negative cases. Among 218 patients, only 20 samples show delayed growth of Mucorales, and on comparison with molecular results 100% concordance was observed. However, 10 patients with strong clinical suspicion for mucormycosis were negative by both conventional and molecular methods. The low culture positivity necessities the molecular diagnosis based on in-house semi-nested PCR using above-mentioned primers followed by Sanger sequencing. In the case of 24 mixed infections with aseptate-septate hyphae, Mucorales-specific PCR correctly identified 23/24 (95.8%) Mucorales as a causative agent. The overall turn-around-time from the sample receiving to diagnosis was ˂48 h. Overall, R. arrhizus (85/143, 59.4%) was most commonly associated with ROCM, while R. microsporus (13/38, 34.2%), and R. homothallicus (5/38, 13.1%) were seen mainly with pulmonary mucormycosis. Apophysomyces and Saksenaea genus were associated with GI and cutaneous mucormycosis.ConclusionsThe molecular technique utilizing semi-nested PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing was able to identify Mucorales species 81.9% of culture-negative cases. Optimized manual DNA extraction protocol is suitable for different sample types, with minimum chances of extraneous contamination and offers low cost with a shorter turnaround time (TAT).

P255 Facial Tinea incognito: a clinical, dermoscopic, and mycological study

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjectivesTinea incognito (TI) occurring on the face is the most frequently misdiagnosed cutaneous fungal infection; however, very limited information is available on facial TI. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, dermoscopic, and mycological features of facial TI.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 38 patients with mycologically proven facial TI at a single institution in Korea between July 2014 and July 2021.ResultsThe patients had a mean age of 59.6 ± 20.4 years and showed a slight female predominance (male-to-female ratio, 1:1.5). The most common clinical presentation was an eczema-like pattern (47.3%), followed by rosacea-like (15.7%), psoriasis-like (10.5%), lupus erythematosus-like (10.5%), cellulitis-like (7.8%), and folliculitis-like (7.8%) patterns. The mean duration from disease onset to diagnostic confirmation was 3.4 months. Overall, 78.9% of the patients had accompanying chronic systemic diseases and 57.9% had concurrent tinea infections on other skin sites, mainly on the feet and toenails. Among the 23 (60.5%) cultured specimens, Trichophyton (T.) rubrum was the most frequently detected causative species, followed by Microsporum (M.) canis. T. mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum were also isolated from one case each. On dermoscopy, scales (92.1%) and dilated vascular patterns (arborizing vessels and telangiectasia, 76.3% and 63.2%) were commonly observed in glabrous skin, with follicular patterns such as black dots, broken hairs, and empty follicles. The characteristic trichoscopic features were comma hairs, corkscrew hairs, Morse code-like hairs, and translucent hairs.ConclusionThe clinical characteristics and distinct dermoscopic features described in this article can aid in the differential diagnosis of facial TI while reducing diagnostic delays and unnecessary treatments.

An observational clinico etiological study of Kushta with specific reference to Tinea corporis

Background: Skin diseases are among the most common health problems worldwide and are associated with considerable burden. In Ayurveda classics, skin disorders are termed in general as Kushta and are caused with involvement of Vata, Pitta, Shleshma and Krimi. Among the diversified etiological factors Krimi has a great importance. So, here an attempt is made to evaluate the clinical types, to isolate the common fungal species, etiological factors and to identify probable risk factors of Krimijanya Kushta in the present population. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical types, etiological factors and to identify probable risk factors of Krimijanya Kushta with special reference to Tinea Corporis and to isolate the prevalent causative fungal species. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients clinically diagnosed with tinea corporis and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were taken for the study. Results: Among 31 patients studied percentage of growth of different species of dermatophytes in culture study are given as follows, 48.4% are Trichophyton, 6.5% were Trichosporon, 3.2% were Microsporum Gypseum, 19.4% were Epidermophyton,16.1% were Candida, 3.2% were Aspergillus, 3.2% were found no growth. Conclusion: Aharaja and Viharaja Nidana mentioned in Kushta Nidana as well as Krimi Nidana were found to have Madhura, Amla, Lavana Rasa, Guru Guna, Vidahi, and Kledakaraka property which cause Swedaavarodha and is crucial for Kushta Utpathi as well as Krimi Utpatti. The prevalent causative fungal species found in the study were Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Aspergillus, Trichosporon, Microsporum gypseum. Clinically to approach Kushta, better to be done through culture study.

Geographical distribution, molecular and toxin diversity of the dinoflagellate species Gambierdiscus honu in the Pacific region

An increase in cases of ciguatera poisoning (CP) and expansion of the causative species in the South Pacific region highlight the need for baseline data on toxic microalgal species to help identify new areas of risk and manage known hot spots. Gambierdiscus honu is a toxin producing and potential CP causing dinoflagellate species, first described in 2017. Currently no high-resolution geographical distribution, intraspecific genetic variation or toxin production diversity data is available for G. honu. This research aimed to further characterize G. honu by investigating its distribution using species-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction assays at 25 sites in an area spanning ∼8000 km of the Coral Sea/Pacific Ocean, and assessing intraspecific genetic variation, toxicity and toxin production of isolated strains. Assessment of genetic variation of the partial rRNA operon of isolates demonstrated no significant intraspecific population structure, in addition to a lack of adherence to isolation by distance (IBD) model of evolution. The detected distribution of G. honu in the Pacific region was within the expected tropical to temperate latitudinal ranges of 10° to -30° and extended from Australia to French Polynesia. In the lipophilic fractions, the neuroblastoma cell-based assay (CBA-N2a) showed no ciguatoxin (CTX)-like activity for nine of the 10 isolates, and an atypical pattern for CAWD233 isolate which showed cytotoxic activity in OV- and OV+ conditions. In the same way, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis confirmed no Pacific-CTXs (CTX-3B, CTX-3C, CTX-4A, CTX-4B) were produced by the ten strains. The CBA-N2a assessment of the hydrophilic fractions showed moderate to high cytotoxicity in both OV- and OV+ condition for all the strains showing a cytotoxic profile similar to that of gambierone. Indeed, this study is the first to show the cytotoxic activity of gambierone on mouse neuroblastoma cells while no cytotoxicity was observed when 44-MG was analysed at the same concentrations using the CBA-N2a. Analysis of the hydrophilic via LC-MS/MS confirmed production of gambierone in all isolates, ranging from 2.1 to 38.1 pg/cell, with 44-methylgambierone (44-MG) also produced by eight of the isolates, ranging from 0.3 to 42.9 pg/cell. No maitotoxin-1 was detected in any of the isolates. Classification of the G. honu strains according to the quantities of gambierone produced aligned with the classification of their cytotoxicity using the CBA-N2a. Finally, no maitotoxin-1 (MTX) was detected in any of the isolates. This study shows G. honu is widely distributed within the Pacific region with no significant intraspecific population structure present. This aligns with the view of microalgal populations as global metapopulations, however more in-depth assessment with other genetic markers could detect further structure. Toxicity diversity across 10 isolates assessed did not display any geographical patterns.

Sensitivity of Serum Beta-D-Glucan in Candidemia According to Candida Species Epidemiology in Critically Ill Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Serum beta-D-glucan (BDG) determination plays an important role in the diagnosis of candidemia among critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). However, BDG levels measured may be lower in the case of infections caused by some non-albicans species, such as C. parapsilosis and C. auris. The aim of this single-center study was to investigate the sensitivity of serum BDG for the diagnosis of candidemia stratified according to causative Candida species in ICU patients. This was a single-center, retrospective study, including all adult patients admitted to ICU during the period 2018–2021. All episodes of candidemia with a determination of BDG available within 3 days before or after positive blood culture were recorded. The preplanned primary objective was to investigate the sensitivity of serum BDG to detect candidemia early and the effect of different Candida species. The secondary objective was to measure serum BDG in patients with candidemia from different Candida species. In total, 146 candidemia episodes in 118 patients were analyzed. Median BDG value for C. albicans candidemia (182 pg/mL) was higher than that observed for C. parapsilosis (78 pg/mL, p = 0.015) and C. auris (48 pg/mL, p = 0.022). The overall sensitivity of BDG for the diagnosis of candidemia was low (47%, 95% CI 39–55%). In conclusion, in critically ill patients admitted to ICU, serum BDG levels for candidemia were different among species, with lower levels confirmed for C. parapsilosis and C. auris. Serum BDG sensitivity for early detection of candidemia was lower than previously reported in other ICU populations.

An Electroanalytical Flexible Biosensor Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide-DNA Hybrids for the Early Detection of Human Papillomavirus-16.

Human Papilloma Virus 16 (HPV 16) is the well-known causative species responsible for triggering cervical cancer. When left undiagnosed and untreated, this disease leads to life-threatening events among the female populace, especially in developing nations where healthcare resources are already being stretched to their limits. Considering various drawbacks of conventional techniques for diagnosing this highly malignant cancer, it becomes imperative to develop miniaturized biosensing platforms which can aid in early detection of cervical cancer for enhanced patient outcomes. The current study reports on the development of an electrochemical biosensor based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/DNA hybrid modified flexible carbon screen-printed electrode (CSPE) for the detection of HPV 16. The carbon-coated SPEs were initially coated with rGO followed by probe DNA (PDNA) immobilization. The nanostructure characterization was performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to study the electrochemical characterization of the nano-biohybrid sensor surface. The optimization studies and analytical performance were assessed using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), eventually exhibiting a limit of detection (LoD) ~2 pM. The developed sensor was found to be selective solely to HPV 16 target DNA and exhibited a shelf life of 1 month. The performance of the developed flexible sensor further exhibited a promising response in spiked serum samples, which validates its application in future point-of-care scenarios.

Differentiation of otitis media-causing bacteria and biofilms via Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography.

In the management of otitis media (OM), identification of causative bacterial pathogens and knowledge of their biofilm formation can provide more targeted treatment approaches. Current clinical diagnostic methods rely on the visualization of the tympanic membrane and lack real-time assessment of the causative pathogen(s) and the nature of any biofilm that may reside behind the membrane and within the middle ear cavity. In recent years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been demonstrated as an improved in vivo diagnostic tool for visualization and morphological characterization of OM biofilms and middle ear effusions; but lacks specificity about the causative bacterial species. This study proposes the combination of OCT and Raman spectroscopy (RS) to examine differences in the refractive index, optical attenuation, and biochemical composition of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; four of the leading otopathogens in OM. This combination provides a dual optical approach for identifying and differentiating OM-causing bacterial species under three different in vitro growth environments (i.e., agar-grown colonies, planktonic cells from liquid cultures, and biofilms). This study showed that RS was able to identify key biochemical variations to differentiate all four OM-causing bacteria. Additionally, biochemical spectral changes (RS) and differences in the mean attenuation coefficient (OCT) were able to distinguish the growth environment for each bacterial species.

Dinoflagellate Tripos furca and Tripos fusus niches in the South China Sea: Maximum entropy assessment of environmental factors

Two dinoflagellate species, Tripos furca and T. fusus commonly co-occur in different marine waters. Both species often bloomed and caused mortalities of natural and culture marine organisms, but T. furca was more often suggested as the causative species. However, the ecological characteristics of these two species are not well understood. The present study applied the MaxEnt (maximum entropy) model using input data obtained from four surveys during 2003–2006 for estimating and comparing entropies of T. furca and T. fusus based on impact levels of six environmental factors (nitrate, phosphate, silicate, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen). PCA analysis on in situ data sets including abundance of the two species and the environmental factors were performed to compared with the model data. MaxEnt model results indicated that there was a significant difference between the two species on entropy values and impact levels of environmental factors to their occurring probabilities. The strongest environmental factor was salinity and nitrate (contributing 37.5% and 24.5% effect) for T. furca and T. fusus, respectively. PCA analysis of density of the two species and environmental variables showed comparable results with the MaxEnt model simulation, that the most important environmental variable being salinity to T. furca and nitrate/phosphate to T. fusus. Tripos furca can be dominant over T. fusus in lower but broader salinity and lower nitrate and phosphate concentrations. The present study results demonstrated applicability of this model for assessing ecological characteristics of species provided adequate input data.

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and characterization of the members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from slaughtered cattle in Rwanda.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an endemic disease in Rwanda, but little is known about its prevalence and causative mycobacterial species. The disease causes tremendous losses in livestock and wildlife and remains a significant threat to public health. A cross-sectional study employing a systematic random sampling of cattle (n = 300) with the collection of retropharyngeal lymph nodes and tonsils (n = 300) irrespective of granulomatous lesions was carried out in six abattoirs to investigate the prevalence and identify mycobacterial species using culture, acid-fast bacteria staining, polymerase chain reaction, and GeneXpert assay. Individual risk factors and the origin of samples were analysed for association with the prevalence. Of the 300 sample pools, six were collected with visible TB-like lesions. Our findings demonstrated the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in 1.7% (5/300) of sampled slaughtered cattle. Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from 1.3% (4/300) animals while one case was caused by a rifampicin-resistant (RR) M. tuberculosis. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria were identified in 12.0% (36/300) of the sampled cattle. There were no significant associations between the prevalence and abattoir category, age, sex, and breeds of slaughtered cattle. This study is the first in Rwanda to isolate both M. bovis and RR M. tuberculosis in slaughtered cattle indicating that bTB is present in Rwanda with a low prevalence. The isolation of RR M. tuberculosis from cattle indicates possible zooanthroponotic transmission of M. tuberculosis and close human-cattle contact. To protect humans against occupational zoonotic diseases, it is essential to control bTB in cattle and raise the awareness among all occupational groups as well as reinforce biosafety at the farm level and in the abattoirs.

A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis of the Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prognosis of Patients With Fungal Keratitis in Heilongjiang, China

To report the epidemiologic features, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes of patients with fungal keratitis (FK) during a busy farming period (May, June, and September to November) in Heilongjiang Province, China. Retrospective, observational case series. In total, 251 patients diagnosed with FK at the Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, from 2017 to 2021 were identified. Medical records were retrospectively analyzed, and demographic features, risk factors, monthly distributions, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment strategies, and prognostic data were collected. The number of FK cases in the busy farming period accounted for 74.1% (186/251) of the total. The mean patient age was 58.2±9.5 years. Males (66.7%) were more likely to develop FK than females (33.3%), and plant-related trauma was the main cause in 80.1% (149/186) of the cases. The most common causative fungal species was Fusarium (34.9%). In vivo confocal microscopy had the highest positivity rate for FK diagnosis (94.6%). The depth of hypopyon, depth of hyphae or spores, and infiltrate width were significantly positively correlated with delayed presentation. Patients with a longer time of presentation to the hospital were more likely to undergo surgery because of topical medical therapy failure. The most important measures for FK prevention are the use of eye protection during outdoor work and visiting the hospital for treatment as soon as possible after eye injury.

Clinical and Cure Profile of Tinea Capitis Patients

Background: Tinea capitis (TC) is a superficial mycoses infection of hair follicles and hair shaft caused by dermatophytes of the genus Trichophyton and Microsporum. Tinea capitis can cause hair loss and scales with varying degrees of inflammatory response. The incidence varies depending on geographical location and factors that affect the incidence rate. It is important to know the incidence also the clinical and cure profile of tinea capitis to provide benefits in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and cure profile of TC patients at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya from January 2019 to January 2020. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study based on medical records with a total sampling technique. Result: Of the 10 TC patients, who were the research subjects, TC predominantly affected males and at 5–11 years age group. The highest risk factor was a history of contact with cats. Scales were the most common clinical feature. Microsporum canis was the most common causative species, ectothrix arthrospores was revealed during the direct microscopic examination, Wood lamp's fluorescence was mostly yellow-green, and cigarette-shaped hair was the most common dermoscopic finding. Eighty percent of subjects were diagnosed with gray patch type. Conclusion: The diagnosis of TC was established based on the patient's history, clinical examination, and supporting examination.

Metagenomic Analysis of the Species Composition and Seasonal Distribution of Marine Dinoflagellate Communities in Four Korean Coastal Regions.

Biomonitoring of dinoflagellate communities in marine ecosystems is essential for efficient water quality management and limiting ecosystem disturbances. Current identification and monitoring of toxic dinoflagellates, which cause harmful algal blooms, primarily involves light or scanning electron microscopy; however, these techniques are limited in their ability to monitor dinoflagellates and plankton, leaving an incomplete analysis. In this study, we analyzed the species composition and seasonal distribution of the dinoflagellate communities in four Korean coastal regions using 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The results showed significantly high diversity in the dinoflagellate communities in all regions and seasons. Furthermore, we found seasonally dominant species and causative species of harmful algal blooms (Cochlodinium sp., Alexandrium sp., Dinophysis sp., and Gymnodinium sp.). Moreover, dominant species were classified by region and season according to the difference in geographical and environmental parameters. The molecular analysis of the dinoflagellate community based on metagenomics revealed more diverse species compositions that could not be identified by microscopy and revealed potentially harmful or recently introduced dinoflagellate species. In conclusion, metagenomic analysis of dinoflagellate communities was more precise and obtained results faster than microscopic analysis, and could improve the existing monitoring techniques for community analysis.

Passive acoustic monitoring for estimating human-wildlife conflicts: The case of bee-eaters and apiculture

In human-wildlife conflicts, it is crucial to develop accurate protocols for the reliable verification of the causative species and its relationship with potential damage claims. One of such conflicts is that occurring between apiarists and bee-eaters. In this work, we aim to assess the utility of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) as an efficient methodology to measure European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) predation pressure at beehives and its impact on honeybees foraging activity. Using Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) in apiaries, coupled to automated recognition methods for bee-eater calls identification, we found a positive relationship between Vocal Activity Rate (VAR) index and number of bee-eaters hunting attempts on honeybees. We also found that VAR varied over time, showing a lower predation pressure during midday hours and higher during the post-breeding migratory period. Honeybees flying activity was negatively associated with VAR and this relationship was conditioned by the hour of the day. Our study offers a new application of PAM and acoustic derived indices for the evaluation of potential damages caused by wildlife. We focused on the interaction between honeybees and the European bee-eater, but we expect PAM might be useful also to remotely monitor impacts to human activities produced by other vocally active species.

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis among Egyptian COVID-19 Patients: Clinical Characteristics, Species Identification, and Antifungal Susceptibility, with Disease Severity and Fungal Coinfection Prediction Models.

The study aimed to investigate the causative species, antifungal susceptibility, and factors associated with oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) among Egyptian COVID-19 patients. This is an observational, case-controlled, single-center study that included three groups: COVID-19 patients (30), COVID-19 patients with OPC (39), and healthy individuals (31). Patients’ demographic data (age, sex), laboratory tests, comorbidities, treatment, and outcomes were included. Candida species were isolated from COVID-OPC patient’s oropharyngeal swabs by convenient microbiological methods. Isolated strains were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm production, aspartyl protease, and phospholipase activities. The most common respiratory symptoms reported were dyspnea (36/39; 92.4%) and cough (33/39; 84.7%). Candida albicans was the most common isolated species, accounting for 74.36% (29/39), followed by Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata (15.38% and 10.26%, respectively). Amphotericin was effective against all isolates, while fluconazole was effective against 61.5%. A total of 53.8% of the isolates were biofilm producers. The phospholipase activity of C. albicans was detected among 58.6% (17/29) of the isolates. Significant variables from this study were used to create two equations from a regression model that can predict the severity of disease course and liability to fungal infection, with a stativity of 87% and 91%, respectively. According to our findings, COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe infection under prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids should be considered a high-risk group for developing OPC, and prophylactic measures are recommended to be included in the treatment protocols. In addition, due to the increased rate of fluconazole resistance, other new antifungals should be considered.

Epidemiological and microbiological investigation of a large increase in vibriosis, northern Europe, 2018.

BackgroundVibriosis cases in Northern European countries and countries bordering the Baltic Sea increased during heatwaves in 2014 and 2018.AimWe describe the epidemiology of vibriosis and the genetic diversity of Vibrio spp. isolates from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland and Estonia in 2018, a year with an exceptionally warm summer.MethodsIn a retrospective study, we analysed demographics, geographical distribution, seasonality, causative species and severity of non-travel-related vibriosis cases in 2018. Data sources included surveillance systems, national laboratory notification databases and/or nationwide surveys to public health microbiology laboratories. Moreover, we performed whole genome sequencing and multilocus sequence typing of available isolates from 2014 to 2018 to map their genetic diversity.ResultsIn 2018, we identified 445 non-travel-related vibriosis cases in the study countries, considerably more than the median of 126 cases between 2014 and 2017 (range: 87–272). The main reported mode of transmission was exposure to seawater. We observed a species-specific geographical disparity of vibriosis cases across the Nordic-Baltic region. Severe vibriosis was associated with infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus (adjOR: 17.2; 95% CI: 3.3–90.5) or Vibrio parahaemolyticus (adjOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0–4.5), age ≥ 65 years (65–79 years: adjOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.7–8.7; ≥ 80 years: adjOR: 15.5; 95% CI: 4.4–54.3) or acquiring infections during summer (adjOR: 5.1; 95% CI: 2.4–10.9). Although phylogenetic analysis revealed diversity between Vibrio spp. isolates, two V. vulnificus clusters were identified.ConclusionShared sentinel surveillance for vibriosis during summer may be valuable to monitor this emerging public health issue.