Mycobiotic Agar Research Articles

Tinea Imbricata: Case Series on Three Patients in Sarangani, Philippines

Tinea imbricata or Tokelau ringworm is an unusual superficial dermatophytosis caused by the anthropophilic Trichophyton concentricum. Three cases of Tinea imbricata observed at the Municipal Health Office of Kiamba, Sarangani Province, Philippines are reported in this study. All three patients were from an indigenous ethnic group of Sarangani Province and lived in isolated upland communities. Patient 1 was a 30 year old male, Patient 2 was a 40 year old female, and Patient 3 was a 19 year old female. Lesions lasted ~27 years, ~25 years, and 2 years, respectively. All patients presented with characteristic extensive polycyclic to serpiginous scaling lesions, with areas of sparing. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings prepared with potassium hydroxide revealed the characteristic broad, branched, septate, irregular hyphae. Trichopyton concentricum, the causative agent, was isolated in one of the patients using Mycobiotic agar. Histopathologic examination on 2 of the patients revealed acute and chronic inflammation, and Periodic Acid Schiff-positive fungal hyphae. All patients were started on Griseofulvin 500mg tab once daily. The case series presented here is the first account of Tinea imbricata in the Philippines since the 1990s.
 

Molecular study of feline dermatophytosis and Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 gene expression in their lesions.

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) as the recognition of pathogenic fungal structures induce the secretion of cytokines by immune systems. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 are the main PRRs that recognize fungal components. The present study aimed to assess the presence of dermatophyte species in symptomatic cats in a region of Iran and to investigate the expression of TLR-2 and 4 in cat lesions with dermatophytosis. A total of 105 cats suspected of dermatophytosis with skin lesions were examined. Samples were analysed by direct microscopy using potassium hydroxide (20%) and culture on Mycobiotic agar. Dermatophytes strains were confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and then sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer rDNA region. Also, for pathology and real-time PCR studies, skin biopsies were taken by sterile single-use biopsy punch from active ringworm lesions. Dermatophytes were found in 41 felines. Based on the sequencing of all strains, Microsporum canis (80.48%, p < 0.05), Microsporum gypseum (17.07%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2.43%) were the dermatophytes isolated from cultures. Cats under 1 year (78.04%) revealed a statistically significantly higher prevalence of infection (p < 0.05). Gene expression by real-time PCR revealed the increased TLR-2 and 4 mRNA levels in skin biopsies of cats with dermatophytosis. M. canis is the most prevalent dermatophyte species isolated from feline dermatophytosis lesions. Increased expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 mRNAs in cat skin biopsies suggests that these receptors are involved in the immune response by recognizing dermatophytosis.

S9.4d Main reservoirs of Trichophyton mentagrophytes Type V in Iran

S9.4 Skin mycoses and microbiome, September 23, 2022, 4:45 PM - 6:15 PMObjectivesDermatophytosis in livestock receives attention because of its contagiousness, high treatment costs, and lack of control programs. Compared with cattle, mycological aspects of dermatophytosis in sheep and goats have been studied less frequently. Dermatophytosis in these animals (small ruminants) may lead to serious economic losses due to the negative impact on the growth of involved animals, as well as their milk and meat production. Recent studies showed that the old Trichophyton verrucosum var. verrucosum (which is known to have some African and Asiatic sheep as its reservoirs) is currently synonymous with T. mentagrophytes Type V, the most common genotype of T. mentagrophytes isolated from Iranian patients. But the animal reservoirs of this genotype are not well known in Iran and in this investigation, we aimed to determine them.MethodsA total of 678 skin and hair samples from animals including sheep (n = 190), cows (n = 79), goats (n = 9), camels (n = 20), stray and domestic cats (n = 195), stray and pet dogs (n = 146), horses (n = 27), foxes (n = 2), hedgehogs (n = 2), and poultries (n = 8) were subjected to direct microscopy and culture on Mycobiotic agar. Most animals had skin lesions, though some stray cats and dogs were asymptomatic. Molecular identification of dermatophyte cultures was done by ITS-rDNA RFLP. To confirm the RFLP identification, 59 representative isolates from all studied animal species were subjected to ITS-rDNA sequencing. The likelihood for isolation of a specific species or genotype with regard to the type of infected animal was determined using the chi-square test.ResultsWe obtained 334 dermatophyte cultures. ITS-RFLP and ITS region sequencing revealed the species T. verrucosum (n = 62; all from cows), T. mentagrophytes Type V (sheep = 95; goat = 6; cat = 1; horse = 2), T. mentagrophytes Type II* (cat = 2), T. mentagrophytes Type VII (dog = 2), Microsporum canis (cats, n = 94; dogs, n = 55; cow, n = 1; horse, n = 1), T. quinckeanum (fox, n = 1), Nannizzia gypsea (cats, n = 5; dogs, n = 4; cow, n = 1; horse, n = 1), and N. fulva (cow, n = 1). No dermatophytes were isolated from camels, hedgehogs, and poultries. There was a statistically significant difference in the isolation rate of T. mentagrophytes Type V between sampled animals meaning that with a high probability it is isolated from sheep and goats.ConclusionPurposive sampling from suspected animals confirmed that sheep are the main animal reservoir of T. mentagrophytes Type V, at least in Iran. Further international sequence-based investigations can test our conclusion.

Mycotic zoonoses risk from clipping instruments in Pet Shops in Sinop – MT

Pets have conquered the daily lives of families worldwide and because they have a close relationship with humans, they can transmit mycotic zoonoses such as dermatophytosis, malassezioses and candidosis. Studies show that fungi with pathogenic potential have already been granted in clipping instruments and bath articles in veterinary clinics and in Pet Shops. In the absence of data in the city of Sinop - MT, this study aimed to isolate fungi with pathogenic potential in clipping instruments used in the routine of Pet Shops and to identify etiological agents capable of causing mycotic zoonoses. Samples were carried out in 18 clipping instruments, without cleaning, from 10 Pet Shops (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J) in the city of Sinop - MT with swabs and sterile carpets square and then seeded in Sabouraud agar with 0.05% chloramphenicol and mycobiotic agar, incubated at room temperature (25°C) for 30 - 45 days. The dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi were identified using the microculture technique and urease test and as yeasts using a urease test, zymogram, auxanogram, germ tube and corn meal agar with polysorbate 80. Of the samples from 18 clipping instruments, 15 were positive for at least one fungal genus. The yeast that showed a high prevalence of isolation in clipping instruments from the studied Pet Shops (B, C, D, E, H and J) was Malassezia pachydermatis (86.7%), followed by the genus Candida spp. (C and D; 26.7%), filamentous fungi of the genus Aspergillus spp. (A; 13.3%), Microsporum canis (B; 13.3%) and Trichosporon spp. (J, 6.7%). Our results demonstrate that Pet Shops treat a large number of animals daily in a single environment, which may amplify the risk of spreading zoonoses, as an asymptomatic or sick carrier animal can potentially transmit the microorganism to other animals inside the store and thus to a large number of new pet owners. There is a need to reinforce the commercial requirements specialized in bathing and grooming in the city of Sinop - MT on the good practices of cleaning and disinfection of the elements used and the environment, eliminating or eliminating the risk of contracting mycotic zoonoses.

The antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans isolated from HIV/AIDS patients

Background: Candida albicans was found to be dominant in patients with human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The antifungals fluconazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin were used as oral candidiasis therapy for HIV/AIDS, each of which has differing susceptibility in oral candidiasis therapy. Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility and antifungal resistance to oral C. albicans in HIV/AIDS patients. Methods: The subjects followed the universal precaution principles. Oral Candida species were isolated from the saliva of 98 HIV/AIDS subjects. Identification of Candida species was carried out by the mycobiotic agar of API 20 C Aux system. Susceptibility and resistance antifungal tests on the Candida species were performed using a Fungus ATB Kit. Results: Candida albicans was the most dominant species found from 98 subjects (95%). The rest were other Candida species. There are 41 subjects (42%) with a history of oral candidiasis, and 57 subjects (58%) without. The history of those who used antifungals were: nystatin = 60 subjects (61%), fluconazole = 39 subjects (40%), and ketoconazole = two subjects (2%). These antifungals have a susceptibility above 80% against C. albicans, except the nystatin group (79%) (p&gt;0.05; 0.628), but fluconazole has a strong correlation (r=0.820) to susceptibility, susceptibility-dependent dose, and resistance. Conclusion: Candida albicans was dominant in the saliva of HIV/AIDS patients. This fungus was effectively treated by fluconazole, ketoconazole and nystatin. These antifungals had a high susceptibility at ≤ 8 μg/mL to C. albicans.

Therapeutic management of hypovitaminosis A and zinc deficiency in a lactating cow from a small dairy herd in muranga county, Kenya

Background: Hypovitaminosis A and zinc deficiency were diagnosed in a 7-year-old Friesian cow from a small milking herd comprising of thirty Friesian cows in a zero grazing unit in Muranga County in Kenya, on Friday, November 15, 2019. The cow was weighing approximately 500 kilograms and had calved four months ago. The daily production of milk was tweny five litres. The cow had a history of sudden inappetance, reduced weight, sternal recumbency, convulsions and heavy lacrymation. Clinical examination revealed slight clouding of the cornea, and dilated pupils which did not respond to light. The menace response was almost absent but palperal and corneal reflexes were present. The cow was not apparently blind. Methods: The clinical examination of the skin revealed a fungal infection. Skin scrapings and hair from the lesions were examined for fungal species by direct microscopy in 10% KOH and lactophenol. Collected samples were inoculated on mycobiotic agar. The inoculum was incubated at 28°C for two to six weeks and examined for colony formation. Culture examination revealed Trichophyton verrucosum as the cause of dermatophytosis. Blood sample was taken from the cow into a vial containing heparin for spectrophotometric estimation of vitamin A and serum zinc concentrations. Results: Vitamin A and serum zinc concentrations were 5.12 μg/dl and 3.24 μg/L, respectively. The reference serum values for vitamin A are in the range of 15.4 to 32.3 μg/dl, while reference serum zinc levels are in the range of 6-12 μg/L for optimum physiologic functioning in dairy cattle. On the basis of history, clinical examination and significantly low serum vitamin A and zinc levels, the lactating friesian cow was diagnosed to be suffering from combined hypovitaminosis A and zinc deficiency. The dairy cow was therapeutically managed through administration of zinc sulphate orally, at a dosage rate of 1 gram per week for six weeks, administration of vitamin A at a dosage rate of 30,000 international units (IU), deep intramuscularly, once daily for seven days, and intramuscular administration of 3 mls of BelamylR, once daily for seven days. The body parts with lesions caused by T. verrucosum were treated through topical administration of zinc oxide ointment once daily for twenty one days. Following treatment of the lactating cow, significant improvement was observed in terms of disappearance of lachrymation, corneal clouding, sternal recumbency, skin lesions and convulsions. The appetite also returned to normal. All the other cows in the farm were supplemented with vitamin A and zinc. The client was also advised to include fresh napier and bermuda grass in the cattle diet, since they have been shown to contain adequate levels of beta carotene and zinc. Conclusion: In conclusion, zinc and vitamin A supplementation may be of benefit for recovery of cows from sternal recumbency and dermatophytosis.

Dermatophytes and Other Keratinophiic Fungi in Soils of Anguilla, British West Indies (BWI)

Aims: Keratinophilic fungi include dermatophytes and a variety of other fungi. Information on their occurrence in several Caribbean countries is scarce. This study investigates occurrence of dermatophytes and other keratinophiic fungi in soils of Anguilla, British West Indies (BWI) and emphasizes its public health significance.&#x0D; Study design: Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in the Department of Microbiology, Saint James School of Medicine, Anguilla (BWI). One hundred and ten samples of soils from habitats in several localities in Anguilla were examined.&#x0D; Methodology: The samples were processed by Vanbreuseghem’s hair-bait technique. Bits of fungal growth on hair-bates were cultured on Mycobiotic agar to get pure cultures. Identification of the isolates was accomplished by a detailed study of colonial characters and microscopical features of the isolates.&#x0D; Results: Eighty-five isolates of keratinophilic fungi were recovered. The identified species included two geophilic dermatophytes, Micrsporum fulvum and M. gypseum and two species of Chrysosporium, namely Chrysosporium keratinophilum and C. indicum, M. fulvum was the predominant species being recovered from 35 (31.8%) of the soil samples followed by C. keratinophilum being isolated from 15.5% of the samples. M. gypseum was present in 8 (7.3%) of the samples. The prevalence of other species was as follows: C. indicum (13.6%), Chrysosporium spp. (4.5%) and Sepedonium spp. (4.5%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The preponderance occurrence of M. fulvum over M. gypseum and that of C. keratinophilum over C. indicum in soils of Anguilla is a remarkable observation. The farmers, other workers, school children who come in contact with soil are likely to be infected with a dermatophytes and also the visitors to the beaches and the local population nearby.

PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and DNA Sequencing for Identification of Malassezia species Isolated from Animals in Egypt

Malassezia is one of the most significant yeast genera causing Malasseziosis in different animals. In the present study, the phenotypic methods, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing were applied for identification of Malassezia species isolated from 160 ear swabs and skin scrapings of apparently healthy and diseased dogs, cats, horses and buffaloes (40 animals, each). Of the 82 ear swabs as well as 78 skin scrapings, 24 (29.3%) and 25 (32.1%) yielded a positive growth on mycobiotic agar, respectively. The forty-nine Malassezia isolates were subjected for phenotypic identification based on macro- and micro-morphological characters on mycobiotic agar medium, growth on Dixon`s medium at different temperatures, and the physiological characters (tween assimilation, esculin hydrolysis, tryptophan utilization, and production of catalase enzyme). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 26S rDNA gene, followed by restriction analysis using HhaI restriction enzyme and DNA sequencing were employed. Forty-eight and one isolates were phenotypically identified as M. pachydermatis and M. globose, respectively. The PCR-RFLP assay for 21 representative isolates revealed the identification of M. pachydermatis (n=17), M. furfur (n=1), M. globosa (n=2) and M. restricta (n=1). Furthermore, the DNA sequencing showed a maximum identity (100%) of the tested isolates to Malassezia spp. available on the Genbank database. The most frequently identified Malassezia spp. by genotypic method was M. pachydermatis (80.95%). It was isolated from 33.3%, 23.8%, 14.28% and 9.52% of examined dogs, cats, horses and buffaloes, respectively. The second frequent identified species was M. globosa (9.52%). It was isolated only from horses and buffaloes (4.76% each), meanwhile M. furfur was recovered from buffaloes and M. restricta was isolated from dogs (4.76% each). In conclusion, PCR-RFLP assay and DNA sequencing proved to be more accurate and reliable methods for Malassezia spp. identification and are complementary for phenotypic methods.

Internal Transcribed Spacer rDNA and TEF-1α Gene Sequencing of Pathogenic Dermatophyte Species and Differentiation of Closely Related Species Using PCR-RFLP of The Topoisomerase II.

Objective Precise identification of dermatophyte species significantly improves treatment and controls measures of dermatophytosis in human and animals. This study was designed to evaluate molecular tools effectiveness of the gene sequencing and DNA-based fragment polymorphism analysis for accurate identification and differentiation of closely- related dermatophyte species isolated from clinical cases of dermatophytosis and their antifungal susceptibility to the current antifungal agents. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, a total of 95 skin samples were inoculated into mycobiotic agar for two weeks at 28˚C. Morphological characteristics of the isolated dermatophytes were evaluated. DNA was extracted from the fungal culture for amplification of topoisomerase II gene fragments and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were digested by Hinf I enzyme. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA and TEF-1α regions of the all isolates were amplified using the primers of ITS1/4 and EF-DermF/EF-DermR, respectively. Results Based on the morphological criteria, 24, 24, 24 and 23 isolates were identified as T. rubrum, T. interdigitale, T. tonsurans and E. floccosum, respectively. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) results provided identification pattern of the isolates for T. rubrum (19 isolates), T. tonsurans (28 isolates), T. interdigitale (26 isolates) and E. floccosum (22 isolates). Concatenated dataset results were similar in PCR-RFLP, except six T. interdigitale isolates belonging to T. mentagrophytes. ConclusionOur results clearly indicated that conventional morphology and PCR-RFLP were not able to precisely identify all dermatophyte species and differentiation of closely related species like T. interdigitale and T. mentagrophytes, while ITS rDNA and TEF-1α gene sequence analyses provided accurate identification of all isolates at the genus and species level.

Micobacteriose cutânea atípica felina autóctone no município do Rio de Janeiro-Brasil

Background : : : Cutaneous mycobacterioses show a worldwide distribution and manifest as three forms: atypical mycobacteriosis, feline leprosy and cutaneous tuberculosis. Atypical cutaneous mycobacteriosis in cats is a rare disease commonly caused by fast-growing mycobacteria belonging group IV of the Runyon classification. This report describes for the first time an autochthonous case of atypical cutaneous mycobacteriosis in a cat from the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. Case : A castrated female mongrel cat presented multiple ulcerated, exudative and alopecic lesions in different regions of the body. After sedation of the animal with 1% acepromazine hydrochloride (0.1 mg/kg) and 10% ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg), clinical examination was performed and an exudate was collected from the ulcerated skin lesion for cytopathological analysis and mycological culture. The slide containing the lesion impression was stained by a rapid panoptic method. For fungal culture, material was collected with a sterile swab, seeded onto Sabouraud dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol and mycobiotic agar, and incubated at 25oC. After antisepsis and asepsis, local anesthesia was performed with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride without vasoconstrictor and a 4 mm punch biopsy was collected from the lesion, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and sent for histopathological analysis. No fungal structures were detected by cytopathological or mycological analysis. Histopathological examination revealed ulcerated skin and the presence of a marked and diffuse pyogranulomatous infiltrate in the superficial and deep dermis, which also involving the subcutaneous tissue and underlying muscle tissue. Grocott’s or PAS staining did not identify fungal structures. The Wade method was positive for acid-fast bacteria suggestive of ycobacterium . Analysis of the hematological and biochemical profiles revealed no noteworthy alterations. After the result of the histopathological exam, exudate material and lesion fragments were collected for bacteriological examination. The clinical specimens were processed and the presence of acid-fast bacteria was confirmed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Mycobacterium fortuitum fortuitum was identified based on the Runyon classification and biochemical tests, and was confirmed by molecular tests. Oral administration of enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg) at 24 h intervals was prescribed for 30 days. On the control visit, involution of the skin lesions was observed by physical examination and was also reported by the owner. After 4 months of irregular treatment due to the difficulty in administering the medication because of the cat’s aggressiveness, the animal started to present respiratory difficulties, rapid weight loss, apathy and died. Discussion : The occurrence of atypical mycobacteriosis is rare in Brazil, with isolated reports of mycobacteriosis such as canine leproid granuloma syndrome in Sao Paulo, canine cutaneous mycobacteriosis in Rio Grande do Sul, one case of feline leprosy in Sao Paulo, and one case of feline atypical cutaneous mycobacteriosis in Sao Paulo. The diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infections are frequently neglected because they are not included in the differential diagnosis of diverse cutaneous infections. In view of the scarcity of reports and to alert veterinarians that the disease should be included in the differential diagnosis with other feline dermatopathies, this report described a case of atypical feline cutaneous mycobacteriosis that occurred in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In contrast to the previous case report in Sao Paulo, in which was diagnosed the species Mycobacterium fortuitum biovar peregrinum , the species identified here was Mycobacterium fortuitum biovar fortuitum .

Dermatófitos isolados do pelame de animais selvagens

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that can cause zoonosis. However, the role wild animals play in the transmission of these infections is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of dermatophytes on the haircoat of Brazilian wild mammals. Thirty-two healthy wild mammals from several taxa were studied: 17 were captive and 15 were free-living individuals. Samples were obtained by rubbing the haircoat with sterile carpets. Samples were cultured on Mycobiotic agar, and the plates were incubated at 25 ºC. Identification of the isolates was carried out on the basis of macro- and micromorphology. Dermatophytes were isolated from 9.5% of the animals: Microsporum gypseum from one maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), Microsporum cookie from one coati (Nasua nasua), and Trichophyton ajelloi from one bush dog (Speothos venaticus). These animals represent therefore sources of infection for both humans and other animals and are important for public health policies.

Detection of Paranannizziopsis australasiensis in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) using fungal culture and a generic fungal PCR

AIMS: To describe the methods used at the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL, Ministry for Primary Industries) to identify Paranannizziopsis australasiensis.METHODS: Skin biopsy samples from two adult male tuatara were submitted to the AHL in March 2014. Approximately half of each sample was processed for fungal culture and incubated on mycobiotic agar containing cycloheximide at 30°C. Following morphological examination of the culture products, DNA was extracted from suspect colonies. PCR was used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of fungal rRNA using primers ITS1 and ITS4. Positive amplicons were subjected to DNA sequencing and the results were compared to published sequences. In addition, DNA was extracted from the remaining skin samples and the same PCR was carried out to compare the results.RESULTS: After 7 days of incubation, colonies morphologically resembling P. australasiensis were observed. DNA extracted from these isolates tested positive for P. australasiensis by PCR and DNA sequencing. Samples of DNA extracted directly from the infected skin samples tested negative for P. australasiensis using the generic fungal PCR.CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Isolation and identification of P. australasiensis was carried out using a combination of fungal culture and molecular testing available at AHL. Results were available in significantly less time than in the past, when isolates had to be sent overseas. PCR and sequencing of fungal isolates is a valuable tool for identification of species that have few, if any, unique macroscopic or microscopic features to aid identification. Further sampling from captive and wild New Zealand reptiles will provide important information on the epidemiology of P. australasiensis, and the conservation and management implications for tuatara and other native reptile species.

Hemolytic activity of dermatophytes species isolated from clinical specimens

Hemolytic activity was recently reported for several pathogenic fungal species, such as Aspergillus, Candida, Trichophyton, Penicillium and Fusarium. Based on a number of mechanistic and characterization studies, several fungal hemolysins have been proposed as virulence factors. Hemolysins lyse red blood cells resulting in the release of iron, an important growth factor for microbes especially during infection. The requirement of iron in fungal growth is necessary for metabolic processes and as a catalyst for various biochemical processes. Expression of a hemolytic protein with capabilities to lyse red blood cells has also been suggested to provide a survival strategy for fungi during opportunistic infections. The aims of this study were to investigate the hemolytic activities of dermatophytes species isolated from patients with dermatophytosis. Hair, skin and nail samples of patients were examined with direct microscopy using potassium hydroxide and cultivated on Mycobiotic agar and Sabouraud's dextrose agar. To determine hemolytic activities of dermatophytes species, they were subcultured on Columbia Agar with 5% sheep blood and incubated for 7-14 days at 25°C in aerobic conditions. Media which displayed hemolysis were further incubated for 1-5 days at 37°C to increase hemolytic activity. In this study, 66 dermatophytes strains were isolated from clinical specimens and were identified by six different species: 43 (65.1%) Trichophyton rubrum, 7 (10.7%) Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 5 (7.6%) Microsporum canis, 5 (7.6%) Trichophyton tonsurans, 4 (6.0%) Epidermophyton floccosum and 2 (3.0%) Trichophyton violaceum. Twenty-one T. rubrum strains showed incomplete (alpha) hemolysis and nine T. rubrum strains showed complete (beta) hemolysis, whereas hemolysis was absent in 13 T. rubrum strains. Four T. mentagrophytes strains showed complete hemolysis and three T. tonsurans strains showed incomplete hemolysis. However, M. canis, E. floccosum and T. violaceum species had no hemolytic activity. Hemolytic activity is pronounced in dermatophytes and may play an important role as a virulence factor. Hemolysins produced may play an important role in the balance between the host's cellular immunity and the ability of the fungus to diminish the immune response.

The First Case of Microsporum persicolor Infection in Iran

: We report the first case of Microsporum persicolor being isolated from an Iranian patient. An 8-year-old girl was examined for tinea corporis. Microscopic examination of the skin scraping performed using 15% KOH revealed hyaline septate branching mycelium and arthroconidia. Cultures of the clinical material yielded M. persicolor after 2 weeks of incubation. The isolate was identified on the basis of gross morphological characteristics of the fungal colony on Mycobiotic agar and peptone agar, microscopic characterization of slide culture, and biochemical reactions. Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: Microsporum persicolor can be causative agent of tinea corporis and This is the first report of M.persicolor as the causative agent of dermatophytosis in Iran. Please cite this paper as: Naseri A, Fata A, Khosravi AR. The First Case of Microsporum persicolor Infection in Iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol. 2012;5(1):362-4. DOI: 10.5812/kowsar.20083645.2430 © 2012, AJUMS. Published by Kowsar M.P.Co. All rights reserved.

Tinea Capitis Due to Microsporum vanbreuseghemii: Report of Two Cases

Two cases of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum vanbreuseghemii are reported. A 7-year-old boy and his brother were examined for tinea capitis. Hair samples and skin scrapings were collected from each patient to microscopy and culture. Direct microscopic examination of the hairs using lactophenol revealed an ectothrix invasion. Cultures inoculated with portions of clinical material yielded M. vanbreuseghemii after 2weeks. The identification of the fungi were based on colony morphology on mycobiotic agar, microscopic characteristic on slide cultures, biochemical reactions and hair perforation tests.

Cromomicosis: Reporte de un caso con topografía atípica

Background Chromomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by dematiaceous fungi. It is characterized by the presence of nodules, verrucous and atrophic lesions, and is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. Mexico ranks third among the subcutaneous mycoses, mainly affecting the lower limbs. The verrucous lesions are the most common clinical presentation. Aims We present a case of chromomycosis located in the helix and the left earlobe in a 29 year-old male, with unusual morphology and topography. Method Samples from the affected ear were taken for direct examination, and cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar and mycobiotic agar. Results Fumagoid cells were found when examining the lesion scrapings under direct microscopic examination. The Sabouraud dextrose agar and mycobiotic agar developed a colony of black fungus, which in the microscopic study was identified as Fonsecaea pedrosoi. The definitive diagnosis was chromomycosis, a pathology that was treated with itraconazole 200 mg daily for 10 weeks, with a complete resolution of the dermatosis. Conclusions This is a case of chromomycosis with unusual clinical features, with an appropriate response to treatment with itraconazole.

In vitro antifungal susceptibility of dermatophyte strains causing tinea pedis and onychomycosis in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: a case-control study

The efficacy of antifungal treatment may be reduced and/or delayed in diabetic patients. To date, no study has investigated the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of dermatophytes in this patient group. We aimed to determine the dermatophyte species causing tinea pedis and onychomycosis, and in vitro susceptibility of these dermatophytes to terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. We compared the findings in diabetic patients with those in non-diabetic individuals. One hundred patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and 100 otherwise healthy controls clinically suspected with tinea pedis and/or onychomycosis were included. Skin scrapings and/or nail clippings were taken and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar, mycobiotic agar, and dermatophyte test medium. In vitro antifungal susceptibility tests were carried out according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M-38P protocol with some modifications. Fifty-seven samples of 54 diabetics and 50 samples of 50 controls grew dermatophytes. In both groups, Trichophyton rubrum was the most common isolate. Mean MIC values of terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole for all of the isolated dermatophyte strains were similar in two groups (P>0.05). The difference in mean MIC values of three antifungals for T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes between two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Dermatophyte types causing tinea pedis and onychomycosis, their frequency patterns, and in vitro activity of three antifungals against dermatophytes in diabetics are similar to the non-diabetics. Terbinafine is the most active agent in vitro in both groups.

Blastomicosis: presentación de un caso importado en México, con lesiones exclusivamente cutáneas

Background Blastomycosis is a granulomatous infectious disease. It is caused by the dimorphus fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. It predominates in the United States of America, but in Mexico two systemic imported cases have been reported. Cutaneous primary blastomycosis is a rare clinical presentation, which occurs after traumatic inoculation of the fungus. Objectives We present a case of a 54 year old male, born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and living in Chicago, USA, who had two verrucous nodules (8 mm in diameter) on the forehead and right nasogenian fold, of 4 weeks progression. Methods We made a histopathological study (hematoxylin and eosin, Gomori Groccot and periodic acid-Schiff stains) and mycology studies (direct microscopic examination, Sabouraud and mycobiotic agar cultures). Multiple studies were made with no evidence of systemic spread. Results Biopsy showed a dermal inflammatory infiltrate made up of lymphocytes, neutrophils, histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells. A few large, haloed, broad-based budding yeasts were also observed. Direct examination with KOH revealed broad-based budding yeasts, 10 μm in diameter. Culture at 35 °C yielded a white, pleated colony, which changed into a yellowish cerebriform. Multiple studies were made with no evidence of systemic spread. Itraconazole 200 mg qd PO was given over a 2 month period, with a complete clinical and mycological response. Conclusions This is the first imported case in Mexico of blastomycosis with cutaneous lesions without systemic involvement.

Non-dermatophyte moulds as skin and nail foot mycosis agents: Phoma herbarum, Chaetomium globosum and Microascus cinereus

The increased prevalence of dermatomycoses along with the wide range of organisms now recognized as potential pathogens needs accurate laboratory isolation and identification of the aetiological agents. In this report three cases of foot dermatomycoses due to filamentous fungi commonly present in the environment with ubiquitous distribution are described in immunocompetent subjects. Skin and nail samples were collected, suspended in 20 % KOH solution, examined under a light microscope and cultured in Mycobiotic agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol to detect fungal growth. Phoma herbarum, Chaetomium globosum, and Microascus cinereus were isolated and identified.

Etiological agents of tinea capitis in Erzurum, Turkey

Summary Tinea capitis is the most common dermatophyte infection of the scalp affecting mainly children and rarely adults. The epidemiology of tinea capitis varies within different geographical areas throughout the world. In the present study, the incidence of tinea capitis agents in samples sent to our laboratory over the past 2 years was investigated and evaluated. A prospective study was conducted in Erzurum district between 2006 and 2008, of 48 children presenting with tinea capitis at the dermatological outpatient clinic of the university hospital. Thirty (62.5%) were male and 18 (37.5%) were female, with an average age at presentation of 6.3 years (age range 3–14 years). Only one case of tinea capitis was 17 years of age. Specimens were obtained from pus, hairs, and skin scrapings from suspected lesions of tinea capitis. Mycological analyses were conducted by direct microscopic examination using 30% potassium hydroxide solution and by fungal culture on Sabouraud glucose agar, with chloramphenicol and Mycobiotic agar. The culture tubes were incubated at 25 °C and examined daily for 1 month. Species were identified according to the macroscopic and microscopic phenotypic features of the cultures. Direct microscopy of samples was positive in all of patients while culture positive was found in 28 (58.3%) of patients. All patients had inflammatory type (kerion). Species identification revealed that Microsporum canis (28.5%) was the most causative agent, followed by Trichophyton tonsurans (25.0%), M. audouinii (17.8%), T. verrucosum (17.8%), T. violaceum (7.1%). From one patient (17 years old), the isolate was T. schoenleinii. Our data show that M. canis is the main etiologic agents of tinea capitis in this area.