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Biomedical subjects

F Staib

Publications and source records attributed to F Staib.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Pleural fluid as nutrient substratum for Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus. Submerged growth in pleural fluid and extracellular proteolysis in pleural fluid agar. A preliminary report.

Pleural fluid in liquid and agar form from a patient with adenocarcinoma of the lung was used as a nutrient medium for culturing Aspergillus fumigatus and A, flavus. The extracellular proteolytic activity of both strains could be demonstrated after an incubation period of 5 d at 37 degrees C by the agar block method using pleural fluid agar (protein content ca. 0.1-0.5% and initial pH values of 7.0 and 5.0) and protein staining with naphthalene black. In the undiluted pleural fluid, after stationary culture at 37 degrees C for 8 days, compact white granule-like colonies of a size of ca. 0.5-1.0 mm were found near the surface of the liquid and as sediment. Microscopically, these colonies consisted of radially arranged septate hyphae, similar in size and form to those seen in invasive aspergillosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

A Cryptococcus neoformans strain from the brain of a wildlife fox (Vulpes vulpes) suspected of rabies: mycological observations and comments.

A Cryptococcus neoformans strain which in 1983 caused an infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in a wildlife fox with rabies-like symptoms was tested for its strain-specific brown colour effect (BCE) on Guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar and for its ability to assimilate creatinine. Both reactions were found to be positive. These results were found to be largely identical with those of 2 out of 3 strains having caused fatal cryptococcosis in 1970, 1979 and 1983 in persons living in the area where the fox had been found (radius 40-100 km). Some theoretical aspects of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of cryptococcosis in the wildlife fox and rodents are discussed. For further epidemiological investigations into the prevalence of Cr. neoformans in man and animals in this area, the two reactions for detecting and typing, i.e. the BCE on Guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar and the creatinine assimilation are proposed.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Sampling and isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from indoor air with the aid of the Reuter Centrifugal Sampler (RCS) and guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar. A contribution to the mycological-epidemiological control of Cr. neoformans in the fecal matter of caged birds.

In February and March 1984, Cryptococcus neoformans was detected in the manure and ambient air of a volery in the Berlin Zoo in which a Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) was kept. Both times, 5 colony-forming units of Cr. neoformans could be isolated on the differential medium, Guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar, from 40 1 of air aspirated by the Reuter Centrifugal Sampler (RCS). The absence of a concurrent growth of moulds was found to be of special importance for the optimal isolation of Cr. neoformans on the above mentioned agar for purposes of epidemiological research into airborne dissemination of the fungus. The advantages and disadvantages of 0.1% biphenyl to inhibit concurring growth of moulds are discussed. The control of habitats and foci of Cr. neoformans in zoos and similar establishments is considered a necessity, to prevent inhalatory exposure of susceptible, e.g. immuno-compromised persons.

Agar↗
PubMed1984

Cryptococcus neoformans in fecal matter of birds kept in cages--Control of Cr. neoformans habitats.

The occurrence of cryptococcosis in predamaged persons in whom the fecal matter of caged birds had been suspected as the source of infection has led to the present investigation. In the excreta of only four out of a total of 142 bird species kept by the Berlin Zoological Gardens, Cryptococcus neoformans could be demonstrated with the aid of Guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar: Twany Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides, G. Eulenschwalm); Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus, G. Arakakadu); Military Macaw (Ara militaris, G. Soldatenara); Gray Parrot (Psittacus erithacus, G. Graupapagei). The importance of the fecal matter from caged birds for the epidemiology of cryptococcosis is pointed out. It is recommended to perform a mycological control of pet shops and zoological gardens to prevent the infection of susceptible persons.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Ecological and epidemiological aspects of aspergilli pathogenic for man and animal in Berlin (West).

A summary of five years of experimental and clinical mycological work in Berlin (West) is presented. The subjects of this research include: Soil of potted indoor plants as a habitat for aspergilli; exposure of sensitive patients suffering from different basic diseases to Aspergillus spores; polyene-producing streptomycetes beside aspergilli in the rhizosphere of potted plants and their role; and ecological and clinical significance of atypical Aspergillus strains isolated from clinical specimens. Reference is also made to the role of nuts as source of infection and as a baiting technique.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

[Fatal cryptococcosis in a bird fancier. A clinical case report on pathology, diagnosis and epidemiology of cryptococcosis].

In a 69 year-old female patient who had been a pet bird enthusiast, cryptococcosis of the central nervous system was surprisingly established as cause of death at postmortem. Clinically, a diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver associated with atypical coma hepaticum had been suspected. Apart from damage due to alcohol abuse, no other underlying disease could be found. The fecal matter of a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) has been suggested as the probable source of infection. Using Guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar, Cryptococcus neoformans could be isolated from dry fecal matter collected from the bird cage. In a pet shop in the neighbourhood of the patient's home, fecal matter from various pet bird species was collected. Using the same method, examination also revealed the presence of Cr. neoformans. Contrastingly, masses of pigeon manure found in the garret of the patient's house did not contain Cr. neoformans. The epidemiological significance of the fecal matter of pet birds as a habitat for Cr. neoformans is discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

An atypical Aspergillus flavus from a case of bronchopulmonary aspergilloma. A contribution to the cultural and serological diagnosis of A. flavus infections.

A slow-growing, non-pigmented hyphomycete was isolated from sputum and a fungus ball removed at autopsy from the lung. The patient, an alcoholic, also suffered from cirrhosis and primary carcinoma of the liver. The atypical and otherwise non-recognizable isolate showed a growth typical of Aspergillus flavus when cultured on sterilized peanuts. This observation indicates the diagnostic significance of such strains which have become atypical, as etiologic agents and sources of antigen. Serologically, the antigen of the atypical strain proved to be stronger than that of a typical A. flavus strain. In view of the simultaneous presence of the liver carcinoma and the absence of aflatoxin production by the atypical strain, the possible role of chronic colonization of the lung by A. flavus is discussed.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1983

Isolation of sporothrix schenckii from the floor of an indoor swimming pool.

In a routine mycological examination of an indoor swimming pool during the winter season (January 1981) in Berlin (West), Sporothrix schenckii was isolated from the floor near a shower. The strain was characterized by cultural, morphological and biochemical properties typical of strains which are causative agents of sporotrichosis. It is suggested that in routine mycological examinations of swimming pools attention should not be limited to dermatophytes and yeast-like fungi.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

A new polyene with antimycotic activity produced by a streptomycete from the rhizosphere of an indoor plant.

From the rhizosphere of a potted Sanseviera trifasciata, a Streptomyces griseus strain with a broad antifungal activity was isolated; in the soil of this plant, a sole hyphomycete, Aspergillus niger, was found in pure culture at 37 degrees C. This streptomycete produced a polyene, belonging to the pentaene group. It was found to inhibit, in vitro, the growth of all the 123 strains tested; the strains belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Candida, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, Penicillium and Mucor. An antimycotic activity of this substance was also found to be present after i.v. administration to white mice infected with Cr. neoformans. Toxicological tests will have to show if this polyene could be considered as a candidate antimycotic drug. The soil of potted indoor plants is discussed as a possible habitat for streptomycetes with defined antifungal activities.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Successful treatment of pulmonary and cerebral aspergillosis in an immunosuppressed child.

A favourable outcome was observed in a 12 year-old boy who developed invasive pulmonary and cerebral aspergillosis during antineoplastic treatment for central nervous system relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Combination therapy with amphotericin B and 5-Fluorocytosine led to complete regression of pulmonary infiltrates. Despite enlargement of the cerebral lesion monitored by computerized tomography, no viable fungi were found in the completely resected abscess after a 4 weeks' course of antifungal treatment preceding neurosurgery. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an aspergillotic abscess. The initially severe neurological symptoms disappeared after successful surgery. Aspergillus fumigatus was detected in the soil of a potted ornamental plant in the mother's living room, suggesting that this might have been the source of the infectious agent.

Amphotericin B↗
PubMed1982

Serodiagnostic value of culture filtrate antigens from aspergilli with septate phialides.

Culture filtrate antigens from 6 typical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, 6 isolates with septate phialides, and isolates of A. fumigatus var. ellipticus, A. fishceri, A. flavus and A. niger were studied in tests with 2,100 samples of serum originating from 1,452 patients suffering from miscellaneous diseases, including 60 cases of aspergillosis, 850 samples of serum from apparently healthy blood donors and 522 sera referred to us as positive for C-reactive protein. The culture filtrate antigen prepared from a septate-phialide-strain proved to be most useful in detecting precipitating antibodies in the sera of patients suffering from aspergillosis caused by A. fumigatus. The antigen from this strain not only gave sharper and a larger number of precipitin bands than others but also proved to be an invaluable tool in the serodiagnosis of 5 to 56 (8.9%) A. fumigatus cases in which all other antigens repeatedly failed to give a positive result. The serological data also suggest that the septate-phialide strains are mutants of A. fumigatus and should not be classified as a separate species.

Antibodies, Fungal↗
PubMed1982

Studies on Aspergillus fumigatus from the human lungs.

On the basis of cultural, morphological and developmental studies of the two Aspergillus isolates from the lungs of an aspergillosis patient, the taxonomic status of Aspergillus phialiseptus is discussed. The elimination of the name A. phialiseptus is proposed as the isolates were found by the authors to belong to A. fumigatus.

Aspergillosis↗
PubMed1982

[Mycological findings in denture stomatitis and their evaluation].

Twenty-eight out of 30 patients suffering from denture-wearer's stomatitis, yielded yeast-like fungi from the areas of inflammation. The fungi included Candida albicans (20), Torulopsis glabrata (7), C. tropicalis (3), C. pseudotropicalis (1), and C. krusei (1). In 15 cases, a heavy fungal growth was found. Of the 20 C. albicans strains, 18 exhibited an extra-cellular proteolytic activity on Serum-Albumin agar with the initial pH value of 5.0. In the sera from 20 patients, precipitating antibodies against C. albicans antigens were detected with the help of the immunodiffusion test. The haemagglutination test revealed titers greater than or equal to 1:160 in 18 cases. The questionable pathogenic significance of the yeast-like fungi in the denture wearer's stomatitis is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

[Mycoses caused by fungal spores in indoor air].

Fungal spores in indoor air may cause mycoses and allergies in man. The following different types of exposure are interesting from the epidemiological view-point: (a) the occupational exposure (work done with fungi-contaminated material), (b) the accidental exposure (formation and growing of fungi by constructive defects), and (c) the inconspicuous constant exposure (as part of lifestyle, e.g. by plants or small pets). It is stressed that the only way to characterize the indoor air quality with regard to its content of fungal spores is by uncontestable mycological diagnostics.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed1982

Extracellularly proteolysing Aspergillus fumigatus and its interaction with specific immune serum in the serum-albumin agar. A preliminary report.

Serum-Albumin Agar with the initial pH values of 5.0 or 7.0 allows diffusion and precipitation of A. fumigatus antigens (culture filtrate) and antibodies. In the zone of extracellular proteolysis by a living culture of an atypical A. fumigatus strain, precipitin bands only against a specific immune serum were found in this medium with an initial pH of 7.0. How far under such complex substrate conditions including active extracellular proteolysis, an immune reaction can take place is open to discussion.

Agar↗