@article { author = {Mohammadi, Faezeh and Javaheri, Mohammad Reza and Nekoeian, Shahram and Dehghan, Parvin}, title = {Identification of Candida species in the oral cavity of diabetic patients}, journal = {Current Medical Mycology}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {1-7}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2423-3439}, eissn = {2423-3420}, doi = {10.18869/acadpub.cmm.2.2.4}, abstract = {Background and Purpose: Diabetic patients are more susceptible to oral candidiasis infection than non-diabetics due to the factors promoting oral carriage of Candida. Several factors can increase colonization of Candida species in the oral cavity such as xerostomia, which reduces the salivary flow and is a salivary pH disorder. In the current study, we aimed to identify and compare the colonization level of Candida spp. in the oral cavity of diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Materials and Methods: Swabs were taken from the mouth of 106 participants and were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium. Likewise, the saliva samples were collected for salivary glucose and pH measurements. The study was performed during June 2014-September 2015 on two groups of diabetic patients (n=58) and non-diabetics (n=48) as the control group. The Candida spp. were identified with PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using the restriction enzymes HinfI and MspI and were differentiated by culture on CHROMagar Candida medium. Results:The frequency of Candida spp. was higher in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics. The most frequent Candida spp. in the diabetic patients were Candida albicans (36.2%), C. krusei (10.4%), C. glabrata (5.1%), and C. tropcalis (3.4%). Likewise, C. albicans was the most frequent species (27%) in the non-diabetic individuals. In this study, the results of both methods for identification of the isolates were consistent with each other. Conclusion: Xerostomia and disturbance of physiological factors including pH and glucose can promote overgrowth of Candida flora in the oral cavity. These factors are considered important predisposing factors for oral candidiasis in diabetic patients. In the present study, it was observed that application of CHROMagar Candida and PCR-RFLP methods at the same time contributes to more accurate identification of isolates.  }, keywords = {CHROMagar Candida,Diabetes Mellitus,Oral candidiasis,PCR-RFLP}, url = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90321.html}, eprint = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90321_d1c15210bbcd001f98c2a2e952a2a8c5.pdf} } @article { author = {Vijayalakshmi, Prabhakaran and Thenmozhi, Sengodan and Rajeswari, Palaniappan}, title = {The Evaluation of the virulence factors of clinical Candida isolates and the anti-biofilm activity of Elettaria cardamomum against multi-drug resistant Candida albicans}, journal = {Current Medical Mycology}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {8-15}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2423-3439}, eissn = {2423-3420}, doi = {10.18869/acadpub.cmm.2.2.3}, abstract = {Background and Purpose: Today, treatment of life-threatening fungal infections, caused by Candida species, has become a major problem. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antifungal susceptibility patterns of different clinical Candida isolates, determine the virulence factors in multi-drug resistant (MDR) Candida species, and assess the anti-biofilm activity of Elettaria cardamomum against MDR Candida species. Materials and Methods: A total of 202 isolates from different Candida species were obtained from three governmental hospitals in Senthamangalam, Tiruchengode, and Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India. The isolates were identified, using conventional methods. Candida species were tested for virulence factors such as biofilm, protease, and phospholipase activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Elettaria cardamomum against MDR biofilm-forming C. albicans was determined, using plate and tube methods. Results:The identified Candida isolates (n=202) were C. albicans (74/202), C. glabrata (53/202), C. parapsilosis (44/202), C. tropicalis (15/202), and C. dubliniensis (16/202). The isolates were subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing and the virulence factors were determined. In terms of biofilm production, non-C. albicans species such as C. dubliniensis showed 75% activity. Also, regarding protease activity, C. parapsilosis (75%) showed the highest percentage of protease production. In addition, Candida species showed strong positivity for phospholipase activity (62.87%). In the MIC method, the acetonic extract completely inhibited biofilm production at a concentration of 125 μl (56.25 μg). In comparison with the ethanolic extract, the acetonic extract showed major activity against biofilm production. Conclusion: Based on the findings, pathogenic C. albicans species were inhibited by the ethanolic and acetonic extracts of E. cardamomum. In recent years, MDR and biofilm-forming pathogenic Candida species have been increasingly detected in clinical settings. Therefore, herbal derivatives might contribute to the treatment of infections without causing any sideeffects and prevent the associated mortality.}, keywords = {Biofilm inhibition,Candida species,Elettaria cardamomum,Virulence factors}, url = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90322.html}, eprint = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90322_6290d707425170da727e8e1623af3672.pdf} } @article { author = {Arghavan, Bahareh and Sharifi, Mohammadreza and Shafiee, Mohammad and Mohammadi, Rasoul}, title = {Evaluation of miR-146a expression level in macrophages exposed to Candida glabrata}, journal = {Current Medical Mycology}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {16-19}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2423-3439}, eissn = {2423-3420}, doi = {10.18869/acadpub.cmm.2.2.6}, abstract = {Background and Purpose: MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs with 1924- nucleotides in length. Up- or downregulation of many miRNAs has been shown by stimulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the innate immune system. Up-regulation of miR-146a has been reported by both TLR and heat-killed Candida albicans. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-146a in cultured monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) infected by Candida glabrata at 12, 24, and 48 hours. Materials and Methods: miR-146a expression was evaluated by qRT-real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at three time points in C. glabrata-infected MDMs. The data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: miR-146a expression was down-regulated in infected MDMs compared to the control group (p <0.018). The expression of miR-146a was at its highest level at 48 h, as compared to 12 and 24 h (p <0.018). The differences between the experimental group compared to the control group were statistically significant (p <0.018). Conclusion: These results suggest that miR-146a can be involved in regulating macrophage function following TLR stimulation in C. glabrata-infected MDMs.}, keywords = {Candida glabrata,macrophage,miR-146a}, url = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90323.html}, eprint = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90323_3f7b6ad76dae70c32680c9ae276f345d.pdf} } @article { author = {Bhattacharjee, Partha}, title = {Epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species in a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata, India}, journal = {Current Medical Mycology}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {20-27}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2423-3439}, eissn = {2423-3420}, doi = {10.18869/acadpub.cmm.2.2.5}, abstract = {Background and Purpose: The incidence of fungal infection as well as candidemia has increased significantly, contributing to morbidity and mortality in the developed countries. The alarming increase in infections with multidrug resistant bacteria is due to overuse of a broad spectrum antimicrobials, which leads to over growth of Candida spp.; thus, enhancing its opportunity to cause the disease. A shift has been observed in the relative frequency of each Candida spp. Antifungal agents available for the treatment of systemic and invasive candidiasis are restricted to polyenes, allylamines, azoles, and the recent echinocandin class of molecules. In the past few decades, the incidence of resistance to antifungal treatment of Candida spp. has increased rapidly, which is of serious concern for healthcare professionals. Studies on prevalence of infections and antifungal susceptibility testing can help with deciding on clinical strategies to manage this problem. Herein, we aimed to identify the epidemiology of Candida spp. among blood culture isolates and to investigate the susceptibility pattern of these species to antifungal agents. Materials and Methods: Candida spp. were isolated from blood cultures from 70 patients in a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata, India. The growth of Candida spp. on sabouraud dextrose agar was confirmed by Gram staining, where grampositive budding fungal cells were observed. The species identification as well as antifungal susceptibility testing were performed with VITEK 2 compact automated system using VITEK-2 cards for identification of yeast and yeast-like organisms (ID-YST card). Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out with VITEK 2 fungal susceptibility card (AST-YS07) kit. Results: Out of 70 samples, Candida albicans were isolated from 34 (48.57%) samples. The remaining 36 (51.43%) were non-albicans Candida (NAC). Out of 34 C. albicans, antifungal susceptibility was detected in 28 isolates, all of which were sensitive to fluconazole (FLC). Resistance to amphotericine B (AMP), flucytosine (5FC), voriconazole (VRC), and itraconazole (ITC) was observed in 44.12%, 52.94%, 8.82%, and 17.65% of the cases, respectively. For other Candida spp. (other than C. albicans), antifungal susceptibility was evaluated for 36 isolates, among which resistance to AMP, FLC, 5FC, VRC, and ITC was found in 30.56%, 61.11%, 33.33%, 19.44%, and 38.89% cases, respectively. Conclusion: Species-level identification of Candida and their antifungal sensitivity testing should to be performed to achieve better clinical result and to select an appropriate and effective antifungal therapy. High resistance to antifungal agents is an alarming sign to the healthcare professionals.}, keywords = {candida albicans,Fluconazole,Non-albicans Candida,Voriconazol,itraconazole}, url = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90324.html}, eprint = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90324_4f5786137b15a1a41bbe079b5fed37a2.pdf} } @article { author = {Sadeghi Ardestani, Zeinab and Falahati, Mehraban and Sayah Alborzi, Sharareh and Ashrafi Khozani, Mahtab and Rostam khani, Fatemeh and Bahador, Abbas}, title = {The effect of nanochitosans particles on Candida biofilm formation}, journal = {Current Medical Mycology}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {28-33}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2423-3439}, eissn = {2423-3420}, doi = {10.18869/acadpub.cmm.2.2.1}, abstract = {Background and Purpose: In people wearing dentures, the growth of various Candida species under the prosthesis leads to the formation of biofilm, which can play the role of a reservoir for Candida and other kinds of microbes. Since nano-chitosan particles can cause lasting antimicrobial activity, a more recent approach that utilizes acrylic resins with nano-chitosan particles is proposed. Therefore, we aimed to study the inhibitory effect of nano-chitosan particles on the biofilm formation of Candida species in acrylic resins. Materials and Methods: In this analytical in-vitro study, acrylic resins with nano-chitosan particles with concentrations of 0, 1%, 5%, and 10% were put adjacent to the suspension of Candida cells isolated from the individuals’ mouth and biofilm formation on resins was measured and compared. Finally, the data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests. Results:The observed differences between unmodified acrylic resin (control) and acrylic resin with nano-chitosan particles in terms of biofilm formation were significant (p <0.05), but no significant difference was found in the formation of biofilm species on resins. Conclusion: Biofilm formation of Candida species depends on acrylic resin type, in a way that by adding nano-chitosan particles to acrylic resins, biofilm formation of Candida species was significantly reduced. To decrease the organization of biofilm and denture stomatitis, the use of acrylics with nano-chitosan particles in producing dentures is recommended.}, keywords = {Acrylic resins,Biofilm,Candida species,Denture,Nano-chitosan Particles}, url = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90325.html}, eprint = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90325_e43838d3f54aa1c196fe90cc21ccd433.pdf} } @article { author = {Shokohi, Tahereh and Badali, Hamid and Amirrajab, Nasrin and Ataollahi, Mohammad Reza and Kouhpayeh, Seyyed Amin and Afsarian, Mohammad Hosein}, title = {In vitro activity of five antifungal agents against Candida albicans isolates, Sari, Iran}, journal = {Current Medical Mycology}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {34-39}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2423-3439}, eissn = {2423-3420}, doi = {10.18869/acadpub.cmm.2.2.8}, abstract = {Background and Purpose: Candida albicans is the most common causative agent of candidiasis. Candidiasis management is dependent on the immune status of the host, severity of disease, and the choice of antifungal drug. Antifungals, specifically triazoles, are widely administered for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of C. albicans isolates to fluconazole (FLZ), itraconazole (ITZ), voriconazole (VRZ), amphotericin B (AMB), and Caspofungin (CAS). Materials and Methods: A total of 44 clinical strains of C. albicans were collected from 36 patients admitted to four hospitals in Mazandaran Province, Iran. The in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was performed based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methods. Results: Generally, 34 isolates were susceptible to all the five antifungal drugs, while four isolates were susceptible or susceptible dose-dependent (SDD) and six isolates were SDD or resistant to these antifungals. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC; 0.016 μg/ml) belonged to AMB and the highest MIC was for FLZ (16 μg/ml). The lowest MIC50 (0.063 μg/ml) was related to ITZ and the lowest MIC90 (0.25 μg/ml) pertained to CAS; in addition, the highest MIC50 (1 μg/ml) and MIC90 (4 μg/ml) were for FLZ. Four of the isolates showed resistance to both FLZ and VRZ, separately, and five isolates were resistant to ITZ. Caspofungin showed potent activity against more than 95% of the C. albicans isolates. Conclusion: Overall, we reported 9.1% resistance to FLZ and VRZ, 11.3% resistance to ITZ and AMB, and 4.6% resistance to caspofungin. Our finding is in agreement with previous observations proposing that C. albicans isolates develop resistance to some antifungal drugs such as FLZ since they are widely used as prophylaxis.}, keywords = {Antifungal agents,candida albicans,In vitro susceptibility testing}, url = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90326.html}, eprint = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90326_02fb9438d97fe950722462702a2489d2.pdf} } @article { author = {Sajjadi, Seyedeh Toktam and Saboora, Azra and Mohammadi, Parisa}, title = {Comparison of aglycon and glycosidic saponin extracts of Cyclamen coum tuber against Candida spp.}, journal = {Current Medical Mycology}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {40-44}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2423-3439}, eissn = {2423-3420}, doi = {10.18869/acadpub.cmm.2.2.7}, abstract = {Background and Purpose: Candidiasis, an important fungal infection, is considered the fourth most common nosocomial blood stream infection. Nowadays, because of increased fungal resistance to antibiotics, the use of herbal medicine has gained particular attention. Cyclamen species are medicinal plants containing triterpenoid saponins, which are shown to have antimicrobial properties. Materials and Methods: Three species of Candida including C. albicans 10231, C. tropicalis 0750, and C. krusei and nine clinical samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Active substances of the tubers were extracted by fractionation method. Susceptibility of Candida to Cyclamen coum tuber extracts was evaluated via minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Results: Our results demonstrated that ethyl acetate extract had no inhibitory effect on Candida strains, whereas the aqueous and n-butanolic extracts showed considerable activity. MIC and MFC of these extracts varied within the range of 2-32 μg/mL of saponin for different Candida samples. Aglyconic aqueous phase of the extract had the most effective anticandida activity. Glycosidic and aglyconic aqueous extracts were less active on C. albicans strains and C. tropicalis, respectively. Conclusion: Tuber extract of Cyclamen was rich in triterpenoid saponins and had antifungal effect. Sugar chain structure, as well as type and concentration of the aglycones were effective in this activity.}, keywords = {Candida,Cyclamen coum,Minimum inhibitory concentration,Saponin}, url = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90327.html}, eprint = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90327_ea896edfc14720e85cebe8a2b62f04ce.pdf} } @article { author = {Mirhendi, Hossein and Nishiyama, Yayoi and Rezaei-Matehkolaei, Ali and Satoh, Kazuo and Makimura, Koichi}, title = {The first case of onychomycosis in a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) due to atypical isolates of Microsporum gypseum, a diagnostic challenge}, journal = {Current Medical Mycology}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {45-50}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2423-3439}, eissn = {2423-3420}, doi = {10.18869/acadpub.cmm.2.2.2}, abstract = {Background and Purpose: Superficial mycotic infections have been only poorly described in koalas and there are no reliable mycologically confirmed data regarding clinical isolation of dermatophytes in this animal. We report an 11-yearold female koala, kept in a zoo in Tokyo, Japan, and presenting with hyperkeratotic lesions and scaly plaques on forepaw claws and pads reminiscent of fungal infection. Case Report: Direct microscopy of the scrapings was indicative of a dermatophyte infection. By culture and subsequent repeated subculturing of clinical specimens on Sabouraud dextrose agar, Mycobiotic agar, and potato dextrose agar, two distinct strains with different colony morphotypes (designed as types I and II) were identified. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the strains were suggestive of three different species, i.e. Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, and M. fulvum. However, partial sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, translation elongation factor-1α (Tef-1α), and beta-tubulin (BT2) genes confirmed the identity of both isolates as M. gypseum. The animal was treated with a continuous terbinafine regimen (250 mg/kg) once daily for 12 weeks. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first confirmed case of dermatophytosis in a koala. The genetics underlying a variety of phenotypic traits in most classical dermatophyte species are unknown, and further studies are needed to understand this phenomenon. }, keywords = {Dermatophytosis,Koala,Microsporum gypseum}, url = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90328.html}, eprint = {https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_90328_67e90126ec285ae91eddf7d731593594.pdf} }