Standard Mycological Methods Research Articles

AFLATOXIGENIC FUNGI AND AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF COCHLOSPERMUM TINCTORIUM ROOT POWDER USED AS SPICE IN SOUP PREPARATION

Cochlospermum tinctorium root powder (Kwata) is commonly used as spice in foods and for medicinal purposes in West African sub-region. This research evaluated the rate of contamination of C. tinctorium root powder with aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxins. Kwata samples obtained from different sellers in Sokoto market were analyzed for presence of fungi using standard mycological methods. Aflatoxins and their concentrations in the kwata were also evaluated using EnzymeLinked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The total aflatoxin concentrations of the different Kwata samples ranged from 125 to 580 ppb while aflatoxin B1 concentrations in the samples were found to be 35.5 ppb, 24.5 ppb, 32 ppb, 23.8 ppb and 45 ppb all of which are above the limits (20 ppb for adult food and 0 ppb for infant food) stipulated by regulatory bodies in Nigeria. The Aspergillus species isolated and their percentage occurrences in Kwata samples were Aspergillus niger (50% in sample A and above 25% in other samples), Aspergillus flavus (50% in sample A and 25% in other samples), Aspergillus fumigatus (33% in samples B and E and 20% in other samples). In conclusion, this study revealed high contamination of Kwata sold within Sokoto metropolis with Aspergilus species and aflatoxins, the cummulative effect of which may cause serious public health problems in populations that use this preparation in soup.

Survey of fungal diseases associated with aerial stems and leaves of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in some irrigated fields in Kaduna and Katsina States of Nigeria

A survey was conducted to determine the incidence of fungal diseases associated with aerial stems and leaves of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in some irrigated fields in Kaduna and Katsina states. The fields were selected based on systematic random sampling method and the samples were collected using stratified random sampling (SRDS) techniques. Disease symptoms were identified using CABI and CIP description of potato diseases. A total of four fungal diseases were found to be associated with aerial stems and leaves that included early blight (17.8%), leaf blight (48.7%) Fusarium wilt (21.1%) and Sclerotinia wilt (12. 29%). The fungi were identified based on standard mycological methods. The colonies observed were distinguished microscopically and macroscopically. Six genera of fungi were isolated from the wilted aerial stems and blighted leaves as Fusarium sp (18.7%), Sclerotium sp (18.7%) and Alternaria sp (18.7%); Helminthosporium sp (18.7%) had the highest frequency of occurrence. Botrytis sp (17.7%) and Stemphylium sp (5.6%) had the least frequency of occurrence. The results of this study could be used for further studies in plant protection and disease management.

P282 Bacterial co-infections in Mucormycosis infected COVID-19 patients: experience from a tertiary care center in India

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMDuring the second wave of COVID-19 in India, there was a deluge in Mucormycosis cases; which posed a serious threat as both conditions require extended hospital stay thus serving as an ideal setting for secondary infections.Objectives1. To ascertain the prevalence and anti-microbial profile of hospital-acquired secondary infections in COVID- 19 patients with Mucormycosis.2. To evaluate the outcome in these patients and compare it with the outcome of COVID-19 patients with Mucormycosis but without any other secondary infection.MethodsA 2-month retrospective observational study was conducted, where we compared outcomes in two groups of COVID-19 patients with Mucormycosis, one group being patients with secondary infections and the other group including patients without secondary infections.A total of 180 samples from suspected cases of Mucormycosis, that underwent evaluation by conventional methods, KOH mount and cultures on SDA, were included. Fungal pathogens were identified from the positive cultures, based on macroscopic and microscopic features, as per standard Mycological methods.Secondary infections inpatients were studied based on conventional bacteriological culture, microbiological profile, along-with identification and antibiotic susceptibility by VITEK 2. PCT and CRP values were also compared. The outcome was then evaluated. Data analysis was done using SPSS V-20.ResultsA total of 55 patients out of 140 patients, tested positive for Mucormycosis, either by KOH, culture or both. Rhizopus arrhizus was the most common isolate identified.A total of 12/55 (21.8%) people with Mucormycosis developed secondary infections during their stay in the hospital, bloodstream infection being the most common (7/15; 46.67%). Overall, gram-negative (GN) organisms were more common (11/16; 68.75%), in comparison to Gram Positives (GP) (5/16; 31.25%), but the most common organism isolated was Enterococcus faecium (5/16; 31.25%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (4/16) and E. coli (4/16). A total of 4/5 isolates (80%) of Enterococcus faecium were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and two of them were vancomycin-resistant. In all, 10/11 GN isolates (90.9%) were MDR, high resistance to carbapenems was observed, nine out of 11(81.81%) isolates were resistant to imipenem and eight (72.72%) were resistant to meropenem. A total of 3/12 (25%) patients succumbed to their infection in the group with secondary infections, after an average length of stay of 23.33 days. The most common cause of death in these patients was septic shock. A total of 8/43 (18.6%) succumbed to their infection in the group without any secondary infection at an average stay of 9.12 days in the hospital. CRP was found to be consistently elevated, this biomarker might not have a predictive value for bacterial infections in COVID-19 but PCT had a positive predictive value for the secondary bacterial infections overall (P-value <.001). Length of stay in hospital co-related with the development of secondary infection and mortality (P-value <.001).ConclusionCulture-based testing should be carried out before the administration of anti-microbials. PCT can be used as a guiding tool. Controlled use of antibiotics along with periodic surveillance and hand hygiene practices will immensely contribute to infection control.

Algae, polyporales fungi and insects – xylophages of the Smolny Island natual reserve (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia)

Smolny Island is a specially protected natural area of regional importance aimed to preserve a unique natural ecosystem of typical floodplain landscapes of the latitudinal section of the Ob River. The purpose of this research is to obtain primary data on the species composition and state of algological, polyporale communities and insects-xylophages of the Smolny Island natural reserve. The standard algological, mycological and entomological research methods were used. The original studies results for several components of the ecosystem are presented for the first time. The composition, structure, occurrence of freshwater algae, forest, polyporale communities and forest insects pests were investigated. The freshwater algocenoses of the island have a typical regional composition, in summer there is a tendency to cenosis characteristic of the region's swamps (diatom-euglena viridis type) in autumn there's diatom, with low occurrence of species. An increased saprobity of the studied waters was detected. In total, 12 insects xylophages species of the Agaricomycetes class were found in forest communities (coniferous, floodplain, small-leaved cenosis), with the richest species community in the test plot of small-leaved forest and the least variety in the coniferous one. No great risk for the development of a mass insects-xylophages area in the test plots was revealed, but the constant monitoring of the forest stock of the Smolny Island natural reserve is necessary to prevent the development of invasions and preserve the biodiversity of the island. The research results can be recommended as special diagnostic methods for tracking the diversity and condition of island communities.

Fungi in skin and soft tissue infections - a three-year study

Introduction: Exposure of subcutaneous tissue following a loss of skin integrity provides a suitable environment for microbial colonization and proliferation, which contributes to delayed healing and infection of the wound. The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the spectrum of fungi responsible for skin and soft tissue infections over a 3-year period, and to compare the results with those from other parts of the world. Material and methods: The study was performed during a 3-year period (2017-2019) and included analysis of 11,863 wound samples, which were obtained from patients hospital­lized at the University Clinics of the “Mother Theresa” campus, City hospital ”8th September” and University Clinic for Surgical Diseases “St. Naum Ohridski” in Skopje. All specimens were analyzed by standard mycological methods at the Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology. Results: Growth of fungi was confirmed in 5.5%, 5% and 6.2% of the positive speci­mens, during a 3-year period, respectively. C. albicans was a predominant yeast (67.6%, 63%, 63.2% in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively). Molds were represented by Aspergillus confirmed in 3, 4 and 5 specimens, and Fusarium was confirmed in 2, 3 and 3 specimens during the 3-year period, respectively. Mucor was detected in 3 patients, in 2019 only. Conclusion: Species identification of fungal microbes in wound specimens revealed that Candida species was the most predominant species, followed by Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus molds. It is crucial for every institution that treats patients with wounds to be aware of fungi as possible etiological agents of wound infections.

FONSECAEA PEDROSOI – A CAUSE OF OCCULAR CHROMOBLASTOMYCOSIS

Fonsecaea pedrosoi (F. pedrosoi) is dematiaceous fungus and is the most common cause for chromoblastomycosis. It affects the exposed skin, mostly of the lower extremities. Arare case of mycotic keratitis was diagnosed in our hospital caused by F. pedrosoi. Corneal sample received in the laboratory was processed by standard mycological methods, F. pedrosoi was isolated, patient was started on antifungals his condition improved and there was no relapse. This case report shows that F. pedrosoi can infect cornea. Further, a prompt diagnosis and vigorous treatment improves patient's clinical condition.

Fungal contamination of pig farm feeds

The aim of this study was to establish the total fungal (mould) count in 79 commercial pig farm feed samples (42 samples for piglets, 29 samples for fattening pigs and 8 samples for sows) collected from the Serbian feed producers during the three-year period (2017-2019), as well as to evaluate the percentage of contamination samples by fungi, especially species from Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium genera. Using standard mycological methods, the total count and identification of fungi were determined. Total fungal count was ranging from 1 ? 102 to 1.41 ? 105 cfu g-1 in the feed samples for piglets. Furthermore, in the feed samples for fattening pigs it ranged from1 ? 102 to 2.54 ? 105 cfu g-1, and from 1 ? 102 to 1.93 ? 105 cfu g-1 in the feed samples for sows. It has established the impermissible limit of total fungal count in 3.45% and 4.76% of a feed for fattening pigs and feed for piglets, respectively. Statistical analysis of the total number of fungi did not establish significant differences between the examined feed groups. Fusarium species were present in the most feed samples for fattening pigs (65.52%), followed by the feed for sows (62.50%) and piglets (47.62%). Aspergillus species were determined in 59.52, 58.62 and 37.50% feed samples for piglets, fattening pigs and sows, respectively. Penicillium species contaminated the lowest percentage of feed samples for fattening pigs (27.59%) and the highest percentage of feed samples for sows (37.50%). In a small number of samples Alternaria, Mucor, and Rhizopus species were identified. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the investigation of fungal contamination is an important indicator of a hygienic condition of feed intended for the nutrition of farm pigs. In addition, the percentage of fungal contamination of the examined samples indicates a potentially high risk to animal health. Due to that, a regular mycological evaluation is necessary to assess nutritional quality as one of the fundamental criteria for feed safety.

Щільність популяцій деяких базидіальних грибів за умов радіоактивного забруднення та ураження патогенами в лісових екосистемах

The radiologically, ecologically and biologically safe mushroom raw materials are necessary to create some environmentally friendly bioorganic stimulators of plant growth and development and many other products. Therefore, we researched the population density of Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst., Agaricus bisporus (J.E.Lange) Imbach, Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P.Kumm, Armillariella mellea (Vah1. ex Fr.) Karst., whitch are often used to create plant growth stimulants, in their natural habitat under conditions of radioactive contamination and pathogen damage. The study was conducted in six biogeocenoses: Shatsk National Natural Park (Volyn Oblast, Ukraine), Regional Landscape Park «Islands of Izmail» (Odessa Oblast, Ukraine), around the urban-type settlement of Kornyn (Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine), around the village of Korolivka (Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine), around the village of Lysivka (Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine), around the city of Vyshhorod (Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine). Pathogens were identified by standard mycological, bacteriological and virological methods. Radiocesium contamination density of soil, as a parameter of radioactive contamination, was determined by spectrophotometric method. The highest population density of Ganoderma lucidum was in Regional Landscape Park «Islands of Izmail». In this biogeocenosis, G. lucidum was almost not affected by pathogens, and radiocesium contamination density of soil was 18.5 kBq/m2. Agaricus bisporus and Armillariella mellea grew in biotopes with high radiocesium contamination density of soil. For example, in forest ecosystems around the city of Vyshhorod, where the average radiocesium contamination density of soil was 111.0 kBq/m2, population density of A. mellea was 0,39 fruit bodies per m2. At the same time, 15% of A. mellea in this biogeocenosis were affected by various pathogens. Thus, the use of wild mushrooms as raw materials should be preceded by testing for biological and radiological contamination.

Onychomycosis in Northwestern Greece Over a 7-Year Period.

Onychomycosis is considered as one of the major public health problems with a global distribution associated with geographic, demographic and environmental factors, underlying comorbidities and immunodeficiency disorders. This study was conducted to investigate the etiological agents of onychomycosis, in Northwestern Greece during a 7-year period. The study population included 1095 outpatients with clinically suspected onychomycosis that presented to the University Hospital of Ioannina, NW Greece (2011–2017). Samples were examined for causative fungi, and mycological identification was established using standard mycological methods. Demographic data of each patient, comorbidities, localization of infection and history of previous fungal infection were collected. Onychomycosis was diagnosed in 317 of the 1095 suspected cases (28.9%) and the most frequently isolated pathogens were yeasts (50.8%) followed by dermatophytes (36.9%) and non-dermatophyte molds (NDMs) (12.3%). Dermatophytes were mostly involved in toenail onychomycosis (90.6%) and more commonly affected males than females (57.3% vs. 42.7%), while the predominantly isolated pathogen was Τrichophyton rubrum (74.4%) followed by Τrichophyton interdigitale (21.4%). Candida albicans was the most prevalent isolated yeast (82%), whereas among the cases with onychomycosis due to NDMs, Aspergillus spp. were isolated as the principal species (59%). Continuous monitoring should be performed in order to identify possible trends and shifts in species isolation rates and to evaluate the impact of onychomycosis among the general population and high-risk groups.

Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidosis and Cluster Analysis of Clinical Signs and Symptoms: A Laboratory-Based Investigation.

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC) represents a major health problem that significantly affects a patient’s quality of life (QoL). This infection presents with a plethora of clinical manifestation, and this is the first study that carries out a cluster analysis of these signs and symptoms (SS). The goals are to evaluate the distribution of species causing RVVC, their in-vitro susceptibility to antifungals, and the patient’s QoL. Additionally, the clinical characteristics are analyzed using cluster analysis. Prospective analysis of data was performed for women diagnosed with RVVC in the period from January 2016 to December 2019 based on the analysis of data from a single-center’s records. The standard mycological methods and antifungal susceptibility testing were done. Clinical characteristics and QoL were examined by appropriate questions. The cluster analysis was used to identify clusters of SS. A total of 320 women were diagnosed. The dominant species was Candida (C.) albicans. Non-albicans Candida (NAC) yeast was found in 24.4%, and the most common was C. glabrata. Interestingly, Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae was detected in 2%. All of the isolated species, except C. parapsilosis and C. kefyr, demonstrated reduced susceptibility to antifungals. We confirmed the emergence of the NAC species and S. cerevisiae with reduced susceptibility to antifungals. Cluster analysis represented by a dendrogram revealed three SS clusters: irritation, uncommon, and discharge, but further studies are needed to examine the relationship between clusters, Candida strains, and outcomes.

An Overview of the Management of the Most Important Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Blood Malignancies.

In patients with hematologic malignancies due to immune system disorders, especially persistent febrile neutropenia, invasive fungal infections (IFI) occur with high mortality. Aspergillosis, candidiasis, fusariosis, mucormycosis, cryptococcosis and trichosporonosis are the most important infections reported in patients with hematologic malignancies that undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These infections are caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens that do not cause severe issues in healthy individuals, but in patients with hematologic malignancies lead to disseminated infection with different clinical manifestations. Prophylaxis and creating a safe environment with proper filters and air pressure for patients to avoid contact with the pathogens in the surrounding environment can prevent IFI. Furthermore, due to the absence of specific symptoms in IFI, rapid and accurate diagnosis reduces the mortality rate of these infections and using molecular techniques along with standard mycological methods will improve the diagnosis of disseminated fungal infection in patients with hematologic disorders. Amphotericin B products, extended-spectrum azoles, and echinocandins are the essential drugs to control invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies, and according to various conditions of patients, different results of treatment with these drugs have been reported in different studies. On the other hand, drug resistance in recent years has led to therapeutic failures and deaths in patients with blood malignancies, which indicates the need for antifungal susceptibility tests to use appropriate therapies. Life-threatening fungal infections have become more prevalent in patients with hematologic malignancies in recent years due to the emergence of new risk factors, new species, and increased drug resistance. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the different dimensions of the most critical invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies and present a list of these infections with different clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes.

Species distribution patterns and epidemiological characteristics of otomycosis in Southeastern Serbia

IntroductionOtomycosis, a superficial fungal infection of the external auditory canal (EAC), is a disease with exceptionally high prevalence. AimThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of otomycosis, the distribution of causative species and to evaluate epidemiological characteristics of these infections. MethodologyThe patients’ data were collected from record book and database of mycological examinations conducted at Public Health Institute Nis, Serbia. In the period from 2014 to 2018 samples of 1287 patients with symptoms and signs of EAC infection were investigated. Standard mycological methods were used for isolation and determination of fungi. ResultsHigh prevalence of otomycosis was determined in examined patients (22.7%). However, the prevalence rates did not differ significantly in the studied period (p=0.931). The majority of patients were diagnosed with only unilateral EAC infection (82.9%). Considering all patients with otomycosis, mold infections caused by the genus Aspergillus (143/48.9%) were more frequent than Candida spp. ear infections (133/45.6%), with Aspergillus niger and Candida аlbicans being predominant causative agents. Mixed Aspergillus and Candida otomycosis was established in 16 (5.5%) patients. Otomycosis was more common in male subjects (26.8%, p=0.003) who also suffered from Aspergillus otomycosis more frequently (17.5%, p<0.001). The prevalence of these infections increases with age (p=0.005), while they do not show seasonal pattern (p>0.05). ConclusionNoted high prevalence of otomycosis, with both yeasts and non-dermatophyte molds acting as infectious agents which require different treatment, implies the necessity for further epidemiological monitoring of this form of superficial mycoses.

Molecular Diagnostics of Mucormycosis in Hematological Patients: A Literature Review.

Objectives: to analyze the results of molecular methods applying for the diagnosis of mucormycosis in hematologic patients based on a literature review. Data sources: A systematic search in databases PubMed, Google Scholar for August 2019. Review eligibility criteria: original articles published in English, studies of molecular methods for the diagnosis of mucormycosis in hematologic patients. Results. We analyzed the research data from 116 hematological patients with mucormycosis, including children (6%). Patients with localized forms of mucormycosis prevailed (72%), and lung involvement was diagnosed in 58% of these cases. For molecular verification of the causative agent of mucormycosis, blood serum was most often used, less commonly postoperative and autopsy material, biopsy specimens, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples and bronchoalveolar lavage, pleural fluid and sputum. The sensitivity of molecular diagnostics of mucormycosis in a cohort of hematological patients was 88.2%. Conclusion. The use of molecular techniques along with standard mycological methods will improve the diagnostics of mucormycosis in hematologic patients. However, prospective studies of the effectiveness of molecular methods for the diagnosis of mucormycosis of various etiologies in hematological patients, including children, using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are needed.

Species distribution and epidemiological characteristics of superficial fungal infections in Southeastern Serbia.

Superficial fungal infections (SFI), one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, are infections of keratin-rich structures of human body mostly caused by dermatophytes and yeasts. The goal of this study was to determine the possible changes in the epidemiology of SFI on the territory of Southeastern Serbia and to investigate epidemiological characteristics and the influence of SFI on the patient's quality of life. From 2012 to the end of 2017, samples of 1643 patients (568 males and 1075 females, mean age 40.32±22.44years) with suspected SFI from Southeastern Serbia were examined using the standard mycological methods. The questionnaires were used to investigate epidemiological characteristics. Superficial fungal infections were diagnosed in 20.5% (n=336) of patients. In the group of dermatophytes, the most prevalent was Microsporum canis (63.9%, n=76) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (21.8%, n=26). Non-albicans Candida species were dominant aetiological agents of superficial candidosis (62.3%). BMI ≥25kg/m2 (P=0.019) was determined as an independent risk factor for SFI. There was a statistically significant difference in the EQVAS score between the groups of patients and the control group (P<0.001). Results of conducted study indicate that SFI prevalence has not changed in the previous period. However, increase of Candida-SFI prevalence, especially Candida onychomycosis, was established.

Mycobiota and aflatoxin B1 in poultry feeds

In this study, a total of 30 poultry (chicken and laying hens) feed samples collected from different poultry farms in Serbia in 2016 were tested for fungal and aflatoxin contamination. Using the plate count and standard mycological methods, total fungal counts and potentially toxigenic fungal genera were determined. Natural occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was detected by ELISA (enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay) method. The total fungal count was in the range from 1 x 102 (2 log CFU g-1) to 1.83 x 105 CFU g-1 (5.26 log CFU g-1). The majority of the chicken feeds (78.57%) had the total fungal count in the ranged from 1 x 102 to 4.8 x 104 CFU g-1, whereas in 68.75% of the laying hens feeds it was ranged from 5.3 x 104 to 1.83 x 105 CFU g-1. In 21.43% of the chicken feeds fungal contamination reached the level above the regulation limits. Three potentially toxigenic fungal genera, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, have been identified. In the tested poultry feed samples, more samples contaminated with Aspergillus were determined compared to samples contaminated by Fusarium and Penicillium species. The AFB1 was detected in concentrations from 1.34 to 18.29?g kg-1, with an average of 4.47 and 4.56?g kg-1 in the chicken and laying hens feed samples, respectively. In 14.29% of the chicken feeds, the level of AFB1 was above the regulation limits. The obtained results confirmed the importance of continuous mycological and mycotoxicological control of poultry feed, as well as need to improve risk assessments of such contaminants along the food chain.

Evaluation of MALDI-TOF-MS for the Identification of Yeast Isolates Causing Bloodstream Infection.

Infections due to Candida species are major causes of morbidity and mortality in humans, causing a diverse spectrum of clinical disease ranging from superficial and mucosal infections to invasive disease. Several authors have demonstrated that mortality is closely linked to both timing of therapy and/or source control. The rapid identification of pathogenic species is helpful to start timely and effective antifungal therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system for the correct and rapid identification of yeast isolates causing bloodstream infection. Between January 2014 and January 2015, a total of 117 yeast like organisms isolated from blood culture samples of 117 episodes from 102 patients who had blood stream infections were included in the study. The isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. The results were compared with those obtained by the standard mycological methods and/or sequence analysis. One hundred and seventeen yeast isolates including 115 Candida spp and two non-Candida yeasts were analysed. The Biotyper correctly identified 115 (98.3%) isolates to the genus level and 102 (87.2%) isolates to the species level using the manufacturer's recommended cutoff scores. The Bruker Biotyper is a rapid, easy, inexpensive, and highly reliable system for the identification of yeast isolates. Early identification with MALDI-TOF MS would save time for determination of antifungal susceptibility and proper treatment strategy. The expansion of the database of the library by addition of less common species will improve the performance of the system.

A mini-survey of moulds and mycotoxins in locally grown and imported wheat grains in Nigeria.

A preliminary survey involving limited sample size was conducted to determine the spectrum of moulds and mycotoxins in wheat grains from flour mills and local markets in Nigeria. Fourteen wheat samples were analyzed for moulds using standard mycological methods and for toxic fungal metabolites using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method. Fusarium (range of incidence 12.5-61.7%) dominated in the wheat grains though species of Aspergillus (range of incidence 2.24-3.86%) were also recovered from the samples. The identified fungal species were Aspergillus flavus (7.7%), Aspergillus niger clade (2.6%), Fusarium avenaceum (10.9%), Fusarium culmorum (22.4%) and Fusarium graminearum (56.4%). A total of 54 microbial metabolites were detected in the samples at concentration ranging between 0.01μg/kg for macrosporin and 2560μg/kg for deoxynivalenol. Among the four mycotoxins addressed by regulations in the European Union (EU) found in the samples, deoxynivalenol (incidence 100%) dominated in the samples and its levels exceeded the maximum acceptable EU limit (750μg/kg) in 36% of the samples. This report underscores the need for more robust surveys with larger sample sizes and across several agro-ecologies in the country.

Investigation on mycoflora of poultry breeding houses’ air and studying the efficacy of spraying and fumigation on inactivating the airspora

Background: A common concern of the poultry industry is the presence of fungal pathogens in the birds’ environment, which may constitute a considerable health hazard to the birds, farmers, and those living in proximity of the farm. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess the mycoflora in the indoor and outdoor environments of poultry breeding houses and studying the efficacy of disinfection methods, including spraying and fumigation, on reducing airspora concentration. METHODS: Indoor air of 12 poultry houses were sampled by exposing Petri dishes containing Sabouraud’s glucose agar after removal of old litter, spraying with disinfectant solutions, and fumigation with formalin plus permanganate. The plates were incubated at 30 °C for seven days and fungi were counted and identified microscopically and macroscopically according to standard mycological methods. RESULTS: A total of 182 and 181 fungal colonies were recovered from indoor and outdoor air of poultry houses, respectively. Candida (30.2%) and Aspergillus (26.9%) species were the most common yeast and mold in the indoor, respectively, whereas Alternaria (37.6%) and Candida (19.3%) species were the most predominant fungi in the outdoor air of poultry houses. Disinfection of the poultry houses using spraying and fumigation methods led to a 38.1% and 75% reduction in airspora concentration (p<0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of the present study, Candida spp and Alternaria spp had the highest indoor and outdoor concentrations in poultry breeding houses’ air, respectively, and fumigation was the most efficient method in reducing airspora.

Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Filamentous Fungi and Yeasts From Adult House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Captured From the Hospital Environments in Ahvaz City, Southwestern Iran: Table 1.

Musca domestica L., 1758 is capable of transferring a number of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites to animals and humans. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify medically important filamentous fungi and yeasts from adult M. domestica collected from two wards of three hospital environments in Ahvaz city, Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. The common house flies were caught by a sterile net. These insects were washed in a solution of 1% sodium hypochlorite for 3 min and twice in sterile distilled water for 1 min. The flies were individually crushed with sterile swabs in sterile test tubes. Then 2 ml of sterile normal saline (0.85%) was added to each tube, and the tube was centrifuged for 5 min. The supernatant was then discarded, and the remaining sediment was inoculated with a sterile swab in the Sabouraud's dextrose agar medium containing chloramphenicol. Isolation and identification of fungi were made by standard mycological methods. In this research, totally 190 M. domestica from hospital environments were captured. In total, 28 fungal species were isolated. The main fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp. (67.4%), Penicillium sp. (11.6%), Mucorales sp. (11%), Candida spp. (10.5%), and Rhodotorula sp. (8.4%). Among the house flies caught at the hospitals, about 80% were found to carry one or more medically important species of fungi. This study has established that common house flies carry pathogenic fungi in the hospital environments of Ahvaz. The control of M. domestica in hospitals is essential in order to control the nosocomial fungal infections in patients.

In Vitro Activity of Caspofungin Against Fluconazole-Resistant Candida Species Isolated From Clinical Samples in Iran.

Background:Candida spp. is the most common organisms involved in fungal infections in the high risk patients. It causes the greatest number of invasive candidiasis. Fluconazole is effective in treating mucosal candidiasis. However, resistance to fluconazole and other azoles antifungal drugs is an important clinical problem to treat candidiasis. Caspofungin is more effective against Candida species such as some azoles-resistant isolates.Objectives:The current study aimed to investigate the susceptibilities of clinical fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole - susceptible dose- dependent Candida species to caspofungin.Materials and Methods:In the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test, 207 Candida species and other yeasts isolated from Iranian patients (each isolated from a high-risk patient) were evaluated. The yeasts were differentiated by standard mycological methods, CHROM agar Candida, and verified by API20C.AUX. In vitro susceptibilities were determined using Broth Micro Dilution (BMD) method described in the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute M27-A3. MICs were noted after 24 and 48 hours of incubation.Results:The most frequently isolated species were Candida albicans (52.2%), C. glabrata (24.6%), followed by C. tropicalis (7.7%) and C. krusei (3.4%). MICs of caspofungin against 87% of C. albicans and 90% of C. glabrata and C. tropicalis isolates were 2 μg/mL and for C. krusei were 4 μg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that only 20 out of 207 isolates (9.7%) were non-sensitive to caspofungin. Caspofungin non-susceptible isolates were isolated from the patients with cancer, diabetes and AIDS; and not in the species isolated from patients with other underlying diseases.Conclusions:Caspofungin appears more effective in vitro against Iranian fluconazole-resistant Candida isolates and some other yeasts.