Laboratory Of Parasitology-Mycology Research Articles

Epidemiological and mycological profile of superficial mycoses in diabetic patient

Introduction: Superficial mycoses, especially those of nails, scalp and skin, are very common in various countries. The presence of specific terrain, as well as other factors, can affect the prevalence of these. In this sense, diabetic patients are more susceptible to infections especially fungal infections because of changes in the immune system and macro and microvascular changes. The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological and mycological profile of superficial mycoses in diabetic patients at the Mohammed VI Hospital in Oujda (Morocco). Material and methods: This is a retrospective, observational and descriptive study spread over 34 months, from January 2021 to October 2023 at the Parasitology-Mycology laboratory of the Mohammed VI Hospital Center of Oujda. We collected demographic and mycological data for the included patients. In the laboratory, upon reception of the samples, a direct examination (DE) of the sample was obtained after clarification by KOH to better visualize the mycelial filaments or yeasts and culture on both media: Sabouraud with chloramphenicol and Sabouraud with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide is systematically carried out. Results: We collected 136 diabetic patients referred to our laboratory for suspicion of superficial mycosis. The latter was confirmed in 46 of the 136 diabetic patients (33.82%) referred to our laboratory, which corresponds to 50 lesions among the 166 sites taken, a prevalence of 30.12%. At the mycological examination, the DE allowed the confirmation of the diagnosis of mycoses in 64% (n=32) and showed most often mycelial filaments (n=21; 65.62%) especially at the level of the feet and yeasts were observed in particular at the level of the nails of the hands (n=11; 34.37%). While culture was positive in all cases without exception (100%; n=50), dermatophytes were the most frequently isolated fungi (n=30; 60%), followed by yeasts (n=20; 40%). By species, T. rubrum (n=30; 60%) was the only isolated dermatophyte species, followed by Candida albicans (n=17; 34%). Conclusion: In recent years, we have seen an increase in the prevalence of superficial mycoses in diabetic patients which is why we conducted this study. The results show on the one hand that the most isolated fungi in the superficial mycoses of these patients are dominated by dermatophytes, as T. rubrum represents the most frequently encountered species. Furthermore, the high prevalence of the latter demonstrates the significance of implementing important prevention measures.

Quality assessment of malaria microscopic diagnosis at the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital of Dakar, Senegal, in 2020

BackgroundFollowing WHO guidelines, microscopy is the gold standard for malaria diagnosis in endemic countries. The Parasitology-Mycology laboratory (LPM) is the National Reference Laboratory and is currently undergoing ISO 15189 accreditation. In this context, we assessed the performance of the laboratory by confirming the reliability and the accuracy of results obtained in accordance with the requirements of the ISO 15189 standards. This study aimed to verify the method of microscopic diagnosis of malaria at the LPM, in the Aristide Le Dantec hospital (HALD) in Dakar, Senegal.MethodsThis is a validation/verification study conducted from June to August 2020. Twenty (20) microscopic slides of thick/thin blood smear with known parasite densities (PD) selected from the Cheick Anta Diop University malaria slide bank in Dakar were used for this assessment. Six (6) were used to assess microscopists’ ability to determine PD and fourteen (14) slides were used for detection (positive vs negative) and identification of parasites. Four (4) LPM-HALD microscopists read and recorded their results on prepared sheets. Data analysis was done with Microsoft Excel 2010 software.ResultsA minimum threshold of 50% concordance was used for comparison. Of the twenty (20) slides read, 100% concordance was obtained on eight (8) detection (positive vs negative) slides. Four (4) out of the six (6) parasite density evaluation slides obtained a concordance of less than 50%. Thirteen (13) out of the fourteen (14) identification slides obtained a concordance greater than 50%. Only one (1) identification slide obtained zero agreement from the microscopists. For species identification a concordance greater than 80% was noted and the microscopists obtained scores between 0.20 and 0.4 on a scale of 0 to 1 for parasite density reading. The microscopists obtained 100% precision, sensitivity, specificity and both negative and positive predictive values.ConclusionThis work demonstrated that the microscopic method of malaria diagnosis used in the LPM/HALD is in accordance with the requirements of WHO and ISO 15189. Further training of microscopists may be needed to maintain competency.

Impact of onychomycosis on the quality of life of patients.

Onychomycosis is a very common cosmopolitan onychopathy. It affects the fingers and toes, which are important organs of function and socialization. They can cause physical and psychological discomfort. In this regard, the present study aimed to assess the impact of onychomycosis on the quality of life of patients. This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was carried out in the parasitology-mycology laboratory of the Avicenne Military Hospital in Marrakesh, Morocco, over 5 months between June and October 2022. The study population was all the patients referred to the laboratory for mycological examination of a nail lesion suspected of onychomycosis of the hands and/or feet. Onychomycosis was confirmed in 50 patients. Pain, nail thickening, and dyschromia were the most commonly reported symptoms (56%). Onychomycosis had an impact on at least one of the socio-economic, emotional, or functional aspects of the lives of affected patients. More than half (56%) of participants felt embarrassed by the appearance of their nails, 40% hid them, and 28% had a complex about them. The functional aspect was the most bothersome and the time spent on nail care concerned the patients (56%), as well as the discomfort reported when wearing shoes (40%). Women were more worried about the need to hide their nails. A duration of onychomycosis evolution of over 5 years was associated with the highest response rate to the questionnaire (66%). Although onychomycosis is not a fatal pathology, it significantly reduces the quality of life of affected patients. There is a need to raise the level of awareness of the general population and, above all, of the medical professionals to ensure comprehensive management of onychomycosis.

Prevalence of Blastocystis sp. among cooks in the region of Fez-Meknes (Morocco)

Summary Cooks have an important role in the dissemination and transmission of enteropathogenic microorganisms, including intestinal parasites such as Blastocystis sp. responsible for blastocystosis. Blastocystis is a unicellular, anaerobic, eukaryotic protist that colonizes the intestinal tract of many hosts. It is the most common parasite found in human stool. It can be the cause of acute digestive disorders which could lead to chronic syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of this protozoan in cooks in the Fez-Meknes region. This is a retrospective descriptive analytical study carried out in the Parasitology-Mycology laboratory of the Moulay Ismail Military Hospital in Meknes. Out of a total of 200 parasitological examinations of cooks’ stools, 88 (44 %) cases were positive for intestinal parasites. Blastocystis sp. is the most frequently encountered protozoan in our study. It represents 39.78 % of those infected. It is associated in 48.57 % of cases with another intestinal parasite. Dientamoeba fragilis (D. fragilis) is the most found in 31.43 % of co-infections, respectively followed by Entamoeba coli (E. coli) (8.57 %), Endolimax nana (E. nana) (5.71 %) and Pseudolimax boutschlii (P. boutschlii) (2.86 %). Our results showed a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in the kitchen staff population. These workers must be considered as reservoirs of this microorganism, and therefore a source of infection in those around them. Consequently, preventive measures are necessary, including raising awareness among this population in order to effectively fight against the infestation by this protozoan in particular and other parasites in general.

Assessment of an Antigen Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) For Point of Care Diagnosis of Cryptococcosis in Senegal

Background: Cryptococcal meningitis is a medical emergency. Therefore, simple, rapid and efficient diagnostic techniques are needed. New rapid diagnostic tests based on the detection of cryptococcal antigen have been developed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the Dynamiker Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) in our routine diagnosis activities. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study from November 2017 to August 2018 at the ParasitologyMycology laboratory of the CHNU of Fann in Dakar. Biological samples collected from HIV-infected patients hospitalized at the infectious diseases department of CHUN de Fann were used. Serum, CSF and urine samples received in the laboratory were examined using mycological techniques and the cryptococcal latex agglutination test (CLAT). The performance of the Dynamiker test was evaluated considering CLAT as the reference method. Results: A total of 39 samples were examined: 14 CSF, 24 sera and 1 urine sample. The average age was 44.5 years with a predominance of female patients (64.1%). The mean CD4 count was 73 cells/mm3 . Among the 39 samples tested, 23.1% were CLAT positive while 30.8% were LFA positive. The sensitivity and specificity rates were 100% and 75% respectively. The percentage of correlation between the two methods was 92.3%. The intensity of the bands on the LFA was high en 66.7% of cases. Conclusion: The excellent sensitivity of the rapid Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay and the rapidity of obtaining results (less than 15 minutes) make it suitable for routine diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis.

A Case Report of a <i>Microsporum gypseum</i> Tinea Capitis Diagnosed at the Laboratory of Parasitilogy-mycology of the Avicenne Military Hospital of Marrakech

Historically, tinea capitis has been a problem among the population in general and in Morocco in particular. It is still a significant reason for consultation in routine medical practice, particularly among the population living in poor hygienic conditions. It is an infection almost exclusively of preschool and school-age children, due to changes in sebaceous secretion and skin pH during puberty, affecting both sexes, with a female predominance. Inflammatory cases or Kerion are caused by zoophilic species such as <i>Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton verrucosum, Microsporum canis</i>, and less frequently by <i>Microsporum gypseum</i>. The identification of the species makes it possible to pinpoint the source of contamination and to condition the prophylaxis. Aware of the rarity of inflammatory tinea capitis caused by M. gypseum, we thought it would be interesting to report a new case diagnosed in the Parasitology-Mycology laboratory of the Avicenne Military Hospital in Marrakech, while focusing on the epidemiological, clinical and mycological characteristics of this dermatophyte through a review of the literature.

Prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei in Patients with Suspected scabies

Scabies is caused by an ectoparasite called Sarcoptes scabiei (S. scabiei), which penetrates the epidermis through skin folds and burrows in the stratum corneum, following the development of tunnels (sillion). The disease is specifically characterised by keratosis, allergy and itching that increases at night-time. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of S. scabiei in patients with a pro-diagnosis of scabies. Between January 2012 and December 2019, a total of 746 [n=388 (52%), female; n=358 (48%) male] patients aged 0-80 years were admitted to Fırat University Hospital Parasitology-mycology Laboratory. Skin scrapings were taken from suspected lesions on anatomic regions such as the hands (wrist, interdigital skin, fingertip and palm), abdomen, penis and legs (thigh and bottom foot). They were examined under a light microscope after adding 15% potassium hydroxide solution. S. scabiei was positive in 139 (18.63%) of 746 patients including a mother and her daughter and a married couple, where 68 (9.11%) were female and 71 (9.52%) were male. To our best knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of scabies in Elazığ. Despite the recent socio-economic and cultural developments observed in our country, scabies and all other parasitic infestations still remain to be important problems. We believe that improvement of the public vigilance together with early diagnosis will improve sanitation and provide protection against scabies and parasitic infestations.

Intestinal Giardiasis at UPFR Parasitology-Mycology of CHU-JRA Antananarivo, Madagascar

Introduction: Giardiasis is an intestinal parasitosis extremely widespread in the world but under-diagnosed in Madagascar. It is often asymptomatic. It can be fatal due to intestinal malabsorption syndrome. This study was conducted to determine the epidemiological-clinical aspect of giardiasis in Antananarivo and to determine the relevance of prescribing the KAOP stool examination for its diagnosis. Materials and methods: We report the results of a retrospective study of 2154 KAOP stool examinations performed at the Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory of the CHU-JRA over a 13-year period from June 2005 to June 2018. Results. The positivity rate for intestinal parasitosis was 58.36% or 1257 out of 2154 files examined. We found a prevalence of 1.76% (38/2154) of all claims and a frequency of 3.2% (38/1257) compared to other parasitoses. We found a female predominance with a sex ratio of 0.8. The average age was 20.46 years, of which 39.47% (15/38) were under 10 years of age. Abdominal pain were the main reasons for requesting tests. Only the cystic form of Giardia duodenalis was found, of which 28.95% (11 cases) were isolated and 71.05% (27) were associated with one or more parasites. Conclusion: Giardiasis is a parasitosis with a harmful effect on children. It is still under-diagnosed in Madagascar. Compliance with the prescription of 3 successive stool examinations allows a diagnosis of certainty.

TOXOPLASMOSIS: SEROLOGIC PROFILE OF PREGNANT WOMEN AT THE BRAZZAVILLE UNIVERSITY CENTRE HOSPITAL (CHUB)

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by an obligate intracellular coccidia Toxoplasma gondii, which is transmitted by cats. In pregnant women, it is a concern because of the severe complications to the foetus. The objective of this study is to determine the toxoplasma serologic profile in pregnant women at the Brazzaville University Centre Hospital (CHUB).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from September 2015 to March 2016 (6 months) which includes sera from pregnant women received at the Parasitology Mycology laboratory of the CHUB for Toxoplasma serology. Immunoglobulins G and M searches were done by immuno-analysis (Biomerieux, Mini-Vidas technology). The data was analysed by the IBM SPSS version 20 software. The comparisons of proportion is done by the khi 2 test. The level of significance of statistical data were fixed at 5%.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of pregnant women included in our study was 27, 8+/- 6,84 with the extremes ages of 15 and 44 years.&#x0D; Toxoplasma seroprevalence in this study is 47,2% (68/144). The types of immunoglobulins (Ig) retrieved were IgG alone in 45,1% of cases (65/144), IgG associated to IgM in 2,8% of cases (4/144). Serological profiles were: no immunity (52,1%) immunised (41%), recent infection (1,4%) active infection (2,8%) equivocal result (2,8%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis which represents a real public health issue in our environment, even when the level of immunised pregnant women seems high.

Identification of Trichophyton mentagrophytes strains isolated from patients with dermatophytosis

According to epidemiological, clinical and mycological criteria, it has long been admitted that the Trichophyton mentagrophytes species includes two varieties: a zoophilic variety (var. mentagrophytes) and an anthropophilic variety (var. interdigital) that involve the upper and the lower part of the body respectively. The further application of molecular techniques to the characterization of dermatophyte strains showed that this classification is unreliable. The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and sequencing in the characterization of T. mentagrophytes strains taken from Tunisian patients. The study was carried out in 2008 in the laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology of Farhat Hatched hospital, Sousse, Tunisia. A total of 133 strains were isolated from 133 patients addressed to the laboratory for dermatological lesions very evocative of dermatomycosis. Eighty strains were isolated from lesions located on the lower part of the body (onychomycosis, tinea pedis) and 53 strains from the upper part of the body (tinea capitis, tinea corporis). All strains were submitted to mycological examination (direct microscopic examination, and culture on Sabered medium) and further investigated by using RFLP analysis of the PCR amplified ITS1-5.8 s and ITS2 region of the ribosomal DNA and the MvaI restriction enzyme. In addition, 20 strains were further submitted to a sequencing of the ITS1-5.8 s and ITS2 region. On the basis of mycological criteria all strains were diagnosed as T. mentagrophytes. All strains produced the same RFLP pattern and were identified as T. mentagrophytes interdigital regardless of the location of lesions. Out of the 20 sequenced strains, five were found anthropophilic and 15 were zoophilic. In conclusion, all strains provisionally diagnosed as T. mentagrophytes on the basis of mycological criteria were shown to belong to T. interdigital by using PCR-RFLP and sequencing irrespective of the site of lesions. The predominance of zoophilic strains needs further investigation. Keywords: Dermatophytes; Trichophyton mentagrophytes; PCR-RFLP; Sequencing; Phenotypic features

Epidemiological and Mycological Aspects of Onychomycosis in Dakar (Senegal).

Onychomycosis is a fungal nails infection often caused by yeasts, dermatophytes and molds. It is an important public health concern due to its high prevalence, the problem of diagnostics, and the poor response to treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological and microbiological profile of onychomycosis diagnosed at the Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology of the National University Hospital of Fann in Dakar, Senegal, from 2012 to 2016. A retrospective and descriptive study was performed from January 2012 to December 2016 in a patient attending the laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology at the Fann teaching hospital. Socio-demographic, clinical and biological data were collected from the bench registers. Samples from the lesions were tested using direct microscopy and cultured on a Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol and Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol-Actidione medium. A descriptive analysis was done using Stata IC 12 software. The significance level of different tests was set at 5% two-side. A total of 469 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the study population was 33.2 ± 15.2 years, and the sex ratio was 0.52. The prevalence of onychomycosis was 48.4% (227/469). The main clinical presentations were disto-lateral subungual onychomycosis (37.9%) and onyxis (46.5%). Identified fungal species were Candida albicans (42.7%), Candida spp. (39.5%), Trichophyton soudanense (10.1%), Fusarium spp. (5.3%), and Candida tropicalis (2.6%). Candida albicans was more frequent in subjects over 15 years of age (43.6%) and women (45%). However, Trichophyton soudanense was higher in patients under 15 years old (17.4%) as well as in male subjects (18.8%). In conclusion, onychomycosis is a common cause of consultation in health facilities. Candida albicans and Trichophyton Soudanense are the main fungal species causing onychomycosis. A better understanding of the epidemiology of onychomycosis as well as the spectrum of the pathogen could contribute to improve the management of the infection.

Distribution of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Candida&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Species and Their Susceptibility to Antifungal Drugs in Dakar, Senegal

The large spectrum of Candida species and their susceptibility to antifungal drugs has made the identification of Candida species and the detection of drug resistance necessary for the management of Candida infection. This study was carried out to determine the distribution of Candida species and to evaluate their susceptibility to antifungal drugs. A prospective observational and descriptive study was conducted from March to June 2016 in the laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology at Fann University Hospital in Dakar. Samples were analyzed by direct microscopy and culture. Identification of Candida species was based on filamentation test, chlamydosporulation formation, auxanogramme (AUXACOLORTM Bio-Rad) and Candi-Select® 4 (Bio-Rad,). The susceptibility of Candida species to antifungal drugs was tested using Fungitest® (Bio-Rad) against 5-fluorocytosine, amphotericin B, miconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole. A descriptive analysis was performed using Stata MP 14. Among 336 specimens received for mycological examination, 68 (20.2%) were positive for Candida. The most identified Candida species were C. albicans (58.8%), C. glabrata (16.2%), C tropicalis (7.4%), C krusei (7.4%), C. parapsilosis (4.4%), C. dubliniensis (4.4%) and C. kefyr (1.5%). The majority of isolates were susceptible to ketoconazole (94.3%), fluconazole (85.7%), amphotericin B and 5 fluoro-cytosine (88.6%). The susceptibility rates were lower for itraconazole (51.4%) and miconazole (68.6%). One strain of C. albicans was resistant to 5 fluoro-cytosine, one strain of C. glabrata and C. tropicalis were resistant to itraconazole. The results of this study provide useful information regarding the distribution of Candida species and the susceptibility to antifungal drug. Routine identification of Candida species and monitoring of resistance patterns are necessary to manage Candida infection and to control the spread of resistance in clinical isolates of Candida species.

A hospital qPCR-based survey of 10 gastrointestinal parasites in routine diagnostic screening, Marseille, France.

There is a scarcity of recent epidemiological data on intestinal parasitic infections in France. We conducted a prospective study aimed at estimating the prevalence of 10 enteric parasites in Marseille, France, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnosis. A total of 643 faeces from 488 patients referred to the Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory of the University Hospital of Marseille over a 6 months period were included. DNA was extracted using a semi-automated method. Parasites of interest were detected using singleplex quantitative PCRs (qPCRs). For positive samples, the Blastocystis subtype was determined by sequence analysis. During the study, the overall prevalence of enteric parasites was 17%. Blastocystis sp. was the most frequent species (10.5%), followed by Dientamoeba fragilis (2.3%) and Giardia intestinalis (2.3%). The prevalence of other parasites was &lt;1% each. The ST3 Blastocystis subtype was predominant (43.6%) and the other subtypes identified were ST1, ST2, ST4 and ST6. This is the first time that a qPCR-based diagnosis has been used to survey the prevalence of 10 enteric parasites in a French University Hospital. This study confirms that fast, specific, sensitive and simultaneous detection in a single stool sample by qPCR clearly outperforms conventional microscopy-based diagnosis. Furthermore, qPCR is particularly well suited to surveying gastroenteritis agents.

Management of Toxoplasmic Seroconversion in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy in Tunisia

The purpose of our study was to report the particularities of the management of toxoplasmosis seroconversion cases occurred during the third trimester of pregnancy and diagnosed in the Institute Pasteur of Tunis. The study was conducted in the Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology of the Institute Pasteur of Tunis between January 2005 and December 2017. A total of 27 cases of toxoplasmosis seroconversion during the third trimester were included. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in five cases. PCR was positive in one case. Pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine was prescribed in one case with positive PCR and in another case as soon as maternal infection was confirmed. Spiramycine was prescribed in 24 cases for the duration of the pregnancy. One woman did not take any treatment because seroconversion was diagnosed just before delivery. Twenty newborns had congenital toxoplasmosis: 19 cases were diagnosed by serology and one case was diagnosed after amniocentesis. Two newborns (10%) were symptomatic at birth. All the newborns had neither clinical nor radiological signs during the follow-up.

Prevalence and Identification of Yeasts Responsible for Mastitis in Dairy Cattle Farms in the Sidi Lahcene Region in the Wilaya of Sidi Bel abbes- Algeria

Mastitis represents one of the main diseases in dairy cows. In Algeria, very few studies have been conducted on the prevalence of fungal mastitis in dairy cattle farms as well as various factors favouring their appearance and development. In most cases, the triggers this infection is bacteria. A growing number of fungi are currently associated with this pathology. This is related to antibiotics too widely used in the treatment of these bacterial agents. So we set as objectives, determining the prevalence of mastitis caused by yeasts and the study of a number of risk factors in some dairy farms in the region of Sidi Lahcene, wilaya of Sidi Bel Abbes. The samples of this study were carried on farms of cows (mastitic cow and clinically healthy cow) belonging to two types of farms (farms with manual milking and mechanical milking farms). The risk factors included, animal secretions, the teat cups, the hands of the milkers, the skin of the mammary gland, the drinker, the manger, the milk storage tank, the milk collection seal. Mycological analysis was conducted at the Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology from the Higher National Veterinary School-Algiers. The isolated yeasts were identified using microscopic characterization, and auxanogramme realized in biochemical galleries (gallery Pasteur Institut Pasteur Algiers and testing API® AUX BioMerieux, France). Our results showed a prevalence of infection with yeast, a high frequency of isolation was attributed for the genus Candida sp. followed by the genus Rhodotorula sp. followed by the two genera Cryptococcus sp. and Trichosporon sp.

Teignes du cuir chevelu : principale mycose de l’enfant. Étude épidémiologique sur 10 ans à Tunis

Despite the changes in their epidemiology, and the improving level of hygiene of the population, tinea capitis is still considered a public health problem in our country, and is the most common type of dermatophytosis in our country. The aim of our study was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and mycological features of tinea capitis in children encountered in the Tunis region. A retrospective study concerned 1600children aged 6months to 15years suspected to have tinea capitis was conducted in Parasitology-Mycology laboratory, Rabta hospital, over a 10-years period (2005-2014). Dermatophyte infections were confirmed using scalp scrapings examinated with direct microscopy using potash at 30% and/or culture on Sabouraud medium agar. Tinea capitis diagnosis was confirmed in 947cases (59.18%). The sex ratio was 2.61 and the average age of 6.28years with predominance in the age group of 4 to 8years (52.27%). The most common clinical presentation was ringworm (87.65%). Ringworm large plaque was predominant (65.9%). Direct examination was positive in 884cases (93.35%). Microsporic tinea was the most frequent (63.25%) followed by trichophytic tinea (29.78%). Positive cultures of dermatophytes were obtained in 912cases (96.30%). The following dermatophyte species were isolated: Microsporum canis (67%), Trichophyton violaceum (31.68%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (0.66%), Microsporum audouinii (0.22%), Trichophyton schoenleinii (0.22%) and Microsporum gypseum (0.22%). M.canis is currently the most frequently incriminated species in tinea capitis in Tunisia. This change is related to a change in behavior of our population, in fact the cat; main reservoir of M.canis cohabiting increasingly with Tunisian families.

Relationship Between Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Trichophyton mentagrophytes Strains Isolated from Patients with Dermatophytosis.

According to epidemiological, clinical and mycological criteria, it has long been admitted that the Trichophyton mentagrophytes species includes two varieties: a zoophilic variety (var. mentagrophytes) and an anthropophilic variety (var. interdigitale) that involve the upper and the lower part of the body, respectively. The further application of molecular techniques to the characterization of dermatophyte strains showed that this classification is unreliable. The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and sequencing in the characterization of T. mentagrophytes strains taken from Tunisian patients. The study was carried out in 2008 in the laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology of Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia. A total of 133 strains were isolated from 133 patients addressed to the laboratory for dermatological lesions very evocative of dermatomycosis. Eighty strains were isolated from lesions located on the lower part of the body (onychomycosis, tinea pedis) and 53 strains from the upper part of the body (tinea capitis, tinea corporis). All strains were submitted to mycological examination (direct microscopic examination and culture on Sabouraud medium) and further investigated by using RFLP analysis of the PCR-amplified ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 region of the ribosomal DNA and the MvaI restriction enzyme. In addition, 62 strains were further submitted to a sequencing of the ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 region. On the basis of mycological criteria, all strains were diagnosed as T. mentagrophytes. All strains produced the same RFLP pattern and were identified as T. mentagrophytes interdigitale regardless of the location of lesions. Out of the 62 sequenced strains, 16 were found anthropophilic and 46 were zoophilic. In conclusion, all strains provisionally diagnosed as T. mentagrophytes on the basis of mycological criteria were shown to belong to T. interdigitale by using PCR-RFLP and sequencing irrespective of the site of lesions. The predominance of zoophilic strains needs further investigation.

Molecular characterization of strains of theTrichophyton verrucosumcomplex from Tunisia

Trichophyton verrucosum is the most frequent etiologic agent of cattle dermatophytosis. Throughout the world, it was the second most common agent of zoophilic dermatophytes in human. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of the PCR- RFLP and PCR-sequencing methods for the identification and differentiation of T. verrucosum strains.Thirty-six clinical strains identified by morphological characteristics as T. verrucosum were isolated from patients referred to parasitology-mycology laboratory of Sfax University Hospital. Identification of our strains by conventional methods was confirmed by molecular methods in 94.4% of cases. Two strains were reclassified as T. violaceum PCR products digested with HinfI produced three profiles and two patterns with MvaI. Sequence analysis revealed a polymorphism in the ITS1and 5.8S regions. Analysis and alignment of consensus sequences has distinguished two types of genotypes among our T. verrucosum strains. The ITS type I was the dominant genotype (93.7%). Phylogenetic study showed that one cluster comprised T. verrucosum strains with ITS type I and species of T. mentagrophytes complex. It was related to Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii complex. The other cluster contained the two T. verrucosum strains with ITS type II, and was related to Arthroderma benhamiae complex. In this study, most of T. verrucosum isolates were type I, dissimilar to others rare studies where type II has been the most common. Specie and strain differentiation is relevant because it helps in prescribing the correct treatment and determining the source of the infection.

Champignons non dermatophytiques et non candidosiques isolés au CHU Le Dantec de Dakar en 2014 : étude épidémiologique, clinique et mycologique

In recent years, the incidence of superficial fungal infections involving nondermatophytic and noncandidal fungi increased considerably. The objective of this work was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and mycological fungal infections due to nondermatophytic and noncandidal fungi diagnosed in the laboratory of parasitology-mycology of Le Dantec hospital in Dakar. With a retrospective study of the various cases of nondermatophytic and noncandidal fungi isolated in the laboratory of parasitology-mycology during the period of November 2013 to December 2014, we collected 22 cases of infections in 11 men and 11 women; age ranging from 17 to 75 years with a mean of 45.3 years (sex ratio=1): eight cases of intertrigo, seven cases of onychomycosis, four cases of palmoplantar keratoderma (KPP), a case of onychomycosis associated with interdigital intertrigo, a case of infectious myositis and one case of African histoplasmosis. We have isolated and identified a total of 22 nondermatophytic and noncandidal fungi: ten Fusarium, five Trichosporon, two Chrysosporium, two Geotrichum, one Rhodotorula, one Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and one Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii. So we are seeing the emergence of nondermatophytic and noncandidal increasingly isolated from superficial and local lesions. These fungi, generally contaminants or commensal, cause a problem regarding their direct involvement in pathological processes in which they are isolated. So we should respect the recommendations proposed for their involvement in pathological processes and, by a collaboration between clinician and biologist, demonstrate their real involvement through effective, targeted treatment.

Séroprévalence de la toxoplasmose chez les femmes enceintes dans la wilaya d’Annaba, Algérie

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in the department of Annaba, Algeria. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study with analytical purposes. The study was collaboration between the laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine of Annaba and Parasite Biology Department at the Pasteur Institute of Algeria. A total of 1028 pregnant women who underwent prenatal diagnosis/visit were included over a period of 4 years from January 2006 to December 2009. Immunoglobulin G and M were assayed, using the microparticle enzyme method. The avidity test was used to determine the date of contamination according to age of pregnancy. Search for the parasite was made by inoculation of the placenta and cord blood in white mice. The study compared mother-to-child serological profiles using Western Blot (WB) IgG and IgM. Direct (not well-cooked meat) and indirect (presence of cat, gardening) indicators were recorded to search for parasite exposure. ResultsSeroprevalence was 47.8 % (95 % CI: 44.8 to 51.0) and the rate of active toxoplasmosis was 1.1 % (95 % CI 0.6 to 1.8). According to their immune status, this was the first serology for 41 % (CI95 %: 38.0–44.0) of women; 12 % (CI95 %: 10.5–14.6) of primiparous women had only one serology test during their entire pregnancy. Major risk factors were consumption of poorly-cooked meat and exposure to cats. ConclusionToxoplasmosis during pregnancy is a serious issue and an effective prevention program is needed.