Mycological Studies Research Articles

СТЕПЕНЬ РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЯ И МЕХАНИЗМ РАЗВИТИЯ МЕТРИТА У КОРОВ ПОСЛЕ ПАТОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ РОДОВ

Experiments were carried out in farms of various forms of ownership of the Volgograd, Saratov regions and the Chechen Republic. The degree of spread and the mechanism of development of metrite in cows after abortus, prolapsis uteri and retenzia secundarum have been established. Metritis in cows after delivery as a result of abortus, prolapsis uteri and retenzia secundarum is accompanied by an increased microbial and fungal background of the uterus, which is represented by various associations of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms and microscopic fungi in symbiotic relations. Microbiological studies of sterile samples were carried out by sowing on MPA, MPB, blood agar, MPA with 1% glucose solution, Endo, Koda and Saburo media. The identification of microorganisms and their species belonging, taking into account their morphological, cultural, tinctorial and biochemical properties, was established, guided by the "Short Determinant of Berga Bacteria" (1980), fungi - according to the methodology of N. A. Spesivtseva (1964). In cows without delivery during childbirth, during microbiological examination in the first three days after childbirth, pathogenic microorganisms were not isolated from uterine samples. Only from day 5 after delivery in 35% of cows were the genitals contaminated with various non-pathogenic microflora. In birthing cows, 14 species of bacteria were isolated during microbiological examination of the contents of the genitals, which in 84.5% of cases were contaminated with pathogenic microflora. The following bacteria S. aureus were isolated in 25% of cases, E. coli in 47%, K. pneumonia - 18% and S. pyogenes in 10% of cases. In cows after abortus, prolapsis uteri or retenzia secundarum, uterine contents in 100% were contaminated with pathogens such as S. aureus in 28% of cases, E. coli - 49%, Pr. mirabilis - 10%, K. pneumoniae - 8% and S. pyogenes - 5% of cases. The results of mycological studies found that microscopic fungi were isolated in cows as a result of abortus, prolapsis uteri or retenzia secundarum: mold - A. fumigatus and yeast - C. albicans and C. Crusei.

Effect of combined treatments and chemicalization agents on soil mycobiota in spring barley crops

The research was carried out in the Central Russian branch of the Federal Research Center named after I.V. Michurin ”. Soil samples for the study were taken from experimental plots of the Tambov Research Institute of Agriculture of the branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “FNTs im. I.V. Michurin ”. For the first time in the northeastern part of the Central chernozem region, research is being conducted to study the microflora and microfauna of typical chernozem. The aim of the study is the effect of combined treatments, as well as the system of fertilizers on the accumulation, structure of the complex of soil phytopathogenic and saprotrophic mycobiota, as well as the microscopic population of the soil in crops of spring barley. As a result of mycological studies, a complex of soil mycobiota was revealed and the dependence of phytopathogens and saprotrophs on elements of agricultural technology was shown. Dump-surface tillage to one degree or another contributed to stabilization of the antagonistic soil mycobiota of the soil. The optimal dose of mineral fertilizer against the background of combined soil treatments has been determined, which makes it possible to successfully restrain the number of micromycetes that cause root rot. It was noted that micromycetes of the genus Pythium were most often found in soils for all crops, less than other phytopathogens. The research results have proved the peculiarity of identifying structures by the improved method.

Биоразнообразие базидиомецетов в зоне воздействия выбросов алюминиевого завода города Волгограда

There are a large number of operating plants, combines and factories on the territory of Volgograd. Daily they emit tons of pollutants into the atmosphere, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, fluoride compounds, nitrogen oxides, inorganic dust, etc. All of them are absorbed by the environment, including mushrooms. It is known that fruiting bodies of fungi accumulate heavy metals from the environment well and are excellent bioindicators. The study of the accumulation of toxic substances in the basidiomes of macromycetes in Volgograd has not previously been carried out. The purpose of our study was to assess the contamination of mushroom fruiting bodies in the sanitary protection zone of the plant by the bioindication method. We used standard methods of field research, microscopic analysis of samples using a Mikmed-5 binocular microscope, a Levenhuk C 510 NG camera and a standard set of reagents (5 % alkali solution and Meltzer’s reagent for determining the reaction of cell walls to iodine) and the bioindication method with the use of the lower crustaceans Daphnia as a test object. During mycological studies performed in fall-2019 in the study area, 14 species of fungi were identified. As a result of the bioindication research, a macromycete that accumulates harmful substances to a greater extent – Tricholoma equestre (L.) P. Kumm was identified. This species is considered tasty by the inhabitants of the city. The study proves that picking and eating mushrooms from the territory of sanitary protection factories, in particular the Aluminum Plant, is unsafe.

Modern views on the classification of allergic skin diseases

The article provides modern views on the classification of allergic skin diseases. Clinical, microbiological, and mycological studies of patients with allergic dermatoses contributed to the development of a clinical working classification of allergic skin diseases, taking into account the microbiome of the body’s biosubstrates. A clinical classification of bacterial, fungal and mixed-bacterial sensitization is proposed, taking into account the identification of opportunistic microorganisms.

A cross sectional clinicomycological study of dermatophytosis in a tertiary care hospital, North Karnataka, India

Introduction: Dermatophytosis is superficial fungal infection caused by a group of keratinophilic fungi called dermatophytes capable of invading keratinized tissue of skin, hair and nail. The dermatophytes which cause human disease are divided into three main genera based on their morphological characteristics as Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Hence, to determine the prevalence of dermatophytosis and to isolate different dermatophyte species. Material and Methods: The present study was hospital based, cross-sectional study which was done in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 150 samples were collected from clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis. Samples were subjected to mycological studies like KOH examination and fungal culture using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) media with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Species were identified based on colony morphology, microscopic features using lactophenol cotton blue mount and confirmation by using slide culture. Whenever necessary, urease test was also done for species identification. Results: In present study, out of 150 samples, majority of the patients were in1-10 yrs followed by 21-30 and 31-40 years age group and most of them were males. Among 150 samples collected, 96 (64%) cases were KOH positive and 49 (33%) were culture positive. Tinea corporis was the most common clinical type seen followed by tinea capitis, tinea cruris, and tinea faciei. Dermatophytes isolated which include Trichopyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. verrucosum, T. Schoenleinii, T. tonsurans, Microsporum gypseum, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Conclusion: Tineacorporis was the commonest clinical type of dermatophytosis and T. mentagrophytes was the most common species isolated in this study. Keywords: Dermatophytosis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum gypseum Slide culture.

Prospective clinico mycological study of superficial mycosis in coastal Andhra Pradesh

Introduction: Indian continent has remarkable topographical variation between tropical and subtropical regions of the world. For this reasons, superficial mycoses is common in our country. There are other predisposing factors, like socioeconomic condition, overcrowded, poor hygiene, and contact with animal, and in the absence of proper medical care skin mycoses spread epidemically. In addition to its epidemic nature, the spectrum of dermatophytosis is also not static. Konaseema region is costal part of Andhra Pradesh, and no such study has been conducted in this region, so present study has been designed to study the clinical pattern of superficial mycoses among the patients who are attending outpatient department of Dermatology, venereology and leprosy and also to study the variations of species causing different morphological forms of superficial mycoses. Materials and Methods: Present study is a randomized cross sectional prospective study conducted in the dermatology, venereology and leprology department Konaseema institute of medical sciences Amalapuram from February 2016 to May 2018.The study population include 1200 patients diagnosed clinically having superficial mycoses randomly selected for this study based on exclusion and inclusion criteria. Result: Out of 1200 patients 786 (65.5%) were diagnosed as dermatophytosis 146 (12.1%) patients were diagnosed as pityriasis versicolor, 224 (18.666%) patients were diagnosed to be candidiasis and 44 (3.66%) patients were having tinea nigra. Out of 786 dermatophytes, 320 (49.10%) were clinically diagnosed as T. Cruris, 240 (30.53%) patients were clinically diagnosed as tinea. corporis, 104 patients (13.23%) were diagnosed as tinea Unguium, tinea mannum patients were 44 in number (5.59%), T capitis patients were 26, (3.3%). 20 patients that is 2.5% were diagnosed to be tinea. Barbae and 12 (1.5%) patients were diagnosed to be tinea. Faciei 2.5% patients were diagnosed to have tinea pedis. Discussion and Conclusion: We

Mycological profile of intertrigo of foot in a tertiary care hospital, Mysore, South India

Introduction: Intertrigo is an inflammatory condition of skin folds commonly seen in any age from infancy to old age and one of the major cause for clinical consultations. Intertrigo is due to heat, moisture or lack of air circulation and the infection is most commonly seen in patients with diabetes. Foot intertrigo is the infection of Toe web spaces occurring mainly at interdigital toe web spaces. The friction of skin folds may lead to several complications which includes bacterial or fungal infections. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 clinically suspected cases of foot intertrigo were included in the study. Skin scrapings from the suspected cases of intertrigo were collected with standard precautions and all the samples were subjected to direct microscopy using 10% Potassium hydroxide and observed for presence of fungal elements and simultaneously the sample is processed for culture onto fungal culture media to identify the causative agents of foot intertrigo. Results: A total of 75 skin scrapings from the infected foot for Mycological study were collected among which 38 samples were collected from male patients and 37 samples were from female patients. Of 75 skin scrapings, 31 were 10% KOH positive and remaining 44 were negative to microscopy. On culture 34 samples were culture positive and 41 were culture negative. Out of 34 culture positive samples, Candida albicans were isolated in 15 specimens and Non-candida albicans in 6. Remaining samples yielded growth of moulds in which Dermatophytes (Trichophyton-3, Epidermophyton-1) were 4 isolates and Fusarium yielded growth in 9 samples. Conclusion: From our study, we conclude that intertrigo is a chronic inflammation. This might occur at any age. In our descriptive study, Candida albicans were predominantly isolated followed by other moulds such as Fusarium and Dermatophytes. Keywords: Intertrigo, Candida albicans, Fusarium, Dermatophytes.

The assessment of the oral cavity biocenosis state in patients with type II diabetes mellitus when using removable dentures

In connection with the progression of periodontal tissue diseases in the population, there is a rejuvenation of the age of patients who need to treat long dentition defects with removable denture constructions. This problem especially concerns patients with type II diabetes mellitus.Aim. To study the state of the oral cavity biocenosis in patients with type II diabetes mellitus using removable dentures against the background of the prophylactic use of Echinacea purpurea preparations.Materials and methods. The study included 157 patients with type II diabetes: a group of patients with toothless jaws of various types according to Schroeder and Keller (group 1, n = 45) and defects in the dentition of large spaces from 8 to 13 teeth (group 2, n = 112). Patients of subgroup 2 were prescribed a prophylactic course with Echinacea Compositum C; patients of 3 subgroups were taken a prophylactic course of Echinacea-Teva tablets. For bacteriological and mycological studies, the contents from the oral cavity and the surface of the prostheses were used.Results. Patients in all groups showed the presence of nonhemolytic streptococcus, gram-positive rods, lactobacilli, neisseria and enterococci and the appearance of pathological staphylococcus, diplococcus and yeast-like fungi. The largest spectrum of microorganisms was observed in patients with type II diabetes: in addition to all representatives of microorganisms indicated, the anaerobic flora was also determined in them. In 1 month of using prostheses in subgroup 2 all types of pathogenic microflora of the oral cavity in total accounted for no more than 50%, and in this observation period the anaerobic flora did not appear within the entire observation period. When using tablets containing Echinacea purpurea in patients of subgroup 3 the attention is drawn to the absence of the aerobic flora in this group, as well as the low content of yeast-like fungi.Conclusions. The biocenosis of the oral cavity in patients with type II diabetes mellitus using removable dentures should be considered as one of the most important indicators for assessing their dental health. The use of drugs containing Echinacea purpurea in patients with diabetes mellitus in addition to the basic antihyperglycemic therapy was accompanied by an increase in the rate of adaptation and was confirmed by both subjective and objective data.

Where are the basal fungi? Current status on diversity, ecology, evolution, and taxonomy

To date, the majority of mycological studies are focused on Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Research on basal fungi is rather limited with an obvious scarcity of data. Classification of basal fungi has witnessed ongoing changes in the last few decades. There have been numerous taxonomic revisions, establishment of new phyla and debates on the possibility to exclude some basal lineages from the currently circumscribed fungal groups. Zoosporic phyla such as Rozellomycota, Aphelidiomycota and Chytridiomycota are characterized by zoospores, which are motile spores with a flagellum. The position of the first two within the fungal kingdom is currently being debated. Non zoosporic phyla are collectively called zygomycetous fungi and include Mucoromycota and Zoopagomycota. Basal fungi perform important ecological roles. Some groups of basal fungi control the population density of plankton, Oomycetes, aphids, and small invertebrates, while taking part in recycling of energy and matter in food webs. A few basal fungi are known for uptaking toxic heavy metals from the environment. The earliest basal fungi emerged just after the divergence of the nucleariid line of phagotrophs. Various taxonomic studies question the monophyly of some basal phyla, such as Chytridiomycota. Depending on the life mode of the fungi and whether motile or non-motile spores are produced, the isolation methods differ. For the culture of parasitic zoosporic fungi, co-culturing the fungi with their host is recommended while for saprobes ones, baits can be used. For zygomycetous fungi, common methods include dilution plating and direct inoculation. In this review, we pinpoint research gaps and discuss the current classification schemes along with information on evolution, diversity, current methods and challenges to isolate and culture basal fungi.

Evaluation of the antifungal activity of Tazarotene 0.1% gel in comparison to tioconazole 28% solution in treating onychomycosis: a clinical, microbiological and in vitro study

Background: Onychomycosis is fungal infection of the nail units caused by dermatophytes, molds or yeasts. Onychomycosis accounts for 50% of all nail diseases, representing a significant cosmetic concern. Topical antifungals are of limited efficacy owing to their poor absorption. Tazarotene was occasionally used as an off-label treatment for onychomycosis. Aim: Based on the immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity of tazarotene, we aimed to test the activity of tazarotene 0.1 % gel against fungi isolated from patients suffering from onychomycosis, and comparing it to another antifungal drug of moderate efficacy, tioconazole 28%. Methods: Seventy patients with confirmed clinical and laboratory diagnosis of onychomycosis were enrolled in the study. Patients were treated with either tazarotene 0.1% gel or tioconazole 28% solution for 12 weeks. Follow-up of the patients was done after 3 months of the therapy stoppage. Determination of the onychomycosis severity based on the onychomycosis severity index and mycological studies were done at week 0 and 24. Antifungal susceptibilitytesting of tazarotene against the isolated fungi was done. Results: Tazarotene showed antifungal activity manifested by induction of a mycological cure in 25.7 % of cases; however, this effect was comparable to Tioconazole 28%. Tazarotene showed a good efficacy against Aspergillus niger in vitro. Conclusion: Tazarotene 0.1 % gel has antifungal activity comparable to tioconazole 28% solution in treating onychomycosis. They both achieved mycological cure in about 25% of cases. Aspergillus niger was the most sensitive species to tazarotene. Tazarotene could be prescribed as an adjuvant to the standard antifungals for treatment of onychomycosis.

Diversity, morphological variability, and distribution of tulostomataceous fungi (Agaricomycetes) in Sonora, Mexico

Recent mycological studies in Sonora, Mexico have mainly focused on tulostomataceous fungi, a group of gasteroid Agaricomycetes with a spore-sac containing pulverulent gleba and a well-defined, hollow stipe. The aim of the present study was to analyze the diversity, morphological variability, and distribution of tulostomateceous fungi,through examining the specimens deposited in the Sonora State University herbarium over 29 years of sampling. Based on 1,266 basidiomes in 621 collections from 75 locations, 23 municipalities, and 16 vegetation types, a total of 7 genera and 37 species were identified. All genera are monospecific in Sonora except Tulostoma, with 31 defined species. Several collections remain undetermined since their morphological traits are intermediate or do not match described species. The distribution of tulostomataceous fungi was related to altitude, precipitation, and climate. Further molecular analysis of undetermined specimens must be performed in order to define the real number of species in this fungal group and to understand the boundaries among closely related genera and species.

Oral involvement in mucormycosis. A retrospective study of 55 cases

IntroductionMucormycosis with oral involvement (OIM) is a rare opportunistic and lethal mycosis, which has increased in the last decade and is generally associated with uncontrolled diabetes and neutropenia. MethodsA retrospective study of cases with OIM was carried out in a tertiary-care center. Mycological and histological examinations were performed, and the isolated organisms were identified by morphology and molecular biology. ResultsFifty-five OIM patients were included, with a median age of 38 years (61.8% males). The most frequent associated disease was type-2 diabetes mellitus (61%), followed by neutropenia due to acute lymphocytic leukemia (27%). The main presentation was palatal and mandibular ulcers (92.7%) and, to a lesser extent, gingival and lingual necrosis. The diagnosis was established by mycological and histopathological studies. The most frequent fungi isolated was Rhizopus arrhizus (67.2%). ConclusionOIM is a rapidly progressing disease, therefore, an early diagnosis and the proper control of predisposing factors is necessary, and consequently, contributing to improve the outcome of mucormycosis.

Features of cows treatment with purulent pododermatitis complicated by keratomycetes

One of the main branches of agricultural production in Ukraine was and remains animal husbandry. Under modern conditions of cattle breeding, the hooves of cows deserve special attention of a veterinarian, which are often exposed to various adverse factors, which, for the most part, leads to the development of inflammatory processes in the area of the base of the sole skin, sometimes of septic genesis complicated by keratomycetes. It is known that for the treatment of orthopedically ill animals there is enough wide arsenal of medicinal substances and developed methods of therapy, however, most of the proposed means exhibit only antibacterial properties, act in the lesions superficially, poorly penetrate into the depths of the tissues and do not always give the desired result. Therefore, the aim of the work was to develop an effective method of treatment of such animals with the use of medicinal substances with a wide range of antibacterial, antimycotic action, which have the ability to penetrate into tissues and promote their regeneration. For research, two groups of cows were formed, 5 animals in each, selected on the principle of analogues in terms of the nature and location of the pathological process. For therapeutic purposes, the cows of both groups after anesthesia were corrective clearing, formed a funnel-shaped hole in the area of purulent pododermatitis and irrigated with 10 % hypertonic sodium chloride solution. On the affected area, the animals of the control group was applied a finely grated (separately) mixture of potassium permanganate and boric acid, and the control – a mixture of nanoclusters of aquachelates Ag, Cu, Zn, impregnated with a cotton swab and pantevenoli. A bandage and a protective cover were applied to the affected hooves of animals of both groups. It is defined that the proposed method of treatment makes it possible to promote the recovery of animals and reduce the treatment period by 6 days, confirmed by the results of clinical, biochemical, bacteriological, mycological and statistical studies.

Mycological studies as a tool to improve the control of building materials biodeterioration

Fungal deterioration of building materials causes economic losses due to restoration processes and because it affects the health of the people exposed. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain highly deteriorating fungal strains to carry out studies focused on biodeterioration control. The aim of this research was to study the mycobiota involved in deterioration of facades through the isolation and characterization of fungal strains. In this sense, this paper characterizes the mycobiota that contributes to the deterioration of brick and concrete present in those places. Samples were taken from bricks and concrete with visible biodeterioration of the Cathedral of La Plata and the Experimental Station of the Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología de Pinturas. Relative density, apparition relative frequency, and ecological category of fungi isolates were determined. The deteriorating attributes were determined by carbonate dissolution test, pigment secretion assay, acid production test and brick weight variation. Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. were the taxa with the highest apparition relative frequency and abundance. Aspergillus niger MN371276, Lasiodiplodia theobromae MN371283, Cladosporium sphaerospermum MN371394, Penicillium commune MN371392 and Arthothelium spectabile MT071822 were the strains with the highest biodeteriorant activity. These strains can be used in studies on biodeterioration control of buildings materials.

Mycological and histopathological identification of potential fish pathogens in Nile tilapia

Due to recent rapid progress in the development of freshwater aquaculture in Egypt, many new and precedent fish fungal diseases have emerged. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has been threatened by various diseases that have harmful health consequences and prone to mortalities. The current study was conducted (using 800 randomly collected diseased cultured and wild Nile tilapia) to identify the three most serious fungal pathogens that induced mortalities. The infection can be superficial as Saprolegnia spp. that is characterized by focal dermal cottony growth and is the most common in occurrence. While, systemic infection as Ichthyophonus sp. that invades the highly vascularized organs impairing their functions, Branchiomycosis is a devastating disease that affects gills obstructing blood flow. Saprolegnia spp. was identified through the morphological characters of culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar media (SDA) and histopathological examination of tissue. Surprisingly, Saprolegnia spp. grew on Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) at pH 7.0 only giving zoospores. Ichthyophonus sp. was isolated and is characterized by spherical double-walled multinucleate schizonts that are verified in squash preparations from infected internal organs (liver, spleen, and kidneys) and tissue sections. Additionally, it developed two different forms of growth on MEM depending on culture medium pH. Branchiomyces spp. exhibited different stages of growth in gills and so appeared congested, paled, white-colored or marbled according to the progress of infection. A key diagnostic feature to genus Branchiomyces is the branching of hyphae at their tips with the first report for a description of such branching in compression techniques from gills. Also a microscopic examination of fungal culture aids in the identification. Herein, we report Branchiomyces sanguinis for the first time and Branchiomyces demigrans in Nile tilapia in Egypt. Both species are distinguished based on the shape and diameter of hyphae in compression techniques from infected gills as well as the diameter and location of spores in histological sections. Koch's Postulate confirmed the identity of the investigated pathogens. The current research represents the first comparative mycological and histopathological study for Saprolegnia spp., Ichthyophonus sp., and Branchiomyces spp. as well as their prevalence in wild and cultured Nile tilapia throughout the different seasons in Egypt.

Indoor fungal contamination as a biological risk factor

Aim. To assess the degree of fungal contamination and the species composition of the fungal microbiota of residential apartments in Kazan
 Methods. A mycological study of 90 air samples and 60 samples from sites of fungal biodeterioration from the residential buildings of Kazan was carried out using cultural and microscopic methods.
 Results. The presence of micromycetes fungi were detected in 90% of air samples and 100% of samples from sites of biodeterioration. Higher fungal species diversity was noted in the sites, compared with air samples. Fungal concentrations in indoor air varied between 8 and 360 CFU/m3. Fungal community composition analysis of the sites of biodeterioration showed that the surfaces were more frequently contaminated by undemanding and capable of growth at different moisture levels fungal species (Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus stolonifer). The resulting fungal plaque can create conditions favorable for aggressive fungal species that actively damage materials (Chaetomium spp., Acremonium spp., Aureubasidium spp). Allergenic fungi, as well as potentially pathogenic and toxin-forming species, were widespread in the air that can be a health risk factor. A quantitative assessment of air mycobiota indicated the moderate level of fungal contamination.
 Conclusion. The presence of potentially pathogenic, allergenic and biodegradable fungal species in the sites of biodeterioration has been confirmed, as well as the relationship between airborne fungal contamination and the spread of fungi in indoors, confirming the need to prevent fungal biodeterioration and control indoor air quality.

Municipal solid waste landfills as a source of mycotoxins contamination in soil

The authors analyse the results of mycological studies of the soil of one of the largest solid waste landfills in the Moscow region - the Salaryevo solid waste landfill. The agroecological and geochemical characteristics of the contaminated soil are explored. The authors studied the phytotoxicity of soil fungi, using Pisum sativum L as an object of analysis. The number of microscopic fungi in the contaminated soil increased 7 times, the phytotoxic fungi of the genus Alternaria, were 1.8 times higher than the reference level. Penicillium decreased by almost 30%. In many soil samples, fungi of the genus Fusarium were found. An increase in the number of fungi of the genus Alternaria had phytotoxic effect: in pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L.), a slower growth of roots and seedlings was observed.

Fungal Isolates of the Respiratory Tract in Symptomatic Patients Hospitalized in Pulmonary Units: A Mycological and Molecular Epidemiologic Study.

IntroductionFungal respiratory infections are being recognized with increasing frequency in parallel with an expanding population of immunocompromised patients. In most cases, colonization is the first step in the progression to pulmonary fungal infection. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of fungal elements in the respiratory tract of symptomatic patients hospitalized in pulmonary units.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of two years, from October 2017 to October 2019 in Guilan province, located in Iran’s northern region. In the current study, bronchoalveolar lavage or sputum specimens were collected. All samples were analyzed by direct microscopy using KOH 10% and culture. Fungal identification was accomplished by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and beta-tubulin sequencing. Also, in patients suspected of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, BAL specimens were tested for galactomannan (GM) antigen.ResultsA total of 384 lung specimens (192 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 192 sputum samples) were obtained from symptomatic patients hospitalized in pulmonary units. Of these, 137 (35.67%) were positive in direct examination and culture. Among the 137 positive cases, most isolates were from male patients 86 (62.77%) and most of them were between 46 and 72 years. Candida albicans (37.22%) and Candida tropicalis (21.89%) represent the two most commonly isolated species in the current study. Cough (94.16%), dyspnea (81.02%), purulent sputum (62.04%) and weight loss (56.2%) were the predominant symptoms and tuberculosis (24.81%), chemotherapy (21.89%) and diabetes mellitus (19.70%) were the predominant underlying conditions. Also, 5 cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and 1 case of mucormycosis were diagnosed.ConclusionCandida albicans was the most common fungal species isolated from symptomatic patients hospitalized in pulmonary units. Tuberculosis, chemotherapy and diabetes mellitus were important underlying conditions for pulmonary fungal colonization and/or infection.

Mass Spectrometry: A Rosetta Stone to Learn How Fungi Interact and Talk.

Fungi are a highly diverse group of heterotrophic organisms that play an important role in diverse ecological interactions, many of which are chemically mediated. Fungi have a very versatile metabolism, which allows them to synthesize a large number of still little-known chemical compounds, such as soluble compounds that are secreted into the medium and volatile compounds that are chemical mediators over short and long distances. Mass spectrometry (MS) is currently playing a dominant role in mycological studies, mainly due to its inherent sensitivity and rapid identification capabilities of different metabolites. Furthermore, MS has also been used as a reliable and accurate tool for fungi identification (i.e., biotyping). Here, we introduce the readers about fungal specialized metabolites, their role in ecological interactions and provide an overview on the MS-based techniques used in fungal studies. We particularly present the importance of sampling techniques, strategies to reduce false-positive identification and new MS-based analytical strategies that can be used in mycological studies, further expanding the use of MS in broader applications. Therefore, we foresee a bright future for mass spectrometry-based research in the field of mycology.

Biocoenotic Diagnostics of Unfavorable Factors in the Cows Infection of Farms in the Moscow Region

The article presents data of detailed biocoenotic diagnostics in 12 farms of the Moscow region affected by obstetric-gynecologic diseases of cows (endometritises, and mastitises), as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases of newborn calves with the aim of identifying zoo-hygienic, zootechnical and veterinary deficiencies to optimize a combat strategy against factor infections. To this end, periodic visits were made to farms for epizootological examinations of farm biogeocenoses and the selection of blood serums, heparin-stabilized blood and samples of pathological material for bacteriological, mycological, virological, hematological and immunological studies. An analysis of the epidemiological situation for cattle diseases caused by conditionally pathogenic bacteria shows that in farms of the Moscow region, where factor infections are unfavorable, there are conditions for the circulation of pathogens, multiple passage through susceptible animals, increased virulence of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, and in some cases, the emergence of pathogenicity in saprophytic bacteria. It is shown that the main factors contributing to the development and dissemination of these pathologies are the unsatisfactory food basis of farms, violations of elementary veterinary and sanitary rules for keeping and milking, failure to fully implement measures to prevent these diseases due to the lack of sufficient material resources in the farms. All the above demonstrates that experienced farms are lacking adequate conditions to ensure the epidemiological chain in the infectious process. Effective control of malignant microbial ecosystems require in-depth knowledge of the quantitative and species composition of parasitocenoses, the study of relationships between its individual representatives, required isolation of pure cultures of all his affiliates, the determination of marker biological properties of microbial agents, and the conduct of a detailed biocenotic diagnosis of the animal habitat (farming, barn, etc.).