Common Fungal Organisms Research Articles

Fungal Opportunistic Infections in HIV Disease

Fungal pathogens can lead to many of the complications seen in advanced HIV disease and are commonly identified in HIV-infected populations with decreased immune function. Common fungal organisms affecting individuals with AIDS include Cryptococcus neoformans, various Candida species, and Histoplasma capsulatum. While infection with these organisms can be fatal, appropriate identification and management of the condition can result in reduced mortality and the opportunity for effectivemanagement of HIV disease with highly active antiretroviral therapy. This article describes the clinical presentation and treatment of 3 fungal infections common in the immunocompromised individual with AIDS. Current antifungal therapy for themanagement of these infections is discussed. In addition, the role of newer antifungal agents in the setting of these conditions is reviewed.

442 Evaluation of Fungicide Treatments for Disease Protection of Zantedeschia elliotiana `Flame' in Florida Calla Lily Production

Zantedeschia elliotiana `Flame' is a yellow calla with unique rust-colored blush, which is prone to a fungal/bacterial disease complex. Keeping calla rhizomes healthy and free of weakening by the most common fungal organisms Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, which minimizes secondary invasion and toppling by Erwinia carotova soft rot, the most prevalent cause of calla loss in production. Rhizomes were treated by pre-plant bulb dip or post plant drench either with fungicide or bactericide alone or in combination. Pot loss totaled with plants showing a lack of vigor resulted in 8%, 12%, and 14% loss in the most effective three treatments, which were: 1) the common commercial pretreatment (Champ II, Dithane, and Agtrol) 2) control plants and 3) RootShield (Trichoderma harzianum T-22). Upper (leaf and stem) plant fresh weights corresponded having heaviest weights of 47.8, 53.4, and 51.1 g and lower (bulb and root) with 129.5, 135.8, and 127.7 g/plant. The three least-effective treatments were streptomycin sulfate, Kocide 101, and ammonium bicarbonate, which showed losses of 26%, 30%, and 36%. Fresh weights coincided at 30.5, 39.9, and 36.7 g/upper portion and 117.1, 116.5, and 113.1 g/lower portion, lightest of all treatments. The remaining four fungicides with streptomycin sulfate, in order of effectiveness at 16%, 16%, 18%, and 20% loss, were Consyst, Banrot, Medallion, and Heritage. When loss exceeded 20%, flower number/plant also declined. Because plant survival and vigor were not increased with trial chemicals, the common commercial pretreatment or no treatment at all is recommended. Continued research might reveal beneficial optimum rates for other chemicals.

Demographic pattern, clinical features and treatment outcome of patients with infective keratitis in the eastern region of Nepal

corneal ulcer is one of the major causes of monocular blindness in developing countries. to determine demographic pattern, risk factors, microbiological pattern and treatment outcome of infective keratitis. a retrospective analysis of hospital records of 44 patients with clinically-diagnosed infective keratitis presenting to B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in the eastern region of Nepal was carried out. the parameters studied were risk factors and organisms responsible for keratitis. the infective keratitis was mostly prevalent among the males between 21-40 years of age (50%). 79.5 % of them were engaged in agricultural work. Ahistory of corneal injury was found in 30 eyes (68.1%). Vegetative matter was the most common agent of trauma in 17 (56.6%). Culture positivity for microorganisms was observed in 20 (45.5%) samples. Of these, 8 (40%) patients had purely bacterial corneal ulcer. Purely fungal growth was seen in 4 (20%) and mixed in 8 (40%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated bacteria (70%). The other bacteria included Pseudomonas species, E. coli and Acinetobactor. Aspergillus species was the most common fungal organism isolated in 8 (40%) samples. 65.9 % of the patients improved with medical treatment alone. Perforation, endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis were the common complications encountered in 11.3%, 4.5% and 4.5% respectively. corneal ulcer is prevalent in males, predominantly amongst the farmers. Ocular trauma with vegetative matter is the commonest predisposing factor. Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus species are the most commonly isolated organisms in corneal ulcers.