The increased incidence of invasive and opportunistic mycoses is probably related to the growth of the immunocompromised population, such as people living with HIV. This study is a literature review that aims to analy...The increased incidence of invasive and opportunistic mycoses is probably related to the growth of the immunocompromised population, such as people living with HIV. This study is a literature review that aims to analyze the frequency of invasive fungal infections in people living with HIV. In most studies evaluated, <em>Pneumocystis</em> pneumonia was the most frequent invasive fungal infection among people living with HIV, and cryptococcosis was the second most frequent. Invasive fungal infections are associated with greater morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV. The most important highlighted information is that the lack of epidemiological data on fungal infections in the studied populations was reported by most studies. Therefore, there is a need for further studies to assess the frequency of invasive fungal infection in people living with HIV, which may serve as subsidies for the implementation of strategies for the prevention and management, with a consequent increase in the quality of life and reduction of morbidity/mortality in this population.展开更多
This paper communicates the presence of aberrant microscopic forms of Histoplasma capsulatum in a sample obtained by scrapping of the skin lesion and stained with a rapid modification of the Grocott technique.The AIDS...This paper communicates the presence of aberrant microscopic forms of Histoplasma capsulatum in a sample obtained by scrapping of the skin lesion and stained with a rapid modification of the Grocott technique.The AIDS patient was treated with cream contained corticoids and antifungal and antibacterial antibiotics by an erroneous diagnosis.Once the etiologic diagnosis was achieved,oral itraconazol was administrated at the daily dose of 400 mg during at least six months.These non habitual forms described in the literature as " aberrant variants", can be interpreted as an "adaptive phenomenon" of this termodimorphic fungal specie,as response of the ecologic alterations produced by antibiotic on the local antagonic bacterial microbiota,the deleterous activity of antifungal on the fungal cells and the local inmunodepression produced by the corticoids.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Hepatic fungal infection is difficult to diagnose early because of the lack of related clinical knowledge. In this study, we analyzed the ultrasonic manifestations of hepatic fungal infection, in order to ...BACKGROUND: Hepatic fungal infection is difficult to diagnose early because of the lack of related clinical knowledge. In this study, we analyzed the ultrasonic manifestations of hepatic fungal infection, in order to determine the diagnostic value of ultrasonography. METHODS: In 8 patients with hepatic fungal infection, the results of color Doppler flow images (CDFI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) were compared with those of ultrasound-guided biopsy. RESULTS: In the 8 patients with pathologically proven hepatic fungal infection, 5 showed multiple hypoechoic lesions with unequal sizes in the liver, commonly less than 2 cm in diameter. Some of the hypoechoic lesions showed a hyperechoic strip in the periphery, while a minority showed a 'bull's eye' pattern, which is considered a typical manifestation of metastatic hepatic carcinoma. Solitary lesions in the right lobe of the liver were found in the other 3 patients. No blood flow signals were found in any lesions with CDFI. In the lesions a 'filling defect' pattern was shown by CEUS, indicating no enhancement in the arterial phase, the portal vein phase and the delayed phase, except for 3 patients, in whom the lesions were slightly enhanced in the periphery during the early arterial phase. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic fungal infection is characterized by an ultrasonic manifestation of multiple hypoechoic lesions with inequal size. A small number of lesions may show a characteristic 'bull's eye' appearance. Moreover, a 'filling defect' pattern on CEUS is helpful to make a correct diagnosis. In addition, ultrasound-guided biopsy is an important method for accurate diagnosis of hepatic fungal infection.展开更多
Introduction: In hospitals and other healthcare settings the presence of airborne and sedimented fungi is an extrinsic risk factor for opportunistic infections involving both immunocompromised and non-immunocompromise...Introduction: In hospitals and other healthcare settings the presence of airborne and sedimented fungi is an extrinsic risk factor for opportunistic infections involving both immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised persons. In hospitalized patients, it is estimated that 9% of hospital-acquired infections are caused by fungi. Lethality rate varies from 40% to 100% depending on the immunosuppression degree of stakeholders. To prevent healthcare-associated infections, the control of environmental fungal contamination through use of sanitizing/disinfecting practices is basic. However, the widespread use of common disinfectants could promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and cause environmental harm. These aspects stimulated the search of new antimicrobial agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Mentha insularis Req., Mentha pulegium L., Mentha requienii Bentham, Artemisia caerulescens L. ssp. densiflora (Viv), Rosmarinus officinalis L. var. albiflorus, Rosmarinus officinalis L. var. lavandulescens, and Ocotea puchury major Mart. against fungi species frequently found in hospitals and potentially responsible for opportunistic mycoses. Methods: The essential oils’ antifungal activity was carried out by agar disc diffusion technique. Results: All tested essential oils are effective, though to a different degree, against both molds that yeasts assessed. The major antifungal activity was showed by Mentha oils. Particularly, Mentha requienii and Mentha insularis oils were active until 1:8 dilution against Rhodotorula spp. and 1:16 dilution against mixed molds, while M. pulegium was strongly active until 1:2 against both fungi. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, few or no data are available in literature on the activity of essential oils against hospital environmental isolates of fungi. Results suggest their potential application in sanitation procedures of the hospital, and in general, of the “care settings”.展开更多
This review presents several types of metabolites produced by the most common fungal pathogens and their roles in fungal pathogenesis. Toxic metabolites from toxigenic fungi include compounds such as aflatoxins, trich...This review presents several types of metabolites produced by the most common fungal pathogens and their roles in fungal pathogenesis. Toxic metabolites from toxigenic fungi include compounds such as aflatoxins, trichothecenes, ochratoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone and ergot alkaloids, which display hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and genotoxicity. The ability of fungi to produce and elaborate hydrolytic enzymes is associated with virulence of several pathogenic fungi. The biogenesis of siderophores is investigated as it is a mechanism of iron acquisition. In particular, these metabolites act as iron chelators and storage compounds to support pathogenic fungi to survive in mammalian hosts whose iron homeostasis is strictly regulated and prevent the formation of free radicals which are formed by free iron. Melanins clearly promote infectivity in a number of species of fungal pathogens. They interfere with oxidative metabolism of phagocytosis making the fungus relatively resistant to phagocyte attack. Several metabolies such as pullulan, mannitol, β-(1,3)-glucan, hem-binding proteins, estrogen-binding proteins, farnesol, agglutinin-like sequence proteins, glucuronoxylomannan and others also have advantages in fungal pathogenicity. The identification of fungal metabolites involved in pathogenesis, and recognition of mechanisms of pathogenesis may lead to development of new efficient anti-fungal therapies.展开更多
Earth has been documented as a natural territory for fungi which cover individual kingdom with evolution. In subsequently vertebrates developed keratin which was a part of life as a structural aspect. Few moulds have ...Earth has been documented as a natural territory for fungi which cover individual kingdom with evolution. In subsequently vertebrates developed keratin which was a part of life as a structural aspect. Few moulds have skilled to digest keratin and crop up from soil and wastewater habitats. They take part as a keratinolytic agent in the purification of α-keratins with an incidence of disulphide and hydrogen bonds which are improperly biodegradable. The best moulds genera to decay of keratin are Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. The presences of these genera are open health issues in developing countries where they cause the mortal mycotic contagion. The reason behind this is perceived to be the poor hygienic environment and socioeconomic behaviour among people. The present review is a compilation of updated information concerning the nature of these keratinolytic moulds and abundances of most contributed developing countries including India.展开更多
文摘The increased incidence of invasive and opportunistic mycoses is probably related to the growth of the immunocompromised population, such as people living with HIV. This study is a literature review that aims to analyze the frequency of invasive fungal infections in people living with HIV. In most studies evaluated, <em>Pneumocystis</em> pneumonia was the most frequent invasive fungal infection among people living with HIV, and cryptococcosis was the second most frequent. Invasive fungal infections are associated with greater morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV. The most important highlighted information is that the lack of epidemiological data on fungal infections in the studied populations was reported by most studies. Therefore, there is a need for further studies to assess the frequency of invasive fungal infection in people living with HIV, which may serve as subsidies for the implementation of strategies for the prevention and management, with a consequent increase in the quality of life and reduction of morbidity/mortality in this population.
文摘This paper communicates the presence of aberrant microscopic forms of Histoplasma capsulatum in a sample obtained by scrapping of the skin lesion and stained with a rapid modification of the Grocott technique.The AIDS patient was treated with cream contained corticoids and antifungal and antibacterial antibiotics by an erroneous diagnosis.Once the etiologic diagnosis was achieved,oral itraconazol was administrated at the daily dose of 400 mg during at least six months.These non habitual forms described in the literature as " aberrant variants", can be interpreted as an "adaptive phenomenon" of this termodimorphic fungal specie,as response of the ecologic alterations produced by antibiotic on the local antagonic bacterial microbiota,the deleterous activity of antifungal on the fungal cells and the local inmunodepression produced by the corticoids.
文摘BACKGROUND: Hepatic fungal infection is difficult to diagnose early because of the lack of related clinical knowledge. In this study, we analyzed the ultrasonic manifestations of hepatic fungal infection, in order to determine the diagnostic value of ultrasonography. METHODS: In 8 patients with hepatic fungal infection, the results of color Doppler flow images (CDFI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) were compared with those of ultrasound-guided biopsy. RESULTS: In the 8 patients with pathologically proven hepatic fungal infection, 5 showed multiple hypoechoic lesions with unequal sizes in the liver, commonly less than 2 cm in diameter. Some of the hypoechoic lesions showed a hyperechoic strip in the periphery, while a minority showed a 'bull's eye' pattern, which is considered a typical manifestation of metastatic hepatic carcinoma. Solitary lesions in the right lobe of the liver were found in the other 3 patients. No blood flow signals were found in any lesions with CDFI. In the lesions a 'filling defect' pattern was shown by CEUS, indicating no enhancement in the arterial phase, the portal vein phase and the delayed phase, except for 3 patients, in whom the lesions were slightly enhanced in the periphery during the early arterial phase. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic fungal infection is characterized by an ultrasonic manifestation of multiple hypoechoic lesions with inequal size. A small number of lesions may show a characteristic 'bull's eye' appearance. Moreover, a 'filling defect' pattern on CEUS is helpful to make a correct diagnosis. In addition, ultrasound-guided biopsy is an important method for accurate diagnosis of hepatic fungal infection.
文摘Introduction: In hospitals and other healthcare settings the presence of airborne and sedimented fungi is an extrinsic risk factor for opportunistic infections involving both immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised persons. In hospitalized patients, it is estimated that 9% of hospital-acquired infections are caused by fungi. Lethality rate varies from 40% to 100% depending on the immunosuppression degree of stakeholders. To prevent healthcare-associated infections, the control of environmental fungal contamination through use of sanitizing/disinfecting practices is basic. However, the widespread use of common disinfectants could promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and cause environmental harm. These aspects stimulated the search of new antimicrobial agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Mentha insularis Req., Mentha pulegium L., Mentha requienii Bentham, Artemisia caerulescens L. ssp. densiflora (Viv), Rosmarinus officinalis L. var. albiflorus, Rosmarinus officinalis L. var. lavandulescens, and Ocotea puchury major Mart. against fungi species frequently found in hospitals and potentially responsible for opportunistic mycoses. Methods: The essential oils’ antifungal activity was carried out by agar disc diffusion technique. Results: All tested essential oils are effective, though to a different degree, against both molds that yeasts assessed. The major antifungal activity was showed by Mentha oils. Particularly, Mentha requienii and Mentha insularis oils were active until 1:8 dilution against Rhodotorula spp. and 1:16 dilution against mixed molds, while M. pulegium was strongly active until 1:2 against both fungi. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, few or no data are available in literature on the activity of essential oils against hospital environmental isolates of fungi. Results suggest their potential application in sanitation procedures of the hospital, and in general, of the “care settings”.
文摘This review presents several types of metabolites produced by the most common fungal pathogens and their roles in fungal pathogenesis. Toxic metabolites from toxigenic fungi include compounds such as aflatoxins, trichothecenes, ochratoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone and ergot alkaloids, which display hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and genotoxicity. The ability of fungi to produce and elaborate hydrolytic enzymes is associated with virulence of several pathogenic fungi. The biogenesis of siderophores is investigated as it is a mechanism of iron acquisition. In particular, these metabolites act as iron chelators and storage compounds to support pathogenic fungi to survive in mammalian hosts whose iron homeostasis is strictly regulated and prevent the formation of free radicals which are formed by free iron. Melanins clearly promote infectivity in a number of species of fungal pathogens. They interfere with oxidative metabolism of phagocytosis making the fungus relatively resistant to phagocyte attack. Several metabolies such as pullulan, mannitol, β-(1,3)-glucan, hem-binding proteins, estrogen-binding proteins, farnesol, agglutinin-like sequence proteins, glucuronoxylomannan and others also have advantages in fungal pathogenicity. The identification of fungal metabolites involved in pathogenesis, and recognition of mechanisms of pathogenesis may lead to development of new efficient anti-fungal therapies.
文摘Earth has been documented as a natural territory for fungi which cover individual kingdom with evolution. In subsequently vertebrates developed keratin which was a part of life as a structural aspect. Few moulds have skilled to digest keratin and crop up from soil and wastewater habitats. They take part as a keratinolytic agent in the purification of α-keratins with an incidence of disulphide and hydrogen bonds which are improperly biodegradable. The best moulds genera to decay of keratin are Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. The presences of these genera are open health issues in developing countries where they cause the mortal mycotic contagion. The reason behind this is perceived to be the poor hygienic environment and socioeconomic behaviour among people. The present review is a compilation of updated information concerning the nature of these keratinolytic moulds and abundances of most contributed developing countries including India.
