Sabouraud's Agar Medium Research Articles

Analysis of the effectiveness of a new antimicrobial agent for disinfection in veterinary practice

The loss of effectiveness of standard treatment methods and the increased risk of rapid spread of infections are serious consequences of this problem. This underscores the need to develop new approaches to combating pathogen resistance and ensuring effective control of infections. Studies of antimicrobial activity were conducted on strains of C. albicans, A. niger, and B. subtilis. The minimal fungicidal concentration was determined based on the growth of microorganisms C. albicans, A. niger on Sabouraud agar media containing different concentrations of a new substance – a derivative of thiadiazole. The sporicidal activity was determined by culturing the test culture B. subtilis in meat-peptone broth, followed by seeding on meat-peptone agar. Sporicidal activity was determined by inoculating the test culture of B. subtilis into meat-peptone broth, followed by plating on meat-peptone agar. Control assays were performed by inoculating the test cultures on corresponding media without the test substances. The new disinfectant – a derivative of thiadiazole – demonstrated high antimicrobial activity. The aim of this research was to study the new chemical substance for antimicrobial (antifungal and sporicidal) activity and the creation of new types of biocides. The studies showed that the minimum fungicidal concentration of the 0.3% solution in a 30% alcohol solution against C. albicans RCPGY401 was 1.56 ± 1.06 μg/mL, A. niger 137a – 1.56 ± 1.29 μg/mL. Furthermore, the material exhibited sporicidal activity against B. subtilis ATCC 10702, with an effective concentration of – 3.12 ± 1.34 μg/mL. The research confirms the activity of the new compound against the studied microorganisms and allows for its recommendation for further study (treatment regimens, safety, control methods, etc.) for use in veterinary practice for various treatment purposes.

A Comparative Study of the Antifungal Activity of Fresh and Dried Solanum anguivi Fruits on Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum

In Côte d'Ivoire, as elsewhere in Africa, Solanum anguivi Lam is widely used in traditional medicine to treat bacterial and fungal infections. Given the importance of this plant, the extracts 70%, 80% and 100% from fresh and dried fruits was evaluated for the in vitro growth of two isolates of pathogenic fungi (Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum), as well as its anti-free radical activity. 
 Antifungal tests were carried out by plating 1000 cells of each isolate on Sabouraud agar medium using the double dilution method in inclined tubes. Both extracts were active on the different strains tested, according to a dose-response relationship based on the principle of the method used.
 However, extracts from fresh fruit showed good activity on C. albicans, while the dried fresh fruit extracts were highly active on T. rubrum.

First insights on the susceptibility of native coccidicidal fungi Mucor circinelloides and Mucor lusitanicus to different avian antiparasitic drugs

BackgroundThe combined application of predatory fungi and antiparasitic drugs is a sustainable approach for the integrated control of animal gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. However, literature addressing the possible interference of antiparasitic drugs on the performance of these fungi is still scarce. This research aimed to assess the in vitro susceptibility of six native coccidicidal fungi isolates of the species Mucor circinelloides and one Mucor lusitanicus isolate to several antiparasitic drugs commonly used to treat GI parasites’ infections in birds, namely anthelminthics such as Albendazole, Fenbendazole, Levamisole and Ivermectin, and anticoccidials such as Lasalocid, Amprolium and Toltrazuril (drug concentrations of 0.0078–4 µg/mL), using 96-well microplates filled with RPMI 1640 medium, and also on Sabouraud Agar (SA).ResultsThis research revealed that the exposition of all Mucor isolates to the tested anthelminthic and anticoccidial drug concentrations did not inhibit their growth. Fungal growth was recorded in RPMI medium, after 48 h of drug exposure, as well as on SA medium after exposure to the maximum drug concentration.ConclusionsPreliminary findings from this research suggest the potential compatibility of these Mucor isolates with antiparasitic drugs for the integrated control of avian intestinal parasites. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Antifungal Activity of Solanum Anguivi Lam (Solanaceae) on Candida Albicans

In Ivory Coast, as elsewhere in Africa, Solanum anguivi Lam (or Solanum distichum) is generally used in traditional medicine to treat bacterial and fungal infections. Given the importance of this plant, the 70%, 80% and 100% extracts of fresh and dried fruits were evaluated on the in vitro growth of Candida albicans. Antifungal tests were carried out by plating 1000 cells of each isolate on Sabouraud agar medium, using the double dilution method in inclined tubes. Both extracts were active on the different strains tested, according to a dose-response relationship based on the principle of the method used. Extracts from fresh fruit showed good activity on C. albicans.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF AEROSOL DISINFECTION OF NANOSILVER AND HYDROPEROXIDE AG+ AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY

Background: One of the crucial methods for lowering hospital infections is air disinfection. Because the airborne contagion environment is difficult to control, the development of effective air disinfectants is critical to maintaining a safe air environment and preventing respiratory infections. At the Hospital of Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, nanosilver and hydroperoxide Ag+ are two different kinds of airborne infection control, so an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with objectives: to compare the disinfection efficacy of two solutions, nanosilver and 5% Hydroperoxide - 0.005% Ag+, and to assess the efficacy of the silver nano solution and 5% Hydroperoxide - 0.005% Ag+ solution in disinfecting hospital air. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 156 air microbiological samples in 13 wards at the Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital using Koch's dust deposition method based on the principle of allowing dust to settle on the surface of nutrient agar boxes for a certain period. Data analysis using SPSS 26.0 software. Results: After disinfecting the rooms with nanosilver, the air quality was good in 69.23% of cases and pretty in 30.07%. With 5% Hydroperoxide - 0.005% Ag+, the number of rooms with good air quality was 15.39%, with pretty air was 69.23, and with poor air was 15.39%. Nanosilver can eradicate the fungus from Sabouraud Agar medium, and the density after disinfection was lower than before; the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Moreover, on Macconkey Agar and Blood Agar medium, bacterial density after disinfecting by nanosilver was decreased; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Nanosilver reduced the bacterial density in 4 types of rooms better than 5% Hydroperoxide - 0.005% Ag+ solution. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Nanosilver can be used to disinfect the hospital air as an alternative to 5% Hydroperoxide - 0.005% Ag+. Nanosilver disinfects well on gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Additional methods for improving the antifungal impact of nanosilver are required.

Anticandidosis activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Harungana madagascariensis, Zanthoxylum leprieurii and Xylopia aethiopica

Some ailments have been cured either by the use of plant parts or by mixing different plant parts (recipes). It is with this in mind that this study originated, focusing on the valorization of plants from the African pharmacopoeia. Thus, the activity of single extracts and aqueous and hydroalcoholic mixtures of the bark and leaves of Harungana madagascariensis, the bark of Zanthoxylum leprieurii and the fruit of Xylopia aethiopica was evaluated on the in vitro growth of Candida strains (Candida albicans 18650 and Candida albicans 18792 and Candida glabrata). Antifungal tests were carried out by plating 1,000 cells of each fungal germ on Sabouraud agar medium using the double dilution slant tube method. Deth70% extract inhibited the growth of Candida albicans 18650 and Candida albicans 18792 at an FMC value of 25 mg/mL, and Candida glabrata at an FMC value of 50 mg/mL. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of chemical compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, saponosides, gallic and catechic tannins and the absence of sterols.

P097 Epidemiology of dermatophytes related infections in Kuwait: a retrospective study

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Introduction and ObjectiveDermatophytes are a common cause of cutaneous infections that affect a large number of healthy individuals throughout their lives. Although such infections are classically benign, they have a negative impact on patient’s physical and psychological health. We aim to explore the epidemiology of dermatophytes infections at a national level.MethodsThe study was conducted retrospectively. Demographic and microbiological data were obtained from laboratory information system in the Mycology Reference Laboratory in the year 2021. Dermatophytes were either isolated from clinical samples in mycology reference laboratory or sent from other laboratories for species identification. The clinical samples were divided into two parts. The first half was examined microscopically, and the second half was inoculated on Sabouraud agar media with and without cycloheximide and then incubated at 30°C for at least 2 weeks. Dermatophytes were identified by colonial morphology and microscopic characteristics.ResultsDuring the year 2021, 60 dermatophytes were found. The male to female ratio was 2:1. A total of 60% of patients were children. Half of the cases were isolated from hair specimens and the second half were from the skin. Only one dermatophyte was isolated from nail cultures. Regarding dermatophytes distribution, Microsporum species were the commonest and involved mostly M. canis (26). Other less common species included two M. audouinii and two M. praecox. A total of seven other Microsporum species were not identified to species level. On the other hand, 23 Trichophyton species were found including 5 T. tonsurans, 4 T. interdigitale, 3 T. rubrum, 1 T. simii, and 1 T. erinacei. A total of 9 other Trichophyton species were not identified to species level.ConclusionsHigher rates of infection were seen in males compared to females. Phenotypic identification has failed in identifying a significant number of isolates. As in other types of molds, the phenotypic examination may also result in inaccurate identification, especially among uncommon and evolving species. Hence, molecular testing is essential for accurate identification and better understanding of the epidemiology of dermatophytes-related infections. The following species were reported for the first time in Kuwait, namely: T. erinaceid, T. simii, and M. praecox.

Invasive aspergillosis a complication severe respiratory viral infections (influenza and COVID-19)

Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening complication in patients with severe influenza and COVID-19 in intensive care units. Risk factors for the invasive aspergillosis development are transitory immunosuppression associated with severe influenza and COVID-19, as well as the use of glucocorticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. In the presence of risk factors, suspected clinical and radiological signs of invasive aspergillosis, bronchoscopy and examination of material from the lower respiratory tract are necessary: test for galactomannan, microscopy with white calcofluor staining and inoculation on Sabouraud agar medium. Voriconazole or are recommended as first-line treatment for invasive aspergillosis in patients with severe influenza and COVID-19. Amphotericin B Liposomal, Amphotericin B Lipid Complex, and Caspofungin are the alternative options for the invasive aspergillosis treatment. Combination therapy is possible. It is necessary to control the underlying disease with eliminate or reduce the severity of risk factors.

Candida tropicalis distribution and drug resistance is correlated with ERG11 and UPC2 expression

BackgroundCandida tropicalis (C. tropicalis) is an important opportunistic pathogenic Candida species that can cause nosocomial infection. In this study, we analyzed the distribution and drug susceptibility of C. tropicalis and the relationship between ERG11 and UPC2 expression and resistance to azole antifungal agents.MethodsC. tropicalis was cultured and identified by Sabouraud Agar Medium, CHROM Agar Candida and ATB tests (Bio-Mérieux, France). Total RNA was extracted from the collected strains, and the ERG11 and UPC2 mRNA expression levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsIn total, 2872 clinical isolates of Candida, including 319 strains of C. tropicalis, were analyzed herein; they were mainly obtained from the Departments of Respiratory Medicine and ICU. The strains were predominantly isolated from airway secretion samples, and the detection trend in four years was mainly related to the type of department and specimens. The resistance rates of C. tropicalis to fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole had been increasing year by year. The mRNA expression levels of ERG11 and UPC2 in the fluconazole-resistant group were significantly higher than they were in the susceptible group. In addition, there was a significant positive linear correlation between these two genes in the fluconazole-resistant group.ConclusionsOverexpression of the ERG11 and UPC2 genes in C. tropicalis could increase resistance to azole antifungal drugs. The routine testing for ERG11 and UPC2 in high-risk patients in key departments would provide a theoretical basis for the rational application of azole antifungal drugs.

A cross sectional observational study of pediatric dermatophytosis: Changing clinico mycological patterns in Western India

Introduction: The last few years have seen a significant rise in the incidence of dermatophytosis across India. Vulnerability of children to this disease is more than adults due to multiple factors. However, limited data are available regarding clinical and mycological variants of dermatophytosis in children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was designed at the dermatology outpatient department in Mumbai. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical profile and identify the causative fungal species in pediatric dermatophytosis. Sixty-seven children below 14 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of dermatophytosis were included by the simple random sampling method. A detailed history (duration of lesions, topical creams used, similar lesions in contacts, contact with pets, and other comorbidities/comedications) was taken and clinical examination (sites of involvement, number of lesions, associated erythema/scaling, morphology, and extent of lesions) was done followed by fungal mount preparation (potassium hydroxide (KOH) and KOH with Chicago Sky Blue stain) and culture of the scrapings on Sabouraud's agar medium containing chloramphenicol and cycloheximide. Microsoft Excel and SPSS-20 software were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 42 male and 25 female children (mean age – 6.2 years) were included in the study. Prior topical applications of steroids±antifungal combinations were used in 57 cases (85%) before presenting to the dermatologist. About 76.12% (n = 51) of cases had positive family/contact history. Thirty-five children (52.2 %) had extensive disease. Multiple atypical clinical patterns were observed: tinea incognito, irregular geographic plaque, tinea recidivans, tinea pseudo-imbricata, penile tinea, and annular plaques on scalp. Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex was the most common isolate from cultures grown from scrapings, in 14/19 cases (73.7%). Conclusion: This clinico-mycological study highlights the changing clinical patterns (including Tinea pseudoimbricata, geographically patterned plaques) and shift in the etiological agent in childhood dermatophytosis. The study brings into focus the increasing proportion of T. mentagrophytes, high percentages of topical steroid abuse by parents in children, and positive family/close-contact history in children.

Gastric Perforation Associated with Candidiasis and NSAIDS

Invasive candidiasis is an important health-care-associated fungal infection. Candida is often described as an opportunistic pathogen. It is commensal flora in the gastrointestinal tract. Invasive candidiasis can happen usually because of a consequence of increased or abnormal colonization together with a local or generalized defect in host defenses. Candidiasis can occur in patients with HIV, therapy with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, transplant organ, and immunocompromised. Most cases of gastric perforation occur as complications of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and gastric neoplasms, but candidiasis as a cause of gastric perforation is very rare. This study aims to reveal the correlation between gastric perforation with candidiasis and NSAIDs. It was reported that a 57-year-old East Java Indonesian female presented with severe epigastric pain, generalized peritonitis, fever, nausea also vomiting and had a history of NSAIDs used for five years. The patient was taken to the general surgery of Dr. Sutomo Surabaya Hospital and performed exploratory laparotomy. A gastric perforation was discovered in the antrum. Microbiology culture examination from biopsy gastric tissue revealed an intense fungal growth from sabouraudagar medium and there is no other microorganism that grew in aerobic culture. Candida albicans was identified by VITEK® 2 COMPACT. Histopathological examination from biopsy gastric tissue was performed by Olympus CX-21 microscope, showed invasive Candida albicans consisting of numerous fungal yeasts and pseudohyphae invading and destroying the gastric wall. The patient was subsequently treated with fluconazole anti-fungal and discharge home after nine days postoperative period in good condition. From this result, we suggest using an antifungal treatment for patients who use NSAIDs for long periods to prevent candidiasis.

Clinicomycological study of dermatophyte infections in patients of DVL opd in tertiary care hospital at SANGLI

A research was carried out to determine the most common clinical type of dermatophytosis and the species that causes it. It was conducted at DVL OPD with collaboration with the microbiology department. A total number of 130 patients were enrolled who had no history of any treatment whether topical or systemic for the dermatophytosis. All the patients underwent Pottasium Hydroxide (KOH) mount test for fungal element by taking skin scrapings with aseptic precautions from the scaly skin lesions while for hair and nails, clippings were taken and send to central laboratory of microbiology department. The samples were simultaneously sent for culture in Sabouraud agar media. The reports of KOH mount and culture was thoroughly studied, analyzed and correlated with the clinical presentation of each patient. In this study, we found that Tinea corporis was the most common type followed by Tinea cruris and the most common causative organism being the Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This study also proved that KOH mount preparation is a good screening test for Dermatophytosis and hence we can abruptly start treatment based on clinical suspicion and the KOH mount findings which we can procure within few minutes.

RT-PCR diagnosis of invasive Candida albicans strain predominant among a private school in Kirkuk City

This work was carried out to investigate the incidence of the invasive Candida albicans fungus in oral swabs collected from a private primary school and to confirm its invasiveness by RT-PCR. Accordingly, the total of (368) students in the age range of (7-12) years from both sexes was orally examined for the incidence of Candida albicans from October 2019 to March 2020. Wet oral swabs were directly cultured on Sabouraud agar medium, and positive cultures were examined microbiologically. Results of Gram's staining revealed the isolation of the invasive Candida albicans confirmed by the germ tube test. This fungus was significantly (P<0.05) prevalent in most of the school students, where males were more affected (64.53%) than female students (35.47%) across all age groups. Moreover, the molecular analysis of the isolated fungal strains confirmed the invasiveness of the isolates.

Fungi in glacial ice of Antarctica: diversity, distribution and bioprospecting of bioactive compounds.

We identified cultivable fungi present in the glacial ice fragments collected in nine sites across Antarctica Peninsula and assessed their abilities to produce bioactive compounds. Three ice fragments with approximately 20kg were collected, melted and 3L filtered through of 0.45µm sterilized membranes, which were placed on the media Sabouraud agar and minimal medium incubated at 10°C. We collected 66 isolates classified into 27 taxa of 14 genera. Penicillium palitans, Penicillium sp. 1, Thelebolus balaustiformis, Glaciozyma antarctica, Penicillium sp. 7, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Rhodotorula dairenensis had the highest frequencies. The diversity and richness of the fungal community were high with moderate dominance. Penicillium species were present in all samples, with Penicillium chrysogenum showing the broadest distribution. P. chrysogenum, P. palitans, and Penicillium spp. had trypanocidal, leishmanicidal, and herbicidal activities, with P. chrysogenum having the broadest and highest capability. 1H NMR signals revealed the presence of highly functionalized secondary metabolitesin the bioactive extracts. Despite extreme environmental conditions, glacial ice harbours a diverse fungal community, including species never before recorded in the Arctic and Antarctica. Among them,Penicillium taxamay represent wild fungal strains with genetic and biochemical pathways that may produce new secondary bioactive metabolites.

Heteroaromatization with 4-Phenyldiazenyl-1-naphthol. Part IV: Synthesis of Some New Heterocyclic Compounds with Potential Biological Activity.

Synthetic azo compounds and their derivatives have been studied extensively due to their biological and pharmacological activities. Pyranopyridines, pyranopyrimidines and tetrazoles derivatives have emerged as a promising and attractive scaffold in the development of potent biological and pharmacological agents. To design a series of new benzochromeno(pyridine/pyrimidine/tetrazole) derivatives and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against some bacterial strains (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and some fungal strains. The (E)-7-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(phenyldiazenyl)-10-thioxo-7,9,10,11-tetrahydro-8Hnaptho[ 1,2-b]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-8-one (4) was synthesized by the reaction of 4H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-3- carbonitrile (3) with carbon disulfide in alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution. Reaction of 3 with sodium azide in DMF and in presence of ammonium chloride afforded 6-(phenyldiazenyl)-3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4Hbenzo[ h]chromen-2-amine (7) while with malononitrile, thiourea or urea gave chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-9- carbonitrile (8), chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-10-thione (9) and chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-10-one (10), respectively. The assignment structures were established on the basis of spectral data. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds 3-12 was examined for their in vitro antimicrobial activity by using agar diffusion method such as Mueller-Hinton agar medium for bacteria and Sabouraud's agar medium for fungi. Ampicillin and mycostatine were included in the experiments as reference drugs. A series of new benzochromeno(pyridine/pyrimidine/tetrazole) derivatives were synthesized in this work. All compounds were evaluated in antimicrobial activities.

Population growth of the stored product pest Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae) on environmentally and medically important fungi

The stored food mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) has been associated with the presence of several fungal species. The aims of this work were to evaluate T. putrescentiae population growth associated to environmental and medically important fungal species to determine on which fungal species populations of T. putrescentiae performs best, and to evaluate their ability to disperse each fungal species. First, 24 fungal species were inoculated separately in Petri dishes containing Sabouraud agar medium. One week after inoculation, 50 mites were added to each plate. On the 28th evaluation day, mites and eggs were counted in each plate, and 50 mites randomly collected from each replicate were transferred to new plates containing only Sabouraud agar medium. Then, mites, eggs, and fungal population were evaluated in each plate on day 28 again. The highest population increases were on Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Alternaria sp., Microsporum gypseum, and Aspergillus chevalieri. With Fusarium guttiforme and the medically important fungi Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, T. mentagrophytes, and Sporothrix sp., mites were observed to feed on whole mycelium. Only eight fungal species were dispersed by T. putrescentiae to the new Petri dishes: Aspergillus clavatus, Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, Fusarium guttiforme, Hyphopichia burtonii, Penicillium citrinum, Rhizophus azygosporus, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The best performance of T. putrescentiae was found feeding on F. guttiforme, P. citrinum, and T. mentagrophytes. In conclusion, T. putrescentiae successfully used fungi as a food source, and it proved to be an important tool for disseminating both environmental and medically important fungi.

A Study of In vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns of Dermatophytic Fungi at a Tertiary Care Center in Western India.

Background:Recent years have seen an alarming rise in the prevalence of recalcitrant and relapsing dermatophyte infections in India associated with lack of clinical response to standard antifungal regimens.Aims and Objectives:A study was undertaken to identify the antifungal susceptibility patterns of dermatophyte species isolated from lesions of dermatophytoses in patients examined at our center.Materials and Methods:A total of 85 patients with clinically diagnosed dermatophytoses were subjected to skin scrapings for potassium hydroxide mount (microscopic examination) and culture using Sabouraud's agar medium containing chloramphenicol and cycloheximide (incubated at 30°C). Antifungal susceptibilities [minimum inhibitory concentration-90 (MIC-90)] of the identified dermatophytes were tested for seven systemic and topical antifungal agents (terbinafine, griseofulvin, itraconazole, fluconazole, sertaconazole, ketoconazole, and clotrimazole) using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution method (M38-A).Results:Trichophyton rubrum (50%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex (47.2%) were the two major species isolated. Isolates of both showed downy and granular forms (61.11%, 38.89% and 32.35%, 67.65%, respectively). The overall in-vitro susceptibility profiles (MIC-90 ranges in μg/mL) of the seven drugs for T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes complex respectively were as follows: terbinafine (0.008–0256, 0.016–0.256), griseofulvin (0.03-1, 0.06–1), itraconazole (0.125-2, 0.25–2), fluconazole (0.125–1, 0.25–32), sertaconazole (0.03-1, 0.03-1), ketoconazole (0.06–1, 0.125–1), and clotrimazole (0.03–2, 0.06–1).Conclusions:This study indicates a rising proportion of T. mentagrophytes complex with increased proportion of granular form (T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes). This study represents the current antifungal susceptibility profile of dermatophytic infections in a tertiary care medical center in western India with rising MICs to terbinafine and itraconazole.

Antifungal activity of paracloacal gland secretion of Caiman yacare (DAUDIN, 1802)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from Caiman yacare paracloacal gland (PG) against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), as well as a bibliographical survey on the chemical composition of exudates of PG. The PG were collected from the disposal generated during the slaughter of C. yacare by regularized industry. Two extracts were made from these glands, one ethanolic and the other aqueous. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the substances were determined by dilution of the extract in series using the microdilution technique in the culture medium Sabouraud broth, carried out in a 96-well microplate visually read after 48 hours of incubation, confirmed by the method using 0.01% aqueous resazurin dye. The ethanolic extract had MIC at the concentration of 25 µg / L. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by subcultures of MIC in Sabouraud agar medium. The ethanolic extract presented MFC at a concentration of 50 µg / mL. The aqueous extract showed no antifungal activity at the concentrations tested. This work is the first work to assess an activity of the PG secretion and reveals pharmacological potential in a local product previously discarded.

Isolation and Identification of Heavy Metals and Antibiotics Resistant Strains from Antananarivo Dumpsite, Madagascar

Heavy metals contamination is now widespread in the nature. At higher concentration, heavy metals become toxic and disturb the ecosystem including soil microorganisms. To adapt to such constraints, some microorganisms have developed tolerance mechanisms. Indeed, in the environment, the resistance of microorganisms to heavy metal often promotes to antibiotic resistance. This work aims to isolate strains from soil samples collected in Andralanitra landfill, to test their tolerance to heavy metals, to identify tolerant strains and to verify their resistance to antibiotics. According to the dilution method, a total of 48 strains were obtained, 14 were isolated on PDA medium, 10 on Sabouraud agar medium, 10 strains on Mossel agar medium, 7 on AS1 medium, 5 strains on TSA medium and 2 strains with King B medium. Resistance test to heavy metals performed by the wells method showed that out of the 48 isolated strains, 26 were capable to grow in the presence of heavy metals (solution composed of copper, zinc, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead) at different concentrations. The highest number of tolerant strains was recorded at the concentration of 100mg/L ≤ C ≤ 1000mg/L. Four (4) strains were tolerant to the heavy metals solution at a concentration between 100mg/L and 1500mg/L. The molecular identification of these four most resistant strains by 16S rDNA gene sequencing and ITS gene sequencing allowed to classify them as belonging to the genera Ochrobactrum pseudogrignonense, Arthrobacter nicotianae, Penicillium crustosum and Penicillium commune. The antibiotic sensitivity test using disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar revealed that Ochrobactrum pseudogrignonense and Penicillium commune were resistant to Trimethoprim, Arthrobacter nicotianae showed resistance to Trimethoprim and Ciprofloxacin, Penicillium crustosum was resistant to all tested antibiotics.

Original Research. Candida in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Clinical Findings and Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Candida, and especially Candida albicans, colonizes the oral mucosa and becomes invasive when the immune system weakens. Therefore, frequently, oral and maxillofacial pathology can be associated with Candida. Objective: The qualitative and quantitative assessment of Candida colonization of the oral cavity in patients with oro-maxillo-facial conditions; to establish an association between the different contributing factors and colonization. Material and methods: Samples were collected from 70 patients hospitalized in the Clinic of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, by rinsing the mouth with sterile saline; historical data were also collected. The samples were analyzed at the Microbiology Laboratory of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureș, using Sabouraud agar medium. For each isolate, the antifungigram for Fluconazole and Voriconazole was performed following the CLSI standards. Results: From the 70 samples 45.7% were positive for 11 different yeast species. Regarding predisposing factors, most importantly, smoking was significantly associated with Candida colonization (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.42-3.84; p &lt;0.05). Other factors, such as radiotherapy, oral hygiene or antibiotics, are related, but not statistically significant in our study. Candida albicans was the predominant species (38.8%). The testing of Candida albicans and non-albicans to Fluconazole showed an increased resistance (52.4%) in both cases, while the resistance to Voriconazole was 50% and 12.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Colonization of the oral cavity with Candida is present in about half of the patients with OMF conditions, and this is probably not only due to classical predisposing factors, but also due to chronic oral pathology and to several risk factors like smoking or radiotherapy.