CHROM Agar Research Articles

Molecular detection and phylogenetic tree assay of Pseudomonus aeruginosa isolated from otitis cases of cats and humans, Iraq

The aim of this study was toward isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa from cats with otitis externa in Basra city Using culture media, Biochemical tests and Polymerase chain reaction. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 46 isolates that involved 32 cases out of 75 of feline otitis externa (21.3%) and in 14 (9.3%) from 75 human samples .the clinical signs of otitis externa were head shaking, scratching, excessive ear wax, malodor, pain during palpation, alopecia and pus and/or blood. Culture was done on Pseudomonas chrome agar revealed positive samples with production of greenish-blue pigmentation by the bacteria .polymerase chain reaction revealed that isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa using specific primers for P. aeruginosa identification 16S rRNA and the result was positive for the 15 isolates. a phylogenetic tree analysis of P. aeruginosa was performed using the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis which illustrated the phylogenetic relationship between P. aeruginosa strains isolated from cats and other related genera. In conclusion, this study confirmed the higher prevalence of P. aeruginosa in otitis externa infection of cats when compared to human. The using of molecular assay and 16S rRNA gene contributed effectively in detection of P. aeruginosa. Therefore, this study suggests the application of molecular techniques in identification of different microorganisms. Additionally, moreover studies are necessary to detect the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in different infections in animals as well as human.

Isolation and identification of Candida species from catheter-associated urinary tract infection in Thamar city hospitals, Yemen.

The incidence of urinary tract infections associated with Candida is increasing in Yemeni public hospitals. The primary objective of this research was to isolate specific Candida species responsible for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and to examine the antifungal sensitivity of these Candida isolates. A total of 200 samples were collected from patients with catheters admitted to multiple hospitals of Thamar city (Yemen). There were 50 positive samples with Candida out of 200 samples. We conducted the primary identification process using the established protocols. Before isolation and identification, all yeast isolates underwent sub-culturing on Sabouraud dextrose agar. We employed the standard microbiological procedures such as Gram staining, colonial morphology analysis, lactophenol cotton blue assay, germ tube formation assessment, colony staining on chrom agar Candida medium, and incubation at 37°C for 48h. The assessment of cultures was conducted by evaluating their predominant species. All Candida isolates were tested for antifungal susceptibility using the disk diffusion technique, as indicated by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M44-A document recommendations. In this study, the prevalence of Candida species obtained from catheter-associated UTIs was shown to be the highest among individuals aged 51-60years (28.0%) and the lowest was among those aged 10-20years (8.0%). Males exhibit higher rates than females, with males accounting for 56.0 and females for 44.0%, respectively. The predominant strain from catheters linked to urinary tract infections was Candida albicans. The Candida isolates had the highest susceptibility to itraconazole, with fluconazole and nystatin at sensitivity rates of 64, 60, and 50%, respectively. Amphotericin B and ketoconazole exhibited the most elevated concentrations. The p value of duration of catheterization < 5 was significant (p = 0.01), as well as significant in anti-fungal susceptibility testing of itraconazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin which are (p = 0.03), (p = 0.04), and (p = 0.03) respectively. Urinary tract infection due to candiduria was more common in patients with indwelling urinary catheter. The catheter-associated urinary tract infection caused by Candida species occurred mainly in old male patients. Candia albicans was the predominant Candida species isolated from urinary tract infection associated with urinary catheter at Thamar city hospitals. This study determined that diabetes and antibiotic use are significant predisposing factors associated with isolation of Candida in specimens submitted by patients at Thamar city hospitals.

EVALUATION OF CANDIDA SPP. ADHERENCE TO 3D-PRINTED AND HEAT-CURED PMMA RESIN DENTURES

Introduction: Despite the progress of additive manufacturing, there are different opinions regarding microbial adhesion on the surface of 3D printed dentures and the biocompatiability of the materials. The purpose of this in-vivo study was to determine the presence of Candida species in the saliva, oral mucosa and on dentures of patients wearing heat-cured polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and 3D-printed prosthetic appliances after a three-month period of observation. Materials and methods: The clinical study included 40 edentulous patients, divided into two groups - first group (A) –wearing conventional dentures and second group (B) – wearing 3D printed dentures. It was used chrom agar Candida (Bio Merieux) for identification and quantity assessment of the presence of Candida spp. and spectrophotometric analysis using VITEK MS (Bio Merieux). Results: After three months of wearing the dentures, Candida spp was not isolated in the saliva in 60% of patients in group A and 70% of group B, with no statistically significant difference between the results before the treatment and after the third month. In the third month, Candida spp was isolated from the oral mucosa of 20% of group A and in group B – 10%, with no significant difference between the groups (p&lt;0.05). No Candida spp was isolated from 90% of denture surfaces in both groups. Conclusion: The adhesion of Candida spp. to 3D printed dentures is not higher than conventional dentures made from heat-curing resin. Also, there is no difference between the amount of Candida spp. in the saliva, oral mucosa and denture surfaces.

SURFACE COLONIZATION OF CANDIDA SPP. IN CONVENTIONAL AND DOUBLE-LAYER COMPLETE DENTURES - A PILOT STUDY

Background: The scientific interest in dominant Candida species colonizing the surface of conventional and double-layer dentures (D-LCDs) is still topical. Numerous studies are comparing fungal colonization in both types of removable dentures. Aim: Performing a comparative analysis of the colonization of Candida spp. on the dentures surfaces of the conventional (CCDs) and the double-layer dentures (soft-lined) complete dentures (D-LCDs) over six months, placing them under the same intraoral in vivo conditions. Methods: For isolating Candida spp., specimens were obtained from inner denture surfaces using two sterile swabs, one for the upper complete denture (n=28) and one for the lower complete denture (n=28). The culture-based Candida detection method with CHROM agar was used to identify Candida species. Results: In the third month after dentures delivery C. Albicans is the predominant Candida spp. found on both types of complete dentures surface and isolated in 46 % of the patients with conventional complete dentures and 43 % with double-layer dentures (p&gt;0.05). In the sixth month of the finished prosthetic treatment, combinations of C. Albicans and non-albicans Candida, predominantly C. Tropicalis, C. Glabrata and C. Parapsilosis, were found in 43 % of D-LCDs and 45 % of CCDs (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: There was no difference in colonization based on the different materials used for denture fabrication. However, there is a significant proportional change for all studied Candida spp. over the period (3-6 months after delivery), irrespective of the denture material used.

Isolation and Identification of Candida sp. from Cancer Patients in Al-Najaf Governorate

Abstract Background: The study of microbes and cancer is considered one of the challenges in sustainable development. Candida is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that is inclined to infect the host with faulty immune function involving cancer patients. A growing amount of research has shown that Candida infection raises the host’s vulnerability to cancer, such as colorectal, gastric, and oral cancer. Objectives: This investigation demonstrates the isolation and identification of Candida spp. from cancer patients of the Middle Euphrates Cancer Center in Al-Najaf Governorate. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one blood samples were collected for the preparation of serum. The serum is cultured on SDA media, and the culture is examined for microbial growth, such as culture on SDA media, Chrom agar, microscopic examination, and then by VITEK 2 technique. Results: The current investigation showed that the infection percentage with opportunistic microorganisms was demonstrated as follows: 53% was Candida while 47% was bacteria and other types of yeast. The results demonstrate five different species of Candida sp., Candida species were (46%) C. parapsilosis (13.33%) for each of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. guillermondii. Conclusion: We concluded from our current study that some pathogenic microbes can be isolated from the sera of cancer patients, as some types of Candida were isolated, which include C. parapsilosis, C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C.dubliniensis, and C. guillermondii.

Detection and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Candida Species Isolated from the Urine of Patients in a Tertiary Health Facility, Southwest Nigeria

Aims: This study aimed to identify and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Candida species causing UTI among patients attending a tertiary Teaching Hospital, in southwest Nigeria. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Nigeria between June 2017 and February, 2018. Methodology: A total of 250 participants whose provisional diagnosis was candiduria were recruited for this study. Urine samples were collected from consenting participants early in the morning into sterile wide mouth universal containers. These samples were cultured aerobically on Blood agar, Cystine-Lactose-Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SAB) at 370C within 1 to 2 days. The isolates were profiled into species level using microscopic, biochemical test, chromogenic media (Chrom agar Candida) and Analytical Profile Index (API) 32C examination analysis. Results: An overall rate for Candidiasis in this study was 12.8% (32/250). The rate was higher in female 17.5% compared to 6.5% in their male counterparts (p=0.014). Highest rate of infections peaked at 28.6% among age group 83-92 years and lowest (6.7%) in age group 23-32 years. A total of 11 (4.4%) urine culture from participants produced C. albicans pure fungi isolates. However, by gender, this was statistically significant (p=0.003). A total of 81 bacterial (32.4%) and fungal isolates 32 (12.8%) were isolated and profiled. Distribution of Candida species indicated highest incidence in age range 31-40 years, followed by 21-30years and age 61-70 years age brackets. The isolated species were Candida albicans 11(34.4%), C. tropicalis 8(25%), C. parapsilopsis 6(19%), C. krusei 2(6.3%) and C. hellenica 1(3.1%). Sixty to seventy percent of fungal isolates were susceptible to ketoconazole and fluconazole while the susceptibility pattern of Candida species to itraconazole, terbinafine and nystatin varied between moderately susceptible to resistance. All the Candida isolates were resistant to griseofulvin. However, C. albicans was found to be the major Candida species causing Candidal urinary tract infection. The only C. hellenica isolated was resistant to all the antifungal drugs were approved except nystatin. Conclusion: High profile of Candida isolates and related UTI microbes were found in this study. There is need for advocacy for the use of API and Chrom agar Candida for routine diagnosis for Candida identification. Nevertheless, the Candida isolates were mostly susceptible to ketoconazole and Fluconazole but only the isolates were griseofulvin resistant.

Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from some dairy products in Libya as a foodborne pathogen.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common causes of clinical and asymptomatic mastitis in dairy cattle, as well as in milk and dairy products that affect milk quality. Mastitis caused by K. pneumoniae is even more serious due to its poor response to antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to detect and identify the presence of K. pneumoniae in milk and dairy products produced in Libya. A total of 234 samples were randomly collected from various locations in Libya. Samples were examined for the presence of K. pneumoniae using conventional cultural techniques, including cultivation in violet red bile agar plus 4-methylumbelliferyl-ß-D-glucuronide broth and CHROM agar, followed by polymerase chain reaction identification and partial sequencing of 16S rRNA. Of the 234 samples of milk and dairy products collected, 16 (6.8%) isolates revealed mucoid colonies on agar media that were phenotypically suggested to be K. pneumoniae. Identification of isolates was confirmed using molecular techniques (16S rRNA). Among the examined samples, K. pneumoniae was recovered from camel's milk, raw cow's milk, raw fermented milk, Maasora cheese, Ricotta cheese, soft cheese, full cream milk powder, milk powder infant formula, cereal baby food, and growing-up formula. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on 12 of the 16 K. pneumoniae isolates, and the results showed that K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to more than eight antibiotics; interestingly, two isolates showed metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production. K. pneumoniae is considered a risk to human health because many of these products do not comply with the microbiological criteria of international and/or Libyan standards. This study emphasized the relationship between K. pneumoniae and raw milk, cheese, milk powder, and infant milk retailed in Libya. There is a need to take the necessary measures to ensure effective hygiene practices during production in dairy factories, handling, and distribution on the market, in particular at a small local production scale.

The Whole genome sequence for Acinetobacter baumannii strain in Iraqi Hospitals Outbreak

A study was conducted to identify specialized F plasmid genes and regulatory systems in Acinetobacter baumannii. These genes could be very important for the capacity of these species to coexist with the human host and show a wide range of diversity in genes that contribute to antibiotic resistance. Identification of 50A. baumannii isolates was carried out through morphology and culture on CHROM agar and genotypic identification was performed using blaOxa-51 gene. Out of 50, one AB isolate was chosen for whole genome sequencing (WGS) using Illumina MiSeq technology. The analysis identified specialized genes in these isolates that contribute to antibiotic stress and lipopolysaccharide barrier, including complex sets of partial and complete integrons and transposons. The recent findings, transferring of A. baumannii plasmid genes are inducing under the regulatory system to which the plasmid elements confer Adaptation such as F-plasmid genes transfer in A.baumannii induced by antibiotic stress under the control of transcriptional factor regulation system in order to antimicrobial drug resistance. The selected A. baumannii isolate, IS1- A.baumannii 32 contain five global regulator systems .Our study were provided detailed genomic picture in detected both innate and acquired plasmid-encoded AMR genes. Study aim is the role of genetic regulation to control the transcription, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance related mechanism in A.baumannii .

Occurrence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial and fungal pathogens from patients with urinary tract infections in Ojo, Lagos Nigeria

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a common bacterial and fungal infection affecting millions of people globally. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacteria and fungi from patients with UTI. Urine samples were collected aseptically from patients with symptoms of UTI in sterile universal containers from five hospitals in a period of three months. A total of 200 urine samples from 75 males and 125 females were analyzed and subjected to culture, biochemical identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Fungal isolates were identified based on cultural characteristics, lactophenol cotton blue stain, chlamydospore formation, and colony colour on CHROM agar Candida medium. Most samples were positive for one microorganism each and a few had two isolates, thus giving a frequency of 210 microbial isolates. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli, 71(34%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus, 63(30%), Enterobacter spp., 32(15.2%), Klebsiella spp., 17(8.1%), Proteus mirabillis, 15(7.1%) and Candida albicans 12(5.7%), being the only fungus isolated. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that Escherichia coli showed 57.7% susceptibility to streptomycin. Klebsiella spp. were 70.5% susceptible to septrin, but with susceptibility as low as 47.1% to chloramphenicol. Enterobacter spp. showed 71.9% susceptibility to septrin, 68.8% to gentamycin, 59.4% to streptomycin and chloramphenicol, 53.1%. Proteus spp showed 53.5%, and 66.7% to pefloxacin, septrin and streptomycin respectively. Staphylococcus aureus showed susceptibility of 56(88.9%), 55(87.3%), and 47 (74.6%) to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin. and pefloxacin respectively. Candida albicans was highly susceptible to nystatin, fluconazole and miconazole by 7(58.3%) but was highly resistant to ketoconazole, 41.7%. The findings of this study provide valuable information on the distribution of bacterial and fungal agents that are common etiology of UTIs, and likely antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of UTIs.

Isolation and investigation of external reproduction tract mycoflora in healthy male cats.

Various infectious agents can infect the male reproductive system. The aims of this study were to provide current data on fungal and yeast flora of the external organs of reproductive system of male short hair cats including penis and prepuce. In total 28 samples were taken from external genital system of male stray cats using sterilised cotton swabs. Samples were taken based on the absence of any reproductive complications using physical examinations. The samples were transferred to sterilised Stuart transport media and were then incubated in the Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol at 32°C for 48h. The identification of fungi and yeasts was confirmed by germ tube formation test, CHROM agar, urease testing and Corn meal agar medium with Tween 80. Fungal agents were isolated from 7 (25%) out of 28 male stray cats. Fungal isolates were obtained from the penis and prepuce of 4 (36%) and 7 (100%) male cats, respectively. The most commonly recovered species samples were Candida krusei (3.75%) and Penicillum spp. (6.86%) from the penis and prepuce of the cats, respectively. The external organs of male reproduction of cats were infected with 2-4 different fungal agents. Only 5 (45%) cats were infected with one fungus; however, in 6 (55%) cats, mixed fungal infections were isolated. Cats 3-4 years old had the highest fungal contamination in the prepuce region (4/7), while the penis at this age had the least contamination (1/4). It is concluded that the external reproduction organs of male cats could be infected by different fungal agents.

Genotypic And Phenotypic Surveillance Of Multidrug Resistance Of Hypermucoid K. Pneumoniae Among Clinical Isolates In AL Najaf City /Iraq

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains are the major cause of liver abscesses ,diabetes foot ulcers and other infections throughout Iraq, and these strains are usually antibiotics susceptible. Recently, hypervirulent K. pneumoniae isolates have emerged due to acquiring antimicrobial resistance determinants or the transfer of a virulence plasmid into a classic isolates ,.Klebsiella pneumoniae is responsible for hospital- and community-acquired infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hyper irulence K. pneumoniae and investigate the antibiotics resistance profile among clinical specimens at Al Najaf Hospitals in/ Iraq, and detect the genes for molecular identification of K. pneumoniae in comparison with phenotypic and biochemical methods. In total, 100 clinical specimens were collected from patients infected with K. pneumoniae, between January 2023 and May 2023 from both sexes males (38) and Females (62) with age ranged between (20-70) years. The Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were cultured on general and selective media as (Blood agar and MacConkey agar and CHROM agar), and confirmed by using Vitek-2 system. The isolates were reported with high resistance towards various types of antibiotics, especially penicillins and cephalosporins. In contrast, K. pneumoniae showed very low resistance to imipenem and amikacin. According to the results the range of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates in this study was estimated at 100%.

Studying the level of hospital contamination with Staphylococcus aureus

Background and Objectives. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is one of the most important types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections, so the source of this bacteria in the hospital must be determined for the purpose of controlling it and preventing its spread. Materials and Methods. The study included collecting (296) samples from operating lobbies and wards in Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital. The isolates were distributed by (73) isolates out of (177) samples from wards and (64) isolates out of the original (119). A sample from operating theaters and from different locations for the period between October 2016 and until February 2017. Bacterial isolates were diagnosed. This was confirmed with the use of CHROM agar Staphylococcus aureus media. Results. The results showed that the highest prevalence of bacteria was in the surgical ward by 64% and the lowest prevalence in the nose, ear and throat ward by 25%, while the prevalence rate was recorded at 40% in the urinary ward, 36.8% in the esotericism ward, and 36% in the fractures ward. Bacteria recorded a prevalence rate of 34.48% in the emergency ward. The highest prevalence of bacteria was on the floors of the wards by 51.16%. Conclusions. The high rates of pollution in operating theaters compared to wards, and this may be due to the failure of patients and companions to follow the procedures imposed by the hospital, lack of commitment to attention to the number of companions and visiting times, or to the commitment to wearing bras, head covers and sterile shoes.

Candida isolation and identification from pregnant women in Kirkuk city

Abstract Background: One of the most common fungal species that have been discovered as a component of the normal flora in different human body sections is Candida spp. it is the only major opportunistic fungus that exists in both commensal and pathogenic forms. Objective: This study was prepared to find out the prevalence of candidiasis among pregnant women in Kirkuk city in addition to diagnose and identify its important species. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 154 patients whom suspected of having candidiasis and attended at (Azadi Teaching, Kirkuk General, and Al-Nasar Maternity) hospitals from December 2021 till April 2022. Specimens were carried out by taking a vaginal swab from all pregnant women. The swabs were first examined directly by using potassium hydroxide (10%) then inoculated onto Sabouraud’s dextrose agar supported with Amikacine antibiotic. The mycological examination has revealed 62.33% positive candidiasis, by direct microscopy examination through the recognition of pseudohyphae or yeasts. Hi Chrom agar medium was used to detect Candidal species identification. Results: Four species have been isolated each with an incidence of 67.7% for Candida albicans, 13.5% for Candida glabrata, 11.5% for Candida tropicalis, 7.3% for Candida krusie. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Candida is very common among pregnant women and being the most predominant species.

Isolation, identification, and antifungal resistance of Candida species from various samples

This study in Aden, Yemen, collected 67 samples from patients attending hospitals and laboratories. Samples were taken from different body areas, covering various age groups and genders. Fungal infections, particularly Candida species, are a significant cause of death worldwide. The emergence of azole-resistant Candida has raised concerns and highlighted the need for better antifungal agents.In the study, 68.66% of the collected samples contained pathogenic Candida fungi. Some samples also showed bacterial growth or both bacteria and fungi. Suspected Candida growth on corn meal agar exhibited chlamydospore formation and germ tubes on human serum. Carbohydrate fermentation tests were positive for Glucose, Maltose, Galactose, and Xylose, while Sucrose and Lactose were negative. All Candida isolates (100%) were accurately identified to the species level using CHROM agar Candida. Candida's pathogenicity was linked to various virulence factors, including hydrolytic enzyme secretion. Nystatin was the most effective antifungal agent (100% sensitivity), while Fluconazole (73.92%) and Amphotericin B (52.17%) showed varying levels of sensitivity. However, Voriconazole, ketoconazole, and Miconazole displayed high resistance rates (89.13%, 84.78%, and 80.44%, respectively) against the isolated Candida.This study concluded that Candida spp., particularly Candida albicans, were frequently found in the samples from patients, with vaginal swaps being a common site of infection. The identification of Candida isolates to the species level using CHROM agar Candida was accurate. Nystatin, Fluconazole, and Amphotericin B were the most effective antifungal agents against Candida spp.

ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF OROFUNGAL INFECTIONS AMONG HIV- POSITIVE PATIENTS IN CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, AWKA ANAMBRA STATE

Fungal diseases are life-threatening and are responsible for a largely silent epidemic, often hidden killers causing substantial morbidity and mortality in susceptible individuals. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, risk factors and antifungal susceptibility of orofungal infections among HIV positive patients in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka. The study was a hospital based cross sectional study carried out between January 2022 and August 2022. A total of 120 patients who gave their consent were used for the study. Oral swab sample of the patients were taken with the aid of sterile swab sticks, and cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar, Chrome agar and blood agar at 37°C incubation. Fungal organisms isolated were characterized accordingly using Gram stain, germ tube tests, sugar fermentation and assimilation tests, and also with fungal atlas for mold identification. ITS region molecular typing was also used to identify the top four most frequently occurring isolates. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain demographic details of the participants and for risk factors evaluation. Isolates were also evaluated for pathogenicity using haemolysis and enzyme assays. Antifungal susceptibility testing of the isolates was conducted using the disc diffusion method. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. The oro-fungi organisms isolated are Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Candid neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Overall prevalence of the isolates in the participants (n=120) showed that C. albicans was the most prevalent isolate with an occurrence of 90% while Cryptococcus neoformans were the least occurring isolates with the occurrence 2.99%. Gender distribution were: COOUTH 71 male (59.17%) 49 female (40.83%), Age range 36-45 years had the highest frequency of 45.83% while age range 56-65 years had the lowest patient frequency of 10.83%. The distribution based on marital status, of which married subjects accounted for 43.33% and single patients were 56.67 % frequency. It was observed that 56.67% of patients that participated in the study had university education as their highest educational level, and they accounted for the most population that took part in the study. A 5.83% frequency that took part in the study had no education and accounted for the least participation frequency in the study. Students had the highest participation frequency of 47.5% while artisans participated the least with a frequency of 7.5%. 6.67% of the participants had Hepatitis B vaccination while 97.5% of the participants were already participating in HAART. The clinical history of examined patients showed that 68.33% had white patches on the tongue which is the highest frequency, followed by bad breath which accounted for 67.17% of the participants. Antifungal exposure profiling of the participants showed that they have significant (p&lt;0.05) exposure to fluconazole while they had least exposure to vericonazole and itraconazole.

Evaluation of the Various Oral Candida Species among Patients on Hemodialysis: A Clinical Study.

Oral candidiasis develops as a result of an opportunistic infection. In patients on hemodialysis who may be immune-compromised, candida can change from a commensal to a pathogen. Identification and classification of Candida species are crucial for the treatment of these patients. To distinguish between distinct species of candida found in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure's oral cavity. A total of 100 people were investigated, including 50 patients with "Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)" on hemodialysis and 50 healthy controls. Using "Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA)" and "CHROM Agar Culture Media", salivary samples were incubated for 24, 48, or 72 hours at 37°C to develop candida species. Colony forming units/milliliter, a unit of measurement for colonies, were counted and calculated (CFU). On SDA and CHROM agar medium, positive candidal growth was seen in the CRF with HD and Control Groups. There was a significant variance in the growth and the subspecies distribution of the colonies among the groups. The most common species was c.albicans followed by c. cruzi and tropical. Other subspecies were negligible. The number of colonies was also greater than 400 CFU in the majority of the dialysis subjects, while it was only 200 CFU for the majority of the controls. Patients with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis showed significantly higher levels of candida isolation and differentiation than healthy individuals (P 0.05).

Identification of fungi from Otomycosis patients in Duhok city and their in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing

The aim of this study was to determine the most common causative agents of otomycosis in Duhok city, Iraq; and subsequently study their sensitivity to the most commonly prescribed Drugs. From August 2021 till October 2021, a total of 90 patients (46 females and 44 males) who attended the outpatient clinic of ear, nose and throat (ENT) department at Azadi teaching hospital; were clinically examined for mycotic otitis. Ear debris was collected by sterile swabs and transferred to the laboratory for direct microscopic and macroscopic examination by culturing on sabouraud dextrose agar, potato dextrose agar and CHROM Agar Candida. Antifungal drugs were dissolved with (dimethyl sulfoxide) DMSO and used for evaluation of antifungal sensitivity by agar well diffusion method against commonly used antifungal drugs namely; Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Terbinafine, Nystatin, Amphotericin B, and Clotrimazole. In this study positive fungal infections were found in 88 (97.8%) of the collected samples, and it was more common among patients that aged 40 to 49 years. Mycological examination revealed the isolation of 24 genera and species with one variety. The most common fungal isolates were Candida (88.9%), followed by Aspergillus (28.8%) and non-identified yeast (25%), Penicillium (8.9%). Among the identified species, Candida krusei (44.4%) and Candida albicans (16.7%) followed by Aspergillus niger (15.6%) were the predominant species isolates.

Effect of new methionine-based ionic liquid on the CDR1 and CDR2 gene expression on sensitive and resistant strains of Candida albicans.

Previous researchers showed the antimicrobial ability of ionic liquids (ILs) on different infective agents. ILs can dissolve organic components, especially DNA molecules. Among synthesized eight binary ILs mixtures, we have chosen ([Met-HCl] [PyS]) IL for determining the antifungal ability of IL against Candida albicans cells. Well diffusion assay, chrome agar and Germ tube tests were used to detect the Candida samples. PCR, real-time-PCR, and flow cytometry tests were performed to determine the IL's rate of toxic ability. Well diffusion assay revealed the diameters of the growth inhibition zones were the largest in IL with methionine and Proline amino acids. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) tests showed that they inhibited the growth of the C. albicans at a range from 250 μg/ml for sensitivity and 400 μg/ml for resistance, MIC average of all samples were 341.62 ± 4.153 μg/ml. IL reduced the expression of CDR1 and CDR2 the genes encoded by the major protein of ABC system transporter by 2.1 (P= 0.009) and 1.2 fold (P= 0.693), revealed by PCR and real time-PCR. In the flow cytometry test, there were increasing dead cells after treating with the ([Met-HCl] [PyS]) even in the most resistant strain. The novel IL was effective against the most clinical and standard C. albicans.

Molecular Detection of Candida albicans Virulence Genes That Isolated from Periodontitis Patients in Al-Hillah City

Background: An inflammatory condition known as periodontitis causes the tooth’s supporting tissues to be destroyed over time. One of the current dental problems is its high prevalence and detrimental consequences on quality of life. An oral candidiasis lesion often develops as a result of the development of a complex biofilm containing Candida albicans and other bacteria. Objectives: The objective of this study was to detect C. albicans virulence gene agglutinin-like sequence 1 and hyphal wall protein 1 (ALS1 and HWP1) by molecular method from clinical oral infection sample. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty oral swabs were obtained from periodontitis patients who attended to a specific dental health center and outpatient clinics of dentistry in Al-Hillah city, Iraq during the period from April 2022 to September 2022. Patient age ranges from 5 to 72 years. The sample was taken by disposable cotton swabs. This swab was cultured on various culture media including CHROM agar and Sabouraud’s dextrose agar for isolation of C. albicans. After that genomic DNA was extracted from confirmed colony. Virulence genes (ALS1 and HWP1) were detected by polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: The result showed that out of 150 samples 25 (16.66%) belong to C. albicans isolated; also the result showed that ALS1 gene detected in a rate 15 (22.05%) while HWP1 detected in a rate 19 (27.94%). Conclusion: The Als1 and HWP1 virulence genes were expressed in most isolates of C. albicans which suggests that the ALS1 and HWP1 protein play an important role in the pathogenesis of infection.

Candidemia in Pediatric Patients: Changing Pattern of Isolated Candida Species and Risk Factors in Eastern India.

Background: Candidemia is a life-threatening bloodstream infection caused by Candida species and is a major concern in pediatric patients, particularly in developing countries like India. Therefore, the goals of the current study are to isolate and identify several Candida species from blood samples, link various risk factors with candidemia, and ascertain the antifungal sensitivity pattern of each species.&#x0D; Methodology: This study is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted to determine the prevalence, distribution, and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species among pediatric patients with candidemia. The current study collected blood samples in BACT/ALERT 3D Pediatric bottles for fungal blood culture. After positive growth was obtained from Blood agar and Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA), a range of biochemical reactions, including Gram staining, Germ tube test, CHROM agar Candida Medium, and Sugar fermentation, were carried out. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used for conducting the antifungal susceptibility test.&#x0D; Results: Among the total of 156 different species of Candida, the maximum isolates were Candida albicans (CA) (42.9%), followed by Candida tropicalis (23.1%) and Candida parapsilosis (14.7%). The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) had the most Candida isolates, and catheterization was a leading risk factor. Susceptibility to Amphotericin B, Caspofungin, and Voriconazole was 84.6%, 81.4%, and 76.9%, respectively. Our study observed that the azole group of antifungals revealed pretty high resistance to Non-Candida albicans (NCA).&#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of candidemia was higher in the pediatric ICU and neonatal ICU, and the incidence rate was highest among neonates and infants. The study concludes that NCA species are gradually replacing C. albicans as an important pathogen, and clinicians need to be aware of the antifungal resistance patterns of the different Candida species.