Sabouraud Dextrose Agar Research Articles

An In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-fungal Activity of Different Nano forms of Fluconazole Against Candida albicans

Objective: The study aims to compare the antifungal effectiveness of nine different nano-particle- containing fluconazole variants with the standard form of fluconazole against Candida albicans in a laboratory setting. Design: The study is an experimental laboratory-based study. Setting: The research was conducted in the department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Gulf Medical University, Ajman. Subjects: The study used standard strains of pathogenic Candida albicans ATCC66027 for experimentation. Intervention: Candida albicans was exposed to varying concentrations of nine different nano- particle-containing fluconazole forms. The mixture of the organism and drug was incubated for 2 minutes, followed by transferring 50 µL to Sabouraud Dextrose agar plates. These plates were then incubated at 37 °C for 48 hours. Main Outcome Measure: The primary outcome measure was the counting of colonies using a colony counter, with the number of CFUs/mL plotted against the concentration of different nano forms of fluconazole to estimate differences in effectiveness. Results: The findings suggest that the nano form of fluconazole effectively inhibits the growth of Candida albicans, especially at higher concentrations, compared to the normal form of fluconazole. The study highlights that the small size of the nano agents allows for better penetration of fluconazole, enhancing its effectiveness against Candida albicans. Conclusion: The study concludes that nano-particle-containing fluconazole variants demonstrate significant variations in reducing the colony count of Candida albicans when compared to the standard form of fluconazole.

Conjunctivitis in unusual populations: A review of rare cases and challenges in diagnosis and management

Conjunctivitis is defined as any inflammatory condition of the membrane that borders the eyelids and covers the exposed sclera. It is the most frequent reason for "red eye." The word "conjunctivitis" refers to a wide range of illnesses that manifest as conjunctival inflammation. Hyper acute, acute, or chronic inflammations are all possible, and their causes might be infectious or noninfectious. Conjunctival injection, sometimes known as "red eye," is a common presentation for various ocular illnesses and can represent up to 1% of all visits to the primary care physician. The presence of these two symptoms may identify 59% of instances with "serious eye conditions," including anterior uveitis and keratitis. Anisocoria and moderate photophobia were substantially related with "serious eye conditions. Before beginning antibiotic therapy, it is preferable to collect swabs from the discharge. The swabs are then cultured in the lab by placing them in different growth media. It is recommended to use Sabouraud agar plates to detect fungus in immunocompromised individuals and those with persistent blepharitis. Additionally, anaerobic culture plates may be beneficial, particularly for individuals who have a history of prior surgery or trauma. A very contagious kind of viral conjunctivitis is acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC). It presents with a feeling of a foreign body, excessive weeping, and edema of the eyelids, dilated conjunctival vessels, chemosis, and subconjunctival hemorrhage. When a person is sexually active as an adult or a newborn, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is frequently the cause of hyperacute conjunctivitis. Conjunctiva, eyelids, and cornea can all be impacted by ocular allergies along with other ocular surface areas. Ocular allergy disorders have been divided into three main categories by Leonardi et al based on the immunological mechanism responsible for the final clinical appearance. Patients suffering with viral conjunctivitis have quick onset foreign body feeling, red eyes, irritation, light sensitivity, burning, and watery discharge. Patients with bacterial conjunctivitis have all of the aforementioned symptoms as well as mucopurulent discharge and mattering of the eyelids upon awakening. For individuals with conjunctivitis, general supportive therapies include allergen avoidance (pollens, animals, and dust mites), the use of artificial tears, proper hand hygiene, cold compresses, avoidance of eye rubbing, and mild cleanser to remove any allergens or debris.

Potential of cavendish banana peels as a fungal growth media

Introduction: Banana peels are often discarded without further use. Whereas each banana peel contains nutrients that are quite high depending on the ripeness of the banana fruit. This has the potential to use banana peels as a medium for fungal growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of banana peel as a growth medium for the test fungi, namely Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans. Method: The type of research is experimental with variations in the mass of banana peels. The potency of banana peel media was evaluated by the growth of the test fungus which was expressed quantitatively by growth diameter and number of colonies. While the qualitative evaluation was carried out by observing the morphology of the test fungus colonies on banana peel media. The gold standard media used in this study were Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) for Aspergillus, and Potato dextrose agar (PDA) for Candida. Incubation for Candida albicans growth was carried out at 48 hours, while Aspergillus growth was incubated for up to 10 days. The data obtained were analyzed using Mann-Whitney. Result: The results showed that the banana peel media could be overgrown with the test fungus. Candida albicans showed the best results in the 3% (w/v) variant, while Aspergillus fumigatus grew optimally at the 2% (w/v) variant. Aspergillus flavus was best at the 1% (w/v) variant. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, banana peels media can be used for the growth media of the tested fungi, and it is recommended to use the 2% (w/v) variant so that it can be used to grow all the tested fungi in this research.

Evaluation of the Effects of Photodynamic Therapy With Methylene Blue on Different Candida Species In Vitro.

Introduction: Oral candidiasis is the most prevalent opportunistic infection of the oral cavity. The most common cause of this infection is Candida albicans. Considering the side effects of conventional antifungal therapies, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy with new methylene blue (a photosensitizer) in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei in vitro. Methods: In this experimental study, 200 samples of standard suspension (0.5 McFarland) were prepared from C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei (50 samples from each species). The samples of each species were divided into five groups (n=10), including photodynamic therapy with a photosensitizer, with or without laser irradiation, nystatin treatment, laser therapy, and control. Next, cultivation of samples was performed on Sabouraud dextrose agar, and the colony-forming units were determined after 24 hours of incubation at 37 °C. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 by means of the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05). Results: The most sensitive and resistant species to nystatin therapy were C. glabrata and C. krusei, respectively. On the other hand, C. krusei was the most sensitive species to photodynamic therapy, and C. glabrata was the most resistant type to this treatment. The highest therapeutic effectiveness was attributed to nystatin therapy, although photodynamic therapy was also effective. Laser therapy was recognized as the least effective method. Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy with new methylene blue, as a suitable adjunct therapy, can be effective in the management of candidiasis. It may also be a potential novel treatment for immunocompromised patients with oral candidiasis.

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.

Clinicomycological Profile and Risk Factors for Dermatophytosis at a Teaching Tertiary Care Centre in North India: A Cross-sectional Study.

Dermatophytosis has gained significant importance in recent years owing to increased incidence, more atypical lesions, changing mycological profile and growing antifungal resistance. Therefore, this study was planned to know the clinicomycological profile of dermatophytic infections in patients attending our tertiary care centre. A total of 700 patients with superficial fungal infections belonging to all age groups and both sexes were taken up for this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical details were noted on a prestructured proforma. Superficial lesions were clinically examined and the sample was collected by appropriate collection methods. Direct microscopy by potassium hydroxide wet mount was done to see hyphae. For culture Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol and cyclohexamide was used. Dermatophytic infections were detected in 75.8% (531/700) patients. Young people belonging to age group of 21-30 years were commonly affected. Tinea corporis was the commonest clinical picture seen in 20% of the cases. Oral antifungals were taken by 33.1% and topical creams were used by 74.2% of the patients. Direct microscopy was positive in 91.3% and culture was positive for dermatophytes in 61% of the study subjects. T. mentagrophytes was the commonest dermatophyte isolated. Irrational use of topical steroids needs to be controlled. KOH microscopy can be useful as a point of care test for rapid screening of dermatophytic infections. Culture is necessary to differentiate various dermatophytes and to guide the antifungal treatment.

EVALUATING CHANGES IN SALIVARY FLOW RATE, PH &amp; MICROBIAL COUNT DURING FIXED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT - AN IN VIVO STUDY

Aim of the study: Aim of this study is to assess the changes in salivary flow rate, salivary pH, plaque index, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, and Candida albicans in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, before and after placement of fixed orthodontic appliances. Materials and Method: In present study salivary samples from 60 patients (30 Males and 30 Females) with age group of 14-25 years would be undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at the department of orthodontics. Salivary flow rate, pH, plaque index and microbial colony count were measured. Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus and Candida albicans colony counts were measured using mitis salivarius agar, rogosa agar and sabouraud dextrose agar respectively. Saliva collected for 5 mins and measured in ml/min. salivary pH measured with digital pH meter. Salivary samples obtained from the same patients at intervals of 8 weeks and 16 weeks after commencement of orthodontic treatment and evaluated for the same. Result: This study showed fixed orthodontic appliances increases salivary flow rate (p=0.0001), decreases salivary pH (p=0.03), increases plaque index (p=0.0001), also increases Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus and Candida albicans colony count (p=0.0003, p=0.0001and p=0.019 respectively). Independent t test reported salivary flow rate significantly increases more in male patients at 16 weeks interval (p=0.03). Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed that after placement of fixed orthodontic appliances plaque retention increases, which sequentially decrease the salivary pH and decreased salivary pH promote the growth of microbiota.

Tinea capitis outbreak and other superficial mycosis in an urban community of Medellín

Introduction. Dermatophytoses are superficial fungal infections of the keratinized epithelium like tinea capitis. The latte mainly affects school-vulnerable populations. Carpinelo is a peripheral neighborhood in Medellín with poor socioeconomic conditions and where a suspected tinea capitis outbreak took place. Objective. To study and characterize, clinically and microbiologically, patients with suspected dermatophytosis in Carpinelo. Material and methods. We carried out a descriptive and longitudinal study with an active case search of tinea capitis in children and their relatives from the Jardín Educativo Buen Comienzo community in Carpinelo. Patients were clinically evaluated, and samples of scales and hair were taken to perform mycological studies with a 10 % potassium hydroxide and culture in Sabouraud and Mycosel agar. We analyzed the data with the statistical program SPSS™. 25 version. Results. Fifty-seven individuals were studied: 47 were children with a mean age of six years and a ratio of 2:1 male to female. Patients with confirmed diagnosis presented the following clinical forms: tinea capitis (78.95%), tinea faciei (15.79%) or tinea corporis (10.52%). Out of the total, 69.76% of the patients had previous treatment with steroids. The direct test was positive in 53.84% of the samples, and 46.15% had positive cultures. The isolated species were: Microsporum canis (77.77%), Trichophyton spp. (11.11%), Trichophyton rubrum (5.55%), and Malassezia spp. (5.55 %). Conclusion. Tinea capitis was the most common clinical form, and M. canis was the most frequently isolated species. The use of steroids as the first and only option for empiric treatment was worth of notice. The findings of this study point out the importance of microbiological diagnosis in choosing the best treatment for the patients.

Detection of Candida species isolated from immunocompromised patients in AL-Najaf province

ABSTRACT Study was carried out to examine phenotyping as a means of identifying of fungal species isolated by those who suffer from Thalassemia in the province of Al-Najaf and to assess function Inhibition of Some Antifungal Agents (Nystatin and Amphotericin B). Fifty samples, including oral swabs, were taken from the AL-Zahraa Teaching Hospitel in the AL Najaf province between October and November 2021, but only 14 showed good growth. All samples were cultured in the Microbiology Department of the Faculty of Medical Technologies at the Islamic college of Najaf, I plated them first on Sabouraud dextrose agar, and then on chromagar medium. to identify the species of Candida based on colony color. On chromagar medium, the results read as follows: C.albicans 10, C.parapsilosis 3, and C. tropicalis 1. Candida albicans' virulence factor production, including the formation of germ tubes, the formation of biofilms, and the production of phospholipase enzymes, was examined in this research. All virulence factors, such as germ tubes, biofilms, and the phospholipase enzyme, are produced by C. albicans, as evidenced by the culture findings.&#x0D; This research used a disk diffusion technique to describe the effects of the antifungal drugs nystatin and amphotercin B on the yeast species Candida. Based on these results, Amphotercin B is preferable to Nystatin for treating Candida spp..

A COMET ASSAY FOR CANDIDA GLABRATA INFECTION AND TREATMENT BY PENICILLIUM CHRYSOGENUM - DERIVED AgNPs

The colonies of C. glabrata were described, which morphology of isolated on sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol. Biosynthesis of nanoparticles is of great importance since they are highly involved in various medical and biological applications. The current study aims to produce Penicillium chrysogenum - derived AgNPs to be used to treat Candida glabrata. Nanoparticles were formed, the results of which was observed through UV-visible spectrophotometry. Therefore, the surface morphology and particles size of AgNPs were assessed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed that the average diameter of AgNPs was 18 nm which is appropriate to be used to deliver Penicillium chrysogenum to the Candida infected cells. The antifungal activity of AgNPs against C. glabrata was investigated in the serum of 15 mice. The mice were divided into four groups was examined after 21 days. A comet assay described procedure that sensitive measurement and permits reproducible of DNA repair and DNA damage using C. glabrara infection and treatment by Penicillium chrysogenum - derived AgNPs. This combination of assay with affected C. glabrara in DNA repaired and the extensive range of obtainable fungal molecular biology apparatuses can donate to light important devices of genome.

Effect of adjuvants, fungicides and insecticides on the growth of Trichoderma koningiopsis Th003

The effect of 44 agrochemicals (fungicides, insecticides and adjuvants) on the mycelial growth and germination conidia of Trichoderma koningiopsis Th003 was determined by seeding of 5 mm discs of fungal mycelium in Sabouraud agar supplemented with each agrochemical and seeding of conidia suspended in solutions of agrochemicals in water agar. For the adjuvants, their effect on the phyllospheric establishment of T. koningiopsis Th003 was determined by following their population in cape gooseberry leaflets inoculated with the fungus suspended in them. Eight fungicides did not inhibit the fungus mycelial growth or the conidia germination. Fenhexamid - Tebuconazole, Flutriafol and Kasugamicina inhibited it between 34 and 48% without affecting germination, Thiram - Pyrimethanil, Prochloraz, Tiabendazol, Spiroxamina and Triadimenol - Tebuconazole inhibited the growth and Thiram - Pyrimethanil and Dodine did not allow conidia germination. Insecticides and adjuvants presented an inhibition of up to 70% but did not affect the conidia germination. No negative effects of the adjuvants on the phyllosphere establishment of T. koningiopsis Th003 were observed, recovering from the treatments approximately 1x103 CFU g-1.

Quantitative Stool Culture of Candida in Autism Spectrum Disorder Patients

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a category of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social and communication impairment and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Aim of the Work to estimate the quantity of Candida in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients compared to normal children and to find the association between Candida colony count and severity of ASD. Patients and Methods The study was carried out on 40 children, diagnosed as autism and 40 normal children as control group recruited from Pediatrics and adolescent Psychiatric Clinic at Ain Shams University Pediatrics Hospitals and Main Microbiology lab in Clinical Pathology Department of Ain Shams University. The study was conducted on a wide age group ranging from 3 to 14 years, (mean age of 6.30±2.40 years), Stool sample was collected from each patient in a sterile container, cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and colony count was determined. Identification of isolated Candida species was done using chromogenic media. Results The study revealed statistically significant difference in Candida isolation rate among patient and control group with p-value (p = 0.006). Candida species were isolated from 23 patients (57.5%) and from 10 child in control group (25%), But detected that stool count was nonsignificant in severe autistic group compared to mild to moderate autistic group with p-value more than 0.05 NS. There were 14 patients (60.9%) with C. Albicans; 2 patients (8.7%) C. Glabrata; 6 patients (26.1%) C.Krusie and one patient (4.3%) C. Utilis, among candida species. Conclusion ASD is more common among male than female; ratio about 4:1. The high rate of intestinal colonization by Candida species in ASD children may represent a part of syndrome related to immune system disorders that may play a role in the pathogenesis of ASD. C. albicans was the predominant isolate than other non-Candida albicans species in ASD. The degree of candida colonization represented as quantitative colony count is not related to the severity of CARS among ASD patients.

A comparative study for optimization of MALDI-TOF MS identification of filamentous fungi.

To evaluate and compare the performance of three commercial culture media, two filamentous fungi libraries, and two different protein extraction procedures in MALDI-TOF MS fungal identification. A total of 21 quality control samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), ID fungi plate medium (IDFP), and Sabouraud gentamicin chloramphenicol 2 agar (SGC2). For four consecutive days, fungal growths were inoculated on a MALDI target plate both by using a direct transfer technique (DT) and by using a formic acid-ethanol protein extraction procedure (EEP). The MALDI-TOF MS-generated spectra were identified by the MBT Bruker library and the MSI database. Selective culture media (IDFP and SGC2) significantly outperformed the non-selective SDA medium. IDFP was superior to the SGC2 medium for dermatophyte identification. The EEP only demonstrated a benefit over DT in the underperforming SDA medium. The MBT Bruker library outperformed the MSI database in Aspergillus identification while the MSI database outperformed the MBT library in dermatophyte identification. For non-Aspergillus fungi, the libraries performed comparably. The results of our study show the necessity of using selective culture media (IDFP and SGC2) for fungal identification with MALDI-TOF MS and demonstrate no significant benefit of the formic acid-ethanol protein extraction technique in these media. Given the relative strengths and weaknesses of the MBT library and the MSI database, it might currently be beneficial to consider these libraries as complementary and employ both databases to achieve optimal fungal identification.

Formulation of Fungal Media from Local Plant Materials

A culture medium is a liquid or gelled substance that promotes microorganism growth in the laboratory. This study is aimed at exploring various local plant sources for fungal media formulation. The local plant materials used in this study were grains of Zea mays, seeds of Glycine max, and boiled and peeled Dioscorea dumetorum tubers. These plant materials were dried separately in the oven at 60°C, pulverized individually, measured in different proportions, and poured separately into conical flasks containing distilled water at various proportions to evaluate the potential of the fungal media formulation. The best formulation was derived from Z. mays (5 g), D. dumetorum (2.5 g), and G. max (2 g) in 50 ml of sterile distilled water (M5Y2.5S2). It was then autoclaved at 121°C for 15 mins at 15 psi and dispensed in various Petri dishes. Media characteristics such as gelling ability and consistency were compared with Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) as the standard media. Isolates of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium expansum were used; these were derived from deteriorating yam and bread and cultured on the media. The colony diameter, aerial growth, and sporulation of the test fungal isolates were ascertained. When compared to SDA ( 8.92 ± 0.10 ), the colony diameter of A. niger on M5Y2.5S2 ( 8.90 ± 0.10 ) did not differ significantly ( P = 0.05 ). This is also applicable in the case of P. expansum on M5Y2.5S2 ( 8.93 ± 0.06 ) when compared with SDA ( 8.92 ± 0.07 ). There was a significant difference ( P = 0.05 ) in the sporulation of A. niger (M5Y2.5S2 1.76 ± 0.06 ) when compared with SDA ( 1.70 ± 0.06 ). This is also applicable in the case of P. expansum (M5Y2.5S2 2.73 ± 0.06 ) when compared with SDA ( 2.70 ± 0.0 ). The fungal isolates showed luxuriant growth in both media. M5Y2.5S2 performed favorably in comparison to SDA in relation to all the parameters studied. M5Y2.5S2 is recommended for use in fungal culture and will save funds used for the importation of media.

Antimicrobial effect of phytosphingosine in acrylic resin.

This study evaluated color stability (CS), anti-adherence effect (AAE), and cell viability of microorganisms on acrylic resin (AR) surface, treated associated or not with sodium percarbonate (SP). AR specimens were prepared, and color analysis was performed before and after the treatments and the CS was calculated. For analysis of AAE, the samples were sterilized by radiation in a microwave oven. Then samples were randomly distributed: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS - control), 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (SH), phytosphingosine (PHS), and phytosphingosine + SP (PHS+Na2CO3). The specimens remained in contact with solutions for 30 minutes and were later contaminated by Candida albicans. Aliquots were seeded in Petri dishes with Sabouraud Dextrose agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. After the incubation, the number of colonies was counted. The cell viability of adhered microorganisms on the AR was evaluated and 20 fields were observed under an epifluorescence microscope, and the percentage of adhered viable cells was calculated. Data were compared (One-way ANOVA, Tukey, p<.05). As for CS, PHS+ Na2CO3 (0.4±0.1) resulted in less change than PBS (0.9±0.2), similar to the other groups (SH [1.0±0.3)]; PHS [0.9±0.2)]). There was no difference for all tested solutions regarding the ability to avoid microorganism adherence (p>0.05), but PHS (11.2±4.1) resulted in a smaller area of adhered viable cells, statistically different from SH (18.2±7.6) and PBS (26.4±10.8). It was concluded that PHS resulted in lower adhered viable cells and when associated with Na2CO3, also shows a lower effect on the CS of AR.

A study of clinico-mycological profile and treatment of primary otomycosis

Background: Otomycosis is a superficial mycotic infection of the external auditory canal. Clinical presentation, along with otoscopic findings, is sufficient to make the diagnosis in most of the cases. Treatment includes aural cleaning followed by the instillation of anti-fungal ear drops. In the recent years, there has been an increasing trend of antifungal resistance for the commonly used antifungals such as fluconazole and clotrimazole. Drug sensitivity patterns have also shown variability from one region to another. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the clinico-mycological profile along with antifungal susceptibility pattern and treatment outcome of primary otomycosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 230 clinically diagnosed patients of primary otomycosis were included in this prospective study. Microbiological causes were evaluated by KOH wet mount and culture of samples collected from external auditory meatus using sterile swabs. Fungal culture was done on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol at 25°C and 37°C. Anti-fungal susceptibility test was done by disk diffusion method using medium Muller-Hilton agar with glucose and methylene blue. All the patients were treated with the removal of fungal debris with topical clotrimazole instillation and were followed up after 7 days. Non-responders were treated with topical itraconazole. Results: Male-to-female ratio in study participants was 1:1.3. The most frequently observed risk factor was the instillation of oil in the ear (20%). Ear itching was the commonest symptom (70.9%). Positive fungal growth was seen in 203 (88.3%) cases. Aspergillus was present in 185 (91.1%) cases, followed by Candida in 18 (8.9%) cases. Voriconazole had the highest sensitivity followed by itraconazole. 167 (83.3%) patients responded to primary treatment (topical Clotrimazole), 36 (16.7%) patients were non-responders. Conclusion: All the clinically suspected patients should be evaluated for fungal positivity, which may further guide in the selection of appropriate anti-fungal agents. Awareness regarding the predisposing factors for otomycosis in the general population may result in a significant drop in the incidence of otomycosis.

A Novel One Health Approach concerning Yeast Present in the Oral Microbiome of the Endangered Rio Skate (Rioraja agassizii) from Southeastern Brazil.

The current climate change scenario caused by anthropogenic activities has resulted in novel environmental pressures, increasing the occurrence and severity of fungal infections in the marine environment. Research on fungi in several taxonomic groups is widespread although not the case for elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). In this context, the aim of the present study was to screen the oral fungal microbiota present in artisanally captured Rioraja agassizii, a batoid that, although endangered, is highly fished and consumed worldwide. Oropharyngeal samples were obtained by swabbing and the samples were investigated using morphological and phenotypic methods by streaking on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and subculturing onto CHROMagar Candida (BD Difco) and CHROMagar Candida Plus (CHROMagarTM), as well as molecular techniques by amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA region and a MALDI-TOF MS assessment. The findings indicated the presence of Candida parapsilosis (seven isolates), Candida duobushaemulonii (one isolate) and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (three isolates), several of these reported for the first time in Rioraja agassizii. In addition, a 100% agreement between the MALDI-TOF results and partial ITS region sequencing was noted, demonstrating that the MALDI-TOF MS is a rapid and effective alternative for yeast identification in Rioraja agassizii isolates and potentially in other elasmobranch species. These findings highlight the need for further research to determine the potential impact on elasmobranch health, ecology, and commercial fisheries. Furthermore, this research is paramount in a One Health framework and may be employed to predict elasmobranch responses to an evolving ocean, keep healthy populations in check, monitor species, and assess the public health consequences of consuming these species.

Prevalence of Non-Dermatophytic Molds in Toenails among Diabetic Patients in Homs, Syria

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for fungal infections, including onychomycosis. The study aims to determine the prevalence of toenail onychomycosis in diabetic patients and its correlation with associated factors, identify the causative agents and compare the fungal culture findings with the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) findings of diagnosing 6 fungal isolates. A total of 126 diabetic patients were included between November 2020 to June 2021. Nail samples were subjected to potassium hydroxide 20%. Culture was done on Sabouraud dextrose agar medium (SDA), both with and without cycloheximide. Identification of non-dermatophytic molds was based on colony characteristics, colony reverse, cello-tape flag method and slide culture technique. Molecular analysis was done to make sure of the identification of 6 fungal isolates. Out of 126 cases, 106 (84.1%) had toenails onychomycosis. Non-dermatophytic molds (NDM) were the most common isolates 75 (70.8%), followed by yeasts 8 (7.5%) and mixed infections 23 (21.7%). Distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO) was the most frequent clinical type 90 (85%). Onychomycosis was found to correlate significantly with advancing age, type 2 diabetes, its duration and clinically abnormal nails. However, there was no significant correlation with gender and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). When the results obtained by RT-PCR were compared with the results obtained by fungal culture, a 100% match of the isolates was found.

Comparison of the Frequency of Vaginal Infections in Women with Premature Delivery and Women with Term Delivery in Ali Ibn Abitaleb Hospital of Zahedan in 2018

Introduction: Premature birth is one of the most common causes of infant mortality worldwide. In many countries, preterm birth rates increased between 1990 and 2010. Vaginal infections are important causes of preterm labor (PTL). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the role of vaginal infections in causing preterm labor. Method: This study was a case-control study. The target population was pregnant women referring to Ali Ibn Abitaleb Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, in 2018 who were aged 20 to 38 years and were diagnosed with PTL. The control group included an equal number of women with the same age range but term labor. To investigate candida, trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis, and group B streptococcali, swab samples were taken from the vagina and rectum. Different laboratory methods were performed to isolate the above-mentioned microorganisms, including microscopy of wet mount smear, Gram stain, culture on Sabouraud agar, and 5% sheep blood agar. Moreover, four Amsel criteria were used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis. At last, the collected data were analyzed by SPSS-19 software with a p-value of 0.05. Results: A total of 300 patients were included in the study, and the mean age was not statistically significantly different between the two groups of PTL and term labor. No statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of vaginal candidiasis (P=0.081), bacterial vaginosis (P=0.906), and trichomonas infection (P=0.904) between the two groups. Conclusion: It seems that the genital infections examined in this study do not play a role in increasing the prevalence of premature birth.

Physical parameters influence the microbial quality of indoor air in research laboratories: A report from Malaysia

The quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in laboratories is vital to ensure optimum health of the users and guarantee the accuracy of experiments conducted. Moreover, recent studies show that the average quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in labs can pose health risks to occupants. The study aims to examine the relationship between physical parameters and microbial pollutants in research laboratories' indoor air quality (IAQ) by quantifying and characterising the bacteria and fungi in the indoor environment of research laboratories using the settle plate method; whereby our Petri dishes containing media are exposed to the air for sample collection. This study was conducted over the course of 3 ​day ​at three different research laboratories: Virology Lab (VL), Genetic Lab (GL), and Aquatic Lab (AL). The physical parameters such as air temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide were measured using FLUKE 975 air meter, whereas the microbial parameters were assessed using the settle plate method with Tryptone Soya agar and Sabouraud Dextrose agar for the bacterial and fungal count, respectively. Our results showed that the high temperature and relative humidity, exceeded the standard threshold for temperature (23–26 ​°C) and relative humidity (40–70%) set by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Additionally, because of poor air conditioning and ventilation system maintenance, there were high total bacterial counts in GL (CFU/m3 234.34 ​± ​30.93) and total fungal counts in VL (CFU/m3 589.34 ​± ​53.03). We also showed that the most commonly isolated bacteria and fungi in research laboratories were Staphylococcus spp. (72.2%) and Cladosporium spp. (76.7%). In conclusion, we reported that there was a correlation between the physical parameters and microbial pollutants in the research laboratories. Therefore, regular monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters and maintenance of the air conditioning and ventilation system should be carried out to ensure a good and safe indoor environment in research laboratories.