Histoplasma Farciminosum Research Articles

SELECTION OF HISTOPLASMA FARCIMINOSUM STRAIN TO CREATE A REMEDY FOR EQUINE LYMPHANGOITIS

Epizootic lymphangitis is a chronic infectious disease, the causative agent of which is the fungus Histoplasma farciminosum and continues to cause significant outbreaks worldwide, despite several decades of epidemiological surveillance, diagnosis and prevention. Therefore, research on the selection of strains in the composition of anti-lymphangoitic agents is very relevant. The following strains of Histoplasma farciminosum fungus were used for selection: 410, T, YH, 5th, 4th, 5th, 17th, 21st, 8ZH. Microbiological studies of the studied strains were carried out with the study of cultural and morphological properties, the isolation of saccharolytic, proteolytic enzymes, the formation of catalase, oxidase, etc. To determine the biological properties of strains, agar and Saburo broth were used. In the course of the work, the cultural and biochemical properties of 9 strains of fungi were studied: 410, T, YH, 5th, 4th, 5th, 17th, 21st, 8ZH, as well as their growth on the Saburo nutrient medium. The validity of choosing a strain to create an anti-lymphangoitic agent of horses should include the following parameters: the strain, regardless of the type and genus, should have homogeneous cultural and morphological properties without signs of dissociation and abundant bacterial mass yield, In total, the selected strains will be a biological reserve that can be used in the development of diagnostic tools and prevention of equine lymphangoitis

Detection and clinical manifestation of Epizootic Lymphangitis in horses in Zaria and Kontagora Emirates, Nigeria

Introduction: A study was conducted to determine the clinical manifestation, isolation and identification of the aetiologic agent of epizootic lymphangitis in horses in Zaria and Kontagora Emirates in Nigeria. Methods: A total of seventeen (17) infected horses manifesting signs of epizootic lymphangitis were examined in Niger and Kaduna States of Nigeria. The pus samples were also examined using direct smears, Gram stained and examined under a light microscope. Infected lymphoid tissue samples were collected in 10% formal-saline from horses clinically manifesting infection for histopathological studies. Results: Clinical signs observed were painless swellings (nodules) and suppurative ulcers along lymphatic channels with some areas of partial healing and reoccurrence. Culture and direct smear revealed Gram positive double contour and oval shaped yeast-like organisms with a violet cytoplasm. Histopathological examination revealed Histoplasma farciminosum cells as oval bodies in macrophages. Significance: The study confirmed that Epizootic Lymphangitis is present in Nigeria.

5. Important Mycotic Diseases In Animal Livestock Caused By Some Agriculture Fungi In Indonesia

One of contribution for Indonesian state from Agriculture sector is livestock animals. This livestock animals in Indonesia is divided to large and small ruminant, poultry, and other commercial animals. All these animals can be infected by some agriculture fungi which causes mycosis. The disease cause economic loss by morbidity and mortality. In chicken (poultry), aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus sp can be very important among mycotic diseases. In ruminant ringworm (dermatofitosis) caused by dermatofit fungi which infected skin, and mastitis caused by fungi in Dairy cattle causes decrease milk production. Histoplasmosis caused by fungi such as Histoplasma farciminosum is called Selakarang, infect horse. This paper discribes these mycotic diseases and control and to give more information of fungal disease caused by some agriculture fungi.

In vitro antifungal activity of hamycin against Histoplasma farciminosum.

Zusammenfassung Die Behandlung der epizootischen Lymphangitis ist noch unbefriedigend. Das Schlachten der erkrankten Tiere fuhrt kaum zur Ausrottung der Krankheit; von unbeachtet gebliebe-nen Fallen konnen immer wieder neue Epidemien ausgehen. Die Suche nach einer wirk-samen medikamentosen Behandlung ist deshalb notwendig. Die erfolgreiche Behandlung zweier Pferde mit dem antibiotischen Antimykoticum Hamycin war Veranlassung, dieses Polyen in vitro zu testen. Stamme von Histoplasma farciminosum erwiesen sich als sehr empfindlich. Die minimale Hemmkonzentration betrug 0,005 bis 0,01 μg mikronisiertes Hamycin/ml mod. Czapek-Dox-Agar, bzw. Blutagar. Aufgrund dieser Untersuchung ist fur in vivo-Versuche eine Dosierung von 10mg/kg oder 20 mg/kg Korpergewicht angezeigt. Diese Dosis ergibt Hamycin-Blutspiegel, die hoher liegen als die minimale Hemmkonzentration. Nach Utz et al. ist Hamycin auch gegen Blastomyces dermatitidis wirksam.

Study on Histoplasmosis (Epizootic Lymphangitis) in Cart-Horses in Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Histoplasma farciminosum in 2,907 carthorses using clinical and microbiological examinations at three towns (Debre Zeit, Mojo and Nazareth), Central Ethiopia, between December 1999 and January 2001. An overall prevalence of 26.2% (762/2,907) was recorded; the highest prevalence (39.1%) being recorded at Mojo whereas the lowest (21.1%) was recorded at Nazareth. The difference in prevalence among the three towns was highly significant (chi(2) = 76.92, P<0.0001). Carthorses found at Mojo [OR =2.4, CI=(1.9-3.0), P<0.0001] and Debre Zeit [OR=1.9, CI=(1.5-2.3), P<0.0001] were at higher risk of infection than those found at Nazareth. The mycelial and yeast forms of the Histoplasma capsulatum variety farciminosum were isolated on the Sabouraud's dextrose agar. The results of the present study showed the rampant occurrence of histoplasmosis farciminosi at the three towns and indicates the need for further nationwide investigation into the disease to design sound control strategy.

Epizootic lymphangitis in horses: a review of litterature

Epizootic lymphangitis is a relatively common infectious disease of horses and other liquids in certain parts of the world. The infection rate varies according to the geographic area and the age of the animal. The disease is most commonly characterised by a cord-like appearance of the subcutaneous lymphatic and cutaneous pyogranulomas, the discharge from which contains spherical or pear-shaped bodies of the causal agent, Histoplasma farciminosum. Diagnosis can be made by the demonstration of typical organisms in stained smears, culture and tissue sections. Serological tests and a skin hypersensitivity test have been described. Amphotericin B is the drug of choice for the treatment of clinical cases. An attenuated vaccine and a killed formalized vaccine are available and can be used in endemic areas to control the disease.

Histoplasma capsulatum Variety Farciminosum: A New Combination for Histoplasma farciminosum

Four equine isolates of Histoplasma farciminosum from Egypt were grown on a variety of media in an attempt to induce conidia. Of the various media used, soil extract agar (diluted 25 and 50%) induced conidiation in each isolate. They produced numerous smooth-walled to warty microconidia and a moderate number of tuberculate macroconidia after 10–12 wk of incubation at 30 C. The yeast form of each isolate was obtained by growing the isolates at 37 C on brain heart infusion agar with and without 5% sheep blood. Repeated serial transfers onto fresh medium were necessary for complete conversion. Comparison of the micro- and macroconidia of H. farciminosum with those of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum showed a close relationship. The yeast-form budding cells of H. farciminosum were identical to those of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum. Because of the close similarity of the mycelial as well as yeast forms of H. farciminosum to those of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum, we propose that H. farciminosum be treated as a variety of H. capsulatum rather than as a distinct species.

Histoplasma CapsulatumVarietyFarciminosum: A New Combination for Histoplasma Farciminosum

Four equine isolates of Histoplasma farciminosum from Egypt were grown on a variety of media in an attempt to induce conidia. Ofthe various media used, soil extract agar (diluted 25 and 50%) induced conidiation in each isolate. They produced numerous smooth-walled to warty microconidia and a moderate number of tuberculate macroconidia after 10-12 wk of incubation at 30 C. The yeast form of each isolate was obtained by growing the isolates at 37 C on brain heart infusion agar with and without 5% sheep blood. Repeated serial transfers onto fresh medium were necessary for complete conversion. Comparison of the micro- and macroconidia of H. farciminosum with those of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum showed a close relationship. The yeast-form budding cells of H. farciminosum were identical to those of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum. Because of the close similarity of the mycelial as well as yeast forms of H. farciminosum to those of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum, we propose that H. farciminosum be treated as a variety of H. capsulatum rather than as a distinct species.

Use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of equine Histoplasmosis farciminosi (epizootic lymphangitis).

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was evaluated for the detection of antibody in sera of equine naturally infected with Histoplasma farciminosum 'epizootic lymphangitis'. Ten sera from naturally infected horses were tested. A hydrogen peroxide ABTS mixture constituted the substrate. The reactions were read as the absorbance values measured at 405 nm using a spectrophotometer. The standard deviation and the average percentage of the absorbance values of the different serum samples were considered in the interpretation of the results. All sera were proved positive with variations in the different samples. Ground preparation of four weeks old growth of the fungus in a phosphate buffer saline was used as antigen. A peroxidase labeled goat anti-equine IgG was used as a conjugate.

Studies on histoplasmosis farciminosi (epizootic lymphangitis) in Egypt. Isolation of Histoplasma farciminosum from cases of histoplasmosis farciminosi in horses and its morphological characteristics.

Isolation of Histoplasma farciminosum from five horses, showing typical signs of histoplasmosis farciminosi (epizootic lymphangitis) was successfully attempted. The mycelial form of H. farciminosum was isolated on Sabouraud dextrose agar enriched with 2.5% glycerol, brain heart infusion (BHI) agar enriched with 10% horse blood and PPLO dextrose glycerol agar. The last medium proved to be the most effective, both for primary isolation and subculturing of the fungus. It was found that on primary isolation, the lag phase of the mycelial form of the fungus was relatively long, involving 4-8 weeks at 25 degrees C. Colonies of the mycelial form of H. farciminosum appeared on subculture as a yellowish, light brown to deep brown, convoluted, waxy, cauliflower-like growth tending to form scant aerial growth. Conversion of the mycelial form to the yeast form of H. farciminosum was successful by subculturing either on BHI agar with 5% blood or on Pine's medium and incubating at 35-37 degrees C. Complete conversion to the yeast form was achieved only after 4-5 repeated serial transfers onto fresh media every 8 days. The yeast colonies were flat, raised, slightly or deeply wrinkled, white to light gray to grayish brown, and were pasty in consistency.

The effect of Amphotericin-B, 5-fluorocytosine and Nystatin on Histoplasma farciminosum in vitro.

SummaryThe effect of Amphotericin B, 5‐fluorocytosine and Nystatin onHistoplasma farciminosumwas evaluatedin vitro.The strains were recently isolated from cases of equine histoplasmosis affecting horses. Growth inhibition of varying degrees was demonstrated at different concentrations. Nystatin proved the most effective drug, followed by Amphotericin B and 5‐fluorocytosine. A concentration of Nystatin of 10—20 μ/ml medium was fungistatic, whereas a fungicidal activity was achieved with a concentration of 50 μ/ml against all tested strains. A relatively higher concentration of Amphotericin B (50—100 μ/ml) was required to cause a strong inhibition. The maximal concentration of Amphotericin B showed a fungicidal effect on the organism. 5‐fluorocytosine slightly inhibited growth of the organism at the highest used concentration. The systemic treatment of infected animals with Amphotericin B, in conjunction with topical application of Nystatin, is suggested; but a trial in infected equine is the first need.ZusammenfassungDie Wirkung von Amphotericin B, 5‐Fluorocytosine und Nystatin aufHistoplasma farciminosum in vitroDie Empfindlichkeit vonHistoplasma farciminosumzu Amphotericin B, Nystatin und 5‐Fluorocytosine wurde bestimmt. Die Stämme waren neulich vom erkrankten Pferde an Epizootischer Lymphangitis isoliert worden. Eine unterschiedliche Wachstum‐Hemmung wurde nachgewiesen. Es wurde festgestellt das Nystatin das wirksamste Arzneimittel war, danach folgten Amphotericin B und 5‐Fluorocytosine in der Reihe. Eine Nystatin‐Konzentration von 10–20 μ/ml Nährboden wirkte sich fungistatisch aus, während eine höhere Konzentration von 50 μ/ml über alle getesteten Stämme eine pilzabtötende Wirkung ausübt. Höhere Konzentrationen von Amphotericin B, nämlich 50—100 μ/ml wurden erfordert um eine stärkere Hemmung einzubringen. Eine Konzentration von 1000 μ/ml war benötigt um den Pilz abzutöten. 5‐Fluorocytosine hatte bei der höchsten angewandten Konzentration das Wachstum des Organismus leicht abgehemmt. Behandlung der erkrankten Fälle mit Amphotericin B wird vom Autor vorgeschlagen.RésuméEffet de l'amphotéricine‐B, 5‐fluorocytosine et de la nystatine surHystoplasma farciminosum in vitroOn a déterminé la sensibilité deHistoplasma farciminosumà l'amphotéricine B, à la nystatine et à la 5‐fluorocytosine. Les souches furent fraîchement isolées chez des chevaux atteints de lymphangite épizootique. Une inhibition différentielle de la croissance a été mise en évidence. La nystatine fut le médicament le plus efficace, suivie par l'amphotéricine B et la 5‐fluorocytosine. Un milieu de culture contenant une concentration de 10—20 μ/ml de nystatine s'est révélé fongistatique, alors qu'une concentration plus élevée de 50 μ/ml a présenté une action fongicide sur toutes les souches testées. Des concentrations plus élevées d'amphotéricine B de 50—100 μ/ml ont été nécessaires pour provoquer une forte inhibition. Une concentration de 1000 μ/ml a été nécessaire pour tuer le champignon. La 5‐fluoroscytosine a légèrement inhibé la croissance de l'organisme à la plus haute concentration utilisée. Un traitement avec l'amphotéricine B est recommandé.ResumenEl efecto de amfotericina B, 5‐fluorocitosina y nistatina sobreHistoplasma farciminosum in vitroSe determinó la sensibilidad deHistoplasma farciminosuma la amfotericina B, nistatina y 5‐fluorocitosina. Las cepas habían sido aisladas recientemente de caballos afectados de linfangitis epizoótica. Se puso en evidencia una inhibition diferenciada del crecimiento. La nistatina fue el fármaco más eficaz, seguido por la amfotericina B y la 5‐fluorocitosina. La concentración de nistatina de 10—20 μ/ml asiento nutritivo actuaba de forma fungistática, mientras que la concentración de 50 μ/ml ejercía una acción fungicida sobre todas las estirpes examinadas. Precisáronse concentraciones más elevadas de amfotericina B, esto es de 50—100 μ/ml, para provocar una inhibición más potente. Fue necesaria alcanzar la concentración de 1000 μ/ml para matar el hongo. A la concentración máxima aplicada, la 5‐fluorocitosina había inhibido ligeramente el crecimiento del microorganismo. El autor recomienda que los casos de enfermedad sean tratados con la amfotericina B.

Study of equine histoplasmosis farciminosi and characterization ofHistoplasma farciminosum

A detailed clinical and mycological study of horse infections with Histoplasma farciminosum was conducted for the first time in the Middle East. The disease seems to prevail in endemic form in the region. In all of the cases studied the infection involved only the cutaneous lymphatics and skin tissue with extension to the regional draining lymph glands. The disease seems to impose serious economic impact in the infected areas. Full description and thorough characterization of both the mycelial form and the yeast phase of the causative fungus were made.

Chemical and ultrastructural studies on the cell walls of the yeastlike and mycelial forms of Histoplasma capsulatum.

The cell wall of the yeast form of Histoplasma farciminosum contains 13.2% β-1,3-glucan, 1.0% galactomannan, and 25.8% chitin, whereas the cell wall of mycelial form has 21.8, 4.5, and 40%, respectively, for the same polymers. Also, the cell wall of the yeast form contains α-1,3-glucan (13.5%) and an unidentified polymer (21.5%). Chitin, one of the structural polymers of both yeast and mycelial cell walls, is identified as thin isolated fibers (4 nm wide) or in thick bundles (50 nm wide) of fibers. β-(1-3)-Glucan is also found as thin isolated fibers indistinguishable from isolated fibers of chitin. Fibers 14 nm wide and resembling α-(1-3)-glucan fibers of other fungi are found in the yeast form. The results reported here do not give support to the proposal for a different taxonomic classification. Images

Chemical and ultrastructural studies on the cell walls of the yeastlike and mycelial forms of Histoplasma farciminosum.

The cell wall of the yeast form of Histoplasma farciminosum contains 13.2% beta-1,3-glucan, 1.0% galactomannan, and 25.8% chitin, whereas the cell wall of mycelial form has 21.8, 4.5, and 40%, respectively, for the same polymers. Also, the cell wall of the yeast form contains alpha-1,3-glucan (13.5%) and an unidentified polymer (21.5%). Chitin, one of the structural polymers of both yeast and mycelial cell walls, is identified as thin isolated fibers (4 nm wide) or in thick bundles (50 nm wide) of fibers. beta-(1-3)-Glucan is also found as thin isolated fibers indistinguishable from isolated fibers of chitin. Fibers 14 nm wide and resembling alpha-(1-3)-glucan fibers of other fungi are found in the yeast form. The results reported here do not give support to the proposal for a different taxonomic classification.

Histoplasma farciminosum, the aetiological agent of equine cryptococcal pneumonia.

Two cases of cryptococcal pneumonia in horses are described. Histoplasma farciminosum was isolated from both cases. The diagnosis was based on histopathological changes in the lungs and culture of the fungus.

Fluorescent Antibody Test for the Serodiagnosis of Histoplasma Farciminosum Infections in Equidae

The indirect fluorescent antibody technique was used as an aid to the diagnosis of infections by H.farciminosum in horses. The test was performed on slides using yeast phase cells of the organism as antigen. Out of fifty equine sera from proven cases of H. farciminosum infections, forty-seven fluoresced brightly while fluorescent staining was absent in healthy controls and from horses suffering from commonly encountered ailments other than H.farciminosum infections. Non-specific staining did not occur. On employa la technique d’expérimentation indirecte des anticorps par fluorescence comme moyen de diagnostiquer les infections de H. farciminosum chez les chevaux. On effectua le test sur des lamelles en utilisant les cellules de la phase levure de l’organisme comme antigène. Des cinquante sérums de cheval, obtenus à partir de cas éprouvés d’infections de H. farciminosum, quarante-sept entrèrent en grande fluorescence, tandis que la coloration fluorescente était absente dans les cas témoin sains et dans les échantillons prélevés sur des chevaux souffrant de maux couramment rencontrés, autres que les infections de H. farciminosum . Il n’y eut pas de coloration non spécifique. Die Antikörpermethode mit indirekter Fluoreszenz wurde als Hilfsmittel zur Diagnose von H. farciminosum Infektionen bei Pferden verwendet. Die Prüfung wurde auf Objektträgern unter Verwendung von Hefephasenzellen des Organismus als Antigene durchgeführt. Aus fünfzig Equin-Sera von nachgewiesenen Fällen von H. farciminosum Infektionen fluoreszierten siebenundvierzig hell, während die Fluoreszenz-Erscheinung bei gesunden Gegenproben nicht auftrat. Fluoreszenz konnte auch nicht bei Pferden beobachtet werden, die andere häufige Krankheiten (außer H. farciminosum ) aufwiesen. Nicht identifizierbare Fluoreszenz wurde nicht beobachtet. Se usó la tecnica indirecta con anticuerpos fluorescentes para la facilitación de la diagnosis de las infecciones de H. farciminosum en los caballos. El ensayo se llevó a cabo en portaobjetos con uso de células de fase de levadura del organismo como antígeno. De cincuenta sueros equinos procedentes de casos probados de infecciones de H. farciminosum, cuarenta y siete fluorescieron vivamente, mientras que toda mancha fluorescente faltaba en los de referencia sanos y en los procedentes de caballos que sufrían de enfermedades que comúnmente se presentan aparte de las infecciones de H. farciminosum. No se produjeron manchas no específicas.