Mycological Studies Research Articles

Prevalence and etiology of onychomycosis in patients with psoriasis: a single-center study

BACKGROUND: Changes in nails with psoriasis are observed in 8090% of patients. Pathological processes in the nail apparatus in patients with psoriasis are associated with both the underlying disease and the infectious nature.
 AIMS: To evaluate the clinical features of the affected nail plates in patients with psoriasis, the prevalence and etiology of onychomycosis in patients with psoriasis with altered nail plates.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: 102 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, mild and moderate, stationary stage with altered nail plates were examined. A clinical and laboratory (microscopic and cultural) study of the affected nail plates was carried out.
 RESULTS: After mycological studies and physical examination of the affected nails of 102 patients, the following groups of nail diseases in patients with psoriasis were identified: psoriatic onychodystrophy (76; 74.5%) patients, onychomycosis (30; 29.4%) patients, traumatic onycholysis (4; 3,9%) patient, onychocryptosis (3; 2.9%) patients. 11 (14.5%) patients with psoriatic onychodystrophy had a complication in the form of a fungal infection. Distal-lateral subungual form of onychomycosis was detected in 17 patients (56.7%), total dystrophic form ― in 10 patients (33.3%), white superficial form ― in 2 patients (6.6%), proximal subungual form ― in 1 patient (3.3%).
 CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of clinical and mycological examination of the affected nails of patients with psoriasis, it was revealed that 74.5% of patients have manifestations of psoriatic onychodystrophy, 29.4% ― onychomycosis. Among patients with psoriatic onychodystrophy, 14.5% had a complication in the form of a secondary fungal infection. The main causative agents of onychomycosis are Candida spp. (63.3%). The incidence of dermatophytes (Trichophyton spp.) Was 36.7% of the total number of cases. The main clinical forms of onychomycosis in patients with psoriasis are distal-lateral (56.6%), total dystrophic (33.3%).

A Mycological and Molecular Epidemiologic Study on Onychomycosis and Determination In Vitro Susceptibilities of Isolated Fungal Strains to Conventional and New Antifungals.

BackgroundOnychomycosis is one of the most common and recurrent dermatological diseases worldwide. The antimycotic activity of prescribed medications varies according to the causative agents, and treatment failure rates exceeding 30%. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of onychomycosis in Iran. Also, the susceptibilities to conventional and new antifungals were investigated.MethodsIn this descriptive cross-sectional study, during the period of 18 months starting from September 2019 until March 2020, 594 nail specimens were obtained from patients who presented nail changes compatible with a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis. The patients were referred from different cities, including Tehran, Kermanshah, Arak, Kashan, Rasht, Qom, Urmia, Zahedan, Hamadan, Zanjan, Borujerd, Bushehr, and Yazd. All the samples were subjected to microscopic examination and fungal culture. Fungi identified were confirmed through the PCR-sequencing method. The susceptibility to itraconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine, griseofulvin, posaconazole, ravuconazole, efinaconazole, luliconazole, and tavaborole was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, document M38-A2 for filamentous fungi, and document M27-A3 for yeasts.Results594 patients were included. Of these, in 179 cases (30.1%) (95% CI:0.3 ± 0.037) onychomycosis was confirmed. The majority of patients were ≥ 60 years of age (n=58, 32.6%) and female (n=113, 63.1%). Saprophytic fungi accounted for the vast majority of the nail isolates (n=92, 51.4%) (95% CI:0.051 ± 0.0.073), followed by dermatophytes (n=45, 25.1%) (95% CI:0.25 ± 0.063), and yeasts (n=42, 23.5%) (95% CI:0.23 ± 0.061). Diabetes mellitus (77.3%), hypothyroidism (18.2%), and solid tumors (4.5%) were documented as the most prevalent underlying conditions. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed against 60 fungal isolates (20 each of Candida species, saprophytic fungi, and dermatophytes). Efinaconazole, ravuconazole, and luliconazole were the most active agents against Candida species. Also, luliconazole, posaconazole, and efinaconazole were most potent against dermatophytes. Luliconazole had the greatest antifungal activity against saprophytic fungi.ConclusionsThe prevalence of onychomycosis in Iranian patients was relatively high. LUL exhibited potent antifungal activity against the three groups of fungi tested, determining its broad-spectrum antimycotic activity and its probable use as the first-line therapy for onychomycosis.

Mycological Investigation of Bottled Water Dispensers in Healthcare Facilities.

The usage of bottled water dispensers (BWDs) has spread worldwide. Despite their popularity, few studies have dealt with their microbial contaminants, and little attention is given to their fungal contamination. To our knowledge this is the first mycological study of BWDs in Europe. 36 devices have been examined in Budapest, Hungary. Despite of the strictly regulated water hygiene system in Hungary, molds and yeasts were detected in 86.8% of the samples, 56.76% were highly contaminated. Elevated heterotrophic plate counts were also observed in all samples compared to that of Hungarian drinking water. As all physical and chemical water quality characteristics have met the relevant national and European parametric values and neither totally explained the results of microbial counts, the effect of usage and maintenance habits of the devices were examined. Fungal concentrations were affected by the time elapsed since disinfection, days remaining until expiration of bottles, month of sampling and exposure to sunlight during storage. Microbes are able to proliferate in the bottled water and disperse inside the BWDs. Many of the detected fungal species (Sarocladium kiliense, Acremonium sclerotigenum/egyptiacum, Exophiala jeanselmei var. lecanii-corni, Exophiala equina, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Cystobasidium slooffiae, Aspergillus jensenii, Bisifusarium biseptatum) are opportunistic pathogens for subpopulations of sensitive age groups and patients with immunodeficient conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Thus BWDs may pose a health risk to visitors of healthcare institutions, especially to patients with oral lesions in dental surgeries. The study draws attention to the need to investigate microbial contamination of these devices in other countries as well.

Evaluation of the carbonylation of filamentous fungi proteins by dry immune dot blotting

The development of mycological gerontology requires effective methods for assessing the biological age of fungal cells. This assessment is based on the analysis of a complex of aging and oxidative stress markers. One of the most powerful such markers is the protein carbonylation. In this study, the already known method of dry immune dot blotting is adapted for mycological studies of the content of protein carbonyl groups. After testing the method on a number of filamentous fungi species, some features of the accumulation of carbonylated proteins in mycelium were established. Among these features: (i) a weak effect of exogenous oxidative stress on the accumulation of carbonyls in a number of fungi, (ii) reversibility of the carbonyl accumulation, (iii) possibility of arbitrary regulation of carbonyl content by fungus itself and (iv) the influence of hormesis. In addition, two polar strategies for the accumulation of carbonyl modification were revealed, named Id-strategy (Indifferent) and Cn-strategy (Concern). Thus, even the analysis of one marker allows making some preliminary general assumptions and conclusions. For example, the idea that fungi can freely regulate their biological age is confirmed. This feature makes fungi very flexible in terms of responding to environmental influences and promising objects for gerontology.

An annotated bibliography of medical mycology in Iraq: 1962 -2021

One of the gaps in knowledge concerning diversity of fungi in Iraq is checklists and documentation of fungal data. For a country like Iraq no updated checklists of fungi at all or any mycological bibliographic studies up till now. We decided in our newly born Iraqi Mycologists’ Network to start a long road for documentation of fungi in Iraq by all available means. By screening of available sources of information (websites, dissertations, theses, journals), it was possible to figure out a range of four hundred and fifty-five articles published since 1962 in Iraq collected from various sources all dealing with some phase of medical mycology. The value of this bibliography to students, researchers and medical mycologists in Iraq and world-wide in this field is self-evident. It should be mentioned here that, although the present study will add some new data to our information concerning medical mycology in Iraq; it must be considered as a provisional one always waiting for continuous supplementation.

Conducting a comprehensive mycological study to prevent the occurrence of aspergillosis in chickens

Diseases of poultry aspergillosis are recorded in many poultry farms, the causes of the disease are the violation of the sanitary and hygienic conditions of hatcheries and poultry houses (unfavorable microclimate, affected feed and litter by microscopic fungi). To prevent the development of infection, it is necessary to control air pollution and equipment in hatcheries; determine the safety indicators of feed and water (the level of their mycological contamination) in poultry houses; monitor the status of feed storage facilities and water supply systems. According to the results of our research, in 15.1% of dead chickens at the age of 3 to 5 days and 6.6% at the age of 7-10 days, according to the results of mycological examination of pathological material, the diagnosis of aspergillosis was established. Aspergillus flavus (47%) Aspergillus fumigatus (34.5%), Aspergillus niger (10%) were isolated from the lungs of dead chickens. Macroscopically revealed edema and hyperemia of the lungs in chickens of 3-5 days of age. The formation of granulomas in the lungs and serous membranes was not detected, which may indicate an acute form of the pathological process. Chickens 7-10 days old showed a strong thickening of the air sacs, lungs with multiple spherical granulomas up to 2 mm in diameter. Spores of fungi entering the lungs cause a local inflammatory reaction - acute pneumonia. Histologically, in chickens of 3-5 days of age, a thickening of the parabronchial wall due to hyperplasia of local lymphoid formations (providing local immunity), signs of the development of interstitial pneumonia were revealed. Pathognomonic signs were found in the parenchyma - the formation of giant multinucleated cells, which is a characteristic sign of mycotic infections in poultry. The fusion of local pulmonary macrophages, histiocytes, into multinucleated cells is a prerequisite for the formation of granulomas, being a specific immune response in birds to the penetration of a pathogen. According to the development of the infectious process, caseous granulomas and fungal hyphae can be detected microscopically in the lungs. According to the results of histological examination, the formation of mycotic granulomas was found in the lung parenchyma in 7-10 days old chickens, which was accompanied by the formation of a zone of coagulation necrosis, in which the fungal hyphae were found. On the periphery, giant multinucleated epithelioid cells are located, the detection of which by histological examination is the basis for suspecting bird infection with microscopic fungi. Microscopic fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus have been found in washes from hatchery ventilation cabinets, and Aspergillus flavus was found in the air from the chick sorting room and in washes from the feed mixer. Key words: aspergillosis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, micromycete, mold fungi, histiocytes, granulomas, phylaids, conidia, hyphae.

Antifungal Activities of Boswellia carterii Resin on Fungal Strains Producing of Mycotoxins Isolated from Semolina Samples and Their Derivatives by Thin Layer Chromatography Method and Elisa Technique

Mold growth is among the major causes of health impairment of cereals, in particular durum wheat (Triticum durum) for the synthesis of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins B1 and ochratoxin A (OTA), originally from poisoning in the consumer. In this context, the objectives of this work is the search and characterization of fungal strains Producers mycotoxins such as Aspergillus, Penicillium in semolina and their derivatives (traditional and industrial couscous) and detect and quantify total aflatoxins, aflatoxins B1 and ochratoxin mycotoxicologique to assess the risk associated with the consumption of these foods. In this regard, our work focuses on mycological and mycotoxicologique study of semolina and couscous deemed most commercialized in the town of Bechar-Algeria after a socio-economic survey. The mycological study testifies the high degree of pollution of our samples by Aspergillus, Penicillium. The expertise of genera reveals the high degree of invasion of our samples by Aspergillus, Penicillium. The examination of fungal procession characterizing our samples shows a very high index of distribution, or of fidelity of Penicillium 43.75% of our sample and 28.38% Aspergillus. The presence of these species is evidence that our samples have been abused, but especially poorly stored; should be noted the involvement of the genera Alternaria 7.10%, Fusarium 13.70%. Thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis revealed that 50% of Aspergillus flavus-parasiticus strains were aflatoxin G-producing and aflatoxin B-free in our samples. Of the Aspergillus ochraceus strains 50% were OTA producers. The presumption of toxicity of the various samples appeared positive on TLC. The test of Elisa has confirmed the presence of the OTA in our samples, the analysis of its results shows that the majority of the rates of OTA taken on our analyzed samples follow the European standard, these rates are between 1.01 and 1.9, except for one sample (couscous) which has shown a rate much higher than the standard recommended by the regulation (> 100 ppb), the samples of semolina had a rate of OTA lower than the beginning of the detection (1 ppb). The results of the presence of AFB spread out between 4.93 ppb and > 40 ppb. The antifungal activity of the resin of Boswellia carterii was tested on the following strains: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium expansum. And kneaded according to the technique of diagonal growth on intermediate solid medium (PDA). The results showed that the yield of the aqueous extract varied between 96.2 and 99.8%. The results of the extracts also showed activity against the fungi studied 48.6% and 96.2%.

Fungi populate deep-sea coral gardens as well as marine sediments in the Irish Atlantic Ocean.

Fungi populate deep Oceans in extreme habitats characterized by high hydrostatic pressure, low temperature and absence of sunlight. Marine fungi are potential major contributors to biogeochemical events, critical for marine communities and food web equilibrium under climate change conditions and a valuable source of novel extremozymes and small molecules. Despite their ecophysiological and biotechnological relevance, fungal deep-sea biodiversity has not yet been thoroughly characterized. In this study, we describe the culturable mycobiota associated with the deepest margin of the European Western Continental Shelf: sediments sampled at the Porcupine Bank and deep-water corals and sponges sampled in the Whittard Canyon. Eighty-seven strains were isolated, belonging to 43 taxa and mainly Ascomycota. Ten species and four genera were detected for the first time in the marine environment and a possible new species of Arachnomyces was isolated from sediments. The genera Cladosporium and Penicillium were the most frequent and detected on both substrates, followed by Candida and Emericellopsis. Our results showed two different fungal communities: sediment-associated taxa which were predominantly saprotrophic and animal-associated taxa which were predominantly symbiotic. This survey supports selective fungal biodiversity in the deep North Atlantic, encouraging further mycological studies on cold water coral gardens, often overexploited marine habitats.

Prevalence, Pattern and Clinical Variations of Dermatophytosis in Patients with HIV Infection at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt

Background: Immunosuppression due to various etiologies has been associated with the occurrence of dermatophytosis. Several studies in the past have demonstrated that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a risk factor for the acquisition and severity of dermatophytosis. This study examined the prevalence and clinical variations of dermatophytosis amongst HIV positive patients seen in Port-Harcourt, Southern Nigeria.
 Methods: Between July 2019 and 2020 173 seropositive cases and 173 seronegative controls were recruited for this study. They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire and thereafter screened for the presence of dermatophytosis and sent for mycology studies.
 Results: There was a higher prevalence of dermatophytosis in the HIV seropositive group when compared to the control group. Most of the lesions seen were not markedly different from that seen in immunocompetent persons. 41.65% of the cases were found among those with CD4 cell counts below 200. Tinea corporis was the commonest lesion seen (50%). Trichophyton species was the commonest dermatophyte isolated, followed by Microsporum spp.
 Conclusion: Prevalence of dermatophytosis is significantly higher in HIV infected patients and commonly occurs in advanced stages of the disease. Tinea corporis is the most common lesion in this group of patients and Trichophyton spp. a common causative agent.

A clinical and mycological study of dermatophytosis in a tertiary care hospital

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> With changing climatic conditions, socio-demographic profile, economic conditions and occupational profile of the population, the profile of the dermatophyte infections is also changing. Hence, the study was done to find out the prevalence of various clinical pattern of dermatophytosis and correlate the clinical diagnosis with KOH positivity and fungal culture positivity.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry. The study included patients presenting to the dermatology outpatient department with skin lesions suggestive of dermatophyte infections between January 2016 to July 2017. The KOH test and fungal culture were done.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean age of the patients was 33.65±11.61 years, with the majority belonging to 16 to 30 years of age group. There was a high male preponderance 72% with male:female ratio of 2.57:1. The most common clinical diagnosis was <em>Tinea corporis</em> in 47.50% of the population., followed by <em>Tinea Unguium</em> in 28% and <em>Tinea cruris</em> in 19.50%. KOH positivity was seen in 86 (43%) out of 200 cases in the study population. The culture was positive in 55 (27.50%) of the study population. The most common organism isolated in culture was <em>Trichophyton mentagrophyte</em> (10%), followed by <em>Trichophyton rubrum</em> (9.5%) and <em>Trichophyton tonsurans</em> (5.5%). 55 (27.5%) of the people had both culture and KOH positive.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Dermatophyte infections commonly affect the young and economically productive age group of 16 to 30-year, with high male preponderance. KOH tends to show a higher proportion of positivity as compared to culture.</p>

Onychomycosis in patients with multiple sclerosis: prevalence, clinical description, mycological, and dermoscopic study in a Mexican population.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease related to HLA-DR8. Susceptibility to onychomycosis has been found in Mexican mestizos with HLA-DR8. The frequency of onychomycosis in this neurological disease is unknown. To determine the frequency of onychomycosis and its clinical, mycological, and dermoscopic characteristics in patients with MS in comparison with the general population. Observational, cross-sectional, case-control study in patients with MS from October 2017 to February 2018. Age, gender, MS type, and time of progression from diagnosis to date and baseline treatment were collected after signed informed consent. A neurological exploration and clinical examination of fingernails and toenails for onychomycosis was conducted. Mycological and dermoscopic studies of the infected nails were performed on patients with clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis. A healthy control group was taken for each case (1:1), paired by age and gender. The frequency of onychomycosis in patients with MS was higher than the healthy population (32% vs. 26%, P=0.509). A higher frequency of non-dermatophyte fungi was found, although it was not statistically significant. The clinical manifestations and dermoscopic findings in patients with MS and onychomycosis were similar to those of the general population. The frequency of onychomycosis in patients with MS is slightly higher than that of the general population. A possible association of HLA-DR8 as a susceptibility factor for onychomycosis is proposed. The etiology of opportunistic fungi in MS patients with onychomycosis may be related to immunosuppressive treatment.

Trichophyton benhamiae, un dermatofito zoofílico emergente en Argentina con reservorio en cobayos: descripción de 7 casos en un hospital de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires

Trichophyton benhamiae is a zoonotic dermatophyte that can cause tinea corporis, tinea faciei and tinea capitis, producing inflammatory lesions, especially in children. In this publication, we describe 7clinical cases of pediatric patients that occurred in our institution between July 2019 and January 2020. All patients underwent a conventional mycological study. The identification of fungi isolates was confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS and sequencing of the ribosomal DNA. T. benhamiae was identified as the etiological agent, whose epidemiological link in all cases was the contact with Guinea pigs. This is the first description of infections caused by T. benhamiae in Argentina. This dermatophyte can be misidentified as other more frequent dermatophytes when performing conventional studies. Molecular technology should be used to reach a definitive diagnosis. It is important to have epidemiological data from patients such as contact with non-traditional pets, especially Guinea pigs, for an adequate presumptive diagnosis of this dermatophytosis.

Disseminated Deep Dermal Trichophyton Rubrum Infection in a Heart Transplant Recipient

<h3>Introduction</h3> The dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) is one of the most common causes of superficial cutaneous mycoses. Although these are often seen in immunosuppressed heart transplant recipients, reports of deep dermatophytoses are rare. Accounts of extensive T. rubrum are even scarcer. We report a case of disseminated deep T. rubrum infection in a heart transplant patient, successfully treated with itraconazole. <h3>Case Report</h3> A 62 year-old systemically well male one year post-cardiac transplantation presented with a 4-month history of painless discharging erythematous nodules. These ranged from 1 to 6 cm in diameter on his upper limbs, lower abdomen, perineum and upper thighs. Histology from skin biopsy showed deep dermal granulomatous inflammation with filamentous fungal hyphae. Mycological studies isolated T. rubrum. This was treated with oral itraconazole and careful dose reduction of tacrolimus. After one month, the patient described a reduction in size of nodules and absence of new lesions. Following three months of itraconazole, the patient achieved a near complete response. The infection remained adequately controlled two months after itraconazole cessation. <h3>Summary</h3> There have been 5 published reports of deep T. rubrum infection over the last 10 years in PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE¹. A condition distinct from superficial dermatophytosis, deep dermatophytosis occurs in immunosuppressed individuals with defective cell-mediated immunity². Cases in solid-organ transplant recipients have been described predominantly in kidney recipients³. Disseminated infection has been reported in various bodily sites with the presentation of papulo-nodular lesions⁴ alongside invasive and extensive forms³. Careful monitoring of immunosuppressant level is required to prevent complications when itraconazole (an enzyme inhibitor) is added⁵. Deep dermatophytosis such as T. rubrum should be included in the differential diagnosis of erythematous skin nodules in immunosuppressed patients.

Testing the Toxicity of Stachybotrys chartarum in Indoor Environments—A Case Study

Infestation of interior walls of buildings with fungal mould is a reason for health concern which is exacerbated in energy-efficient buildings that limit air circulation. Both mycological and mycotoxicological studies are needed to determine the potential health hazards to residents. In this paper, a rare case of the occurrence of Stachybotrys chartarum in an apartment building in the Lubuskie Province in Poland has been described. Isolated as the major constituent of a mixed mycobiota, its specific health relevance still needs to be carefully analyzed as its biochemical aptitude for the synthesis of mycotoxins may be expressed at different levels. Therefore, ecotoxicological tests were performed using two bioindicators: Dugesia tigrina Girard and Daphnia magna Straus. D. tigrina was used for the first time to examine the toxicity of S. chartarum. The ecotoxicological tests showed that the analyzed strain belonged to the third and fourth toxicity classes according to Liebmann’s classification. The strain of S. chartarum was moderately toxic on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) as a culture medium (toxicity class III), and slightly toxic on Malt Extract Agar (MEA) (toxicity class IV). Toxicity was additionally tested by instrumental analytical methods (LC-MS/MS). This method allowed for the identification of 13 metabolites (five metabolites reported for Stachybotrys and eight for unspecific metabolites). Spirocyclic drimanes were detected in considerable quantities (ng/g); a higher concentration was observed for stachybotryamide (109,000 on PDA and 62,500 on MEA) and lower for stachybotrylactam (27,100 on PDA and 46,300 on MEA). Both may explain the result observed through the bioindicators. Highly toxic compounds such as satratoxins were not found in the sample. This confirms the applicability of the two bioindicators, which also show mutual compatibility, as suitable tools to assess the toxicity of moulds.

Evolutionary biology and interaction among the anastomosis groups of Rhizoctonia spp.

Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn and other Rhizoctonia spp. are the plant pathogenic fungi widespread in the world and in both cultivated and noncultivated soils. Rhizoctonia spp. are readily isolated from diseased plants and soils, which differ in their pathogenicity, cultural, morphological and physiological characteristics. Identification of species and intraspecific groups (ISGs) is sometimes very difficult, due to the absence of the authentic cultures, which hinders mycological and pathological studies. The genus Rhizoctonia can be identified using various techniques such as, sequence analysis of ITS regions, DNA fingerprinting and the rDNA coding sequence. The introduction of the concept of anastomosis groups (AGs) or intraspecific groups has also aided species and subspecies identification. There are 13 different anastomosis groups exists in Rhizoctonia solani of which AG 1-4 were strong pathogenic on many plants and AG 6-10 were orchid mycorrhizae. Analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and the sequences within ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) among different anastomosis groups of R. solani isolates exhibited DNA base sequence homology and diverging evolutionary affinities for hyphal anastomosis. More recently, ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences have been used to study the genetic relationships between AG of R. solani. The ecology and epidemiology of each ISG of R. solani must be investigated in order to gain a better understanding of this important group of fungi.

Descriptive study of various bacterial flora in chronic otitis media

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Chronic otitis media (COM) is the inflammation of the middle ear, which is characterised by ear discharge due to tympanic membrane perforation, at least for over a month. The inflammation is due to the underlying infection, due to which the middle ear mucosa gets inflamed, leading to discharge and eventual perforation of the tympanic membrane. The aim of the study was to study the microbial flora and its culture and sensitivity from ear discharge in chronic otitis media.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Total of 100 ears with either mucosal COM or squamosal COM were included in this study. Patients coming to the outpatient department (OPD) with discharging ear were subjected to aural suctioning/cleaning with the use of bulls eye lamp. After cleaning the external auditory canal, sterile aural speculum were introduced into the EAC, creating a sterile conduit. Following this, middle ear discharge or the discharge around the tympanic membrane was collected using sterile cotton swabs and sent for laboratory within half an hour for mycological and bacteriological study.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Majority of patients were in an age group of 10-20 years, followed by age group of 21-30 years. The male to female ratio was 4.7:5.3. Out of the 100 swabs sent for culture and sensitivity, 6 swabs had no growth whereas &lt;em&gt;Pseudomonas aeroginosa &lt;/em&gt;was the highest isolated organism (36 swabs), followed by &lt;em&gt;Proteus mirabilis &lt;/em&gt;(23 swabs). Aerobic infection was the commonest, isolated in 47.9% of culture positive swabs. Polymyxin B was the most sensitive antibiotic, whereas cefotaxime was the most resistant antibiotic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa &lt;/em&gt;and &lt;em&gt;Proteus mirabilis &lt;/em&gt;are the main bacteria isolated in mucosal COM. There is development of drug resistance in the majority of bacteria in chronic otitis media, due to excessive usage of antibiotics, making the treatment much difficult.&lt;/p&gt;

A clinical and mycological study of superficial mycosis

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Superficial mycosis is among the most frequent forms of human infection affecting more than 20-25% of world’s population. Current study aims at assessing the clinical profile of dermatophytic infection and to identify the fungal species responsible. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A prospective study conducted on 100 patients with clinically suspected dermatophytosis presenting to Skin OPD in a tertiary hospital in north Karnataka. A detailed clinical history, general physical examination and systemic examination routine lab investigations were done. Sample collection for mycological examinations was done for direct microscopy in 10% KOH (40% KOH for nail) and fungal culture an SDA with 0.5% chloramphenicol and 0.5% cyclohexidine was done in every case.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Male:female ratio was approximately 3:2. Maximum numbers of cases were in the age groups of 16-30 years (46 cases). 46% patients had multiple site involvement followed by tinea corporis in 20 (20%), tinea cruris in 18 (18%), tinea unguium (8%), tinea manuum (3%), tinea pedis (3%), tinea barbae (1%), and tinea faciei (1%). Potassium hydroxide examination was positive for fungal elements in 88(88%) patients and 35(35%). The most common species identified were. &lt;em&gt;Trichophyton rubrum&lt;/em&gt; in 60% samples, followed by &lt;em&gt;Trichophyton mentagrophytes &lt;/em&gt;in 20%.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Present clinical and mycological study showed tinea corporis as the most common clinical pattern followed by tinea cruris and &lt;em&gt;T. rubrum&lt;/em&gt; as the most common causative agent.&lt;/p&gt;

Tinea capitis: aspectos clínicos y alternativas terapéuticas

A descriptive observational and cross-sectional study was carried out. The clinical characteristics, etiologic agents, treatments and outcome of 33 cases of tinea capitis in the Mycology Unit at Francisco J. Muñiz Hospital of Buenos Aires City between January 2015 and December 2019 were analyzed. The median age of the patients was 7 years, 21 of whom were male, 3 were HIV-positive and 22 had pets. The isolated etiologic agents were the following: Microsporum canis in 22 cases, Trichophyton tonsurans in 8, Nannizzia gypsea in 2 and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in one patient. Suppurative tinea capitis (krion Celsi) was detected in 10 cases and the same number of patients presented other skin locations of their dermatophytosis in addition to those in the scalp. Twenty-one cases were orally treated with griseofulvin and 12 with terbinafine. Those patients with suppurative tinea capitis received drops of betamethasone by mouth besides the antifungal drugs. All patients had good clinical and mycological response to the treatments, all lesions disappeared, and mycological studies turned negative by the end of the treatments. We conclude that both drugs were effective for the treatment of tinea capitis; however, lesions in those cases receiving terbinafine involuted more slowly.

Longevity enhancement of wooden civil structures

A method of longevity enhancement of wooden civil structures by absorption-chemical modification of timber surfaces is described herein. The modifiers were phosphoric acid ethers. The properties of the superficial layer were studied by IR-spectroscopy and elementary analysis by Energy Dispersion X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) for build-up detection of covalent bonds of the modifier with the timber surface. During mycological studies, quantities of vital spores on surfaces of wooden structures were measured. As a result, the modified surface of the timber features durable a high degree of biological and fire protection enhancing the longevity of timber structures. The obtained results were practically introduced for longevity enhancement of the timber structures in Ryazan Kremlin, Anglican Church in Archangel’sk City, Nikol’skaya Church (Lyavlya Village, Archangel’sk Region), in Yaroslavl’ Wooden Architecture Museum, Holy Trinity Sergius’ Lavra, in construction of individual housings in Moscow Region.

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

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