Biomedical subjects

M Arango

Publications and source records attributed to M Arango.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1982

T-cell dysfunction and hyperimmunoglobulinemia E in paracoccidioidomycosis.

Various aspects of T and B cell mediated immunity were investigated in 20 well documented cases of active (10) or inactive (10) paracoccidioidomycosis (Pcm), as well as in 8 healthy individuals living in the endemic area of the disease. The results confirm previous reports that active Pcm produces diverse grades of depression of T cell mediated immunity. Such T cell dysfunction is not associated with a reduction in the number of peripheral E rosette-forming cells, and the immunodepression is reversed by chemotherapy. Sera from Pcm (active or inactive) patients have significantly increased levels of total IgE, but the actual proportion of IgE antibodies against P. brasiliensis was very low (0.4-0.6%). The highest levels of total IgE were found in active patients with disease-related immune depression, suggesting that T cell dysfunction might contribute to the excessive IgE production.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1980

Demonstration and quantification oomycosis.

Using a radioimmunoassay technique, we have determined the total IgE concentration and specific IgE antibody level against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in the sera of patients with mycologically confirmed active paracoccidioidcosis. Patients with aspergilloma, or individuals with antibodies against Cadida albicans, and sera of apparently healthy individuals from the endemic area were also examined. The level of total IgE was significantly elevated in 9 out of 10 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis. The mean level of specific IgE against P. brasiliensis was significantly higher in the serum of the patients in comparison with control individuals. The percentage of specific IgE relative to the total varied from 0.38 to 2.28%. The differences between IgE levels in pare other mycoses were statistically significant. Our results suggest a possible involvement of specific IgE antibodies against P. brasiliensis in the immune response of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. The hyperimmunoglobulinemia E may be related to the T-cell defect that characterizes the severe forms of the disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1976

Determination of the growth curves of the mycelial and yeast forms of Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis.

The growth curves of 2 different strains of P. brasiliensis were determined. Cultures were made in a dialyzed trypticase soy broth and the growth assesed at selected intervals by means of viable cell counts. In the yeast form, both strains exhibited un uniform pattern of growth; the mycelial forms were also similar although one of the strains survived for a longer period of time. When the 2 yeast curves were compared with the mycelial ones, large differences were noticed. Thus, the mean survival time for the yeasts was 13.5 days while it was 50.25 days for the mycelia. During the exponential phase, the mean rate of growth was accelerated for the yeasts (0.110) in comparison with the one exhibited by the mycelia (0.0265). Irrespective of the form of growth and for both strains, death occurred abruptly, a few hours after a period when colony counts were high, indicating that the fugus was viable at the preceeding interval.

Fungi↗

PubMed1976

The isolation of Botryodiplodia theobromae from a nail lesion.

Botryodiplodia theobromae not known to produce onychomycosis was repeatedly recovered from a healthy woman with evident lesions in a toe nail. Mycelial fragments were observed in the scales and the fungus was isolated in cycloheximide-free culture media. The report indicates that many fungi, hitherto considered non-pathogens, may still be able to colonize a vaiety of human tissues.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Paracoccidioidomycosis and AIDS: report of the first two Colombian cases.

The records of the first two Colombian patients with AIDS and paracoccidioidomycosis are presented. Both patients were males and had no known risk factors for HIV although in the past they had worked in the field where they could have been infected with the fungus. They exhibited the juvenile type of disease with multiple organ system involvement and symptoms of short duration. They were deeply immunodepressed as indicated by less than 100 CD4 T lymphocytes per mL; however, serologic tests revealed circulating anti-Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antibodies and in one patient the first diagnostic clue came from such tests. In one case, the mycosis preceded the AIDS diagnosis while in the other, both pathologies were discovered simultaneously. Antimycotic therapy with itraconazole was administered for over 10 months, with an initial dose of 200 mg/day followed by 100 mg/day; marked improvement of the mycotic signs and symptoms was soon noticed an there have been no signs of relapse. The patients improvement was also due to the combined retroviral treatment that was instituted. In spite of the rarity of the AIDS-paracoccidioidomycosis association, physicians practicing in endemic areas should consider the presence of the mycosis in immunosuppressed patients, since a prompt diagnosis and institution of combined antimycotic-anti-retroviral treatments would result in patient improvement and survival. It appears possible that the longer survival time of today's AIDS patients would give the quiescent fungus the opportunity to revive, multiply and cause overt disease.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Maxillary sinusitis caused by Schizophyllum commune and experience with treatment.

A case of sinusitis caused by the basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune is reported in a 36-year-old female with a history of allergic rhinitis and dermatitis. The patient presented with sudden nasal obstruction, purulent nasal discharge, headache and general discomfort. Computer tomography revealed extensive opacity of the left maxillary sinus as well as erosion of the nasal wall and maxillary bone. Mycological examinations of nasal discharges and material aspirated during anthrostomy showed hyaline, septate hyphae with rare spicules. Primary isolation yielded a white, woolly mould which demonstrated clamp connections and basidiocarp primordia but these characteristics were lost in subculture. Identification was confirmed by vegetative compatibility studies. The patient was treated with itraconazole to avoid possible postsurgical dissemination. Three months after cessation of therapy, no recurrence of infection had occurred.

Adult↗