Sabouraud Dextrose Agar Medium Research Articles

Pattern of Onychomycosis among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Any fungal infection affecting the nail apparatus is referred to as onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is a prevalent nail infection worldwide and is more common among patients with diabetes. A variety of fungus species are responsible for onychomycosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of onychomycosis among patients with and without diabetes at the Department of dermatology and venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. In this study, a total of 87 clinically diagnosed patients of onychomycosis with diabetic or non-diabetic were included purposively. The infected nail materials were scraped and then processed in Sabouraud's dextrose agar media (SDA) and Dermatophyte test media (DTM) for microscopy and culture. Clinical features, microscopic examination findings and culture interpretations were recorded and compared between the groups. Out of 87 patients of onychomycosis, 54 patients had diabetic and 33 patients were non-diabetic. Growth of fungus was found significantly higher among diabetic patients (85.19% versus 57.58%, p= 0.004). Dermatophytes were more frequent in diabetic patients, but Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species were more common in non-diabetic patients. Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were found in 24 (44.44%) and 19 (35.18%) diabetic patients. On the other hand, Candida albicans 8 (24.24%) and non-albicans candida species 8 (24.24%) were found majority of the non-diabetic patients. Nail discoloration and disfigurement of nails are the common presentation of onychomycosis. Dermatophytes are significantly more frequent among diabetic patients. The clinical presentation of onychomycosis in patients with diabetes differed from that in non-diabetic subjects.

Utilization of Kluwih Seed Starch (Artocarpus camansi) as an Alternative Growth Medium for Aspergillus niger Fungus

Background: Carbohydrates in kluwih seeds have sufficient nutrients, such as potatoes and tubers, making it possible to be used as a medium for mushroom growth. The nutritional composition of breadfruit contains 25% carbohydrates, 1.5% protein, and 0.3% fat. Aspergillus niger fungi require nutrients such as carbohydrates and protein to grow. This study aims to determine whether kluwih seed starch can be used as an alternative medium for the growth of Aspergillus niger fungi. Method: This study used a pre-experimental design with laboratory observation. The study was conducted by utilizing kluwih seed starch as a medium, compared to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Results: The results showed that kluwih seed starch can be used as an alternative medium for the growth of Aspergillus niger, with fungal colonies that grow macroscopically and microscopically almost the same as PDA and SDA media. Conclusion: Kluwih seed starch can be an alternative substitute for PDA media for the growth of Aspergillus niger.

Antifungal Activity of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria Ternatea L.) against Candida Albicans Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp problem characterized by flaking, itching, and redness. One of the causes of dandruff is the fungus Candida albicans. Under certain conditions, such as excessive oil production, this fungus can grow and become pathogenic. Butterfly pea flower is a plant known to contain antifungal compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. This study aims to determine the antifungal activity of ethanol extract from butterfly pea flower against Candida albicans using SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) medium with the disk diffusion method. The concentrations of butterfly pea extract used were 5%, 15%, 30%, 60%, and 90%. The positive control used was ketoconazole, while the negative control was 1% CMC-Na. The results of the study indicate that the butterfly pea extract exhibits antifungal activity, as evidenced by the formation of an inhibition zone at a concentration of 90%, with an average inhibition zone of 3.7 mm. The positive control showed an inhibition zone of 14.38 mm, categorized as strong. In contrast, the negative control did not show any inhibition zone due to the lack of antifungal activity. Based on these results, it can be concluded that butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) has the potential for weak antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Oral candidiasis and potential risk factors among disabled and non-disabled in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia.

Oral candidiasis (OC) is an oral health disease that could influence patients' oral health quality of life. To estimate prevalence of OC among disabled and non-disabled individuals and its potential risk factors in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out among 148 disabled and non-disabled participants. The technique of concentrated oral rinse employing the Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium accompanied with 0.05% chloramphenicol was conducted to assess and isolate candida. Oral examination using the World Health Organization guidelines was conducted to examine participants' oral health status. A pre-designed questionnaire was also used to evaluate sociodemographic, medical history, and oral hygiene habits of the studied population. Out of 148 participants (n = 57, 38%) had colonized candida. None of the studied population had visible Candida lesions. However, Candida was found in the oral rinses without the subject presenting any lesions or issues caused by Candida (asymptomatic colonization). The most common prevalent OC among participants were Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis (n = 35, 61%; n = 8, 14%; n = 6, 10%; n = 5, 9%; n = 2, 4%; and n = 1, 2%) respectively. Diabetes, smoking, poor plaque, and gingival status were key potential risk factors that significantly associated with candida's density and presence (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.01, and P = 0.01) respectively. Disability status had no statistically significant effect on presence and density of Candida. The prevalence of OC is almost third of the studied population; thus, may provoke a need to develop preventive strategies to reduce the OC rate and establish solid treatment plans.

Molecular Identification of Fungal Species Isolated from the External Surfaces of Ants Caught from Educational Hospitals in Babol City (2021-2022)

Background. Since the ants play a key role in transmitting microorganisms, it is important to identify the fungal species isolated from the external surfaces of ants caught from hospitals. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the fungal species isolated from the external surfaces of ants caught from Babol hospitals. Methods. Ants were collected by trapping inside sterile tubes and were washed with normal saline for 20 seconds. Then, 100 µL of the resulting solution was cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and incubated for one week at 35C°. Macroscopic, microscopic, and RFLP-PCR molecular techniques were employed to confirm the grown isolates. Results. A total of 79 fungal isolates including 47 isolates of hyaline fungi (59.49%) and 32 isolates of black fungi (40.51%) were obtained from 63 captured ants. Out of 47 cultured fungi, 15 fungi (31.91%) were Aspergillus niger and 15 (31.91%) were A. flavus, 12 (25.53%) were A. fumigatus and 5 isolates were Penicillium (10.63%). Conclusion. Taking into account the increasing number of immunocompromised patients, outbreak of COVID-19 in recent years, and numerous reports about the invasive fungal diseases among COVID-19 patients, it was found necessary to control the ants as carriers of these organisms. Practical Implications. It was necessary to control these insects effectively in order to prevent the increasing prevalence of the fungal diseases among the hospitalized people.

Antifungal Efficacy of Garlic and Olive Oil Against Candida albicans and Penicillium palitans

Background: Garlic and olive oil have long been recognized for their medicinal properties, particularly for their antimicrobial and antifungal effects. This study investigated the antifungal activity of garlic oil and olive oil against Candida albicans and Penicillium palitans, two common fungal species known to cause infections and spoilage. Methods: Fungi were cultivated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium, both unsupplemented and supplemented with varying concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%) of olive oil and garlic oil. The radial growth of the fungi was measured after seven days of incubation at 25°C. The antifungal activity was evaluated by comparing fungal growth across the different concentrations of oils. Results: Olive oil exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on C. albicans, with the highest inhibition observed at a 15% concentration, reducing growth to an average of 30 mm. Garlic oil showed even greater antifungal activity, with a 15% concentration reducing growth to 29.33 mm. In contrast, Penicillium palitans was less sensitive to both oils, though garlic oil still demonstrated moderate inhibitory effects, particularly at the 15% concentration, reducing growth to 64.33 mm. Olive oil had a less pronounced effect on P. palitans, with the highest concentration reducing growth to 61.67 mm. Conclusion: Both garlic oil and olive oil inhibited the growth of C. albicans and P. palitans, with garlic oil proving more effective, particularly at higher concentrations. C. albicans was more sensitive to both oils compared to P. palitans, suggesting species-specific susceptibility. These findings indicate the potential of natural oils, especially garlic oil, as antifungal agents, warranting further research into their mechanisms and applications.

Microsporum canis and Sporothrix schenckii: Fungi Causing Skin Infections in Cats

Companion animals such as cats help to reduce stress among people as they delight their owners in their ways. Good management and hygiene practices of pets help in keeping them in a healthy condition. Nevertheless, since fungal infection develops rapidly, there is a high tendency for them to get infected. The paucity of data regarding skin mycoses among cats in Malaysia leads to this study. Private veterinary clinics from the Central Region of Peninsular Malaysia were approached for participation in this study. Sampling was conducted for one year, collecting hair plucked, skin scrapings, and swabs from lesions of the cats with skin problems and inoculating onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar media. Diagnosing the fungal colony was conducted through a direct examination method using lactophenol cotton blue stain and molecular identification of the isolates using polymerase chain reaction targeting the fungi species’ internal transcribed spacer region and β-tubulin gene. Of the 127 cats, 93 were positively infected, mainly with Microsporum canis (n = 38) and Sporothrix schenckii (n = 26). Saprophytic fungi detected on cats were Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Candida sp., Chaetomium sp., Chrysosporium sp., Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp., Geotrichum sp., Penicillium sp., Talaromyces sp., Trichoderma sp., Trichosporon sp., and Xylaria sp. This finding represents the number of cats infected with fungal dermatitis in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.

Media Alternatif Kacang Merah (Phaseolus vulgaris L) Sebagai Pengganti Media SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) Untuk Pertumbuhan Jamur Candida albicans

High humidity in Indonesia, which is considered a tropical country, encourages the growth of various types of microorganisms. Fungi are one type of microorganism that thrives in Indonesia. This fungus can infect its host causing a disease known as candidiasis when it grows too quickly in response to physiological changes or decreased immunity. Candida albicans and other fungi are able to thrive on a synthetic medium called Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium. This medium is only available in some locations and is rather expensive. Red kidney beans as an alternative are used to replace SDA media. Fungal growth is aided by the nutrients found in kidney beans. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not boiled water derived from red beans could be an alternative medium for planting Candida albicans fungi. This kind of descriptive research was conducted in a pre-experimental laboratory observation using the fungus Candida albicans as a parameter and kidney beans as a substrate. Candida albicans fungi can be grown using red bean juice media which is an alternative to SDA media. However, in red bean media, Candida albicans fungi have a smaller size than SDA media. Which is the only macroscopic difference between the two types of fungal colonies. Even so, the small characteristics remain the same. Keywords: Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), Red beans, Candida albicans

Assessment of the Antifungal Activity of PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag Nanocomposite

Orthodontic acrylic resin is used in the construction of orthodontic appliances. It lacks antimicrobial properties and is prone to microbial infection. So, the infection associated with it can be reduced via modification of orthodontic acrylic resin with nanoparticles (NPs) incorporation. The study directed to evaluate the antifungal properties of modified orthodontic acrylic resin incorporated with magnesium oxide (MgO)-NPs and silver (Ag)-NPs. NPs were mixed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in ethanol-assisted mixing method. Disc samples (10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) of PMMA-MgO, PMMA-Ag nanocomposites and PMMA alone (as control) were prepared. Then, C. albicans was isolated and identified clinically through taking swabs from acrylic denture base orthodontic appliances, cultured on a Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium, followed by transferring on HiCrome™ candida Differential agar which is a selective and differential medium to distinguish distinct Candida species. The polymerase chain reaction was performed and the amplicon was separated by 2% gel electrophoresis and then visualised by ethidium bromide. DNA sequencing was performed on the sample at Sanger sequencing/ ABI 3500. Antifungal activity of PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag (1%, 3% and 5% of NPs) was conducted through disc diffusion assay and colony forming unit counts. The result showed a decrease in the number of adhered Candida albicans (C. albicans) of all concentrations of both nanocomposite and the decrease was statistically significant (P<0.05) in all experimental groups except MgO-NPs 1% and 3%. Increasing the concentration of NPs was associated with decrease in the adhered C. albicans. It was concluded that PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag nanocomposites showed anti-adherence activities against clinically isolated C. albicans in concentration dependent manner.

Evaluation of Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans alongside with pathogenic bacteria in kirkuk females

Vulvovaginitis is one of the commonest reproductive tract infections in women worldwide. There are three types of infectious :vaginitis including, bacterial vaginosis ,valvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. During the period from December 2021 to April 2022 in the Women conduct Children Hospital in Al-Nasr neighborhood and in private outpatient clinics in Kirkuk city in Iraq. The number of specimens examined was 160 samples(106from healthy and 54from infected women) and the ages ranged between (14-50) years. After the pairs swabs were taken, the direct examination and staining and culturing on the different culture media to diagnose many pathogenic microorganism (bacteria spp, candida spp, trichomonas vaginalis parasite). Trichomoniasis was detected by wet and stained smears and culture . Bacterial infection was confirmed by Nugent scoring method after Gram staining and culture . Candidiasis was identified by direct examination and culturing on both Sabouraud dextrose agar and Chromagar medium. The bacterial and candida diagnosis conforming by vitex-2 system. From the54 sample positive, the commonest organisms was bacteria (33.75%gram negative and gram positive 31.25%), followed by Candida species 14.37%, Trichomniasis as 5%, and mixed infection with these three agents in 17.5%. the commonest organisms was bacteria (100%gram negative and 92.59%), followed by Candida species 42.59%, Trichomniasis as 14.81%, and mixed infection with these three agents in 51.85%.E. coli 15(27.77%) and staph. aureus 16(32%) was the major bacteria isolate and candida albicans(13.12%) was the major of candida spp. isolate. And the results of the relationship of Vulvovaginitis with the age showed that incidence of infection was high among females age group(36-45years) 20(12.5%) . This study conclude that, bacterial vaginosis compile high percentage among women with vaginal discharge. It can be present alone or along with candidiasis while rare cases record a combined infection of bacterial vaginosis along with trichomoniasis and both candidiasis and trichomoniasis may be as secondary infection that enhanced after bacterial vaginosis.

Evaluation of Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans alongside with pathogenic bacteria in kirkuk females

Vulvovaginitis is one of the commonest reproductive tract infections in women worldwide. There are three types of infectious :vaginitis including, bacterial vaginosis ,valvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. During the period from December 2021 to April 2022 in the Women conduct Children Hospital in Al-Nasr neighborhood and in private outpatient clinics in Kirkuk city in Iraq. The number of specimens examined was 160 samples(106from healthy and 54from infected women) and the ages ranged between (14-50) years. After the pairs swabs were taken, the direct examination and staining and culturing on the different culture media to diagnose many pathogenic microorganism (bacteria spp, candida spp, trichomonas vaginalis parasite). Trichomoniasis was detected by wet and stained smears and culture . Bacterial infection was confirmed by Nugent scoring method after Gram staining and culture . Candidiasis was identified by direct examination and culturing on both Sabouraud dextrose agar and Chromagar medium. The bacterial and candida diagnosis conforming by vitex-2 system. From the54 sample positive, the commonest organisms was bacteria (33.75%gram negative and gram positive 31.25%), followed by Candida species 14.37%, Trichomniasis as 5%, and mixed infection with these three agents in 17.5%. the commonest organisms was bacteria (100%gram negative and 92.59%), followed by Candida species 42.59%, Trichomniasis as 14.81%, and mixed infection with these three agents in 51.85%.E. coli 15(27.77%) and staph. aureus 16(32%) was the major bacteria isolate and candida albicans(13.12%) was the major of candida spp. isolate. And the results of the relationship of Vulvovaginitis with the age showed that incidence of infection was high among females age group(36-45years) 20(12.5%) . This study conclude that, bacterial vaginosis compile high percentage among women with vaginal discharge. It can be present alone or along with candidiasis while rare cases record a combined infection of bacterial vaginosis along with trichomoniasis and both candidiasis and trichomoniasis may be as secondary infection that enhanced after bacterial vaginosis.

Strategies to Reduce the Use of Antibiotics in Fresh and Chilled Equine Semen.

The study assessed the impact of four equine semen processing techniques on sperm quality and microbial load immediately post-processing and after 48 h of refrigeration. The aim was to explore the potential reduction of prophylactic antibiotic usage in semen extenders. Semen from ten adult stallions was collected and processed under a strict hygiene protocol and divided into four aliquots: Simple Centrifugation with antibiotics (SC+), Simple Centrifugation (SC-), Single-Layer Colloidal Centrifugation (CC-), and Filtration (with SpermFilter®) (F-), all in extenders without antibiotics. Sperm motility, viability, and microbial load on three culture media were assessed. No significant differences were observed in the main in the sperm quality parameters among the four protocols post-processing and at 48 h (p < 0.05 or p < 0.1). Microbial loads in Columbia 5% Sheep Blood Agar and Schaedler vitamin K1 5% Sheep Blood Agar mediums were significantly higher (p < 0.10) for raw semen than for CS+, CC-, and F- post-processing. For Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium, the microbial load was significantly higher (p < 0.10) in raw semen compared to CS+ and F-. No significant differences (p < 0.10) were found in 48 h chilled samples. Regardless of antibiotic presence, the evaluated processing methods, when combined with rigorous hygiene measures, maintained semen quality and reduced microbial load to the same extent as a traditional protocol using antibiotics.

Characterization of the Beauveria bassiana ga fungal strain isolated from the muscardine infected silkworms (Bombyx mori L.)

In this study, the focus was on isolating and characterizing the fungal strain Beauveria bassiana from muscardine-infected silkworms (Bombyx mori L.). The fungal strain isolated from the muscardine-infected silkworm, designated as GA, closely resembled Beauveria bassiana isolate SBI-Bb04 based on morphological analysis and comparison of the 18S rRNA nucleotide sequence with sequences in the NCBI database. Beauveria bassiana GA demonstrates the ability to grow on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium. Optimal conditions for its growth were determined to be a pH range of 6-7 and a temperature range of 20-25°C. The composition of SDA, containing glucose and peptone sources, was found to be ideal for both growth and sporulation of this fungal strain. Furthermore, Beauveria bassiana GA exhibits the capacity to synthesize various extracellular enzymes, including chitinase, protease, cellulase, and amylase. These enzymatic activities contribute to its pathogenicity and suggest its potential as a biocontrol agent against insect pests.

Characterization and Isolation of Fungi from Domestic Pigeon Droppings in the Governorate of Erbil and its Suburban Area

A total of 200 samples of domestic bird droppings were collected from 54 regions in Erbil Governorate and its suburbs, and 23 of the isolates were fungi obtained by using the Niger bird seed medium and Sabouraud dextrose agar medium. The fungal genera were identified through macroscopic, microscopic, and phenotypic properties on agar plates and slides by staining with Lactophenol cotton blue stain. Findings belong to nine genera (Aspergillus, Alternaria, Chrysosporium, Cunninghamella, Helminthosporium, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizomucor, and Rhizopus). Among the isolates, six species belonging to Aspergillus were identified which also had the highest frequency (44.4 %) in total genera, while the lowest frequency was (0.1 %) for Alternaria sp., Chrysosporium sp., Cunninghamella sp. Results reveal that 17 sites' samples of bird droppings produced negative results when tested on Niger bird seed agar, while only two locations produced no results when tested on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Thus, Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) is thought to be better than Niger bird seed agar (NBSA) for isolating fungi since it is considered a generally rich media for them.

Potencial of Rice Bran Extract as a Basic Ingridient in Candida albicans Culture Media

Rice bran is a natural material that contains nutrients that serves as a fungal growth factor, can be used as an alternative media base for fungal growth. The aim of this research is to determine the potential of rice bran as an alternative medium for the growth of Candida albicans. The research design employed an experiment that compared the growth of Candida albicans on rice bran extract media and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) media. The sample is rice bran powder obtained from rice mills and rice bran extract was made using a multi-stage pretreatment method. The rice bran extract was used to create Rice bran Agar (RBA) and Rice bran Liquid (RBC) media, while SDA dan (SDB) media were also prepared. The media were inoculated with Candida albicans, incubated, and observed for 5 days. Data analysis included the measurement of fungal colony diameter using One Way Anova and Candida albicans biomass using an independent t-test. The research findings indicate that the average diameter of fungal colonies on RBA extract media was 10.4 mm, whereas it was 12.3 mm on SDA media. The Anova and Post Hoc Tukey HSD results demonstrated significant daily differences in colony diameter on RBA media, indicating notable Candida albicans growth. Conversely, there was no significant difference in colony diameter on SDA media. The biomass average of Candida albicans on RBC media was 0.82 g, compared to 0.45 g on SDB media. The Mann-Whitney test (p &lt; 0.05) indicated a significant contrast in the average dry weight of Candida albicans biomass, with RBC media being heavier than SDB media. The conclusion is RBA and RBC media have the ability to grow Candida albicans which can be used as an alternative to SDA and SDB media.

Kali carbonicum 6cH controls Malassezia pachydermatis growth in vitro

External otitis caused by Malassezia pachydermatis is a common disease in the veterinary practice routine, whose treatment has been challenging due to the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, Homeopathy is seen as a possible alternative to control the infection. To screen potential medicines to be used in a non-individualized clinical homeopathy approach, a series of in vitro assays were performed, in which a suspension of M. pachydermatis colonies in 0.5 McFarland scale was diluted 1:1000 in sterile saline solution, and 10 µL of pre-selected homeopathic medicines was added. Sulphur 6cH, Dolichos pruriens 6cH, and Kali carbonicum 6cH were chosen from a pilot study, and the last potency was prepared in pure, sterile water. The controls were pure, sterile water and succussed pure, sterile water. An amount of 50 µL of each suspension has seemed in plates containing Sabouraud dextrose agar medium, with or without 1% Tween 80, for counting of colony-forming units (CFU) and cytomorphological analysis of M. pachydermatis samples taken from the same colonies. The analysis was made using Image J 1.53 by manually counting quiescent and germinative forms. Kali carbonicum 6cH treatment decreased the germinative/quiescent ratio in relation to the controls, independent of Tween 80 presence in the medium. The UFC counting, however, did not show statistically significant differences among groups, probably by the lack of cytotoxicity against the yeasts. In conclusion, Kali carbonicum 6cH was considered a promising medicine to be tested in clinical conditions, probably due to its capacity to control yeast growth without creating a selective pressure able to induce resistance mechanisms.

The effect of ethanol extract of &lt;i&gt;Cosmos caudatus&lt;/i&gt; leaves on the percentage of the cell cycle in &lt;i&gt;Candida albicans&lt;/i&gt; culture

Candidiasis is a common fungal gynecological disease among humans. The use of antifungal agents, such as Fluconazole, has been reported to increase resistance to candidiasis by 7%. This study aimed to investigate the effect of antifungal flavonoids from Cosmos caudatus leaf extract on the cell cycle percentage in C. albicans culture. This research employed a true experimental post-test only with a control group design. The C. albicans isolate was obtained from the Microbiology Laboratory under the code C. albicans SV-1148. The isolates were cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB). The sample group was divided into a negative control group, a positive control group with fluconazole (60 µg/ml), and a treatment group with various concentrations of ethanol extract from Kenikir leaves (C. caudatus Kunth.) - 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and combinations (20% ethanol extract from Kenikirleaves + 30 µg/ml Fluconazole). This study revealed a reduction in the percentage of cell cycles in the S phase (DNA synthesis) in the treatment group receiving ethanol extract from Kenikir leaves (C. caudatus Kunth.) and the combination treatment group compared to the negative control group. The study suggests that this decrease in the percentage of cell cycles results from DNA damage caused by the presence of flavonoids in Kenikir leaves (C. caudatus Kunth.). Kenikirleaves (C. caudatus Kunth.) have the potential to decrease the percentage of S-phase cell cycles (DNA synthesis) in the culture of C. albicans. This research demonstrates that Kenikir leaves (C. caudatus Kunth.) contain natural flavonoids with antifungal properties and have the potential to be used as an alternative medicine for candidiasis in humans. It is hoped that incorporating Kenikir as a food ingredient can serve as an alternative prevention and treatment approach for candidiasis.

ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF RAMANIA LEAF EXTRACT (Bouea Macrophylla Griff) AGAINST Candida albicans

Background: Root canal infection is a polymicrobial infection that causes pulpitis or localized pulp inflammation. Root canal infection occurs due to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the root canal. One of the most common pathogenic microorganisms found in root canals is the fungus Candida albicans. Treatment that can be done to treat pulp tissue infection is endodontic treatment. Chlorhexidine gluconate 2% is one of the irrigation materials that can be used in root canal treatment. Ramania leaf extract contains compounds such as triterpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins that can function as antifungals. Purpose: Measuring and analyzing the antifungal activity of ramania leaf extract (Bouea Macrophylla Griff) on the growth of Candida albicans. Method: This study is a true experimental study with a post-test-only design with a control group design consisting of 7 treatment groups and repeated 4 times. The antifungal activity was assessed from the inhibition zone formed on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar media by the diffusion method. Results: Based on the Mann-Whitney test showed that there was only 1 pair of groups that did not have a significant difference, namely 100% concentration of ramania leaf extract with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate while the other groups had significant differences from each other. Conclusion: Ramania leaf extract concentrations of 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100% had antifungal activity in inhibiting the growth of the fungus Candida albicans. Keywords: Antifungal Activity, Candida albicans, Chlorhexidine gluconate 2%, Ramania Leaf Extract.

Isolation and identification of Candida spp. isolated from patients with oral candidiasis in Kerbala, Iraq.

83 oral swabs were collected from patients clinically diagnosed with oral candidiasis and Who attended the Children’s Teaching Hospital in Kerbala City. Samples were cultured directly on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium(SDA) supplemented with amoxicillin, and it was found that there was growth in 63 samples (76%) classified according to the type of pathogen 58 samples (92%) yeast and 5 samples (8%) bacteria. Most isolated yeasts belonged to the genus Candida, which amounted to 93.1% (54 samples), while the non-Candida yeasts recorded 6.9% (4 samples). Candida albicans was recorded as the dominant among the Candida species at 53.7% (29 isolates), followed by C. dubliniesis (18.5%) (10 isolates), C.lusitaniae 12.9% (7 isolates), C.tropicalis 7.4% (4 isolates), C.parapsilosis 5.6%, and C.kefyr 1.9% (1 isolate). The results of the physiological examinations showed the ability of all C.albicans, and C.dubliniesis isolates to produce germ tubes and chlamydo spores on cornmeal agar medium compared to the other species. All species showed the ability to produce pseudohyphae, but C.albicans isolates are the only ones that can grow under a temperature of 45 m. The growth results on HiCrome™ Candida Differential Agar (M1297A) confirmed the physiological tests, where all C. albicans isolates appeared in light green and C. difficiensis in dark green. In contrast, C.lusitaniae isolates appeared in purple, C.tropicalis in metallic blue, C.parapsilosis in white to pale pink, and C.kefyr in pink to purple. The diagnosis of the isolated species was confirmed using the Vitek device by the Vitek 2 YST card, and the results were interpreted by comparing the results of biochemical reactions and information available in the system database. The Vitek system was also used to examine the sensitivity of the isolated species to six antifungals, which are Fluconazole, Flucytosine, Capsufungin, Amphotericin B, Micafungin, and Voriconazole, using the Vitek 2AST-YS08 card. All species isolates are sensitive to Capsufungin, except one isolate of C.tropicalis and one of C.parapsilosis showed moderate sensitivity to this antibiotic. As for Amphotericin B, two isolates of C. albicans showed resistance (6.9%), and one isolate of C. lusitaniae showed resistance to Amphotericin B by 14% compared to the other species that showed sensitivity to this antibiotic by 100%. In comparison, all species were sensitive to Flucytosine at 100%, except 3 isolates of C. albicans were resistant to this antibiotic (10.3%) and 1 C. dubliniesis (10%). Keywords: Candida sp., Oral candidiasis, Fungal pathogens

Antifungal Activity of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Miana Plants (Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth.) against Candida albicans

Highlights: 1.Due to the adverse effects associated with current antifungal drugs, research on traditional medicine is necessary to explore other options for candidiasis treatment.2.Following the findings of this study, it is recommended to conduct further research by incorporating Coleus scuttellarioides filtrate into the growth medium, since this may improve bacterial growth by producing optimal secondary metabolites. Abstract Candida albicans is the most common organism responsible for both mucosal and systemic infections, accounting for approximately 70% of fungal infections worldwide. Miana, scientifically known as Coleus scuttellarioides (L.) Benth., is recognized for its use in traditional medicinal practices. Miana plants contain endophytic bacteria that possess the ability to produce secondary metabolites with potential antifungal agents. The objective of this study was to assess the antifungal activity of nine endophytic bacteria isolates derived from Coleus scuttellarioides against Candida albicans. This study was laboratory-based qualitative experimental research that applied the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method and several modifications. The Candida albicans specimens were spread throughout the entire potato dextrose agar medium. Afterwards, paper discs that had been soaked in a liquid culture of endophytic bacterial isolates were carefully placed on the surface of the medium. The complete setup was then incubated for 1–2 days. The potential antifungal activity of endophytic bacteria was assessed by observing the emergence of a clear zone surrounding their growth, which would indicate inhibition. An additional observation was performed in the follow-up test, involving the use of Sabouraud dextrose agar medium to confirm the initial test result. The results from the inhibitory test revealed that none of the bacterial isolates exhibited any inhibition zone. Conversely, ketoconazole as the positive control showed an inhibition zone with an average diameter of 28.5 mm. In conclusion, endophytic bacterial isolates obtained from Coleus scuttellarioides have no discernible antifungal properties against Candida albicans. This study implies that ketoconazole remains effective in treating infections caused by Candida albicans.