Sabouraud Glucose Agar Research Articles

Efektivitas pertumbuhan Candida albicans pada media alternatif air rebusan kacang kedelai (Glycine max (l) Merr)

Background: Candida albicans are one of the pathogenic fungi in humans whose growth requires carbohydrates and proteins to grow and develop. Soybeans have a reasonably good nutritional content and potential as an alternative medium for the growth of Candida albicans fungi, and soybeans are very easy to find in the community, so they can be used as an alternative medium to replace SGA (Sabouraud Glucose Agar). Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr) have nutritional content consisting of oils, carbohydrates, and minerals that allow them to source nutrients and food for fungi. Furthermore, one of them that can be utilized from soybeans is cooking water.Objectives: The study aims to determine whether soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) cooking water media can be an effective alternative for Candida albicans culture.Methods: An analytical study using an experimental design was conducted in the Microbiology laboratory at the Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Health Polytechnic of Aceh, Ministry of Health, in September 2022. The sample used in this study was soybean cooking water as an alternative medium for Candida albicans. Data collection is based on the culture (breeding) of Candida albicans on alternative media with soybean decoction water as raw material. For the identification of Candida albicans species, confirmation tests were carried out using the germ tube test method. Then the growth assessment of positive (+) colonies of Candida albicans on alternative media of soybean cooking water was incubated for 72 hours (± three days) at 37°C. Data analysis was only done descriptivelyResults: There is the growth of Candida albicans fungal colonies on alternative media from soybean cooking water with macroscopic characteristics of yellowish white color, yeast smell, smooth, smooth surface, flat edges, small colonies, and many colonies. On microscopic observation, Candida albicans fungus was found with microscopic characteristics of round, oval, small, thin-walled, yeast-like cells and pseudohyphae.Conclusion: Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr) cooking water media is effectively used as an alternative media for the growth of Candida albicans.

Identification of Candida and Geotrichum fungi colonized in the gastro-intestinal tract of patients with chronic urticarial

Introduction: Urticaria is a reaction pattern that represents cutaneous mast cell degranulation, with the condition being defined as chronic if lesions recur for longer than 6 weeks. Aims and Objectives: Considering the high incidence of chronic urticaria among the patients with colonization of yeasts in gastro-intestinal tract, we investigated all fungal colonization and invasion in the gastro-intestinal tract of cases involved hives. Our aim was identification of all isolates in the level of species. Methods: Our subjects included 200 cases with long time superficial lesions as Urticaria. Fresh stool sample from the cases with clinical symptoms were collected. A direct microscopic investigation performed for the detection of fungal growth in gastro-intestinal tract. The basic culture on sabouraud glucose agar used for confirming of the fungal detection. The Molecular methods and proteomic based MALDI-TOF system used for the identification of all fungal isolates. Results: The highest age range of our cases was 40-50 and included 25% of all. Women and men similarly involved (12 cases each). Our findings of microscopic investigation included budding cells in 13(54.2%) cases, blastospores 6(25%), arthrospores 3(12.5%) and pseudohypha 2(8.3%). Total of 24 fungal isolates, 7 (29.2%) cases of Geotrichum silvicola, 7 (29.2%) Candida albicans and 6(25%) Candida glabrata were the most frequent identified by MALDI-TOF system. Other yeast included C. Africana, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata one each. Only one unknown case by MALDI-TOF system recorded. Conclusion: A variable species of yeast fungi which are commensally live in human gastro-intestinal tract are potentially candidate of causing agent for chronic urticaria.

Microbial Assessment of Slaughter Slabs at the Central Slaughterhouse of Ado Ekiti

This study was aimed at assessing the presence of microbes in the selected slaughter slabs in other to inform the Animal scientists, Public health workers, Butchers and Meat vendors to know the risk pose to human health with contaminated meat.
 A total of 50 sterile swab sticks were used to collect the samples from five abattoir slaughter slabs surfaces in Ado-Ekiti central abattoir with ten swab samples from each slaughter slab. After collection the samples were immediately transported to laboratory for microbiological studies. Trypticase-soya-agar (TSA) was used as medium for the samples, while chloramphenicol was used in replacement to trophic bacteria and Sabouraud-glucosea-gar (SGA) for fungi. The incubation of Petri dishes were set at 37ºC for 48 – 72hrs while daily observation of the cultures were carried out with the use of stereoscopic microscope for the presence of fungal mycelium and or bacterial colonies. The results revealed that bacterial count mean value was 1.83 × 105 CFU/ml and fungal count mean value was 0.59 × 105 CFU/ml. A total of eight strains of bacteria comprises of gram positive and gram negative bacteria from all the samples were isolated, Staphylococcus aureus had the highest percentage of occurrences (33%), followed by Escherichia coli (26%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19%), while other prevalence bacteria have 5% each. In the fungi samples, isolation of four strains were carried out, from all the total fungal count, Aspergillus flavus had the highest number of occurrence with approximately 40%, Penicillium spp had 28%, and 8% occurrence for the lowest fungal count. It is shown in the study that the meat has higher contamination potential from the slaughter slab surfaces. With the result shown, contamination rate could be attributed to poor sanitation level, and proper measure and attention was not given to hygienic practices in the Central abattoir in Ado Ekiti. This then called for butchers education on the importance of practicing good hygiene, handling of meat with modern techniques and encouragement of good sanitation in the abattoirs.

Study of the variation of the Malassezia load in the interdigital fold of dogs with pododermatitis

The yeast Malassezia pachydermatis is a common inhabitant of the skin and mucosae of dogs. However, under certain circumstances this yeast can overgrow and act as an opportunistic pathogen causing otitis and dermatitis in dogs. Canine pododermatitis is a common disorder in dogs in which M. pachydermatis acts as an opportunistic pathogen. In the present study, the presence of Malassezia yeasts was assessed and quantified in samples collected from the interdigital space of dogs with pododermatitis before and after treatment, and from healthy dogs. The samples were subjected to two different cytological examinations, culture on Sabouraud glucose agar and modified Dixon’s agar and a quantitative PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genomic region. A selection of samples was analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS) using the D1D2 domain of the large subunit of the ribosomal DNA as target. The pododermatitis samples before treatment showed higher cell counts, colony-forming units and ITS copies than the rest of samples. The NGS analysis revealed that Ascomycota was the main phylum in the healthy and post-treatment samples. However, Basidiomycota and M. pachydermatis was more abundant in the pododermatitis samples before treatment. These results support M. pachydermatis as an opportunistic agent in canine pododermatitis by a variety of methods, and demonstrate the correlation between cytologic and molecular methods for quantification.

Revival of generalized favus

Revival of generalized favus

Identifikasi Jamur Kontaminan pada Petis Udang yang Dijual di Pasar Pagi Tegal

Shrimp paste is the result of processing broth or shrimp juice which is blackish brown in color and has a distinctive aroma. Usually the raw material for making shrimp paste is a whole shrimp head, ground and given enough water and then squeezed. Shrimp paste that is stored for too long or open state in the storage allows shrimp paste to be contaminated by bacteria and fungi such as Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Aspergillus sp and Penicillium sp. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was fungal contamination in shrimp paste sold at the Pasar Pagi Tegal. The research method used is descriptive research, which is describes the phenomenon of the object under study in the narrative form. Samples were obtained by taking 12 samples of shrimp paste taken from 12 shrimp paste traders in Pasar Pagi Tegal. The fungus was identified by culturing on Sabouraud Glucose Agar (SGA) media, incubated for 3-7 days at 37ºC and then observed macroscopically and microscopically. The results showed that based on macroscopic and microscopic examinations, shrimp paste sold at Pasar Pagi Tegal was 34% contaminated with Aspergillus sp, 33% contaminated with Penicillium sp and Aspergillus sp, 17% contaminated with Penicillium sp, 8% contaminated with Rhizopus sp and Aspergillus sp, and 8% contaminated with Rhizopus sp

Prevalence of Prototheca and fungal contamination of bulk tank milk of industrial dairy cattle herds in Iran

Background: Prototheca Spp. belongs to family Chlorellaceae and can cause mastitis in dairy cattle herds. Several Prototheca species could be isolated in different parts of the dairy herds. Objectives: The objectives were to determine: (1) the investigation status of bulk tank milk Prototheca Spp prevalence in industrial dairy cattle herds in different area of Iran. And (2). To evaluate the fungal agent prevalence of bulk tank milk of dairy cattle herds in different seasons. Materials and Methods: Bulk tank milk for the presence of Prototheca and fungal agents from 165 industrial dairy cattle herds complexes were tested. The population of each herd were about 850–3500 Holstein dairy cows. The samples were taken from 32 cities and 16 provinces of Iran, respectively. In total, almost 66800 Holstein dairy cows represented. The population of lactating cows included about 25800. Samples were cultured on sabouraud glucose agar (SGA) medium with chloramphenicol (100 mg / l). Results: Only 8 (4.84%) out of 165 samples were isolated for Prototheca Spp. It had been isolated in different seasons. They were 2, 4, 1 and 1 samples in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. Candida, Fusarium and Trichosporon Spp. were isolated from 137, 2 and 1 samples, respectively. According to the obtained results Prototheca and fungal agents are present in bulk tank milk of industrial dairy cattle herds in different provinces of Iran. Conclusion: It is concluded that exposure to Prototheca and different fungal agents could be common in the dairy cattle herds in Iran. The results are important as dairy cattle health and human sanitation hazards.

VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS: PREVALENCE, SPECIES DISTRIBUTION AND RISK FACTORS AMONG NON-PREGNANT WOMEN, IN SANA'A, YEMEN

Background and objectives: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is known to be a global issue of concern due to its association with economic costs, sexually transmitted diseases, and the escalation of genital tract infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, species distribution and risk factors associated with Candida species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis. Subjects and Methods: Non-pregnant women attending routine antenatal visits at Al-Olaifi-Family Center in Sana'a were enrolled in a cross-sectional study conducted from June 2018 to March 2019. Laboratory work was carried out at the National Center of Public Laboratories (NCPHL). Vaginal swabs were sampled from participants after oral consent was obtained. The swabs were inoculated in Sabouraud glucose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and incubated at 37°C for 24 to 48 h under aerobic conditions in order to perform a fungal culture. Candida species were determined by culturing on HiCrome Candida differential Agar at 35°C for 48 h to produce species-specific colours. Data on demographic, clinical, and risk factors were collected in a pre-designed questionnaire. Results: A total of 190 non-pregnant women were included. The prevalence of VVC was 22.1%. Candida albicans accounted for 16.3% and non-Candida albicans accounted for 5.8% of the isolates, mainly C. glabrata (3.2%), C. rugosa (1.05%), C. lipolytica (1.05%), and C. dubliniensis (0.53%). When VVC risk factors were considered, there were significant risk factors with age group 30-34 years (33.3%, odds ratio=2.1) and age group ≥35 years (62.5%, odds ratio=10.3), residence in a rural area (39.5 %, OR=3.3), negative emotions (30.2%, OR=2.3), underwear replacement over 1 day (29.3%, OR=4.2), impure cotton underwear (29.4%, OR=4.9), while Condom use and vulvar cleaning before or after sexual life were found to be highly significant protective factors against VVC (p=0.008, 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: Guidelines for the management of VVC syndrome in Yemen should be revised to include a protocol specifically for women over 30 years of age. VVC undoubtedly poses a significant threat to women's reproductive health. Risk factors for VVC are varied, and include ages, health habits, history of the disease, and other aspects. It is necessary to take appropriate measures to avoid risk factors and to help reduce the prevalence of VVC among women of childbearing age. Peer Review History: Received: 3 May 2021; Revised: 23 June; Accepted: 30 June, Available online: 15 July 2021 Academic Editor: Dr. Ali Abdullah Al-yahawi, Al-Razi university, Department of Pharmacy, Yemen, alyahawipharm@yahoo.com UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Michael Otakhor Erhunmwunse, St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, Nigeria,dedoctor4life@yahoo.com Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Dr. Wadhah Hassan Ali Edrees, Hajja University, Yemen, edress2020@gmail.com Similar Articles: VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS PREVALENCE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN DIFFERENT HOSPITALS IN IBB, YEMEN PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS DURING PREGNANCY IN SANA'A, YEMEN

Vaginal Bacterial Profile in Pregnant Women

Summary This study aimed to determine the bacterial profile of vaginal samples from pregnant women and the prevalence of identified microorganisms. Materials and methods: A prospective epidemiological study was conducted on 150 pregnant women admitted to the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Dr. G. Stranski University Hospital in Pleven. Vaginal secretion samples were collected from all the 150 women. Direct microscopy of native smears prepared by the wet mount method to detect Trichomonas vaginalis and direct microscopy of Gram-stained smears was performed. Aerobic culture studies were conducted to identify pathogenic bacteria and Sabouraud glucose agar (SGA) to detect the presence of Candida spp. Samples were also collected from 107 of the women for PCR tests for mycoplasma detection. Results: The highest relative share in the study was women aged 21 to 35 years 104 (69.33%). Of all the hospitalized and examined pregnant women, 87 (57.99%) had medical problems during the current pregnancy and postpartum complications, and 63 women (42%) gave birth without accompanying complications. In 86 (57.32%) of the women, bacteria were detected by direct microscopy of Gram-stained smears. Of these, 24 (16%) had gram-negative rods, 28 (18.66%) had gram-positive cocci. In 34 (22.66%), we found gram-negative and gram-variable pleomorphic bacteria. The aerobic culture study revealed microbiological growth in 44 (29.33%) of the women investigated. Conclusions: Studies on the profile of the vaginal microbiota in pregnant women and the spread of pathogenic microorganisms are essential for make prognoses for pregnancy outcome, evaluating the risk of developing a maternal-fetal infection, and discussing options for timely treatment.

Cross-Sectional Study of Candidemia from Isfahan, Iran: Etiologic Agents, Predisposing Factors, and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing.

Background:Candidemia is a fatal invasive fungal infection that involves thousands of patients annually and is associated with high mortality rate and economic burden. The incidence of candidemia is increasing due to the use of invasive medical instruments and immunosuppressive drugs. The treatment of infection is problematic because of the increased resistance of clinical strains to antifungal drugs. The aim of the present study was to identify Candida species isolated from candidemia and determination of antifungal susceptibility patterns of clinical isolates.Materials and Methods:Three thousand eight hundred BACTEC bottles suspected to candidemia were evaluated from April 2019 to June 2020. For primary identification, a positive blood culture was subcultured onto the sabouraud glucose agar and CHROMagar™ Candida. For molecular identification, ITS1-5.8SrDNA-ITS2 region was amplified by ITS1 and ITS4 primers and MspI restriction enzyme was applied to digest polymerase chain reaction amplicons. Minimum inhibitory concentration of seven antifungals was determined against clinical isolates by broth microdilution method in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M27-A3 and M27-S4 documents.Results:Forty-six out of 3800 suspected specimens were positive for candidemia (1.2%). The age range of the patients was between 11 days and 89 years, with a median age of 34.8 years. Candida albicans was found to be the most Candida species (58.7%), followed by C. parapsilosis complex (19.6%), C. glabrata complex (8.7%), C. krusei (6.5%), C. famata (4.3%), and C. tropicalis (2.2%). Resistance to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole was detected in 13.6%, 11.3%, 6.8%, and 4.5% of clinical isolates, respectively.Conclusion:The incidence of non-albicans Candida species is increasing that must be highlighted. Since resistant Candida strains are found repeatedly, consecutive tracing of the species distribution and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates is recommended for better management of infections.

Survey on the Presence of Malassezia spp. in Healthy Rabbit Ear Canals.

Malassezia spp. have rarely been reported in rodents and lagomorphs. In 2011, Malassezia cuniculi was described in two rabbits. Further microscopic studies showed M. cuniculi-like yeasts in more than 50% of samples from rabbits’ ear canals, but no isolation was made. The present study details the presence of Malassezia spp. and tries to typify it from ear canals of healthy rabbits. Seventy-eight half-breed rabbits from rural farms and 98 companion dwarf rabbits from northern Italy were considered. A first attempt to screen ear swabs was performed by microscopic and cultural examination on Sabouraud Glucose Agar (SGA), modified Dixon Agar (mDA) and Leeming and Notman Agar (LNA). Additionally, ear swabs from eight further microscopically positive rabbits for M. cuniculi-like cells, were used for both isolation on LNA medium and nine of its variants and for DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing. The microscopic observation of the swabs of the screened 168 rabbits highlighted the presence of yeasts in one or both of the external ear canals of 98 rabbits (58.3%). Rabbits used for meat production were more frequently diagnosed positive than pet rabbits (P = 0.001), and young ones were more often positive compared to rabbits older than 3 months (P = 0.027). No yeast growth was observed in culture. From the eight selected rabbits, Malassezia isolation failed both on LNA and on the modified mediums. Sequences of ~300 bp fragments of 18s rDNA, obtained by PCR from swabs, showed 99.9% identity with Malassezia phylotype 131 described from human ear canals. As Malassezia-like yeasts have been observed in more than half of the examined population, its colonization of ear meatus can be considered as physiological in rabbits. The results outline how much remains to be discovered on Malassezia as a component of the skin mycobiota of rabbits and that the use of the culture examination alone is not the best choice to detect Malassezia-like yeasts in rabbits.

Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Hongkongmyces snookiorum in a kidney transplant patient: a case report

BackgroundMorbidity and mortality in transplant patients is increased by infection caused mainly by rare opportunistic pathogens. The present study reports a case where Hongkongmyces snookiorum caused subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in a kidney transplant patient.Case presentationA 47-year old Chinese woman with chronic kidney disease 5 underwent kidney transplantation 3 years ago. Her regular medications included Tacrolimus (1 mg, two times daily), Mycophenolate Mofetil (two times 250 mg, twice daily) and Prednisone acetate tablets (5 mg daily). Eighteen months ago, her proximal right index finger was red, painful and swollen. After admission, a hard and fluctuating 1 cm × 1 cm abscess was found on the dorsal side of the right index finger. Gram and fluorescence staining of a direct smear of a syringe extraction from the abscess revealed presence of filamentous fungi. White velvet colonies (2–3 mm) were found on blood plate and Sabouraud glucose agar (SGA) after 1 week, and grey aerial hyphae were observed. After 15 days, a 26 mm gray colony was also observed on SGA. The homology between this filamentous fungus and Hongkongmyces snookiorum ILLS00125755 (Genbank Sequence ID: MH161189.1) was 99.66%. An in vitro antifungal susceptibility test showed that this filamentous fungus was sensitive to azoles such as itraconazole and voriconazole.ConclusionsWe report an opportunistic fungus infection caused by Hongkongmyces snookiorum in a transplant patient. Our finding shows that prevention of subcutaneous fungal infection is necessary for kidney transplantation patients.

Majocchi granulom - prikaz pacijenta

Introduction/Aim: Majocchi's granuloma is an infrequent deep-seated fungal infection where pathogen invades hair follicles, entering the dermal and subcutaneous tissue, thus forming granulomatous dermal and/or hypodermal changes. There are two clinical types: the first one is common in healthy individuals characterized by superficial perifollicular papular infection, and the second is followed by the deep subcutaneous nodules usually reported among immunocompromised hosts. This infection is usually caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The aim of this paper is to show the rare localization of this disease in the area of the vulva. Case report: We present a 20-year-old immunocompetent woman with multiple papules, nodules, and pustules on the hairy part of the vulva. Potassium hydroxide preparations of skin scrapings were negative and culture performed on Sabouraud glucose agar revealed Trichophyton rubrum. The patient was treated with the oral systemic antifungal therapy for four weeks and all lesions resolved. Conclusion: Majocchi's granuloma should not be overlooked in patients with papular and nodular lesions in the vulvar region.

Fungi isolated from maize (Zea mays L.) grain in Lithuania

The aim of this work was to investigate contamination levels of maize grain by fungi propagules and composition of fungi species. The objects of investigation were maize grain taken in Lithuania, 5 different fields of private farms in the Vilkaviškis District, in 2016 and 2017. Grain samples were taken directly from the field before harvesting at the end of October (Phenological growth stage BBCH 97). Moisture of the samples was measured by a mobile hygrometer Wile 55. Quantitative grain contamination by fungal propagules (fungal propagules = cfu = colony forming unit) was determined by a dilution method. Serial decimal dilutions up to 10−3 were made and 0.1 ml aliquots were inoculated in triplicate onto the Sabouraud glucose agar medium with chloramfenicol (0.5 g l–1). Results of this study showed that the moisture content in the grain varied from 21.5 to 32.3%. Due to late ripening and unfavourable meteorological conditions the contamination of grain by fungi propagules ranged from 9.5 to 33.2 cfu g–3. Fungi were identified according to morphological and microscopic characteristics. A total of 8 different fungal genera (Absidia spp., Aspergillus spp. Alternaria spp., Cladosporium spp., Epicoccum spp., Fusarium spp., Mortierella spp., Penicillium spp.) and 14 species were identified in total. Fungi of Alternaria and Fusarium genera were prevailing.

Fungal and Bacterial Co-Infection of Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, Linnaeus 1758) in a Recirculating Aquaculture System: Saprolegnia parasitica and Aeromonas hydrophila

<div><!--block-->Aeromonas hydrophila causes symptoms of hemorrhagic septicemia in acute cases and can cause death in freshwater fish, whereas Saprolegnia parasitica is the cause of ulcers complicated by fungal mycelia located on skin that has lost its scales for various reasons. Both pathogens co-infect recirculating aquaculture systems at the İzmir Katip Çelebi University Fisheries Research and Training Center. Clinical, bacteriological, parasitological, and mycological studies were carried out on 25 fish samples during the infestation. Sabouraud glucose agar and malt extract agar were used to isolate the fungus, and the bacterial isolates were streaked on tryptic soy agar (Oxoid) with 5% defibrinated sheep blood. Gray-white cotton-like patches, erosions on the skin, and hemorrhaging were detected on the infected fish samples. The analytical profile index test and molecular identification showed that the bacterial agent was A. hydrophila and a fungal examination and amplification by polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the mycotic agent was S. parasitica.</div>

Diversity, frequency and antifungal resistance of Candida species in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To determine number, species of Candida and Candida resistance to antifungal therapy according to the metabolic control state and the associated salivary changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).Materials and methods: Samples of non-stimulated saliva were collected from 52 patients with DM2. Salivary pH was measured and cultured on Sabouraud glucose agar and the values of CFU/ml were calculated. The species were presumptively identified using CHROMagar Candida® plates, and identification was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). C. albicans isolates were cultured on SGA tetracycline agar with nystatin and fluconazole diffusion disks to measure susceptibility.Results: Sixty six percent of the yeasts isolated were Candida albicans, followed by C. glabrata (20.7%). In patients with decompensated DM2, there was an inverse association between HbA1c value and salivary pH. At higher levels of salivary acidification, a greater diversity and quantity of yeasts of the genus Candida were observed. With nystatin, higher inhibition was observed at lower pH.Conclusions: The antifungal therapies could be more effective if it consider, qualitative salivary characteristics as pH, that could determine the susceptibility of species of Candida to at least to nystatin, which is the most used antifungal for treatment to oral candidiasis in patients with DM2.

Evaluation of microbiological purity of nasal ointment "Mnemastym"

The aim of this work was the determination of microbiological purity of nasal ointment “Mnemastym” with arginine-vasopressin (AVP). Materials and methods. For the microbial contamination control the inoculations were made on the nutrient medium set: for colibacillus – Endo agar, for staphylococcus – vitelline-saline agar and for fungi – Sabouraud's glucose agar. Petri dishes with inoculations were incubated during 48 hours at the tempereture 37 °C. Next identification was carried out by the traditional method. Results . It was determined that amount of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in 1 g of composition isn’t more than allowable standard by State Pharmacopoea of Ukraine for this class of dosage forms, but lies near critical value. It is sufficient for extemporaneous compounding of nasal ointment “Mnemastym” but at the same time development of further manufacturing of drug with the adding of antiseptic excipients is necessary. On the base of complex pharmaco-technological, biopharmaceutical, physical-chemical, rheological and biological investigations the optimal composition and technology for compounding of nasal ointment “Mnemastym” for the therapy of cognitive consequences of cerebrovascular pathology were developed. Conclusions . It was determined that manufacturing of nasal dosage form “Mnemastym” needs an adding of excipients with antimicrobial activity for stabilization of microbial contamination process. It was revealed that for the minimization of this standardization value for the ointment on lipophilic base in pharmacopoeia limit using of polyhexamethylenguanidin phosphate of triclozane or mixture of nipagin: nipazole 8:2 in 0.15 % concentration is the most rationale. Adding of preservatives in nasal ointment with vasopressin on lipophilic base for extemporaneous compounding isn’t need.

Phenotypic and genetic diversity of Malassezia furfur from domestic and zoo animals.

Malassezia furfur is traditionally associated to human skin, although more recent studies have been revealing its presence in a variety of animals. The aim of this study was to analyze phenotypically and genetically the diversity among strains isolated from animals of this species. We have examined 21 strains of M. furfur from domestic and wild animals held in captivity. On the one hand, their phenotypic characteristics were studied, by assessing its growth at different incubation temperatures, their catalase and β-glucosidase activities and the Tween diffusion test on Sabouraud glucose agar (SGA), and on yeast nitrogen base agar (YNBA), a synthetic medium without lipids. On the other hand, the large subunit (LSU) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal RNA and the β-tubulin gene were sequenced. Different sequence types were identified for each target gene, and fourteen genotypes were revealed. While several genotypes were obtained from the strains from domestic animals, the strains from zoo animals appeared to be genetically more stable. With ITS and β-tubulin gene, M. furfur strains grouped in two clades. One clade included the strains from domestic animals and the other clade included the strains from zoo animals. The phenotypic tests also revealed a remarkable diversity within this species, which appeared to be more significant among strains from domestic animals. Moreover, the Tween diffusion test using YNBA was more useful to observe differences among strains, which could not be perceived using SGA.

Investigation of the Inhibitory Effects of the Designed NK95 Peptide on Expression of SAP4-SAP6 Genes of Candida albicans in Comparison with Caspofungin

Background: Candida albicans is the most common pathogen in patients with vulvovaginitis. Secretory aspartyl proteinases (SAPs) are potential factors in the virulence of C. albicans. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are recognized as a promising antimicrobial group of drugs with a membrane degradation mechanism. Occurrence of resistance to these drugs is quite rare. The impact of rapid membrane degradation on AMPs is relative to the prevention or delay in drug resistance mechanisms in different microbes. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the inhibitory effects of the designed NK95 peptide and caspofungin on expression of SAP4-SAP6 genes from clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans . Methods: In this experimental study, samples were collected from 350 women, who were suspected of vulvovaginal candidiasis and were referred to Zahedan gynecology clinics during 6 months. The clinical specimens were cultured in Sabouraud glucose agar (SGA). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to identify the vaginal isolates of C. albicans. Afterwards, the NK95 peptide was designed and synthesized. Drug susceptibility test was carried out at different concentrations of NK95 peptide and caspofungin. RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative Real-time PCR were performed on the clinical isolates before and after treatment with the designed peptide and caspofungin. Results: Based on the findings of this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90), MIC50, and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of C. albicans isolates were 62.5, 31.25, and 125 μg/mL for the designed peptide, respectively. The SAP4 (45%), SAP5 (85%), and SAP6 (73%) genes expressions significantly reduced at 48 hours after treatment with the designed peptide (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings showed that the designed NK95 peptide has antifungal effects on the clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans. Moreover, it has potential down-regulating on expression of SAP4, SAP5 and SAP6 genes.

Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnancy at three health centers in Burkina Faso

Pregnant women are more susceptible to vaginal colonization and infection by yeast. The role of Candida colonization in the occurrence of preterm birth is well established. The knowledge of local epidemiology and identification of risk factors for preterm birth is important for the prevention and management strategies. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of Candidasp. in vaginal swabs of pregnant women. Pregnant women attending routine antenatal visits in three primary health centres in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) were enrolled into a cross-sectional study carried out from February to April 2015. Vaginal swabs samples were taken from participants after obtaining oral consent. The swabs were inoculated into Sabouraud's glucose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and incubated at 37°C for 24 to 48hours under aerobic conditions in order to perform fungal culture. The identification of the Candida species was done by culture on HiCrome Candida Differential Agar at 35°C for 48h for production of species-specific colors. A total of 229pregnant women were included. The prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was 22.71%, (95% CI [17.45-28.69]). Candidaalbicans accounted for 40.39% and non-Candidaalbicans species for 59.61% of the isolates, with mainly C.glabrata (32.69%), C.tropicalis (15.38%) and C.krusei (11.54%). This study revealed a high prevalence of non-C.albicans species. The syndromic management guidelines for VVC in Burkina Faso will be revised to include a specific protocol for pregnant women.