Diagnosis Of Fungal Disease Research Articles

Diagnosis of fungal diseases in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) in Burkina Faso

Quinoa is an Andean pseudo-cereal crop that is mainly cultivated for its energy and protein-rich, gluten-free seeds. Quinoa is currently being popularized in Burkina Faso, but manifestations of fungal diseases have been observed on the plants. The aim of this study was to establish a causal relationship between the observed symptoms and the associated fungal pathogens. Samples of symptomatic organs were collected from the three agro-ecological zones and examined for fungal pathogen species via isolation on media. A total of six (6) diseases and twenty-nine (29) fungal species were described and identified in the collected organs. The diseases were present in the following proportions: (i) panicle browning followed by complete plant drying (45.36%), (ii) brown crown rot (41.20%), (iii) brown stalk rot (27.31%), (iv) damping-off (22.68%), (v) chlorosis with necrotic brown leaf spots (19.33%), and (vi) plant wilting (13.88%). The essential epidemiological factors of these pathologies are discussed.

Humans vs. Fungi: An Overview of Fungal Pathogens against Humans.

Human fungal diseases are infections caused by any fungus that invades human tissues, causing superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic diseases. Fungal infections that enter various human tissues and organs pose a significant threat to millions of individuals with weakened immune systems globally. Over recent decades, the reported cases of invasive fungal infections have increased substantially and research progress in this field has also been rapidly boosted. This review provides a comprehensive list of human fungal pathogens extracted from over 850 recent case reports, and a summary of the relevant disease conditions and their origins. Details of 281 human fungal pathogens belonging to 12 classes and 104 genera in the divisions ascomycota, basidiomycota, entomophthoromycota, and mucoromycota are listed. Among these, Aspergillus stands out as the genus with the greatest potential of infecting humans, comprising 16 species known to infect humans. Additionally, three other genera, Curvularia, Exophiala, and Trichophyton, are recognized as significant genera, each comprising 10 or more known human pathogenic species. A phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of the 28S nrRNA gene (LSU) of human fungal pathogens was performed to show their phylogenetic relationships and clarify their taxonomies. In addition, this review summarizes the recent advancements in fungal disease diagnosis and therapeutics.

The Role of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Infection Caused by Intracellular, Fungal Pathogens and Mycobacteria: A Systematic Review.

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a widely available technique allowing rapid bedside detection of different respiratory disorders. Its reliability in the diagnosis of community-acquired lung infection has been confirmed. However, its usefulness in identifying infections caused by specific and less common pathogens (e.g., in immunocompromised patients) is still uncertain. This systematic review aimed to explore the most common LUS patterns in infections caused by intracellular, fungal pathogens or mycobacteria. We included 17 studies, reporting a total of 274 patients with M. pneumoniae, 30 with fungal infection and 213 with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Most of the studies on M. pneumoniae in children found a specific LUS pattern, mainly consolidated areas associated with diffuse B lines. The typical LUS pattern in TB consisted of consolidation and small subpleural nodes. Only one study on fungal disease reported LUS specific patterns (e.g., indicating "halo sign" or "reverse halo sign"). Considering the preliminary data, LUS appears to be a promising point-of-care tool, showing patterns of atypical pneumonia and TB which seem different from patterns characterizing common bacterial infection. The role of LUS in the diagnosis of fungal disease is still at an early stage of exploration. Large trials to investigate sonography in these lung infections are granted.

Characteristics of Invasive Pulmonary Fungal Diseases Diagnosed by Pathological Examination.

Objective To explore the characteristics of invasive pulmonary fungal disease and the spectrum of pathogens causing invasive pulmonary fungal disease diagnosed by pathological examination using fungal stains. Methods Patients with an invasive pulmonary fungal disease diagnosed by histopathological analysis through the use of fungal stains (including Grocott's methenamine silver and periodic acid-Schiff stains) were included in this study. The clinical records, radiological reports, pathology, and fungal culture results were reviewed. Results Forty-eight invasive pulmonary fungal disease patients diagnosed by histopathological analysis in the Tianjin Haihe Hospital (including 8 cases obtained by pulmonary resection, 35 cases by fiberoptic bronchoscopic biopsy, and 5 cases by percutaneous lung biopsy) were included. There were 24 male and 24 female patients, aged 21–80 years (53 ± 13 years). There were 37 cases of pulmonary aspergillosis, 4 cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis, 2 cases of pulmonary mucormycosis, and 5 in which pathogens were not determined due to limited tissue availability. Among 48 cases, 32 specimens were submitted to fungal culture. No fungus was detected in culture, although 26 cases of fungus infections were diagnosed by histopathological analysis. Only 3 cases were consistent between histopathological and culture results. In 3 cases, the pathogen was identified as Aspergillus spp. by the histopathological analysis, while the contrasting fungal culture results identified Candida albicans. Conclusion Candida albicans pneumonia was rare, while aspergillosis was common in invasive pulmonary fungal disease diagnosed by histopathological analysis. The majority of patients with an invasive pulmonary fungal disease were culture-negative. Although culture can clarify the fungal pathogen species, it has low sensitivity. Pathological examination with fungal stains has its advantages in diagnosing fungal disease; therefore, more attention should be paid to the role of pathological examination in the diagnosis of fungal disease.

Generation and characterisation of a semi-synthetic siderophore-immunogen conjugate and a derivative recombinant triacetylfusarinine C–specific monoclonal antibody with fungal diagnostic application

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a severe life-threatening condition. Diagnosis of fungal disease in general, and especially that caused by Aspergillus fumigatus is problematic. A. fumigatus secretes siderophores to acquire iron during infection, which are also essential for virulence. We describe the chemoacetylation of ferrated fusarinine C to diacetylated fusarinine C (DAFC), followed by protein conjugation, which facilitated triacetylfusarinine C (TAFC)-specific monoclonal antibody production with specific recognition of the ferrated form of TAFC. A single monoclonal antibody sequence was ultimately elucidated by a combinatorial strategy involving protein LC-MS/MS, cDNA sequencing and RNAseq. The resultant murine IgG2a monoclonal antibody was secreted in, and purified from, mammalian cell culture (5 mg) and demonstrated to be highly specific for TAFC detection by competitive ELISA (detection limit: 15 nM) and in a lateral flow test system (detection limit: 3 ng), using gold nanoparticle conjugated- DAFC-bovine serum albumin for competition. Overall, this work reveals for the first time a recombinant TAFC-specific monoclonal antibody with diagnostic potential for IPA diagnosis in traditional and emerging patient groups (e.g., COVID-19) and presents a useful strategy for murine Ig sequence determination, and expression in HEK293 cells, to overcome unexpected limitations associated with aberrant or deficient murine monoclonal antibody production.

Epidemiological aspects of superficial fungal infections in Koranic schools in two localities of Senegal (Thies and Touba).

In developing countries, superficial fungal infections (SFI) are endemic and cause a therapeutic problem because of the duration and cost of treatment. Community living and promiscuity are key factors in the direct or indirect transmission and spread of these diseases. The objective was to study the epidemiological aspects of SFI, among koranic school children in two localities in Senegal. School koranic students were recruited in Thies and Touba. Diagnosis of fungal diseases was carried out using conventional techniques (microscopic examination and culture). Among 210 children, the overall prevalence of SFI was 25.71%, with 27.63% in Touba and 20.68% in Thiès. The clinical lesions were epidermophytosis (0.5%), intertrigo (0.9%), palmoplantar keratoderma (KPP) (0.9%), onychomycosis (7.7%) and tinea capitis (TC) (90%). The species responsible for the SFI were Trichophyton soudanense (85.18%), Microsporum audouinii langeronii (9.25%), Trichophyton rubrum (3.70%) and Chrysosporium keratinophilum (1.85%). The prevalence of infection was higher among boys (85.18%). Superficial fungal infections are prevalent in koranic school children and attention should be given to non-dermatophytic species that could be responsible for SFI.

MODERN MICROBIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN DIAGNOSIS OF MYCOSES IN OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICAL PRACTICE

The review article highlights the latest approaches to solve one of the important problems of modern otorhinolaryngology, the diagnosis of opportunistic mycoses of the upper respiratory tract and ear. Opportunistic mycoses of the ENT organs in recent decades have posed a significant challenge for modern clinical medicine not only in Ukraine but also throughout the world. According to the scientific literature, the share of fungal lesions of the ear and upper respiratory tract in the structure of chronic inflammation of these organs makes up 22.1%. The main causative agents of mycotic lesions of the ENT organs are opportunistic fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Рenicillium, Mucor and yeast-like fungi of the genus Сandida, which are characterized by a low level of pathogenicity and are a part of the resident microflora of the macroorganism. Classical methods of microbiological diagnosis have certain limitations in the identification of micromycetes. Therefore, the use of more reliable, fast and accurate methods in clinical practice will contribute to the timely and effective treatment of fungal diseases of the ENT organs. This review presents an analysis of modern microbiological diagnostic technologies, such as biochemical detection of microorganisms using identification plate test systems (ARI RapID, CrystalTM), semi-automatic and automatic microbiological identification using analyzers VITEK, VITEK 2, Walk Away. Identification of fungal pathogens can also be performed by performing direct protein profiling using mass spectrometry, polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. These methods with the highest level of reliability enable to identify the pathogen, as well as to assess its sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. The combination of classical and modern microbiological technologies should become a standard for the diagnosis of fungal diseases, including the upper respiratory tract and ear.

EFFECT OF EUGENOL EMULSION IN POLYSORBATE-80 ON CLINICAL STRAINS OF CANDIDA ALBICANS

Candida albicans occupies a dominant position in the list of causative agents of candidal lesions of the ear. The development of new antifungal agents, an alternative source of which can be herbal essential oils and their components, remains a priority. One such agent with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic action is eugenol which is a phenol substance. Therefore, this article was aimed to study the effectiveness of the antifungal action of eugenol emulsified in Polysorbate-80 against clinical strains of C. albicans isolated from patients with external otomycosis. The study was performed using 6 clinical strains of C. albicans isolated from the ear canal of patients with otitis externa. The diagnosis of fungal disease was established based on the results of clinical and laboratory (microscopical and mycological) studies of pathological material. Analysis of mycological research showed that mainly representatives of the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium were revealed and only in 7% there were Candida genus fungi. C. albicans remained the dominant species of clinical significance. The results of our studies showed a high level of antifungal activity of eugenol on all clinical strains of C. albicans, including a remarkable inhibitory and fungicidal effect. At postmycostatic concentrations, the eugenol caused partial inhibition of reproduction of the clinical strains of fungi, which was replaced by a subsequent increased cell reproduction rate. So, the investigation has shown that C. albicans is the dominant species among fungi of the Candida genus in the structure of the microbial profile of otomycoses. The eugenol, emulsified in Polysorbate-80, has a high antifungal effect against clinical strains of C. albicans. At postmycostatic concentrations, the eugenol caused partial inhibition of reproduction of the clinical strains of fungi, which was replaced by a subsequent increase cell reproduction rate.

The burden of serious fungal infections in Sierra Leone: a national estimate.

Sierra Leone is a small, resource-limited country that has a low national prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and a very high burden of tuberculosis (TB). Fungal diseases are probably common, but poorly documented. In this article, we reviewed the existing literature on fungal epidemiology in Sierra Leone using national, regional, and international data, identified knowledge gaps, and propose solutions to address the challenges on the prevention and control of fungal diseases in Sierra Leone and similar countries. In advanced HIV disease, we estimate 300 cryptococcal meningitis, 640 Pneumocystis pneumonia, and over 4000 esophageal candidiasis cases annually. Chronic lung disease is common, with an estimated 6000 cases of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, many mistaken for TB, 5000 adults with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis complicating asthma, and probably over 6600 cases of severe asthma with fungal sensitization. Invasive aspergillosis is estimated at 478 cases. None of these diagnoses are made in Sierra Leone at present. Major burdens are recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (85,400) and tinea capitis in children (266,450). Improvement in fungal disease diagnosis in Sierra Leone will enable better estimates to be made and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Ранняя диагностика грибных болезней земляники садовой

Ранняя диагностика грибных болезней земляники садовой

Detection and identification of fungi in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from immunocompromised patients using panfungal PCR.

Rapid diagnostics of fungal pneumonia and initiation of appropriate therapy are still challenging. In this study, we used two panfungal assays to test bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples to prove their ability to confirm invasive fungal disease diagnosis and identify causative agents. Two methods targeting different fungal rDNA regions were used, and the obtained PCR products were sequenced directly or after cloning. In total, 106 BALF samples from 104 patients were tested. After sequencing, we obtained 578 sequences. Four hundred thirty-seven sequences were excluded from further analysis due to duplication (n = 335) or similarity with sequences detected in the extraction control sample (n = 102); 141 unique sequences were analyzed. Altogether, 23/141 (16%) of the fungi detected belonged to pathogenic species, and 63/141 (45%) were identified as various yeasts; a variety of environmental or very rare fungal human pathogens represented 29/141 (21%) of the total and 26/141 (18%) were described as uncultured fungus. Panfungal PCR detected fungal species that would be missed by specific methods in only one case (probable cryptococcosis). Panfungal PCR followed by sequencing has limited use for testing BALF samples due to frequent commensal or environmental fungal species pickup.

The Westmead Medical Mycology Collection: basis for research and diagnosis of fungal diseases

The Westmead Medical Mycology Collection is completing20 years of existence. During this time there have been10,073 strains deposited representing 437 species, whicharecurrentlymaintainedinthecollection.Establishedorig-inally under the curation of Professor Wieland Meyer at theMolecular Mycology Research Laboratory, in the Centre forInfectiousDiseasesandMicrobiologyattheSydneyMedicalSchool – Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, itrecently moved to the new Westmead Millennium InstituteforMedicalResearchinWestmead,Australia.Itsprimaryaimis to preserve Australian human and animal pathogenicfungal biodiversity while providing reference and clinicalstrains for the mycology community. The stored strains areidentified phenotypically, biochemically and molecularly.Theyarestoredeitherlyophilised,inglycerolat 808Corasliving culture at 148C. The majority of the stored strains arethe result of specific clinical, molecular epidemiologicaland basic science projects. As such, the pathogenic yeastsCryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii account for 54%of the specimens deposited. To further characterisethe maintained strains specific MultiLocus SequenceTyping schemes have been developed for C. neoformans,C. gattii, Scedosporium apiospermum, S. aurantiacum,S. boydii and Pneumocystis jirovecii, which are publicallyaccessible at http://mlst.mycologylab.org. The collectionalso formed the basis for the development of the qualitycontrolled ISHAM-ITS sequence database for human andanimal pathogenic fungi accessible at http://its.mycologylab.org.

Fungal diseases of horses

Among diseases of horses caused by fungi (=mycoses), dermatophytosis, cryptococcosis and aspergillosis are of particular concern, due their worldwide diffusion and, for some of them, zoonotic potential. Conversely, other mycoses such as subcutaneous (i.e., pythiosis and mycetoma) or deep mycoses (i.e., blastomycosis and coccidioidomycosis) are rare, and/or limited to restricted geographical areas. Generally, subcutaneous and deep mycoses are chronic and progressive diseases; clinical signs include extensive, painful lesions (not pathognomonic), which resemble to other microbial infections. In all cases, early diagnosis is crucial in order to achieve a favorable prognosis. Knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical signs, and diagnosis of fungal diseases is essential for the establishment of effective therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic protocols of equine fungal infections as a support to early diagnosis and application of targeted therapeutic and control strategies.

Polymerase chain reaction diagnosis of fungal disease: Finally coming of age

Definitive diagnosis of invasive fungal disease (IFD) remains limited, and nonculture diagnostic tests could improve this. Serologic testing for biomarkers is standardized through commercial manufacture and is gaining widespread application and incorporation into disease-defining guidelines, whereas most molecular assays remain “in-house” with few commercial tests and limited clinical validation. Standardization of molecular testing will need to be genus-specific because different diseases present and progress in various ways, influencing the optimal specimen choice. Methodologic standardization is almost complete for Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction and will be used to determine clinical performance. The new generation of broad-range systems capable of detecting and differentiating fungi may provide the best route to covering the spectrum of IFD, but evaluation is required and will be difficult to achieve for some of the less prevalent IFDs.

Diagnosis of fungal diseases.

In this chapter, we focus on diagnostic laboratory methods that are necessary and suitable for providing physicians with a timely and accurate diagnosis of fungal diseases. After discussing some pre-analytical aspects, the complete set of methods, i.e., microscopy, histopathology, culture, antigen detection, DNA detection, and antibody detection, is concisely described. Identification techniques depend on the fungal group involved. Therefore, separate paragraphs are dedicated to the identification of yeasts and filamentous fungi, which include moulds, dermatophytes, and dimorphic fungi.

55-Year-Old Man With a Lung Lesion and Hemidysesthesia

55-Year-Old Man With a Lung Lesion and Hemidysesthesia

55-Year-Old Man With a Lung Lesion and Hemidysesthesia

55-Year-Old Man With a Lung Lesion and Hemidysesthesia

Le diagnostic biologique des mycoses animales

The diagnosis of fungal diseases in animals is not straightforward. Physical examination and patient history data can usually not lead to a definitive diagnosis and laboratory tests are required. Fungal elements may be detected microscopically in clinical specimens: dermatophytes hyphae and arthrospores infecting hair or scales, yeasts in the cerumen (Malassezia), scales (Malassezia, Candida) or body fluids (Candida, Cryptococcus). Histopathologic analysis allows the detection of fungi in tissues and the characterisation of the associated cellular reaction. Definitive diagnosis usually requires recovery and identification of the fungus from cultures. A few serological procedures may be useful: immunodiffusion techniques for measurement of antibodies to Aspergillus spp. and a latex agglutination test for cryptococcal capsular antigen.

Functional Anatomy and Computed Tomography Imaging of the Paranasal Sinuses

AbstractStandard radiographs are suboptimal in the display of the regional morphology in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, especially the ethmoid sinus. The preferred radiographic modality for the evaluation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is computed tomography (CT). Coro~al CT imaging perpendicular to the bony palate affords the best display of the ostiomeatal channels and facilitates the surgeon's perception of this regional morphology because it most closely resembles the endoscopic view. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with the regional anatomy of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, specifically the 14 anatomic structures the examiner must understand and systematically check in the evaluation of this morphologicarea. A description of the most commonly found anatomic variations that influence the patency of the ostiomeatal channels as well as specific relationships between the paranasal sinuses, the orbits, and the intracranial compartment are also detailed. Although less helpful in the display of paranasal sinus chronic inflammatory disease, magnetic resonance imaging is beneficial in the diagnosis of fungal disease, neoplastic disease, and the display of inflammatory extension into the intracranial and intraorbital compartments.

Functional anatomy and computed tomography imaging of the paranasal sinuses.

Standard radiographs are suboptimal in the display of the regional morphology in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, especially the ethmoid sinus. The preferred radiographic modality for the evaluation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is computed tomography (CT). Coronal CT imaging perpendicular to the bony palate affords the best display of the ostiomeatal channels and facilitates the surgeon's perception of this regional morphology because it most closely resembles the endoscopic view. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with the regional anatomy of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, specifically the 14 anatomic structures the examiner must understand and systematically check in the evaluation of this morphologic area. A description of the most commonly found anatomic variations that influence the patency of the ostiomeatal channels as well as specific relationships between the paranasal sinuses, the orbits, and the intracranial compartment are also detailed. Although less helpful in the display of paranasal sinus chronic inflammatory disease, magnetic resonance imaging is beneficial in the diagnosis of fungal disease, neoplastic disease, and the display of inflammatory extension into the intracranial and intraorbital compartments.