Hiperplasia pseudoepiteliomatosa: carcinoma escamocelular versus paracoccidioidomicosis oral, un caso con mirada dermatológica / Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia: Squamous cell carcinoma versus oral paracoccidioidomycosis, a case from a dermatological perspective

La paracoccidioidomicosis es una micosis sistémica endémica en Latinoamérica. La presentación más frecuente compromete crónicamente los pulmones, la piel y las mucosas. Al inicio, este paciente presentó, por varios años, una lesión única en la mucosa oral que, en ausencia de otros síntomas, se relacionó con una neoplasia maligna, específicamente con un carcinoma escamocelular. La diferenciación entre los dos diagnósticos se hace mediante un examen directo, un estudio histopatológico y cultivos iniciales y subsecuentes. Sin embargo, tales estudios no fueron concluyentes. Después de varias consultas y pruebas, con los resultados del examen directo, la inmunodifusión y la PCR en tiempo real se confirmó el diagnóstico de paracoccidioidomicosis crónica multifocal. Este caso alerta sobre la ausencia de sospecha clínica de micosis endémicas, dada la presencia de lesiones mucocutaneas que pueden ser producidas por hongos como Paracoccidioides spp, y la importancia de considerarlas entre los diagnósticos diferenciales.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. The most frequent form involves a chronic compromise of the lungs, skin, and mucosa. The patient started with a single oral lesion that lasted for several years. The absence of other symptoms pointed out a possible malignant neoplasm, specifically a squamous cell carcinoma. Differentiation between both diagnoses-fungal infection and carcinoma-depends on the results of the direct examination, the histopathological study, and the initial and subsequent cultures. However, in this case, those findings were not conclusive. The coexistence of both diagnoses is frequent and increases the diagnostic challenge. After several consultations and tests, direct examination, immunodiffusion and real-time PCR findings the multifocal chronic paracoccidioidomycosis diagnosis was confirmed. This case warns about a systematical absence of clinical suspicion of endemic mycoses before the appereance of mucocutaneous lesions, which can be produced by fungi like Paracoccidioides spp, and the importance of considering those mycoses among the differential diagnoses.

Esporotricosis en Argentina: análisis clínico y epidemiológico / Sporotrichosis in Argentina: clinical and epidemiological analysis

Introducción. La esporotricosis es una micosis de implantación causada por Sporothrix spp. Este se encuentra distribuido mundialmente y se puede encontrar en la vegetación y en el suelo. La ruta más frecuente de adquisición de la infección es por traumatismos con elementos contaminados con propágulos del hongo. Los gatos domésticos son los animales más afectados y pueden transmitirla a los humanos, por lo que es considerada una zoonosis. Las formas clínicas incluyen: la linfangítica nodular, la cutánea fija, la pulmonar (poco habitual) y la diseminada (excepcional). Objetivo. Analizar la epidemiología de la esporotricosis en Argentina entre los años 2010 y 2022. Describir la presentación clínica, los métodos de diagnóstico y el tratamiento de los casos diagnosticados en este período. Conocer los genotipos circulantes y observar su relación con el lugar geográfico de adquisición de la infección. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio analítico, retrospectivo y observacional, en el que se analizaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes con esporotricosis de 12 instituciones de salud de Argentina, entre los años 2010 y 2022. Resultados. Se presentan 54 casos en los que la forma clínica más frecuente fue la linfangítica nodular y el tratamiento de elección fue el itraconazol. En todos los casos se realizó diagnóstico convencional. El cultivo de las muestras clínicas resultó más sensible que el examen directo, ya que permitió el desarrollo de Sporothrix spp. en los 54 casos. En 22 casos se hizo identificación molecular y Sporothrix schenkii sensu stricto fue la especie más frecuentemente aislada. Conclusiones. Este estudio permitió conocer la epidemiología de esta micosis en Argentina, así como la disponibilidad de métodos diagnósticos y el tratamiento de elección.

Introduction. Sporotrichosis is an implantation mycosis caused by Sporothrix spp. It is distributed worldwide and can be found in vegetation and soil. The most frequent route of infection is by trauma with elements contaminated with fungal propagules. Since domestic cats are the most affected animals and can transmit this infection to humans, sporotrichosis is considered a zoonosis. Clinical presentations include nodular lymphangitis, fixed cutaneous, pulmonary (rare), and disseminated (exceptional). Objective. To analyze the epidemiology of sporotrichosis in Argentina during 2010 and 2022. To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment of cases diagnosed during this period. To know the circulating genotypes and to observe possible associations with the geographic location where the infection was acquired. Materials and methods. Analytical, retrospective, and observational study. We analyzed the medical records of patients with sporotrichosis from 12 health institutions in Argentina, between 2010 and 2022. Results. We present 54 cases in which the most frequent clinical form was nodular lymphangitis, and the treatment of choice was itraconazole. Conventional diagnosis was made in all cases. Culture of clinical samples was more sensitive than direct examination because it allowed the isolation of Sporothrix spp. in all 54 cases. Molecular identification was performed in 22 cases, with Sporothrix schenkii sensu stricto being the most frequently isolated species. Conclusions. This study allowed to know the epidemiology of this mycosis in Argentina, as well as the availability of diagnostic methods and the treatment of choice.

COVID-19 associated rhinomaxillary mucormycosis: a case series and review of literature

During COVID-19 pandemic, fulminant deep fungal infection started emerging in India, known as Mucormycosis. This type of mucormycosis was termed as COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). These patients had previous history of COVID-19 infection. Such cases were mainly reported in immunocompromised patients such as patients with poorly controlled diabetes and chronic renal diseases etc. Rhinomaxillary mucormycosis is an aggressive, fulminant, fatal deep fungal infection of head and neck region. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with the disease; hence we present case series of rhinomaxillary mucormycosis to create awareness amongst dental surgeons

Una experiencia de siete años en el laboratorio de Micología del Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan / A seven-year experience in the Mycology Laboratory of Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan

En noviembre del año 2015 nos incorporamos al Laboratorio de Micología del Servicio de Microbiología del Hospital Garrahan. En este breve resumen queremos compartir los avances logrados a través de nuestra experiencia durante siete años de trabajo profesional. Debido a los diagnósticos realizados y su complejidad, consideramos que el Hospital Garrahan, sus pacientes y la comunidad toda necesitan contar con un laboratorio de Micología que responda a sus necesidades. Creemos haber iniciado un camino que esperamos continúe y culmine con la creación de la Unidad de Micología (AU)

In November 2015 we joined the Mycology Laboratory of the Microbiology Service of the Hospital Garrahan. In this brief summary we want to share the advances achieved through our experience during seven years of professional work. Due to the diagnosis made and their complexity, we believe that the Hospital Garrahan, its patients and the entire community, need to have a Mycology laboratory that responds to their requirements. We believe we have started a path that we hope will continue and culminate with the creation of the Mycology Unit (AU)

Estudo de métodos naturais para redução de doenças fúngicas em sementes nativas da região Amazônica / Study of natural methods for reducing fungal diseases in native seeds in the Amazon region

Existe uma preocupação na produção de alimentos com a segurança sanitária desde o processo de cultivo até a sua expedição aos centros comerciais. Uma das maiores contaminações em sementes por suas características físicas e químicas, é a contaminação fúngica devida à acidez e umidade dos frutos. As doenças fúngicas entre elas, antracnose, vassoura de bruxa e podridão parda são consideradas importante doenças em pós colheita, ocorrendo, principalmente, sob condições de alta umidade relativa do ar e temperaturas elevadas (26ºC a 28ºC). Dentre as sementes da região Amazônica, destacam-se sementes de (cacau- Theobroma cacao L., pupunha- Bactris gasipaes, tucumã da Amazonas-Astrocaryum aculeatum), que apresentam problemas de contaminação fúngica durante o sistema de cultivo. Métodos de biocontroles com ação antimicrobiana: bactérias endofíticas, rizobactérias e fungo Trichoderma ssp, entre outros estão sendo estudados para a redução destas contaminações fúngicas em estudos in vitro e no campo. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a utilização de métodos de biocontrole como uma alternativa promissora no manejo de doenças de plantas na fase de pós-colheita, com excelentes resultados em culturas de grande importância econômica. Assim novas alternativas ecologicamente sustentáveis demonstram a possibilidade de os produtos estudados serem utilizados no manejo da antracnose na pós-colheita.(AU)

There is a concern in food production with health security from cultivation process to its dispatch to redistribution centers. One of the biggest contaminations in seeds due to their physical and chemical characteristics, is the fungal contamination due to the acidity and humidity of the fruits. Fungal diseases including anthracnose, bruca's broom and brownrot are considered important diseases in post-harvest, occurring mainly under conditions of high relative humidity and high temperatures (26ºC to 28ºC). Among the seeds of the Amazon region, seeds of de (cacau- Theobroma cacao L., pupunha- Bactris gasipaes, tucumã da Amazonas- Astrocaryum aculeatum ), that present problems fungals contamination during in their growing cultures sistems. Biocontrol methods with antimicrobial action: endophytic bacteria, rhizobacteria and the fungus Trichoderma ssp, among others, are being studied to reduce these fungal contaminations in in vitro and field studies. The objective of this work is to present a bibliographic review on the use of biocontrol methods as an alternative that is promising in the management of plant diseases in the post-harvest phase, with excellent results in crops of great economic importance. Thus, new ecologically sustainable alternatives demonstrate the possibility of the studied products to be used in the management of anthracnose in the post-harvest period.(AU)

Multiparametric assay of screening for the diagnosis of mycoses of interest in Public Health: standardization of methodology / Ensaio multiparamétrico de triagem para diagnóstico de micoses de interesse em Saúde Pública: padronização da metodologia

The standardization and validation of a multiplex assay requires the combination of important parameters such as sensitivity and specificity, acceptable levels of performance, robustness, and reproducibility. We standardized a multiparametric Dot-blot aimed at the serological screening of paracoccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. A total of 148 serum were evaluated: 10 from healthy subjects, 36 from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, 62 from patients with histoplasmosis, and 40 from patients with aspergillosis. It was found that the multiparametric Dot-blot showed a high percentage of cross-reactivity. However, when evaluated individually, in the serological screening of histoplasmosis, a good performance was observed when compared to the double immunodiffusion assay, considered the gold standard test, with 100% co-positivity and 83.3% co-negativity. The performance of serological screening for aspergillosis was not satisfactory when compared to double immunodiffusion, showing 71.4% co-positivity and 100% co-negativity. The evaluation of the stability of nitrocellulose membranes showed that membranes sensitized with H. capsulatum antigen remained stable for 90 days and those sensitized with A. fumigatus antigen for 30 days. We conclude that the use of crude antigens was not suitable for the standardization of the multiparametric Dot-blot assay, due to the high cross-reactivity, and that further tests should be performed with purified proteins (AU).

A padronização e validação de um ensaio multiplex requer a combinação de parâmetros importantes, como sensibilidade e especificidade, níveis aceitáveis de desempenho, robustez e reprodutibilidade. Este trabalho padronizou um Dot-blot multiparamétrico visando a triagem sorológica da paracoccidioidomicose, histoplasmose e aspergilose. Foram avaliadas 148 amostras de soro: 10 de indivíduos saudáveis, 36 de pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose, 62 de pacientes com histoplasmose e 40 de pacientes com aspergilose. Verificou-se que o Dot-blot multiparamétrico apresentou elevado percentual de reatividade cruzada. Entretanto, quando avaliado individualmente, na triagem sorológica da histoplasmose observou-se bom desempenho quando comparado ao ensaio de imunodifusão dupla, considerado o teste padrão ouro, com 100% de co-positividade e 83,3% de co-negatividade. O desempenho da triagem sorológica da aspergilose não foi satisfatório quando comparado a imunodifusão dupla, apresentando 71,4% de co-positividade e 100% de co-negatividade. A avaliação da estabilidade das membranas de nitrocelulose mostrou que membranas sensibilizadas com antígeno de H. capsulatum permaneceram estáveis por 90 dias e as sensibilizadas com antígeno de A. fumigatus, por 30 dias. Concluímos que o uso de antígenos brutos não foi adequado para a padronização do ensaio de Dot-blot multiparamétrico, devido ao alto índice de reatividade cruzada, e que novos testes devem ser realizados com proteínas purificadas (AU).

Oral manifestations of systemic fungal infections: 25-year experience in an endemic region

Some mycoses are endemic. They develop through hematogenous spread, causing a generalized infection, usually with secondary mucosal involvement.The aim of this observational and retrospective study was to report the prevalence and characteristics of oral lesions in patients diagnosed with systemic fungal infections (SFI) over a 25-year period in southern Brazil. Demographic (age, sex, ethnicity, occupation) and clinical (anatomical location, symptoms,histopathological diagnosis and management) data from the medical records of patients with SFI were collected from 1995 to 2019. 34 cases of SFI were found, of which 31 (91.18%) were diagnosed as paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and 3 (8.82%) as histoplasmosis. Men were much more affected (n = 31; 91.18%), with an average age of 46.9 years. Most patients (n = 18; 58.06%) were Caucasian; 48% (n = 15) were farm/rural workers and the most affected region was the jugal mucosa (n = 13; 25.49%) followed by the alveolar ridge (n = 12; 23.52%). All patients with histoplasmosis were immunocompetent men (mean age: 52.67 years), and the palate was the most affected. All patients underwent incisional biopsy and were referred to an infectologist. The dentist has an essential role in the recognition of SFI, whose oral manifestations may be the first sign. SFI should be included in differential diagnosis in patients from endemic areas. In addition, the inevitable human mobility and globalization make knowledge of these mycosesnecessary worldwide, especially since advanced cases in immunocompromised patients can be fatal.

Pharmaceutical co-crystals of posaconazole for improvement of physicochemical properties

Abstract Posaconazole exerts an extended spectrum of antifungal activity against various strains of clinically relevant moulds and yeasts. In recent years, antifungal triazole posaconazole has become increasingly important for the prophylaxis and treatment of systemic mycoses. After oral administration of posaconazole, absolute bioavailability has been estimated to range from 8% to 47%. Pharmaceutical co-crystallization is a promising approach for improving dissolution rate or manipulating other physical properties of API. The objective of this study is to improve the dissolution rate of posaconazole by co-crystallization. A 1:1 stoichiometric co-crystals of adipic acid were prepared by solvent assisted grinding method. The prepared co-crystals were subjected to solid-state characterization by FTIR, PXRD and DSC studies. The physicochemical properties of posaconazole and co-crystals were assessed in terms of melting point, flowability and dissolution rate. The results indicated improvement in flow property and dissolution rate. In vitro dissolution profile of co-crystals showed a significant increased dissolution of posaconazole from initial period in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solution. The dissolution efficiency for posaconazole-adipic acid co-crystal was 61.65 % against posaconazole, 46.58 %. Thus, co-crystallization can be a promising approach to prepare posaconazole-adipic acid co-crystals with improved physicochemical properties.

Paracoccidioidomicosis sistémica con compromiso del apéndice cecal en un niño: reporte de caso / Systemic paracoccidioidomycosis with compromise of the cecal appendix in a child: case report

RESUMEN La paracoccidioidomicosis es la micosis sistémica más prevalente en Latinoamérica. En niños la presentación clínica más frecuente es la forma juvenil o aguda/subaguda, que compromete principalmente los ganglios linfáticos y en menor proporción los órganos gastrointestinales. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 10 años, sin comorbilidades, con dolor agudo en fosa iliaca derecha; además de historia de un mes de evolución de diarrea, fiebre, pérdida de peso e hipereosinofilia. Fue diagnosticado de apendicitis aguda secundaria a un cuadro de paracoccidioidomicosis sistémica, mediante histopatología del apéndice cecal y ganglios mesentéricos. Tuvo respuesta favorable al tratamiento con anfotericina B liposomal. A pesar de que la paracoccidioidomicosis sistémica con compromiso del apéndice cecal es infrecuente, debe considerarse como parte de los diagnósticos diferenciales en niños con linfadenomegalias generalizadas y procedentes de áreas endémicas.

ABSTRACT Paracoccidioidomycosis, the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. In children the most common clinical presentation is the juvenile or acute/subacute form, which mainly involves the lymph nodes and in a lesser proportion the gastrointestinal organs. We present the case of a 10-year-old patient, without comorbidities, who presented acute right iliac fossa pain; in addition to a history of 1 month of evolution of diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and hypereosinophilia. Was diagnosed of acute appendicitis due to systemic paracoccidioidomycosis, through histopathology of the cecal appendix and mesenteric lymph nodes. Although systemic paracoccidioidomycosis with involvement of the cecal appendix is ​​rare, it should be considered as part of the differential diagnoses in children and young adults with generalized lymphadenomegaly from endemic areas.

Identificación fúngica en pacientes quemados. Un estudio retrospectivo y factores de riesgo / Fungal identification in burn patients. A retrospective study and risk factors

Resumen Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de las infecciones fúngicas atendidas en un centro de quemados de alta complejidad situado en Buenos Aires, entre 2011 y 2014, mediante el análisis de las histo rias clínicas (n = 36). Las edades de los pacientes estuvieron entre 18 y 87 años, y 23 (63.9%) fueron mujeres. La extensión de la superficie corporal afectada más prevalente varió entre 30 y 50% (p = 0.03), y entre 71% y 100% en pacientes de menor edad, relacionándose con intentos de femicidio. En el 69.4% la profundidad de la quemadura fue grado 4, y en el 50% de los casos se observaron lesiones por inhalación, con una alta mortali dad (p = 0.04). El Candida score resultó de 3 en el 77.7% de los casos. Se usaron vías centrales y ventilación mecánica. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento antibiótico y en 33 (91.7%) antifúngicos. La escisión qui rúrgica de la quemadura se practicó en 33 (91.7%) y los autoinjertos de piel en 29 (80.6%). La infección fúngica se desarrolló en una media de 21.4 días del ingreso en UCI. Se estudiaron 52 muestras de levaduras que se aislaron de urocultivo (42.3%), hemocultivo (26.9%), biopsia cutánea (9.6%), punta de catéter (15.4%) y aspirado traqueal (5.8%). Por cultivo microbiológico y métodos moleculares se identificaron a Candida albicans (53.8%), C. tropicalis (23.1%), C. parapsilosis sensu stricto (13.5%), C. krusei (5.8%), C. glabrata (1.9%) y C. dubliniensis (1.9%). Las infecciones fúngicas representan severas complicaciones en quemados con factores de riesgo.

Abstract A retrospective analysis of fungal infections was carried out in a health-care burn center between 2011 and 2014 using the patients' medical records (n = 36). Patients ranged from 18 to 87 years of age, with 23 (63.9%) being women. The most prevalent widespread total body surface area affected (TBSA) was 30-50% (p = 0.03), and 71-100% in younger patients, mainly associated with femicide. Fourth degree burns were revealed in 69.4% of the patients while in 50%, inhalation injuries were observed to represent a higher mortality rate (p = 0.04). The Candida score was 3 in 77.7% of cases respectively. Central venous catheter and mechanical ventilation were used. All patients received antibiotic treatment and 91.7% antifungal treatment. Surgical excision of the burn was performed in 33 (91.7%) patients, and skin autografting in 29 (80.6%). The median of the fungal infection devel oped was 21.4 days after admission to the ICU. The specimens analyzed involved 52 yeast samples isolated from different cultures: urine (42.3%), blood (26.9%), skin biopsy (9.6%), catheter tip (15.4%) and tracheal aspirate (5.8%). The use of microbiological culture and molecular methods allowed for the identification of Candida albicans (53.8%), C. tropicalis (23.1%), C. parapsilosis sensu stricto (13.5%), C. krusei (5.8%), C. glabrata (1.9%) and C. dubliniensis (1.9%). Fungal infections observed in skin burns lead to severe complications in at-risk patients.

Mycetoma caused by Phellinus species: a rare case from Brazil / Micetoma causado por especies de phellinus: un caso raro de Brasil

Abstract Mycetoma is a chronic and slow-developing granulomatous disease characterized by the triad of large painless tumour-like subcutaneous swellings, the formation of sinuses, and discharge that usually contains grains. Phellinus spp. are saprophytic wood-decaying filamentous basidiomycetes. They are an under-recognised cause of invasive fungal infections and are rarely reported worldwide. We report a 59-year-old male patient with mycetoma caused by Phellinus spp. The diagnosis was confirmed with clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, soft tissue and bone biopsy culture, and polymerase chain reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of mycetoma due to Phellinus spp. without chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).

Resumen El micetoma es una enfermedad granulomatosa crónica y de lento desarrollo caracterizada por la tríada de grandes inflamaciones subcutáneas similares a tumores indoloras, la formación de los senos nasales y secreción que generalmente contiene granos. Phellinus spp. son basidiomicetos filamentosos saprofitos que descomponen la madera. Son un poco reconocido causa de infecciones fúngicas invasivas y rara vez se informan en todo el mundo. Presentamos un paciente masculino de 59 años con micetoma causado por Phellinus spp. El diagnostico se confirmó con examen clínico, estudio de resonancia magnética (RM), cultivo de biopsia de tejido blando y óseo y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. A lo mejor que sepamos, este es el primer caso reportado de micetoma debido a Phellinus spp. sin enfermedad granulomatosa crónica (EGC).

Atividade antifúngica de isolados clínicos de Candida não-albicans aos óleos essenciais de Syzygium aromaticum (cravo-da-índia) e Eucalyptus globulus (eucalipto-comum) / Antifungal activity of clinical isolates of Candida non-albicans to the essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum (cloud) and Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus)

RESUMO: Introdução: O gênero Candida possui alta taxa de incidência no ser humano, sendo a espécie Candida albicans a mais isolada em infecções invasivas e superficiais. Porém, tem sido relatado um aumento considerável de espécies de Candidanão-albicans em infecções fúngicas. Os óleos essenciais, por serem voláteis, podem agir como sinais de comunicação química e arma de defesa. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia, in vitro, dos óleos essenciais de Syzygium aromaticum e Eu-calyptus globulus na inibição do crescimento de espécies de Candida não-albicans. Métodos: Para avaliação da atividade antifúngica de S. aromaticum e de E. globulus e do efeito dos seus óleos essenciais sobre a micromorfologia das espécies Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis e Candida glabrata, foram empregadas, nesta ordem, a técnica de difusão em ágar e de microcultivo para leveduras. Resultados: Na técnica de difusão, o óleo essencial de S. aromaticum apresentou for-mação de halo de inibição para Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis e Candida glabrata. O óleo de E. globulus, por sua vez, não apresentou crescimento de halos de inibição em nenhuma das concentrações testadas frente às três espécies de Candida não-albicans. Todavia, com o microcultivo, ambos os óleos essenciais se provaram, in vitro, eficazes antimi-crobianos tendo apresentado estruturas indicativas de atividade antifúngica na maior concentração dos óleos e diferentes graus de destruição celular nas demais concentrações. Conclusão: Nas condições deste estudo, concluiu-se que os pro-dutos avaliados exerceram atividade antifúngica contra cepas de Candida não-albicans, destacando-se o óleo essencial de S. aromaticum que apresentou atividade antimicrobiana em ambas as metodologias. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The genus Candida possesses a high incidence of infection in humans, with the Candida albicans species being the most isolated in invasive and superficial infections. However, a considerable increase in non-albicans Candidaspecies has been reported in fungal infections. Essential oils, for being volatile, can act as chemical communication sig-nals and defense mechanisms. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness, in vitro, of the essential oils of Syzygium aromati-cum and Eucalyptus globulus in inhibiting the growth of non-albicans Candida species. Methods: To evaluate the antifun-gal activity of S. aromaticum and E. globulus and the effect of their essential oils on the micromorphology of the species Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida glabrata, in this order, the agar diffusion technique and microculture for yeasts. Results: In the diffusion technique, the essential oil of S. aromaticum presented an inhibition halo for Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida glabrata. E. globulus oil, on the other hand, did not show inhibition halo growth in any of the concentrations tested against the three non-albicans Candida species. However, in the microculture, both essential oils have proven to be effective antimicrobials having shown structures indicative of antifungal activity in the highest concentration and different degrees of cell destruction in the other concentrations. Conclusion: In the conditions of this study, it was concluded that the products evaluated exerted antifungal activity against non-albicans Candidastrains, highlighting the essential oil of S. aromaticum that showed antimicrobial activity in both methodologies. (AU)

Hombre de 18 años con síndrome verrugoso tropical: ¿leishmaniasis o esporotricosis? / An 18-year-old man with tropical verrucous syndrome: Leishmaniasis or sporotrichosis?

Resumen | El síndrome verrugoso tropical comprende condiciones cutáneas infecciosas, crónicas y granulomatosas que cursan con placas, nódulos o úlceras verrugosas, de ahí su nombre. Este síndrome incluye la cromoblastomicosis, la esporotricosis, la paracoccidioidomicosis, la lobomicosis, la leishmaniasis y la tuberculosis cutánea verrugosa, todas ellas enfermedades de amplia distribución en áreas tropicales y subtropicales. Sus diagnósticos pueden ser difíciles y confundirse entre sí, lo cual es más frecuente entre la esporotricosis y la leishmaniasis. Para distinguirlas se recurre a criterios clínicos y epidemiológicos, y a métodos diagnósticos como intradermorreacción, examen directo, biopsia, cultivo, inmunofluorescencia y PCR, algunos de los cuales no son de uso común. El diagnóstico preciso conduce al tratamiento adecuado. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 18 años con extensas placas verrugosas en una rodilla, inicialmente interpretadas como leishmaniasis verrugosa por la clínica, la epidemiología y la biopsia. Se le trató con Glucantime® durante 20 días, pero no presentó mejoría, por lo que se tomó una nueva biopsia que también se interpretó como leishmaniasis cutánea. La revisión de ambas biopsias evidenció inflamación con granulomas abscedados y presencia de cuerpos asteroides esporotricósicos, que condujeron al diagnóstico de esporotricosis, el cual se confirmó luego con el cultivo del hongo. Las lesiones remitieron con la administración de itraconazol. La clínica y la epidemiología de la leishmaniasis y las de la esporotricosis pueden ser semejantes, por lo que la biopsia y los estudios de laboratorio son esenciales para establecer el diagnóstico. El cuerpo asteroide esporotricósico es patognomónico de esta entidad. Se revisaron los conceptos esenciales de estas condiciones y los criterios para diferenciarlas.

Abstract | The tropical verrucous syndrome includes infectious, chronic, and granulomatous skin conditions appearing with plaques, nodules, or ulcers with a warty surface which gives name to the syndrome. It includes forms of chromoblastomycosis, sporotrichosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, lobomycosis, leishmaniasis, and tuberculosis verrucosa cutis with ample distribution in tropical and subtropical areas. The diagnoses may be difficult and confused among them, especially between sporotrichosis and leishmaniasis. Clinical, epidemiologic, intradermal reactions, direct smears, skin biopsies, cultures, immunofluorescence, and PCR are used to differentiate them, although several of these methods are not commonly used. We present an 18-year-old man with extensive verrucous plaques in one knee interpreted by clinic, epidemiology, and biopsy as verrucous cutaneous leishmaniasis. He was treated with Glucantime® for 20 days without improvement. A new biopsy was made that was also interpreted as cutaneous leishmaniasis. The revision of both biopsies showed inflammation with abscessed granulomas and asteroid sporotrichotic bodies at the center of the granulomas that led to the diagnosis of sporotrichosis later confirmed by the fungus culture. The patient responded to the treatment with itraconazole. As clinical and epidemiological findings of leishmaniasis and sporotrichosis can be similar, skin biopsy and other paraclinical studies are necessary to establish a proper diagnosis. The asteroid sporotrichotic body is pathognomonic of this mycosis. We review here the essential concepts of leishmaniasis and sporotrichosis and the criteria to differentiate them.

Infecciones bacterianas y fúngicas asociadas a la COVID-19 / Bacterial and fungal infections associated with COVID-19

RESUMEN Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Cmdte. «Manuel Fajardo Rivero¼, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, marzo - julio de 2020, con el objetivo de describir las infecciones bacterianas y fúngicas asociadas a la COVID-19. La población de estudio fue de 202 pacientes que permanecieron ingresados con diagnóstico confirmado de infección por SARS-CoV-2. Las variables de estudio fueron: edad, sexo, infección asociada, estado al egreso, microorganismos aislados y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana. El 7,9 % de los pacientes presentó una infección asociada; el 7,4 % falleció (la mayoría de las defunciones ocurrieron en los meses de marzo y abril, previo al establecimiento del protocolo definitivo de tratamiento de la COVID-19 en Cuba). El 60 % de los fallecidos presentaron una infección asociada. Escherichia coli fue el microorganismo más aislado. Es necesario establecer un protocolo de diagnóstico terapéutico para determinar las infecciones bacterianas y fúngicas asociadas al coronavirus.

ABSTRACT A descriptive study was carried out at "Cmdte. Manuel Fajardo Rivero" Clinical and Surgical University Hospital in Santa Clara, Villa Clara from March to July 2020, with the aim of describing bacterial and fungal infections associated with COVID-19. The study population consisted of 202 patients who remained hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Age, gender, associated infection, discharge status, isolated microorganisms, and antimicrobial susceptibility were the variables studied. The 7.9% of the patients had an associated infection; 7.4% died (most deaths occurred in March and April, prior to the establishment of the definitive protocol for the treatment of COVID-19 in Cuba). The 60% of the deceased patients had an associated infection. Escherichia coli was the most isolated microorganism. A diagnostic and therapeutic protocol is necessary to determine the bacterial and fungal infections associated with the coronavirus.

Candida parapsilosis Infection after Lumbosacral Arthrodesis with a PEEK TLIF Interbody Fusion Device: Case Report / Infecção por Candida parapsilosis em pós-operatório de artrodese lombossacra com dispositivo de fusão intersomático TLIF em PEEK: Relato de caso

Abstract Spondylodiscitis is an uncommon but serious complication after spine surgeries, and its main etiologic agent is Staphylococcus aureus. Fungal infections are rare and mostly caused by Candida albicans. We report the clinical case of a 69-year-old male patient who underwent a L2-S1 arthrodesis for degenerative scoliosis correction. He presented an infection 2.5 months after the procedure, a spondylodiscitis at L5-S1 levels, caused by Candida parapsilosis. The treatment consisted of surgical material removal, tricortical iliac graft placement in an anterior approach (L5-S1), lumbopelvic fixation (from T10 to the pelvis) in a posterior approach, and drug treatment with anidulafungin and fluconazole. This last medication was administered for 12 months, with good clinical outcomes.

Resumo As espondilodiscites são complicações infrequentes, porém graves em pós-operatórios de cirurgias da coluna vertebral, tendo como principal agente etiológico o Staphylococcus aureus. As infecções fúngicas são raras, sendo a Candida albicans a principal representante desse grupo. Relatamos o caso clínico de um paciente do sexo masculino, 69 anos, operado com artrodese de L2 a S1 para correção de escoliose degenerativa. O paciente apresentou quadro clínico infeccioso 2 meses e meio após o procedimento, relacionado à espondilodiscite L5-S1, causada por Candida parapsilosis. O tratamento consistiu na remoção do material cirúrgico, colocação de enxerto tricortical de ilíaco pela via anterior (L5-S1) e fixação lombopélvica (de T10 à pelve) pela via posterior, além de iniciar o tratamento medicamentoso com anidulafungina e fluconazol, mantendo essa última medicação por 12 meses, com boa evolução clínica.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de los pacientes con pitiriasis versicolor en un centro de referencia de Colombia / Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with tinea versicolor in a Colombian reference center

Resumen Objetivo: describir las características socio-demográficas, presentación clínica y condiciones extrínsecas que pueden favorecer el desarrollo de la pitiriasis versicolor. Material y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo, de corte transversal y prospectivo, en el que se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y micológico de pitiriasis versicolor entre enero y diciembre de 2018, que asistieron al Hospital Universitario Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta. Resultados: se incluyeron un total de 42 pacientes con diagnóstico de pitiriasis versicolor confirmado por examen directo, el 62% fueron hombres con una edad promedio de 33 años. La localización más común fue el tórax anterior (68%) y posterior (65%), en fototipos III y IV (78.5%), con una tonalidad hipocrómica. El 28% presentaron cuadros recurrentes, con síntomas hasta 7 años antes de la consulta. El signo de Besnier fue positivo en el 95% de los casos. El 64% refirió antecedente personal de hiperhidrosis y el 67% practicaba algún deporte como buceo, natación o gimnasia. Discusión: la identificación de las condiciones extrínsecas presentes esta población permite orientar medidas de prevención para evitar recurrencias de pitiriasis versicolor. Los viajes a lugares de clima cálido y la práctica de deportes son factores que favorecen el desarrollo de la micosis. En las formas clínicas atípicas se sugiere realizar siempre el examen micológico directo para confirmar el diagnóstico. El signo de Besnier es una maniobra útil para el diagnóstico clínico de la pitiriasis versicolor, particularmente cuando el acceso al examen directo es limitado.

Abstract Objective: to describe the sociodemographic aspects, clinical presentation and extrinsic conditions that may increase the risk of developing pityriasis versicolor. Materials and methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective observational study was conducted. Patients with clinical and mycological diagnosis of ptyriasis versicolor were included from january to december 2018 who attended to the Hospital Universitario Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta. Results: a total of 42 patients were included in the study, all of them had confirmed mycological diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor. The most common location of the lesions was the anterior thorax (68%) and posterior thorax (65%), in III and IV phototypes (78.5%) with a hypochromic color. 28% had recurrent infection, with symptoms mean of 7 years before the consultation. The Besnier sign was positive in 95% of cases, 64% reported personal history of hyperhidrosis and 67% practiced some sports: diving, swimming and gymnastics. Discussion: recognizing extrinsic conditions that may increase the risk of developing pitiraisis versicolor in this population allows identifying control measures to prevent a relapse. The main factors involved in the development of pitiraisis versicolor were traveling to places with high temperatures and sport practice. In atypical clinical presentation it is mandatory to perform the mycological direct test to confirm the diagnosis. The Besnier sign is a useful method for the clinical diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor, particularly when access to direct examination is limited.