Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesCurrent Medical Mycology2423-34397220210601A simple multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for rapid identification of the common pathogenic dermatophytes:Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton rubrum, and Epidermophyton floccosum1713353310.18502/cmm.7.2.7030ENSamaFaramarziDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000000214440539MarjanMotamediDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical0000-0003-1066-8752AliRezaei-MatehkolaeiDepartment of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.0000-0002-3119-8342ShimaAboutalebianDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-0178-4372SahamAnsariDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-1623-5803MojtabaDidehdarDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences0000-0003-4677-4768MehranBahadoranDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranHosseinMirhendiDepartment of Medical Parasitology &amp; Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-1006-4169Journal Article20210220<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> The most common etiological agents of human dermatophytosis in various parts of the world are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, and Epidermophyton floccosum. The main aim of this study was to design and evaluate a simple and straightforward multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)assay for reliable identification/differentiation of these species in clinical isolates.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> The reliable sequences of several molecular targets of dermatophytes species were used to design a multiplex PCR for the identification of common pathogenic dermatophytes. The isolates and clinical specimens examined in this study included seven standard strains of dermatophytes, 101 isolates of dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte molds/yeasts which had already been identified by sequencing or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and 155 clinical samples from patients suspected of cutaneous mycoses.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Species-specific primer pairs for T. rubrum and T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes were designed based on the sequence data of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene, and the primers for E. floccosum targeted the specific sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS). The multiplex PCR successfully detected T.rubrum, T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes, and E. floccosum strains that were identified by sequencing or PCR-RFLP. However, the primer pairs selected for T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes cross-reacted with Trichophyton tonsurans. In testing the PCR system directly for clinical samples, the proportion of positive multiplex PCR was higher than positive culture (68.1% vs. 55.4%, respectively).<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The multiplex assay could detect three common agents out of several causal agents of dermatophytosis, namely T. rubrum, T. interdigitale, and E. floccosum.Therefore, by adding pan-dermatophyte primers it can be used as a comprehensive detection/identification test.<br /><br /><br /> https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_133533_a8cdbe5f1e6409699cc5fdd5fe627528.pdfMazandaran University of Medical SciencesCurrent Medical Mycology2423-34397220210601Non-Candida albicans Candida species: virulence factors and species identification in India81313124510.18502/cmm.7.2.7032ENDharmendra PSinghDepartment of Microbiology, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, India0000-0001-9548-157XRajeshK VermaDepartment of Microbiology, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, IndiaSwatiSarswatDepartment of Community Medicine, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, India0000-0001-8922-9204SatenderSaraswatDepartment of Microbiology, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, India0000-0002-0088-8877Journal Article20210225<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> The predominant cause of candidiasis was Candida albicans which has recently changed to non-Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) (i.e., Candida spp. other than the C. albicans). The NCAC spp., earlier considered non-pathogenic or minimally virulent, are now considered a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. Given the NCAC spp.has become more common in clinical cases, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of NCAC spp. in different clinical specimens and assess a few of their virulence factors.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Routine samples for bacterial culture and sensitivity that showed colony characteristics, like Candida on Blood Agar and microscopic features resembling Candida spp., were processed further. Candida isolates underwent tests for chlamydospore formation and biochemical tests, including sugar fermentation and sugar assimilation tests. These were grown at 42oC, and their colony color was identified using HiCrome™ Candida Differential Agar (HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai,India), HiCandidaTM Identification Kit (HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India),and VITEK-2® Compact (Biomérieux, France). Virulence factors, such as adherence to buccal epithelial cells (ABEC), biofilm formation, hemolytic activity, and production of coagulase enzyme were also tested.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Mean age of the patients was 38.46 years with a male-female ratio of 1.36:1. In total, 137 Candida isolates were recovered; 45.3%, 19.7%, and 13.9% of the isolates were isolated from urine, vaginal swabs, and oropharyngeal swabs, respectively. Moreover, 55(40.1%) isolates were those of C. albicans and 82 (59.9%) isolates belonged to NCAC spp.,with C. tropicalis (23.4%) contributing highest among NCAC species. Furthermore, C. albicans (3; 50%) was the most common spp. in cases of candidemia. Haemolysin production (85.5%) and ABEC (78.2%) were the major virulence factors in C. albicans. C.tropicalis (59.4%) and C. dubliniensis (50%) showed maximum ABEC. Biofilm forming capacity was higher in C. tropicalis (78.1%) than C. albicans (67%).<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Results of this study suggest varied prevalence and virulence based on geographical locations, even within a subcontinent. It clearly indicates the emergence of the NCAC spp. and their predominance in different body fluids. Identification of Candida to the spp. level should become a routine in all laboratories.<br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_131245_4defba83419fec3b2574c5cd5f9b74e4.pdfMazandaran University of Medical SciencesCurrent Medical Mycology2423-34397220210601Effects of Bunium persicum essential oil on the reduction of spore germination, growth, and expression of FUM1 and FUM14 genes in Fusarium verticillioides isolates142113595010.18502/CMM.7.2.7033ENAsadBalalMycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranUniversity of TehranAghilSharifzadehMycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6442-0053HojjatollahShokriDepartment of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, IranAlirezaKhosraviMycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20210322<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> Black Cumin of Kerman (Bunium persicum) is an Iranian plant that is commonly used as an antispasmodic, carminative, and antimicrobial substance. The present study aimed to assess different components of the essence of B.persicum and its effect on antifungal activity, spore germination inhibition, and expressions of FUM1 and FUM14 genes in Fusarium verticillioides strains.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>The essence was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. A broth microdilution method was used for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, the expression of FUM1 and FUM14 genes of toxigenic F. verticillioides was assessed by<br />using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Based on the findings, most of the essence consisted of γ-terpinene (15.56%),propanal, and 2-methyl-3-phenyl (14.18%). The oil showed a good antifungal activity(mean MIC value: 2556.8 μg/ml) as well as the inhibition of spore germination and mycelial growth (P<0.05). The RT-PCR demonstrated that the expression levels of FUM1 and FUM14 of B. persicum-treated F. verticillioides were 0.43 and 0.53 folds ower than the control samples, respectively.<br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings revealed that the essential oil of B. persicum has different components responsible for the inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination of F. verticillioides as well as reduction of expressions of FUM1 and FUM14 genes involving fumonisin production.<br /><br /><br /> https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_135950_8f6371b7f438b9cac713aa0aa3c74f60.pdfMazandaran University of Medical SciencesCurrent Medical Mycology2423-34397220210601Phenotypic features and molecular study of airborne Penicillium species isolated in the northern part of the Persian Gulf, Bushehr, Iran222813595110.18502/cmm.7.2.7035ENBehrouzNaeimiDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, IranImanMohsenifardMedical Laboratory Sciences Student, Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, IranSahamAnsariDepartment of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-1623-5803FarzanehSadeghzadehDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, IranGholamrezaKhamisipourDepartment of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, IranSinaDobaradaranSystems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, IranFatemehFaraji GhasemiSystems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, IranBahramAhmadiDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran0000-0002-7484-4500Journal Article20210413<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> The main environmental saprobes, such as Penicillium, play an essential role in natural ecosystems as economically, ecologically, and medically important microorganisms. Biodiversity of this genus has not been described in Bushehr city, Iran. The present study is based on air biodiversity of Penicillium species on culture dependent approach and culture-independent technique using partial b-tubulin sequences.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> By using active sampling with a high volume air sampler, a total of 157 Penicillium isolates were selected and screened for phenotypic characters. For the purposes of the study, 46 strains representative of 11 morphological species were<br />selected and identified by molecular analysis.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Based on the findings, P. crustosum (18 isolates, 39.1%) and P. chrysogenum (15 isolates, 32.6%) were the most common isolated species, followed by P. brevicompactum, P. rubens, P. citrinum, P. italicum (each 2 isolates, 4.3%), P. olsonii, P. expansum, P. griseofulvum, P. palitans, and P. polonicum (each 1 isolate, 2.1%).Except for P. chrysogenum and P. expansum with floccose colony texture, the rest of the isolated species had velutinous texture.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This is the first report in southern Iran to identify a large number of Penicillium strains isolated from air samples, showing P. crustosum and P. chrysogenum as the most common isolated species.<br /> https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_135951_54f1f17177553a2f76876b8ea43a0fe9.pdfMazandaran University of Medical SciencesCurrent Medical Mycology2423-34397220210601Trichophyton species isolated from asymptomatic patients of the pet-owner pair in Mexico293313124110.18502/CMM.7.2.7029ENRobertoAdame- GomezLaboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano. Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero. Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México.Monica GiselaRodrigez- RomeroLaboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano. Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero. Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México.IsabelHilario- AlejandroLaboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano. Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero. Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México.Sandra AlheliPineda- RodriguezLaboratorio de Investigación en Parasitología. Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero. Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México.JeiryToribio- JimenezLaboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología Ambiental. Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero. Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México.ElviaRodriguez- BatazLaboratorio de Investigación en Parasitología. Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero. Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México.ArturoRamirez- PeraltaLaboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano. Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero. Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México.Journal Article20210217<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> Superficial mycoses are the fourth most common cause of disease worldwide. It is not surprising that zoonotic transmission occurs to humans due to close contact with different animals, be it companion or farm animals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the presence of asymptomatic dermatophyte carriers in the owner-pet pairs, identify the most common etiologic agents, and find the likely connection between the carrier status of an owner and the presence of dermatophytes in their pets.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> From May 2019 to January 2020, 21 cats and 115 dogs with their respective owners were selected for dermatophyte culture. All the dogs and cats included in the study were from the communities of southeastern Mexico. The samples were taken with a cotton swab, which was vigorously rubbed and twisted on the scalp or body of the pet four times and grown on Mycosel Agar. The isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The prevalence of the binomial ranged from 0.73% in pet skin and human hands to 2.2% in human scalp. In humans, the agents were Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton verrucosum, while in pets, a<br />strain of Trichophyton sp was found.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Different species of dermatophytes were found in the owner/pet pairs, which denotes that coexistence is not related in asymptomatic cases.https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_131241_0549196604b6afc2c54fcfb07bb7deff.pdfMazandaran University of Medical SciencesCurrent Medical Mycology2423-34397220210601Differentiation of Candida albicans complex species isolated from invasive and non-invasive infections using HWP1 gene size polymorphism343813595210.18502/cmm.7.2.7034ENKooroshSalehipourDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranShimaAboutalebianDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-0178-4372HosseinMirhendiDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranCore Facilities Research Laboratory, Mycology Reference Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-1006-4169BahramAhmadiDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran0000-0001-9353-3559ArezooCharsizadehImmunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20210502<strong>Background and Purpose: </strong>The taxonomy of Candida is controversial and has undergone changes due to the investigation of the novel species. Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis are new members of C. albicans complex that are currently gaining both clinical and epidemiologic significance. This study reports the prevalence of C. africana among the strains isolated from patients, by using HWP1 gene size polymorphism.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> A total of 235 yeasts confirmed as C. albicans complex based on chromogenic media and ITS-sequencing isolated from various clinical forms of invasive and non-invasive candidiasis mainly candidemia, were re-identified based on HWP1 gene polymorphisms. The Hwp1-PCR amplicons were re-confirmed by sequencing and BLAST analysis.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Based on the HWP1 gene size polymorphism, 223 strains were identified as C. albicans (94.89%) from which 7 isolates produced two DNA fragments (850 and 941 bp). C. dubliniensis (n=4, 1.7%), C. africana (n=1, 0.42%) and mix of C. albicans and C. africana (n=7, 2.97%) were also identified. <br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Although C. albicans remains the most common Candida species, C. dubliniensis and C. africana are rarely found among the patient isolates. Due to limited information on the molecular epidemiology of this novel yeast, more studies using molecular methods are recommended.https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_135952_0ede77ff2a83a8725154d6b45201478a.pdfMazandaran University of Medical SciencesCurrent Medical Mycology2423-34397220210601Proven pulmonary aspergillosis in a COVID-19 patient: A case report394213353410.18502/CMM.7.2.7031ENMohammadrezaSalehiDepartment of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-1987-5929SadeghKhodavaisyDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-8039-4991NasimKhajaviradDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranAlirezaIzadiDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranSeyed AliDehghan ManshadiDepartment of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranAlirezaAbdollahiDepartment of Pathology, Imam Khomeini Hospital complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranAmirAliramezaniCentral Laboratory, Imam Khomeini Hospital complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranElaheSasaniDepartment of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-6624-699XMahsaAbdorahimiDepartment of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranReyhaneh SadatKiyaeieDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranZohreKhosravanyDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMuhammadGetsoDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Sciences,0000-0002-0752-702XJournal Article20210224<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a significant clinical challenge in healthcare settings all over the world. Critically ill COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome may be at increased risk of co-infection with pulmonary aspergillosis. This study aimed to describe a clinical case of proven pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus tubingensis in a 59-year-old man with a history of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection.<br /><strong>Case report: </strong>The Covid-19 infection was confirmed by positive nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction. He had a cavitary lesion measured 20 mm in diameter with intracavitary soft tissue density in the left lung in the first chest computerized tomography scan. After 25 days, he showed two cavitary lesions in both lungs which raised suspicion of fungal infection; hence, the patient underwent a trans-thoracic biopsy of the cavitary lesion. The direct examination and culture of the biopsy material revealed Aspergillus species. To confirm the Aspergillus species identification, the beta-tubulin region was sequenced. The patient was treated with oral voriconazole.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This report underlined the importance of early diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections in severe COVID-19 patients<br /> https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_133534_4618c7a143510df26f5628d5cf53382f.pdfMazandaran University of Medical SciencesCurrent Medical Mycology2423-34397220210601Catastrophic Candida prosthetic valve endocarditis and COVID-19 comorbidity: A rare case434713663510.18502/cmm.7.2.7157ENLotfollahDavoodiAntimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran0000-0001-7298-7789LeilaFaeliStudent Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.0000-0002-9479-0255RogheyeMirzakhaniStudent Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran0000-0003-3525-381XRozitaJalalianDepartment of Cardiology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran0000-0001-9721-4950TaherehShokohiInvasive Fungi Research Center(IFRC),Communicable Diseases Institute, and Department of Medical Mycology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.0000-0003-3094-8436FiroozehKermaniDepartment of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran0000-0001-8200-1346Journal Article20210630<strong>Background and Purpose:</strong> Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Candida prostatic valve endocarditis present various clinical manifestations which may overlap;hence, discrimination between them is extremely difficult.<br /><strong>Case report: </strong>The case was a 66-year-old man with a past medical history of mitral and aortic valves replacement one year before COVID-19 co-infection. He was admitted with fever (for 7 days), shortness of breath, cough, seizure, lethargy,headache, and 85% oxygen saturation. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed multiple large-sized, highly mobile masses on both sides of the mechanical mitral valve highly suggestive of vegetation. Chest computed tomography scanning showed simulating scattered COVID-19 peripheral ground-glass opacities confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The set of blood cultures yielded<br />yeast colonies that were identified as Candida tropicalis. The patient died of septic shock shortly after receiving antifungal therapy.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This case emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and<br />implementation of antifungal treatment, particularly in patients with prosthetic cardiac<br />valves, to reduce their unfavorable outcomes in COVID-19 patients<br /> https://cmm.mazums.ac.ir/article_136635_3ac6e6b059e65fbc106a370b18099822.pdf