Comments on ''Detection of galactomannan in the bronchoalveolar lavage of high-risk patients with invasive aspergillosis admitted at the intensive care unit'' by Khodavaisy et al.
Mohsen
Meidani
Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
author
Atousa
Hakamifard
Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
author
text
article
2015
eng
Comments on ''Detection of galactomannan in the bronchoalveolar lavage of high-risk patients with invasive aspergillosis admitted at the intensive care unit'' by Khodavaisy et al. AWT-SEP AWT-SEP AWT-SEP AWT-SEP AWT-SEP AWT-SEP Galactomannan in bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis We read with interest the prospective study by Khodavaisy et al on” Detection of galactomannan(GM) in bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) of the intensive care unit patients at risk for invasive aspergillosis (IA) “.In this study authors reported that there are no available data on GM detection in BAL samples among ICU patients in the Middle East. A study that was performed in ICU patients with underlying predisposing conditions for IA between August 2010 and September 2011 that GM was measured using the Platellia Aspergillus EIA test kit. The conclusion was that the galactomannan level in BAL fluid is more sensitive for diagnosis. (1)
Current Medical Mycology
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
2423-3439
1
v.
3
no.
2015
1
2
https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90293_c0a34d518b50ef20edb3aaa2c61ebab6.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.3.1
The first isolation of Trichosporon coremiiforme from soil in Iran
Samad
Jamali
Assistant Professor of Mycology, Department of Plant Protection, School of Agriculture, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
author
Majid
Gharaei
MS Student, Department of Plant Protection, School of Agriculture, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
author
text
article
2015
eng
Background and Purpose: Trichosporon is a genus of anamorphic basidiomycetous yeast which is widely distributed in nature and is found in tropical and temperate areas. The aim of this work was to study the isolation, identification and molecular analysis of Trichosporon species in soil. Materials and Methods: In order to isolate and identify Trichosporon species in soil, 30 samples were collected from 30 different locations across Iran. The isolates were identified by means of the standard methods of yeast identification. To confirm morphological identification, genomic DNA was extracted and the hypervariable D1/D2 domain of the large-subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using primer pair NL-1/NL-4, and then the sequences were analyzed. Results: According to the morphological and physiological assessments, isolates were identified as T. coremiiforme. The isolates formed chlamydospore after one week on yeast-malt (YM) agar medium. Using Blast program, we found that the D1/D2 sequences of the T. coremiiforme isolates from Iran (accession no: KP055040 and KP055041) showed 99% homology with the T. coremiiforme deposited in GenBank. All the T. coremiiforme isolates placed in the Ovoides cluster were well-supported by bootstrap values. Conclusion: The present study is the first attempt to survey Trichosporon in soil of Iran. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of T. coremiiforme in Iran.
Current Medical Mycology
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
2423-3439
1
v.
3
no.
2015
3
10
https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90294_a1a3deca8a7772e671adf98ef6b7a64b.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.3.3
Emergence of Azoles Resistance Candida species in Iranian AIDS defined patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis
Farzad
Katiraee
Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
author
Fardis
Teifoori
Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
author
Mino
Soltani
Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
author
text
article
2015
eng
Background and Purpose: Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) and antifungal drug resistance are major health concerns in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The increased reports of antifungal resistance and expanding drug therapy options prompted the determination of antifungal susceptibility profile. The present study was performed to determine the antifungal susceptibility of Candida species isolated from AIDS patients with OPC in Iran. Materials and Methods: In total, 100 Candida isolates from the oral cavity of patients with OPC (TCD4 < 200 cells/&muL) were obtained and cultured on CHROMagar and Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. All isolates were identified according to the assimilation profile, colony color and other conventional methods. Broth microdilution of antifungal drugs was carried out, according to the methods described in M27-S4 and M44-A guidelines by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Among 60 Candida albicans (C. albicans) strains, 56.7% were resistant to fluconazole, while 38.3% were resistant to ketoconazole and clotrimazole. The resistance of C. albicans isolates against polyene antifungals including amphotericin B was scarce (1.7%). Based on the results, 52.2% of C. glabrata strains were resistant to fluconazole, while 47.8% and 30.4% of these isolates were resistant to ketoconazole and clotrimazole, respectively. All Candida isolates were susceptible to nystatin and caspofungin. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that screening of resistant Candida isolates by disk diffusion or broth dilution method is essential for the surveillance and prevention of antifungal resistance in patient management. Although nystatin is widely used in clinical practice for HIV patients in Iran, no evidence of enhanced resistance against this agent was found on the other hand, resistance to azole antifungals, particularly fluconazole, increased. Considering the lack of resistance to caspofungin, administration of this agent is suggested for the treatment of OPC in AIDS patients.
Current Medical Mycology
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
2423-3439
1
v.
3
no.
2015
11
16
https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90295_d7cd2291bffa8a46bbe69cda8603d0c1.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.3.11
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Another honor for the yeast model Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Farhad
Niknejad
Infectious Disease Research Science, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
author
Mojtaba
Nabili
Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
author
Roshanak
Daie Ghazvini
Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
Maryam
Moazeni
Invasive Fungi Research Centre, Department of Medical Mycology & Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
author
text
article
2015
eng
Background and Purpose: Microorganism-based synthesis of nanostructures has recently been noted as a green method for the sustainable development of nanotechnology. Nowadays, there have been numerous studies on the emerging resistant pathogenic bacteria and fungal isolates, the probable inability of bacteria and fungi to develop resistance against silver nanoparticles’ (SNPs) antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and, particularly antibacterial activities. In this study, we aim to use the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae model for synthesis of SNPs and to investigate its antifungal activity against some isolates of Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: A standard strain of S. cerevisiae was grown in liquid medium containing mineral salt then, it was exposed to 2 mM AgNO3. The reduction of Ag+ ions to metal nanoparticles was virtually investigated by tracing the color of the solution, which turned into reddish-brown after 72 hours. Further characterization of synthesized SNPs was performed afterwards. In addition, antifungal activity of synthesized SNPs was evaluated against fluconazolesusceptible and fluconazole-resistant isolates of Candida albicans. Results: The UV-vis spectra demonstrated a broad peak centering at 410 nm, which is associated with the particle sizes much less than 70 nm. The results of TEM demonstrated fairly uniform, spherical and small in size particles with almost 83.6% ranging between 5 and 20 nm. The zeta potential of SNPs was negative and equal to -25.0 (minus 25) mv suggesting that there was not much aggregation. Silver nanoparticles synthesized by S. cerevisiae, showed antifungal activity against fluconazole-susceptible and fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans isolates, and exhibited MIC90 values of 2 and 4 &mug/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The yeast S. cerevisiae model demonstrated the potential for extracellular synthesis of fairly monodisperse silver nanoparticles
Current Medical Mycology
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
2423-3439
1
v.
3
no.
2015
17
24
https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90296_970ea0c6376d229e8a1eccdc2ac2ff2b.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.3.17
Evaluation of the antifungal activities of various extracts from Pistacia atlantica Desf
Mehraban
Falahati
Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
Asghar
Sepahvand
Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
author
Hossein
Mahmoudvand
Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
author
Parastoo
Baharvand
Department of Biostatistics, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
author
Siamak
Jabbarnia
Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
author
Aynaz
Ghojoghi
Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
Mohammad
Yarahmadi
Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
text
article
2015
eng
Background and Purpose: Despite the availability of various treatments for fungal diseases, there are some limitations in the management of these conditions due to multiple treatment-related side-effects. The present study was designed to investigate the antifungal properties of different extracts from Pistacia atlantica Desf. Materials and Methods: Different parts of P. atlantica (i.e., dried fruit, fresh fruit and dried leaf) were separately extracted via percolation method with 80% methanol and water. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was performed to determine the main constituents of leaf and fruit extracts from P. atlantica. In vitro anti-Candida activities of the extracts against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were studied. For this purpose, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) were determined, using broth microdilution method, according to the modified M27-A3 protocol on yeasts, proposed by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Based on GC/MS analysis, the main constituents of P. atlantica fruit extracts were &beta-myrcene (41.4%), &alpha-pinene (32.48%) and limonene (4.66%), respectively, whereas the major constituents of P. atlantica leaf extracts were trans-caryophyllene (15.18%), &alpha-amorphene (8.1%) and neo-allo-ocimene (6.21%), respectively. As the findings indicated, all the constituents exhibited both fungistatic and fungicidal activities, with MICs ranging from 6.66 to 26.66 mg/mL and MFCs ranging from 13.3 to 37.3 mg/mL, respectively. Among the evaluated extracts, the methanolic fresh fruit extract of P. atlantica was significantly more effective than other extracts (p <0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, novel antifungal agents need to be developed, and use of P. atlantica should be promoted in the traditional treatment of Candida infections.
Current Medical Mycology
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
2423-3439
1
v.
3
no.
2015
25
32
https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90297_814f5a3baa47f1f897355e674c83d1e5.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.3.25
In vitro antifungal activities of Actinomyces species isolated from soil samples against Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Nasser
Keikha
MSc in Medical Mycology, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
author
Amin
Ayatollahi Mousavi
Laboratory Associate Professor in Medical Mycology, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
author
gholam Hosein
shahidi
Full Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
author
Bahman
Fouladi
Assistant Professor in Medical Mycology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
author
Ali Reza
Izadi
Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
author
text
article
2015
eng
Background and Purpose: Cutaneous infections arise from a homogeneous group of keratinophilic fungi, known as dermatophytes. Since these pathogenic dermatophytes are eukaryotes in nature, use of chemical antifungal agents for treatment may affect the host tissue cells. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Actinomyces species against Trichophyton mentagrophytes (abbreviated as T. mentagrophytes). The isolates were obtained from soil samples and identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Material and Methods: In total, 100 strains of Actinomyces species were isolated from soil samples in order to determine their antagonistic activities against T. mentagrophytes in Kerman, Iran. The electron microscopic study of these isolates was performed, based on the physiological properties of these antagonists (e.g., lipase, amylase, protease and chitinase), using relevant protocols. The isolates were identified using gene 16S rDNA via PCR technique. Results: Streptomyces flavogriseus, Streptomyces zaomyceticus strain xsd08149 and Streptomyces rochei were isolated and exhibited the most significant antagonistic activities against T. mentagrophytes. Images were obtained by an electron microscope and some spores, mycelia and morphology of spore chains were identified. Molecular, morphological and biochemical characteristics of these isolates were studied, using the internal 16S rDNA gene. Active isolates of Streptomyces sequence were compared to GenBank sequences. According to nucleotide analysis, isolate D5 had maximum similarity to Streptomyces flavogriseus (99%). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that Streptomyces isolates from soil samples could exert antifungal effects on T. mentagrophytes
Current Medical Mycology
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
2423-3439
1
v.
3
no.
2015
33
38
https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90298_bf084ffa4a62e190d5c2738fd82e95ca.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.3.33
A study of microsporidiosis in corneal scrapings of keratitis patients referring to Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran in 2013-14
MirMostafa
Ghamiloui
Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran
author
Zarrintaj
Valadkhani
Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran
author
Firoozeh
Rahimi
Tehran University of Medical Science,
author
text
article
2015
eng
Background and Purpose: Microsporidiosis is one of the emerging and opportunistic infections, which causing various clinical symptoms in humans. The prevalence of this infection varies, depending on the infected organ, diagnostic methods, and geographical conditions. In the present study, we aimed to investigate microsporidial keratitis in patients referring to Farabi Eye Hospital Tehran, Iran in 2013-14. Materials and Methods: Two scraping samples were collected from 91 keratitis patients, five cases had prior history of receiving immune suppressive drugs. One of the two collected samples from each participant was used for Vero cell culture and the other was used for the preparation of Giemsa and Gram staining slides. After 30 days, the cells were scrapped and used for DNA extraction afterwards, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method was applied. Primer pairs of small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene were designed by CLC Genomics workbench software to amplify all major microsporidian pathogens, as well as E. bieneusi , which was used as the positive control in this study. Results: The nested PCR showed negative results regarding the presence of microsporidia in the samples. Similarly, Giemsa and Gram staining slides did not detect any spores. Conclusion: The prevalence of human microsporidiosis ranges between 0% and 50%, worldwide. Based on all the negative samples in the present study, we can conclude that the prevalence of this infection among Iranian patients falls in the lower quartile. By gathering further evidence, researchers can take a step forward in this area and open new doors for the assessment of AIDS patients and users of immunosuppressive drugs.
Current Medical Mycology
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
2423-3439
1
v.
3
no.
2015
39
44
https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90299_b5eb2e4deeba1bc4ee5992324231df3f.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.3.39
Aspergillus colonization in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Maryam
Shahi
Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tropical and Infectious Diseases Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
author
Sadegh
Khodavaisy
Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
author
Hamid
Badali
Invasive Fungi Research Center (IFRC), Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
author
text
article
2015
eng
Background and Purpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been recognized as a risk factor for invasive aspergillosis. Airway colonization by Aspergillus species is a common feature of chronic pulmonary diseases. Nowadays, the incidence of COPD has increased in critically ill patients. The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify Aspergillus colonies in the respiratory tract of COPD patients. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 50 COPD patients, who were aged above 18 years, and were in intensive care units of three hospitals in Sari, Iran, for at least six days. All the samples obtained from sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and tracheal aspirates were cultured for fungi each week. According to the conventional techniques, Aspergillus isolates were initially based on growth and standard morphological characteristics. To confirm the identification of grown Aspergillus, the partial beta-tubulin gene was sequenced using specific primers. Results: A total of 50 patients, who met our inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the study during 2012-14. The results showed that 27 (54%) and 23 (46%) of the participants were male and female, respectively. The majority of the patients developed dyspnea followed by hemoptysis, chest pain, and high fever. Corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibacterial agents were administered to 75% and 80% of the patients, respectively. Based on the conventional and molecular approaches, A. fumigatus (seven cases 43.7%), A. flavus (five cases 31.2%), A. niger (one case 6.2%), A. terreus (one case 6.2%), A. orezea (one case 6.2%), and A. tubingensis (one case 6.2%) were recovered. Conclusion: Recovery of Aspergillus species from the respiratory tract of COPD patients with pneumonia indicates two possibilities: either colonization or invasive aspergillosis
Current Medical Mycology
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
2423-3439
1
v.
3
no.
2015
45
51
https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90300_5cf806d82e5b5900b759c9e7fbbeec6e.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.3.45