Scorpionicidal activity of secondary metabolites from Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 against Tityus serrulatus.

INTRODUCTION: Urban pests pose enormous risks to human health. Control initiatives are carried out in regions of high infestation and incidence of accidents caused by scorpions OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to analyze the anti-scorpionic activity of fungal isolates obtained from a cemetery in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of thirteen fungi were subjected to a bioassay test against Tityus serrulatus, and the two isolates with the highest scorpionicidal activity were selected for molecular identification through sequencing of the ITS DNA hypervariable region and large-scale cultivation on liquid medium for secondary metabolite extraction. The crude extracts were partitioned by solid-phase extraction, and the resulting purified extracts were tested for anti-scorpionic activity. The extracts from one of the isolates presented better results and were submitted to UPLC-MS/MS. The metabolomics data were submitted to GNPS website for Molecular Networking and MASST searches. We also performed a MolNetEnhancer analysis to identify the chemical classes of the molecules found in the samples. RESULTS: The most promising fungal isolate was identified as Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 which has 98% of similarity to Paecilomyces formosus. The sub-fractions C and D had the best activity against the scorpions (54 and 32% mortality, respectively). Molecular Networking and MolNetEnhancer revealed a range of molecular classes in our extracts that are known to include bioactive metabolites from Paecilomyces species. CONCLUSIONS: The scorpionicidal activity of Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 and its secondary metabolites may provide new alternative compounds for biological and chemical control of scorpions from the species T. serrulatus. Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 is an isolate that has great potential for isolation of secondary metabolites.

Intestinal Lesion in a Dog Due to Cryptococcus gattii Type VGII and Review of Published Cases of Canine Gastrointestinal Cryptococcosis.

Cryptococcosis is a mycosis caused by yeasts of genus Cryptococcus, mainly the species C. neoformans and C. gattii that can affect humans and animals. These yeasts are widely distributed in the environment and are typically associated with avian droppings and decaying wood. Most infections are related to the respiratory tract, but the central nervous system and cutaneous lesions are also reported in the literature. The present report is a case of cryptococcosis in an 18-month-old unspayed female English Bulldog with the main complaint of weight loss and diarrhea. The presence of two large masses observed in an ultrasound examination leads us to perform an exploratory laparotomy. Considering the size of the lesion and the impossibility of owner to provide intensive care, the consent for euthanasia was requested. The postmortem diagnosis of cryptococcosis was revealed by cytological evaluation, and the involvement of C. gattii VGII was confirmed by isolation and identification tests as well as by the detection of the URA5 gene restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR analysis. Reports in the literature of the involvement of Cryptococcus in gastrointestinal lesions are rare in both human and veterinary medicine. Data about different forms of cryptococcosis are important to provide more knowledge of uncommon clinical presentations of this yeast and therefore improve the diagnoses and decisions for the best therapy.

Feline nasal granuloma due to Cryptoccocus gattii type VGII.

The aims of this study are to make a more precise identification of the etiologic agent of a nasal granuloma in a cat, to verify the susceptibility to the antifungal drugs: ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B and the proper treatment. Part of the granuloma's fragment was removed, added to a saline solution and sent to the Laboratory of Mycology. The solution was then seeded in Sabouraud dextrose agar, and the yeast was primarily identified by the traditional methods. The confirmation of the specie Cryptococcus gattii and its molecular type were performed using the PCR-RFLP molecular techniques. The antifungal susceptibility was verified by using the E-test method, and the cat was treated with itraconazole associated with 5-flucytosine. The isolated strain was identified as C. gattii type VGII and was susceptible to all antifungal drugs tested. The treatment with itraconazole associated with 5-flucytosine led to the cure of granulomatous lesions in the feline after 6 months. The characterization and molecular investigation of this microorganism are relevant because they could help us better understand the epidemiology of the infection and to guide us to treat properly the disease.

Virulence profile of strains of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii evaluated by experimental infection in BALB/c mice and correlation with exoenzyme activity.

To evaluate the virulence profile of strains of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii, 62 strains of this yeast were inoculated into BALB/c mice. It was found that 69 % of the strains were significantly more lethal to the mice and were recovered from a higher percentage (60 %) of the organs compared with the other 31 % of the strains, which were recovered from 35 % of organs tested. Those strains that provoked higher death rates were also recovered from the central nervous system at a higher rate (84 %) than the less lethal strains (32 %). This finding led to an investigation of the factors that enhanced the capacity for neurological infection and death of the animals. The results of this study suggested that environmental strains present different degrees of virulence. The correlation of exoenzyme production before and after inoculation and between the groups of mice indicated that exoenzyme production had no influence on differences in virulence among the strains studied.

An evaluation of manual and mechanical methods to identify Candida spp. from human and animal sources.

To compare two yeast identification methods, i. e, the manual and the VITEK mechanical methods, 62 clinical samples from hemocultures and animal sources were analyzed. After identification as Candida yeasts by the VITEK method, the strains were recharacterized using manual assimilation methods and sugar fermentation tests. Our findings reveal 58% concurrent identification between the two methods for animal strains, and 51% for human hemoculture strains.

Cryptococcus neoformans strains isolated from church towers in Rio de Janeiro City, RJ, Brazil.

Cryptococcosis has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Aids. Many reservoirs of the agent Cryptococcus neoformans have been reported, but the ecology of this yeast must be elucidated in order to establish surveillance programs and to prevent infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of C. neoformans in Rio de Janeiro City, RJ, Brazil. Ten churches were selected for sampling and detection of the yeast collecting pigeon dropping, air samples from church towers and neighboring areas during one year. The data demonstrated that C. neoformans has been present in every church selected and was present in 37.8% of 219 pigeon dropping samples. As well as, the yeast was isolated from soil, insects, eggs, pigeon nests and feathers. Fifteen air samples (4.9%) were positive. The growth on C.G.B. medium showed that all strains belonged to C. neoformans var. neoformans, with 98.8% of the strains belonging to serotype A.

Infectious diseases in aquarium ornamental pet fish: prevention and control measures / Doenças infeciosas em peixes ornamentais de aquário: medidas de prevenção e controle

Aquarium ornamental pet fish constitute a major segment in the pet industry, with the United States, Europe, and Japan dominating the market. There are approximately 1,500 marine fish species and over 4,500 freshwater fish species commercialized as aquarium ornamental pet fish. Fish are the fourth most common pet present in Brazilian homes. In Brazil, aquarium ornamental pet fish can be marketed and distributed from different parts of the Brazilian territory and the world. Commercialization and circulation of living animals without the use of adequate prophylactic management procedures enables dissemination of a number of agents responsible for infectious diseases. Aquarium pet fish can also carry pathogenic agents, of bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic etiology, that may have a zoonotic feature endangering the persons handling the animals. This review presents the main pathogenic infectious agents of bacterial, viral, and fungal etiology that affect aquarium pet fish, as well as the prevention and control measures to ensure sanitary excellence in this segment.(AU)

Peixes ornamentais de aquário representam um grande segmento no mercado de animais de estimação, no qual Estados Unidos, Europa e Japão dominam. São aproximadamente 1.500 espécies de peixes marinhos e em torno de 4.500 de espécies de água doce comercializados com fins ornamentais. O peixe é a quarta espécie mais comum nos domicílios brasileiros. Peixes ornamentais de aquário são comercializados e distribuídos em diferentes partes do território nacional e do mundo. O comércio e circulação de animais vivos sem o uso de procedimentos de manejo profilático adequados possibilita a disseminação de inúmeros agentes patogênicos. Peixes ornamentais de aquário carreiam consigo agentes patogênicos de etiologia bacteriana, viral, fúngica e parasitária, sendo alguns de caráter zoonótico colocando em risco pessoas que os manipulam. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar os principais agentes infeciosos patogênicos - de natureza bacteriana, viral e fúngica - que acometem peixes ornamentais de aquário, bem como os métodos de prevenção e controle que permitam excelência no segmento.(AU)

Cryptococcus neoformans isolados de Periplaneta americana recolhidas de ambientes públicos e sua relevância para saúde humana e animal / Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from Periplaneta americana collected from public environments and its relevance to human and animal health

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a presença de Cryptococcus neoformans em baratas (Periplaneta americana) recolhidas de ambientes públicos. A motivação para esta pesquisa deve-se ao fato de esta espécie de barata sersinantrópica e veiculadora de vários agentes patogênicos para o homem e animais, o que é relevante para a saúde pública. Os insetos foram recolhidos vivos, mediante emprego de armadilhas, e também mortos, totalizando 150 amostras. A pesquisa da presença do agente nos insetos foi feita no Laboratório de Leveduras Patogênicas e Ambientais, Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária do Instituto de Veterinária da UFRRJ, por processamento do exoesqueleto e de seu conteúdo interno, com semeadura em meio de cultivo contendo dopamina. As confirmações de isolamento foram realizadas por meio de testes de macromorfologia, micromorfologia, auxanograma e provas complementares. Não se obteve o isolamento de Cryptococcus neoformans do exoesqueleto; os cinco obtidos (3,3por cento) foram do conteúdo interno dos insetos que, após sorogrupagem em meio CGB,revelaram-se pertencentes ao sorogrupo AD. As baratas da espécie Periplaneta americana são, portanto, consideradas um potencial vetor para a levedura estudada.

The objective of this paper was to check the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans in cockroaches (Periplaneta Americana) collected in public places. The research’s motivation was based on the fact that this species of cockroach are synanthropic and vehicle of several pathogenic agents for men and animals, a relevant fact for public health. A total of 150 samples were collected and the research for the presence of the agents in the insects was conducted in the Laboratory of Pathogenic and Environmental Yeasts, Department of Microbiology and Immunology Veterinary,UFRRJ, by processing of the exoskeleton and the internal content and sowing in cultivation medium containing dopamine. The confirmation of isolation was made by the macromorphology and micromorphology tests, performance ofauxanographic method, and complementary proofs. Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans was not obtained from the exoskeleton. Five isolates (3.3%) were obtained from the internal content of the insects. The serogrouping in CGB medium showed that they were from the AD serum group. We consider that the cockroachesof the species Periplaneta americana are a potential vector for the studied yeast.

Isolados de Cryptococcus neoformans, C. gattii E C. laurentii produtores de protease e fosfolipase / Protease and phospholipase production of Cryptococcus neoformans, C. gattii and C. laurentii isolates

A criptococose é uma micose sistêmica com caráter oportunista, que pode acometer homens e diferentes espécies animais, principalmente em casos de imunodepressão. A levedura penetra pela via respiratória, pode disseminar-se por via hematógena e atingir o sistema nervoso central. Objetivando o isolamento da levedura Cryptococcus neoformans a partir de sistema nervoso central de cães na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, procederam-se coleta de amostras de cérebro no Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Raiva do Instituto Municipal de Medicina Veterinária Jorge Vaitsman, no bairro da Mangueira, Rio de Janeiro. As etapas de isolamento, identificação e avaliação da produção de protease e fosfolipase ocorreram no Laboratório de Leveduras Patogênicas e Ambientais da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (LLPA-UFRRJ). Para a avaliação de protease, utilizou-se meio de cultura contendo albumina bovina e para avaliação de fosfolipase, o meio utilizado compunha-se de gema de ovo e CaCi2. Foram utilizadas 166 amostras de sistema nervoso central, com quatro isolamentos positivos para o gênero, sendo um de Cryptococcus laurentii, dois de Cryptococcus neoformans e um de Cryptococcus gattii, todos produtores de protease e fosfolipase.

An evaluation of manual and mechanical methods to identify Candida spp. from human and animal sources

To compare two yeast identification methods, i. e, the manual and the VITEK mechanical methods, 62 clinical samples from hemocultures and animal sources were analyzed. After identification as Candida yeasts by the VITEK method, the strains were recharacterized using manual assimilation methods and sugar fermentation tests. Our findings reveal 58 percent concurrent identification between the two methods for animal strains, and 51 percent for human hemoculture strains.

Objetivando comparar os resultados de dois métodos de identificação, o manual e o método automatizado VITEK, foram analisadas 62 amostras clínicas isoladas de hemoculturas humanas e de origem animal. Estas amostras, após serem identificadas como Candida spp. pelo método automatizado VITEK, foram recaracterizadas com a utilização de métodos manuais de assimilação e fermentação de fontes carbonadas. Os resultados demonstraram uma relação de 58 por cento de identificações coincidentes entre os dois métodos para as amostras de origem animal e de 51 por cento para as amostras de hemoculturas humanas.

Cryptococcus neoformans strains isolated from church towers in Rio de Janeiro City, RJ, Brazil

Cryptococcus neoformans é um fungo que ocasiona micose de alta morbidade e mortalidade, especialmente em pacientes com Aids. Muitos reservatórios de C. neoformans têm sido relatados, mas a ecologia desta levedura deve ser ainda elucidada para se estabelecer programas de vigilância e prevenção desta infecção. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar a presença de C. neoformans no Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. Dez igrejas foram selecionadas para este estudo, coletando-se fezes de pombo, amostras de ar, das torres das igrejas e de áreas vizinhas, durante um ano. Os resultados revelaram que C. neoformans estava presente em todas as igrejas e em 37,8% das 219 amostras das excretas das aves. Ao mesmo tempo, o fungo foi isolado do solo, insetos, ovos e ninhos de pombos. Quinze (4,9%) do total das amostras de ar foram positivas. O crescimento no meio de CGB revelou que todas as amostras pertenciam a C. neoformans var. neoformans, e 98,8% destas amostras pertenciam ao sorotipo A.