Slide Culture Research Articles

Evaluating of fungal contamination in hospital wet cooling systems in Markazi province, Central Iran

Fungal infections are common complication among hospitalized patients especially between who is immunocompromised. Wet cooling systems in the hospital environment play a critical role as a source of these infections. The aim of this study was survey of wet cooling system of hospitals for fungal contamination in Arak city. This study was conducted during May to September of 2016. Sampling was done as random. Samples were obtained from water and straw of 84wet cooling systems of four hospitals in Arak city. Samples were cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar medium contain of chloramphenicol. Identification of fungi was performed by Slide culture method. From 84wet cooling systems, 32 (38.1%) were contaminated with fungi. The highest fungal contamination was found in wards of oncology and CCU. The most prevalent of fungi isolated in this study were Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp., respectively. The findings of this descriptive cross-sectional study clearly indicate, in wards of the hospital that used wet cooling systems, there was considerable fungal contamination, particularly Aspergillus contamination. These results highlight a clear need for greater attention to the use of non-aqueous or closed circulation cooling systems, especially where susceptible patients receive medical care.

Studies on the Kinetics of Antibacterial Agent Production in Two Actinomycete Strains, F9 and Is5, Isolated from Soil Samples, Iran

The main purpose of this research was to search various collections of soil samples for isolating antibacterial agent-producing actinomycetes against drug-resistant pathogens and find the relationship between growth and antibacterial agent production in broth culture. Primary screening for antibacterial agent production was done by overlay agar technique. Production kinetics was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination using dilution method for 10 days and compared to growth in broth culture. The Hypothetical growth cycle in solid medium was studied using slide culture technique. Among 110 isolated strains, 17% were active against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), 17% against Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 12711), 8% against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 4.5% against vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and 0.9% against Escherichia coli (ATCC 1399). Two of the best strains, F9 and Is5, were selected for assessing production kinetics. They showed an irregular growth in liquid medium. Fluctuations are the continuous growth/death processes. Antibacterial agent production reached the highest expression level in the end and middle of the first descending phase in growth curve for strains F9 and Is5, respectively. The best MIC values of strain F9 extract were 0.97, 0.97, 1.37, and 1.1 mg/L against S. aureus, B. subtilis, MRSA, and VRE, while the best MIC value of Is5 extract was 1.92 and 1.67 mg/L against S. aureus and B. subtilis, respectively. No change was seen in growth of E. coli in the presence of nearly 1500 mg/L strain Is5 extract during 10 days. Comparing the 16S rDNA gene sequences of isolates and type strains retrieved from GenBank/EzTaxon showed that strains F9 and Is5 have 99.88 and 95.68% similarity with Streptomyces chryseus and S. anulatus, respectively. 16S rDNA gene sequence of the isolates was deposited in the NCBI GenBank database, under the accession numbers KX417085 and KX417086. Based on the results obtained in the present study, it can be concluded that the separation possibility of the antibacterial agent-producing actinomycetes against Gram-negative and drug resistance bacteria is very low. However, new places can be a promising source for isolation of strains with the ability to produce new, diverse and effective antibacterial agents.

FIRST REPORT OF A GRAY MOLD ON LILIUM CERNUUM KOMAR.

Lilium cernuum Komar. a rare Lilium purple species, is a perennial herb, low in height and fragrant, pale purple-red tepals, with deep purple spots toward base (Wang and Tang, 1980). In September 2012, gray mold symptoms were seen for the first time in Benxi City. In August 2013, the disease had spread up to Liaoning Province. Symptoms initially appeared as yellowish brown to reddish-brown water-soaked spots which enlarged and developed into oval, round or large irregular spots, with identifiable borders. For pathogen identification, leaf pieces (3 to 5 mm) including both symptomatic and healthy tissue, were surface-disinfected in 75% ethanol for 5 s, and in 0.1% aqueous mercuric chloride for 1 min,,rinsed with sterilized water three times, and incubated on potato dextrose agar at 25°C for 14 days in darkness. Single spore isolates were obtained from individual conidia. Isolates grown on synthetic nutrient agar in slide cultures, produced hyphae clusters, straight and dark gray with a few branches and separating membranes of 20-25 µm, and colorless conidia, circular or elliptical, nearly obtuse or slightly tipped at the top, 10-15 µm × 5-10 µm in size. Conidiophores germinated in one or two ends or intermediately with more slender germ tubes. Based on morphological characterization the fungus was tentatively identified as B. cinerea (Coley-Smith et al., 1980). For molecular identification, internal transcribed spacer region was amplified by PCR using ITS1 and ITS4 primers and sequenced (GenBank accession No. KU951145), The sequence showed 100% similarity with an undescribed B. cinerea species isolated from deep sea fungi in Xiamen, Fujian, China (KP003819). To fulfill Koch's postulates, eight 1-year-old seedlings were inoculated with conidial suspensions (107 conidia ml-1 ) and incubated under moist conditions for 3 to 4 days at 25°C. All leaf spots developed on inoculated leaves were similar to those observed in the field. B.cinerea was recovered from the lesions and its identity was confirmed by morphological and molecular analyses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of B.cinerea in Lilium cernuum Komar. in China, causing a disease with economical impact.

Clinico-Mycological Pattern of Hair and Skin Infection in New Delhi

Introduction: Fungus parasitizing structures rich in keratin, like hair, skin and nails, lead to a dermal inflammatory response with intense itching and cosmetic disfigurement. Hence, diagnosis, treatment and regional epidemiological characteristics of the fungus by in vitro culture are required. Aim and objective: To see the Clinico-mycological pattern of skin and hair infections in dermatology outpatient’s in New Delhi. Materials and methods: This study was conducted (April 2013-December2013) in Mycology laboratory of a tertiary care hospital, New Delhi on 100 consecutive outpatients with clinical suspicion of superficial fungal infection of hair and skin. Plucked hair and scrapings, biopsy, and scales of skin were collected. Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) mounts and culture on Sabourauds Dextrose Agar (SDA) was done and incubated at 25°C and 37°C for 4-6 weeks. Identification was done by colony morphology, microscopic of Lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) mounts and slide culture as per standard mycological procedures. Results: The infection was more common in males (66%) with a male: female ratio of 1.9:1 and predominantly seen in <10 years of age (30%). Tinea corporis (32%) was the commonest presentation, followed by T. capitis (26%), T. mannum (20%), T. pedis (20%) and T. faciei (2%). Direct microscopy by KOH mount was positive in 37%, 46% by culture and 27% by both microscopy and culture. Dermatophytes were grown in 27(24.5%), while 17 (16.5%) had growth of non dermatophyte moulds (NDM) with only 6 (5.8%) of yeasts. Trichophyton rubrum (7.8%) was the commonest dermatophyte. T. verrucossum (5.8%), T. schoenleinii (5.8%), T. mentagrophyte (3.9%) and T. violaceum (1.9%) were also isolated. Aspergillus flavus (2.9%) was the most common NDM. Other NDMs isolated were, A. terreus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Penicillium spp., Syncephalastrum spp., Paecillomyces spp., Mucor spp. Rhizopus spp. and Epicoccum spp. Conclusion: There is a rising trend of Non dermatophytic Moulds causing infection replacing the most common Dermatophytes.

Isolation, Identification and Pathogenicity of Fungi Associated with Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) Spoilage

Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) corms, purchased from a local barn in Awka, Anambra state, showing spoilage symptoms were examined for rot associated with fungal pathogens. The spoilage organisms were isolated from the corms by explanting the spoilt tissues obtained aseptically onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with chloramphenicol an antibacterial agent. The developing isolates were purified by repeated subculture and identified macroscopically and microscopically using the slide culture technique. The organisms recovered from spoilt cocoyam were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Mucor circinelloides, Penicillium cyclopium and Fusarium oxysporum. The rot due to Rhizopus, Mucor and Fusarium were extensive resulting in complete maceration of cocoyam tissues. The pathogenicity test also showed that the above organisms were responsible for cocoyam spoilage. These spoilage organisms may have had access into these cocoyam corms through air, wounds, working equipment (for harvesting) and pests. Proper care should be taken in the handling of these corms as some of these spoilage fungi are known to have negative impact on both humans and livestock because they produce mycotoxins.

Onychomycosis in diabetic patients in Fako Division of Cameroon: prevalence, causative agents, associated factors and antifungal sensitivity patterns.

BackgroundOnychomycosis is an infection of the nail unit by a fungus. This is a very common infection amongst diabetics. Its occurrence among diabetics in Fako division is unknown. In this study we provide information on the characteristics of onychomycosis in diabetics in Fako division, Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive and analytical hospital-based study was conducted in two diabetic clinics in the Buea and Limbe regional hospitals. We recruited 152 consenting diabetics into the study. Demographic, behavioural, and clinical data of patients were obtained through the use of structured questionnaires. Toenail, finger nail, skin scrapings and nail clippings were collected from participants, KOH mounts were prepared and observed under the microscope and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with chloramphenicol to isolate causative fungi. Identification of isolates was done to species level using the cello tape flag method and slide culture. The presence of a dermatophyte by either microscopy or culture or both methods was considered positive for onychomycosis. Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out using selected antifungals by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar.ResultsClinical onychomycosis was found in 77 of the 152 diabetics tested giving a prevalence of 50.7% (95% CI 42.4–58.9) in diabetics in Fako. No socio-demographic or clinical factor studied was significantly associated with onychomycosis. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common isolate (62%). Other isolates included Trichophyton metagraphyte (22%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (16%). Dermatophytes were sensitive to miconazole (66%), amphotericin B (19%) and ketoconazole (14%).ConclusionOnychomycosis is common in diabetics in Fako signifying the need for regular screening by either microscopy or culture. Infected nails could be treated with miconazole.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-016-2302-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Molecular Identification of Streptomyces producing antibiotics and their antimicrobial activities

Five strains of Streptomyces, namely S, N, W, E and C (designations should be mentioned in detail here) isolated from the rhizosphere soil cultivated with palm Alajua (date, pressed dates), AlMedina city, Saudi Arabia, were induced to produce antibiotics. Antimicrobial activities were determined on solid medium supplemented with starch. The detection was based on the formation of transparent zones around colonies. The results indicated that isolates had antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and also showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. DNA extracted from five isolates was used as template for 16s rDNA gene amplification. The expected PCR size was 1.5 kbp;1.6 kbp; 1.25 kbp; 1.25kbp and 1.0 k bp for S, N, W, E and C isolates respectively using universal 16s rDNA gene primers using direct PCR. The isolates varied morphologically on the basis of spore color, aerial and substrate mycelium formation, and production of diffusible pigment. Isolates were tested under a microscope by using slide culture technique. The results indicate that the soil of this region is source of Streptomyces having antibacterial and antifungal activity and thus better utilization of these microorganisms as biological control agents.

Fungal flora in the mouth of venomous and non-venomous snakes

Mortality as a direct result of venomous snake bites is estimated to be in the thousands worldwide per year. However, while venom may be the primary mortality vector, snake oral cavities can also contain significant pathogens capable of causing infection in bite victims. This study was conducted to identify potentially pathogenic fungal flora in the oral cavities of venomous and non-venomous snakes. Sterile swabs were used to retrieve samples from the oral cavities of different snakes followed by medium-specific culture. Slide culture technology was also used in the identification of fungal flora. Rhizopus and Mucor represented the most common fungal flora each making up 29 % of the total. Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Candida represented a significantly smaller portion of fungal pathogen load at around 3 % each. Fungi, Yeast (19.4 %) and Penicillium (9.7 %), were also identified in the retrieved samples. Our results indicate that both venomous and non-venomous snakes carry a significant fungal pathogenic load in their oral cavities. Therefore, fungal infection should be considered, in addition to toxicity, especially in snake bite victims with immune deficiency.

Biofilms of vaginal Lactobacillus in vitro test

This paper focuses on biofilms of Lactobacillus spp. – a type of normal flora isolated from healthy human vaginas of women of childbearing age; thereupon, it broadens the research scope of investigation of vaginal normal flora. The static slide culture method was adopted to foster biofilms, marked by specific fluorescence staining. Laser scanning confocal and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the microstructure of the biofilms. Photographs taken from the microstructure were analysed to calculate the density of the biofilms. The body of Lactobacillus spp., though red, turned yellow when interacting with the green extracellular polysaccharides. The structure of the biofilm and aquaporin within the biofilm were imaged. Lactobacillus density increases over time. This study provides convincing evidence that Lactobacillus can form biofilms and grow over time in vitro. This finding establishes an important and necessary condition for selecting proper strains for the pharmaceutics of vaginal ecology.

Transformation of galena to pyromorphite produces bioavailable sulfur for neutrophilic chemoautotrophy.

The aqueous concentration of lead [Pb(II)] in geochemical environments is controlled by the solubility of Pb-bearing minerals and their weathering products. In contaminated soils, a common method for in situ stabilization of Pb(II) is the addition of phosphate to convert more redox sensitive sulfide minerals into sparingly soluble pyromorphite [Pb5 (PO4 )3 X]. In this study, we conducted experimental studies to investigate the fate of reduced sulfur during the conversion of galena [PbS] to chloropyromorphite [Pb5 (PO4 )3 Cl]. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the reaction of phosphate with galena under oxic conditions resulted in the oxidation of sulfide and formation of elemental sulfur [S8 ]. Under oxic abiotic conditions, the S8 was retained in the solid phase, and negligible concentrations of sulfur as sulfide and thiosulfate were detected in the aqueous phase and only a small amount of sulfate. When PbS reacted in the presence of the chemoautotrophic organism Bosea sp. WAO, the S8 in the secondary mineral was oxidized to sulfate. Strain WAO produced significantly more sulfate from the secondary S8 than from the primary galena. Microscopic analysis of mineral-microbe aggregates on mineral-embedded slide cultures showed that the organism was colocalized and increased in biomass over time on the secondary mineral surface supporting a microbial role. The results of this study indicate that stimulation of sulfur-oxidizing activity may be a direct consequence of phosphate amendments to Pb(II)-contaminated soils.

Enhancement of Extracellular Lipase Production by Strain Improvement of Fungus Aspergillus niger LPF-5

Twelve fungal isolates belonging to different genera were quantitatively screened for extracellular lipase production in SmF (Submerged fermentation). Isolate LPF-5 demonstrated higher lipase activity and it was identified as Aspergillus niger based on morphology of its Petri plate culture, microscopic study of its slide culture and with the help of relevant literatures. Further an effort was made to increase the production of extracellular lipase by subjecting the most potent lipolytic fungal strain A. niger LPF-5 to the strain improvement by induced mutagenesis using UV radiations and nitrous acid. Among the all tested mutagens, nitrous acid was found to be the best mutagen (incubation time of 15 minutes) for inducing the favorable mutation in fungal strain A. niger LPF-5 which enhanced the lipase activity up to 30% (105.19 ± 0.91 U mL -1 min -1 ) when compared to lipase activity (81.00 ± 0.30 U mL -1 min -1 ) of wild strain while the lipase activity of the best UV mutant (A. niger UV3), obtained after an incubation of 6 minutes was 94.30 ± 0.54 U mL -1 min -1 , which was 16.41% higher as compared to wild strain of A. niger. These results indicate that UV light and nitrous acid both were effective mutagens but nitrous acid was more potent mutagen than UV light.

Kisspeptin Activates Ankrd 26 Gene Expression in Migrating Embryonic GnRH Neurons.

Kisspeptin, a newly discovered neuropeptide, regulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Kisspeptins are a large RF-amide family of peptides. The kisspeptin coded by KiSS-1 gene is a 145-amino acid protein that is cleaved to C-terminal peptide kisspeptin-10. G-protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) has been identified as a kisspeptin receptor, and it is expressed in GnRH neurons and in a variety of cancer cells. In this study, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) labeled GnRH cells with migratory properties, which express GPR54, served as a model to study the effects of kisspeptin on cell migration. We monitored EGFP–GnRH neuronal migration in brain slide culture of embryonic day 14 transgenic rat by live cell imaging system and studied the effects of kisspeptin-10 (1 nM) treatment for 36 h on GnRH migration. Furthermore, to determine kisspeptin-induced molecular pathways related with apoptosis and cytoskeletal changes during neuronal migration, we studied the expression levels of candidate genes in laser-captured EGFP–GnRH neurons by real-time PCR. We found that there was no change in the expression level of genes related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. The expression of ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein (ankrd) 26 in EGFP–GnRH neurons was upregulated by the exposure to kisspeptin. These studies suggest that ankrd 26 gene plays an unidentified role in regulating neuronal movement mediated by kisspeptin–GPR54 signaling, which could be a potential pathway to suppress cell migration.

A modified micro chamber agar spot slide culture technique for microscopic examination of filamentous fungi

The slide culture technique aids in the study of undisturbed microscopic morphological details of filamentous fungi. The existing methods for setting up of slide culture are quite cumbersome, time-consuming and require elaborate preparation. We describe a modified and easy to perform micro chamber agar spot slide culture technique.

Microorganisms causing post harvest tomato (solanum lycopersicum l.) fruit decay in nigeria

This study was carried out to isolate and identify pathogenic microorganisms associated with deterioration of tomato fruits. Fruit samples of infected and non-infected tomatoes were collected from two open markets, Oja-Oba and Sabo in Osogbo, Nigeria. Each of the tomato was cut and the liquid content inoculated on nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar, incubated at 37 0C and 25 0C, respectively, and observed from 24 hours to 5 days, after which different colonies obtained were identified using slide culture technique. Two bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp, as well as two fungi Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer were observed in the tomato samples in both markets. Prevalence indices revealed that isolated pathogens is higher at Sabo market than Oja-Oba market. Pathogenicity tests also revealed that both of bacteria and fungi caused fruit decay. Consumers’ awareness on potential health hazards of consuming relatively cheaper and pathogen contaminated spoilt fruits should be intensified.

Cutaneous Sporotrichosis Presenting as Clinical Feature of Facial Cellulitis in an Adult.

Dear Editor: Sporotrichosis is subcutaneous mycosis due to the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii complex1,2,3. Fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis may present as acneiform, nodular, ulcerated, or verrucous. Less often the patients may present with facial cellulitis. Clinically initial cutaneous lesion is most frequently on an exposed area, commonly the face in children and the arms in adults4. We report the case of cutaneous sporotrichosis of the upper eyelid in adult. The patient was a 57-year-old female who showed with localized erythematous plaques with swelling on the right upper eyelid for 1 month (Fig. 1A). She has done persimmon tree farming without any recongnizable injury and took blepharoplasty 3 months before the lesion appears. Both of them were suspicious as a route of the infection. Cultures from biopsy specimen were performed in Sabouraud's dextrose agar slants. As a result, black, moist and wrinkled colonies of S. schenckii were observed in two slants (Fig. 2A). Septate branched mycelia and clustered conidia were observed in slide culture (Fig. 2B). Histopathologically, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and chronic granulomatous inflammation were observed on H&E stain. Many round spores were found around dermis in periodic acid Schiff stain (Fig. 2C). The nucleotide sequence of internal transcribed spacer for clinical isolate was identical to that of S. schenckii strain KMU 3360 (GenBank accession number {type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AB122043.1,term_id:40714495,term_text:AB122043.1}}AB122043.1). Fig. 1 (A) Localized erythematous plaques with swelling on the right upper eyelid. (B) Skin lesions showing completely cured after six months of treatment. Fig. 2 (A) Dark brown to black, moist and wrinkled colonies on Sabouraud's dextrose agar slants at 25℃ for 2 weeks. (B) Septate branched mycelia and clustered conidia were observed in slide culture (lactophenol cotton blue stain, ×1,000), (C) ... Itraconazole is the drug of choice for treatment of sporotrichosis5. The patient was treated with oral itraconazole 200 mg/day for six months. The skin lesions were completely cured and no recurrence is observed during 1 year of follow up (Fig. 1B). Although cutaneous sporotrichosis is not unusual, the clinical presentation and the location of the lesion might have led dermatologist into misdiagnosis as facial cellulitis. Therefore, we report this case to emphasize the fungal culture of the skin lesions presenting as clinical feature of faical cellulitis.

A Study of Superficial Mycoses with its Clinical Correlation at GMERS Medical College & Hospital Valsad, Gujarat

Background: Superficial mycotic infections constitute the bulk of mycotic diseases. Superficial mycoses are limited to skin, hair, and nails. The superficial fungal infections commonly encountered are dermatophytosis, candidiasis and pityriasis versicolor. Aim of this present study is mainly to evaluate the mycological profile of superficial mycoses with their causal association with its clinical presentation. Method: The study was carried out at Department of Microbiology, GMERS Medical College, Valsad from November 2014 to April 2015.73 various Skin scrapings, nail clippings and scalp scrapings were the clinical specimens taken for the study. Direct Microscopy was done with KOH (10% for skin and scalp and 40% for nail).Culture was done on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. The isolate were identified by colonial morphology, pigment production and direct examination of smear from the colony by tease mount and cellophane tape mount lactophenol cotton blue preparation & slide culture. Results: Out of 73 samples, 44 (60.27%) were KOH positive and 33 (45%) were Culture positive. The commonest isolate was Trichophyton spp 16 (49%) followed by Candida spp. 7(21%) and other molds like pseudoallescheria boydii, Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus 5(15%). Tinea corporis 30 (42%) was the most common clinical presentation. The commonest age group involved was 19-59 years. Conclusion: The present study signifies the importance of mycological examination in diagnosis of superficial fungal infections. It is helpful to study fungal species commonly associated with superficial mycosis with various clinical presentation and also for further treatment. Key words: Candida spp, Superficial mycoses, Trichophyton spp, Tinea corporis, Tinea capitis

Dermatophytoses; epidemiology and distribution among urban and sub urban population

Background: Superficial mycoses or superficial cutaneous fungal infections are the most common mycotic infections worldwide, which involve outermost covering of skin and its appendages like hair and nail. The patients invariably try to neglect such type of infections and seek medical attention usually for cosmetic reasons and not because of discomfort. At least 10% of world’s population has dermatophyte infection. Dermatophytes are by far the most significant cutaneous fungi because of their widespread involvement of population and their worldwide prevalence. The dermatophytes are a group of closely related keratinophillic fungi that invade keratinised tissues-skin, hair and nails of humans and animals to produce an infection called as dermatophytoses or ring worm. Dermatophytes colonise superficial dead or desquamating layers of skin and its appendages. Superficial mycoses have become a significant health problem affecting children, adolescents and adults in developing countries. The present study was planned to characterise the different dermatophytes, non dermatophytes, budding yeast like fungi and other fungi in various types of superficial mycoses cases and there distribution in urban and sub urban population. Specimens like skin, hairs and nail were collected and subjected to KOH wet mount preparation and culture on SDA further identification was done by LCB mount and slide culture technique. Out of 400 patients attending dermatology OPD various superficial fungal infection Specimens were collected and dermatophyte sps. were identified. T. tonsurans was the most common isolated spp from T.capitis. T. mentagrophytes was the most commonly isolated spp. from T.corporis. Candida sps. was isolated from T. cruris. NDM were isolated from T. pedis. From cases of T. unguium.

Dermatomycoses among Students in a School Dormitory in Semnan

Background: Dermatomycoses are a major public health problem. Tinea cruris is a form of Dermatomycoses.Tinea cruris is a common infection in the groin area, genitals, pubic area, perineum and perianal skin.The purpose of thisstudywas to investigate the cutaneous fungal infections among students in a school dormitory. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 110 male students dormitory aged between 18 to 28 years.From the specimens obtained, direct preparations were made using %10 potassium hydroxide and cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar containing 0.05 mg/ml chloramphenicoland 0.5 mg/ml cycloheximide (Scc). Identification of fungi was performed according to morphologic and microscopic growth of the colonies and using slide culture method. Results: 17 people out of 110 individuals were diagnosed with cutaneous fungal infections. Six people were diagnosed with dermatophytosis. All cases of dermatophytosis were Tinea cruris. Epidermophyton floccosum, the anthropophilic species, was only isolated dermatophyte.The prevalence of Tinea cruris was 5.5% and the Prevalence of Pityriasis versicolor was 4.5%. Conclusion: The most important source of transmission of anthropophilic dermatophyte species was by men to men.The results of this study is similar to most other studies in Iran and other countries. In addition to treatment, other necessary steps should be applied in order to prevent infection and reduce the risk of pathogens. Keywords: Dermatomycoses, Dermatophytosis, Epidermophyton, Tinea cruris

Fatal Pulmonary Penicillosis in Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the cause of death associated with lung abscesses of dead dromedary camels. Materials and Methods: Lung biopsy was examined by culturing onto Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) media supplemented with chloramphenicol. Colony developed was microscopically examined using lactophenol cotton blue. Slide culture was performed to identify the isolated fungus. Histopathological study of lung biopsy using Haematoxylin and Eosin (HE BMRJ, 7(3): 118-125, 2015; Article no.BMRJ.2015.102 119 feature and fungal hyphae in lung tissue. The isolate was initially identified by conventional morphological analysis; and confirmed by molecular analysis after amplification of the -tubulin gene, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the amplicons. Results: Penicillium citrinum was isolated from lung biopsy of sacrificed dromedary camels. Molecular technique confirmed its identification. Histology of nodular lung lesion showing granulomatous inflammation (H&E) and fungal mycelia on GMS. Conclusion: The study revealed the first case of P. citrinum isolation from the lung of camel with

English

Superficial mycosis with dermatophytes has a wide geographical distribution and diverse species prevalence. This mycological study comprised of 204 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis. All 204 samples were subjected to direct microscopy by potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount and isolation on Sabouraud's dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol without cycloheximide. Culture confirmation was done by tease mount, slide culture and various physiological tests like urease test, hair perforation test etc. In the present study an agar based disk diffusion method was performed to determine the susceptibility of dermatophytes. In this study 49% cases were positive for fungus in microscopy, while 24% was culture positive. The most common clinical types observed was T. cruris (40%) followed by T. corporis (34.3%). Young adults in the age group of 21-30 years were most commonly affected, belonging to lower middle socio-economic status. Among cultures, T. rubrum was the most common isolate (53%) followed by T. mentagrophyte (38.7%).