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Aspergillosis of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Aspergillosis of the nose and paranasal sinuses should not be considered an innocuous disease. In a review of 103 cases, other than in the Sudan, the mortality rate was 16 per cent. Intracranial extension of the fungus from the nose and sinuses carries a grave prognosis. Although aspergillosis occurs frequently in patients debilitated from other diseases, this is not always the case, and most deaths in the review series occurred in otherwise healthy individuals. The authors present eight cases of their own.

Adult↗

[Apropos of 2 cases of Scedosporium apiospermum nasosinusal infection].

We report two cases of nasosinusal infection caused by Scedosporium apiospermum and involving the nasal fossa in one case and the maxillary sinus in the other. The course of the disease varied according to the patient's immune status. The otherwise healthy patient (case n. 1) was completely cured by surgery, whereas the immunosuppressed patient (case n. 2) had local extension with pseudotumoral symptoms and lysis of the inter-sinusonasal septum; an early surgical treatment combined with local administration of a specific antifungal agent resulted in an apparent cure, but the patient died a few months later. A review of the literature confirms the invasive potential of this fungus which in immunosuppressed patients (by therapeutic immunosuppressants or by a debilitating disease) becomes a dangerous opportunistic organism. Cultures on Sabouraud's medium provide an accurate diagnosis and enable antifungal drugs to be tested, miconazole being the most regularly effective of them. In healthy subjects surgery is the sole treatment of nasal or sinusal lesions, while in all immunocompromised patients it must be combined with an antifungal treatment.

Aged↗

Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by an Itraconazole and Amphoterecin B resistant strain of Veronaeae botryosa.

BACKGROUND: Although the dematiaceous fungus Veronaea botryosa is rarely encountered clinically, it can be pathogenic. METHODS: A patient with a history of diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and Cushing's syndrome had recurrent multifocal, crusted, brownish-red noduloplaques on the right forearm, left upper limb, and right knee. A skin biopsy was obtained for histopathology and fungal cultures. RESULTS: The histopathology showed brownish hyphae and yeast-like cells scattered in granulomatous infiltrates. Slide cultures revealed erect and straight conidiophores with two-celled cylindrical conidia, which have round tops and truncated bases. The fungus was identified as Veronaea botryosa. The disease slowly progressed despite a 6-month itraconazole regimen (200 mg daily). Subsequent use of Amphoterecin B produced only mild clinical improvements. Susceptibility tests showed resistance to both agents. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by V. botryosa is extremely rare. Antifungal susceptibility tests are important for choosing the appropriate drug and predicting the clinical outcome.

Aged↗

[Phytotherapeutic aspects of diseases of the circulatory system. 2. The oyster mushroom and its potential use].

The oyster fungus (Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) Kumm., Pleurotaceae) is a wood-worming fungus with a significant use in the food industry. Out of the products of the primary and special metabolisms, which were found in fruit bodies in the 1970s, it is possible to mention mainly lipids, sterols, lipophilic vitamins, vitamins of the B group, mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides, amino acids, peptides, some enzymes and derivatives of aliphatic hydrocarbons as fragrant substances. Some of these substances exert antiviral, antineoplastic and hypocholesterolaemic activities. In the case of the hypocholesterolaemic effect, not all substances that take part in it have been isolated and identified yet. The fruit bodies of the oyster fungus became a basis for some dietetic preparations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, e.g. HLIVETA Eritaden and PLEUROS 600. They are usable for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. Besides this, the oyster fungus is a source of other substances that can be used in other fields of prevention or treatment.

Humans↗

Evaluation and treatment of allergic fungal sinusitis. I. Demographics and diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Few cases of allergic fungal sinusitis have been systematically evaluated to conclusively confirm working clinical, histopathologic, and serologic diagnostic criteria. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe 67 consecutive cases of allergic fungal sinusitis, the largest number of cases yet published. METHODS: Cases from 1 practice over 8 years were evaluated with a consistent protocol, including skin testing, serum chemistries and serologies, and surgical specimen analysis. RESULTS: All patients were atopic (100 %) and had nasal polyposis (100%). They tended to be young (33.3+/-13.1 years, mean +/-SEM), immunocompetent (92 %; remaining 8 % with low quantitative immunoglobulin but normal function), have slight female preponderance (58%), have a history of hypertrophic rhinosinusitis (100%), report nasal cast production (75%), and have developed their disease in the southwestern United States. Bipolaris spicifera was the most prevalent fungus involved (67%). Total serum IgE (mean 668 IU/mL) and fungal-specific IgG were generally elevated, whereas fungal-specific precipitins and specific IgE were generally negative despite positive fungal-specific immediate hypersensitivity skin tests. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with allergic fungal sinusitis tend to have elevated total serum IgE and fungal-specific IgG at diagnosis but not fungal-specific IgE or precipitins. Histopathologic criteria for allergic fungal sinusitis diagnosis are discussed. The southwestern United States appears to be a "hot spot" for the disease, particularly caused by B spicifera.

Adult↗

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is required for the early formation of granulomas and participates in the resistance of mice to the infection with the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

The migration of leukocytes to inflammatory sites elicited by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is supposed to be coordinated by cytokines and chemokines. Here, we investigated the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in recruiting inflammatory cells to lungs of mice infected with P. brasiliensis and in determining the outcome of the disease. Expression of ICAM-1 was up-regulated on T lymphocytes after infection with the fungus, and its expression was dependent on interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-12. Moreover, the absence of ICAM-1 resulted in high susceptibility to the infection and delayed formation of granulomatous lesions. In addition, the absence of ICAM-1 resulted in increased growth and dissemination of fungus, decreased number of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cells, and increased production of interleukin-4 in the inflammatory site. The organization of a granulomatous reaction in mice deficient of ICAM-1 was delayed, starting only on day 60 after infection, whereas in wild-type mice it was complete on day 30 of infection. These data show that ICAM-1 is effectively involved in cellular migration and in the organization of the granulomatous lesion caused by the fungus P. brasiliensis.

Animals↗

Analysis of Aspergillus nidulans conidial antigens and their prevalence in other Aspergillus species.

Aspergillus nidulans is an ascomycetous fungus that reproduces asexually by forming multicellular conidiophores and uninucleate spores called conidia. These elements constitute the main vehicle for the transmission of this and other pathogenic Aspergillus species and are the starting point of the different forms of aspergillosis. In order to use A. nidulans as a potential source of useful antigens for the immunodiagnosis of these diseases, we have examined the total protein composition of conidial extracts of this fungus by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in gels of different percent T. Injection of SDS-extracted conidial proteins into rabbits allowed us to raise a battery of polyclonal antibodies which have defined some important immunogenic polypeptides. Several of these immunogens were both present in mycelial extracts and recognized by antimycelium antibodies. Four of them, designated cdA, cdB, cdC, and cdE, were also found in conidial extracts of other pathogenic Aspergillus species. Only cdE was undetectable in cell extracts of the nonrelated species Fusarium culmorum and Phycomyces blakesleeanus.

Antigens, Fungal↗

Efficacy of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride on suppression of Physalospora vaccinii in laboratory assays.

Growth of Physalospora vaccinii on inoculated agar growth medium and cranberries treated with 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1,000 ppm of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) was investigated in the laboratory. In vitro growth assays, the colony diameter, and mycelial dry weight of P. vaccinii was reduced at 1,000 ppm ADBAC. Mild or no reduction of fungal growth and mycelial dry weight was observed at concentrations less than 100 ppm when compared with the nonamended control. Growth of P. vaccinii on inoculated cranberries was inhibited by treatment with 10 and 100 ppm ADBAC. Complete inhibition of fungus growth was also achieved at 1,000 ppm ADBAC. Area under the disease progress curve values in wounded fruits were 75, 77, and 100% at 10, 100, and 1,000 ppm ADBAC, respectively, whereas area under the disease progress curve values in fruits immersed in ADBAC and pathogen were reduced 47 to 100% compared with the untreated fruits used as controls. No P. vaccinii or other fungi were detected on the control fruits inoculated with sterile distilled water. This is the first report on the use of ADBAC to control a field and storage rotting fungus, P. vaccinii. ADBAC is likely to be an important component to any integrated approach for reducing the risks associated with the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in or on foods.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Mortality of captive Canadian toads from Basidiobolus ranarum mycotic dermatitis.

Twenty-six adult free-ranging Canadian toads (Bufo hemiophrys) were collected from northeastern North Dakota (USA) during the last week of August 1994 and placed in captivity. During late December and January 1995, 21 Canadian toads died. Clinical signs included increased time sitting in water bowls, darkened dorsal skin, constant arching of their backs, and hyperemia and sloughing of ventral epidermis. The condition progressively worsened until death occurred within 5 to 7 days after onset of clinical disease. Mycotic dermatitis due to Basidiobolus ranarum was diagnosed in all toads and the fungus was isolated from 11 (52%) of 21 toads. Histology of the ventral skin and digits revealed numerous fungal spherules and occasional hyphae without significant inflammatory reaction. This condition clinically resembled red leg associated with Aeromonas hydrophila and many other bacterial organisms, and the diseases could be confused without appropriate diagnostic tests. This also is the first report of B. ranarum causing clinical disease in a toad species.

Animals↗

Candidal infection in the central nervous system.

Candida has become the most prevalent cerebral mycosis at autopsy, indicating a significant incidence coupled with inadequate eradication. Of 29 patients with systemic candidiasis, 48 percent (14 of 29) also had central nervous system involvement. Of these patients, however, only 21 percent (three of 14) had antemortem diagnosis, and only one of these three patients remains alive; the two patients with antemortem diagnosis who died had a meningeal form that, although easier to document on the basis of cerebrospinal fluid examination, is now distinctly rarer than other forms of the disease in adults. The lone surviving patient was treated with amphotericin B for endocarditis and mycotic aneurysms of the cerebral vessels. One clue to central nervous system candidal infection was the striking correlation between cardiac and cerebral involvement; 80 percent of patients with myocardial or valve infection also had central nervous system candidiasis. Most forms of immunosuppression represent a risk factor for both the systemic and cerebral mycoses. Neuropathologically, there is a spectrum of disease entities associated with Candida, including two previously unrecognized lesions reported herein: fungus balls of both white and gray matter and mycotic aneurysms secondary to Candida parapsilosis. Other parenchymal presentations include thrombosis, vasculitis, abscess, hemorrhage, and demyelination. For drug therapy such as amphotericin B to be more effective, earlier diagnosis of these parenchymal infections must be sought.

Adolescent↗

The complete and annotated mitochondrial genome of Hemileia vastatrix Race I, causal agent of coffee leaf rust.

Hemileia vastatrix is the fungal pathogen responsible for coffee leaf rust (CLR), the most economically important disease of Coffea arabica worldwide. Recently, the nuclear genome of this fungus was completely deciphered. However, the mitochondrial genome of H. vastatrix has remained undercharacterized. Here, we present the complete, circularized mitochondrial genome of H. vastatrix Race I (isolate HvRI), assembled using a hybrid approach combining PacBio HiFi long reads and BGIseq short reads. The genome is 173,525 bp in length with a GC content of 33.1% and encodes 41 functional genes, including 15 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, and 24 tRNAs. The assembly reveals significant structural complexity, driven by intron expansion in the cox1 and cob genes. Notably, the atp8 gene contains a group II intron, rare for this locus, whose internal open reading frame displays evidence of pseudogenization via internal stop codons.. We also characterized a putative replication initiation zone (~1.2 kb) defined by a poly-G homopolymer and conserved regulatory motifs. The mitogenome of the HvRI isolate does not contain cob mutations that lead to amino acid substitutions G143A and F129L associated with the quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicide resistance. This high-quality mitogenome is an important resource for comparative mitogenomics, population diversity studies, and the molecular surveillance of QoI fungicide resistance.

Genome, Mitochondrial↗

Colletotrichum trifolii TB3 kinase, a COT1 homolog, is light inducible and becomes localized in the nucleus during hyphal elongation.

Colletotrichum trifolii is a fungal pathogen responsible for anthracnose disease of alfalfa. Previously, a serine/threonine protein kinase gene from this fungus (TB3), which is a functional homolog of the Neurospora crassa COT1 kinase, has been isolated in our laboratory and appears to be associated with hyphal elongation and branching. In this report we show that light treatment rapidly induces TB3 expression and hyphal branching frequency. Western analysis showed TB3 localization in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, but not in membranes. Moreover, indirect immunofluorescence indicated that TB3 levels were most abundant in the nucleus. To further evaluate the subcellular distribution of TB3, a TB3::GFP fusion construct was inserted into C. trifolii. Results indicated that the cellular location of TB3 changed during fungal growth and development. Consistent with previous observations, TB3 was localized in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus but was preferentially localized in the nucleus during extended hyphal growth. The amino terminus of TB3 contains two relatively long polyglutamine repeats. Yeast-based assays showed that these polyglutamine tracts can activate transcription. These results suggest that TB3 may be positioned in a signaling cascade regulating proper hyphal growth and development by functioning as a transcription factor.

Base Sequence↗

Effect of a CD4-depleting antibody on the development of Cryptococcus neoformans-induced allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis in mice.

Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) is a hypersensitivity lung disease in which fungal colonization is accompanied by an allergic response to the fungus. Using a mouse model of ABPM caused by Cryptococcus neoformans infection of C57BL/6 mice, the goal of the present studies was to determine the effect of the CD4-depleting monoclonal antibody GK1.5 on the development of the allergic responses seen during active fungal infection. These results would provide insight into the role of CD4(+) T cells in this disease. Our results show that GK1.5 treatment resulted in attenuation of pulmonary inflammation and eosinophilia in these animals. These mice also had reduced T2 cytokine production and no serum immunoglobulin E production. Absence of CD4(+) T cells did not affect recruitment of CD8(+) T cells to the site of infection; however, the numbers of CD19(+) B cells were severely reduced in the lungs of CD4(+) T-cell-depleted animals. We also examined changes in the pulmonary architecture and found that depletion of CD4(+) T cells was associated with a significant reduction in mucus production and goblet cell metaplasia in these mice. Interestingly, attenuation of Th2 responses in CD4(+) T-cell-depleted animals did not increase the fungal load in their lungs. We also compared development of ABPM in young and mature mice and did not find any differences at any of the time points. Overall, our results show that depletion of CD4(+) T cells prevents the development of Th2 responses seen during ABPM.

Age Factors↗

Histopathology of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum attack on flower parts of Helianthus annuus heads in tolerant and susceptible varieties.

Sunflower head rot is a major disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Sunflower varieties which are tolerant to the fungus have been developed. The changes occurring in flower parts at different times after inoculation with pathogen ascospores were studied for two sunflower varieties (tolerant HA 302 and susceptible HA 89). In variety HA 302 there was cell collapse, changes in cell wall composition, and an increase in phenolic compounds in the tissues of corolla and style, which prevented the pathogen from advancing. This response was weaker in susceptible variety HA 89, and occurred only in the style, so did not stop the pathogen from developing and reaching the ovary. Phenolic compounds were found in HA 302 corolla and style tissues only when the pathogen was present, constituted an induced response that prevented further development of the fungus. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that at the beginning of the infection there was no difference in behavior between the two varieties. The difference arose during the final observation times, when in variety HA 89, the pathogen colonized ovary, style and base of filaments and produced noticeable colonization of the corolla.

Argentina↗

Jesterone and hydroxy-jesterone antioomycete cyclohexenone epoxides from the endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis jesteri.

Jesterone and hydroxy-jesterone are novel highly functionalized cyclohexenone epoxides isolated from a newly described endophytic fungal species--Pestalotiopsis jesteri. They were purified from cultures of the fungus by bioassay guided fractionation using Pythium ultimum as the indicator organism. Jesterone, in particular, displays selective antimycotic activity against the oomycetous fungi which are some of the most plant pathogenic of all disease causing fungi. The possible importance of these cyclohexenones to the biology of the endophytic fungus-host plant relationship is also discussed.

Alkenes↗