Preserved ascomatal and other fungal structures on the remains of a ninth century Longobard abbess exhumed from a monastery in Pavia, Italy.

Auxarthron californiense, Mixotrichum aeruginosum, Oncocladium flavum and Chaetomium elatum were recognized on the basis of ascomatal structures on the remains of a Longobard abbess who died in the IX century A.D. These fungi, which had remained isolated in a crypt of the S. Felice Monastery of Pavia for almost 1000 years, are phenotypically identical to the type specimens. The occurrence of these fungi and their ecological role are discussed.

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from soil in Pavia, Italy.

The examination of keratinophilic fungi in 125 soil samples collected in Pavia, Italy revealed the following organism: Microsporum gypseum 23, M. vanbreuseghemii 4, Arthroderma uncinatum 4, Ctenomyces serratus 5, Chrysosporium tropicum 5, unidentified gymnoascacean 1. Arthroderma uncinatum, M. gypseum, M. vanbreuseghemii were isolated from a city park and cultivated soils; C. tropicum, Ct. serratus and an unidentified gymnoascacean were found only in soils from natural woods. The distribution of the different species is discussed.

Microsporum magellanicum and Cunninghamella antarctica, new species isolated from Australic and Antarctic soil of chile.

Keratinophilic fungi were isolated from samples of soil collected in the extremity of Chile, in Southern Shetland and Antarctic continent. Two new species, Microsporum magellanicum and Cunninghamella antarctica are described. Microsporum magellanicum is characterized by verrucose or verruculose clavate macroconidia predominantly uniseptate, 4-87-2micronx14-4-21-6micron. Cunninghamella antarctica has conidiophores usually verticillately, pseudoverticillately and sympodially branched; and globose conidia with evident spines, 12-8-16micron in diameter.

Dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi in cats and dogs.

During an 11 month period from January to November 1987, dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi were isolated from 70 (75%) of 93 cats and 62 (36.9%) of 168 dogs. The most common isolate was Microsporum canis from 54 (58%) cats and 33 (19.6%) dogs, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes from 5 (5.4%) cats and 9 (5.3%) dogs, Aphanoascus fulvescens (4 cats and 9 dogs), M. gypseum (5 dogs), Tr. terrestre (3 dogs) Myceliophthora vellerea (2 dogs) and Chrysosporium indicum, Chr. merdarium and Chr. tropicum from cats. Alternaria, Scopulariopsis, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Acremoniumspp., in descending frequency, were the most commonly found fungi in cats and dogs. The frequent infestation by the mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae on M. canis cultures suggest that mites may play a part in the carriage of fungi among animals. This mycophagous mite could disperse the fungi in animal hair by way of their fecal pellets during a transitory infestation. In this instance, the female mite can lay eggs and these could hatch on the animal's hair or in Petri dishes in which hair samples are cultured. In this event the future prospects of animal prophylaxis against dermatophytes could be made more effective by the regular use of acaricide agents on animal hair.

Keratinophilic fungi isolated from the air at Pavia.

The presence of keratinophilic fungi was revealed by sampling the air of Pavia (Italy) from March 1981 to February 1982. The species isolated were: Chrysosporium indicum , Geomyces pannorum var. pannorum , Microsporum gypseum, Myceliophtora vellerea and Trichophyton terrestre . Several filamentous fungi tolerating high levels of cycloheximide were also recovered.

Some coprophilous fungi from Kenya.

The occurrence of coprophilous fungi on samples of antelope, buffalo, zebra and hippopotamus dung collected from the Marula Estates in Kenya was recorded. A hundred and seventy three fungal isolates representative of 40 genera and 59 species were identified. Among these species, 23 were Ascomycetes (39%), 30 Deuteromycetes (50.8%), 5 Zygomycetes (8.5%) and 1 Basidiomycete (1.7%). Ascobolus immersus, Coprotus niveus, Iodophanus carneus, Lasiobolus lasioboloides, Podospora anserina, P. australis and Sporormiella minima were the dominant species occurring in the dung of these animals. Notes on infrequent or interesting Ascomycetes include Kernia nitida, Saccobolus versicolor, Sordaria fimicola and others. The interdependence of the vegetation of this area with the fungi occurring on the dung of these animals is discussed.

Occurrence of Arthroderma gloriae, a geophilic, keratinophilic ascomycete, in Italy.

The first European isolate of Arthroderma gloriae was recovered from one of 81 soil samples taken from a wheat field in the Lombardy region of Italy. A mixture of human and horse hair, as well as chicken feathers, were used as bait. The isolate was identified on the basis of its gross and microscopic features and successful mating with a "-" tester strain of A. gloriae. The geographic distribution of this apparently rare keratinophilic fungus is reviewed.

Coprophilous fungi of the horse.

A total of 1267 microfungi, including 35 Myxomycetes, were recorded from the fecal samples of the 60 horses; of these 395 were found on 20 saddle-horse feces, 363 on 20 race-horses and 509 on 20 working horses. Eighty two species representing 53 genera were recorded; of these 7 were Zygomycetes, 18 Ascomycetes, 1 Basidiomycetes and 25 Fungi Imperfecti: 2 Myxomycetes. Common coprophilous fungi are in decreasing order Pilobolus kleinii, Saccobolus depauperatus, Mucor hiemalis, Lasiobolus ciliatus, Podospora curvula, Petriella guttulata, M. circinelloides, Coprinus radiatus, Dictyostelium mucoroides, Sordaria fimicola, C. miser, C. stercorariusm, Acremonium sp., Coprotus granuliformis, Graphium putredinis, Iodophanus carneus, Chaetomium murorum, Podospora communis, P. inaequalis, P. setosa, Saccobolus versicolor and Cladosporium cucumerinum. Species of Myrothecium verrucaria, Actinomucor elegans, Kernia nitida, Spiculostilbella dendritica and Mucor parvispora were found exclusively in working-horses feces. Badhamia sp., Anixiopsis stercoraria, Echinobotryum state of D. stemonitis, Geotrichum candidum and Oidiodendron sp. were found only in saddle-horses feces. Chlamidomyces palmarum, Philocopra sp. were found exclusively in race-horses feces. Notes on infrequent or interesting fungi include Thamnostylum piriforme, Phialocephala dimorphospora, Rhopalomyces elegans and Spiculostilbella dendritica.

Evaluation of the antigen from chlamydospores of Candida albicans in the serodiagnosis of candidiasis.

Antigens have been prepared from the chlamydospores and blastospores of Candida albicans and their precipitin patterns were analysed by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis using specific antisera. The two antigens were used in routine serological tests of patients suffering from candidiasis. On double-diffusion tests for the detection of circulating antibodies of Candida albicans, the antigen from chlamydospores displays precipitin lines that differ in number and intensity from those obtained with the antigen from blastospores. The results are briefly discussed in the framework of C. albicans antigen standardization.

Aspergillus fumigatus, the causative agent of infection of the frontal sinuses and nasal chambers of the dog.

Twenty-nine cases of nasal aspergillosis out of 150 dogs with nasal discharge were recorded in dogs based on cultural, serologic, radiologic, endoscopic and histopathologic studies. In all of the 29 cases the thermotolerant, rhinotropic Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from the nasal lesions. The fungal infection mostly occurred in male German shephard dogs, the most common breed of companion dogs, living in apartments.

[A case of nocardiosis located in the suprahyoid region (histopathological and microbiological clinical study]. / Un caso di nocardiosi localizzata alla regione sopraioidea (studio clinico isopatologico e microbiologico).

A case of Nocardia asteroides infection affecting salivary gland is reported in a 43 years old woman. N. asteroides was cultured from pus, the histological appearance of suppurative lesions is described.

Keratinophilic fungi isolated from soil of Italian parks in the province of Pavia.

Soil samples collected from 9 parks in the Italian province of Pavia were baited with hair and feathers for the isolation of keratinophilic fungi. The dominant species were the teleomorphs Arthroderma gypsea, A. uncinatum, Ctenomyces serratus and Aphanoascus fulvescens with their anamorphs. Among the other species isolated, Amauroascus mutatus, Gymnascella dankaliensis, Gymnoascus intermedius and Gymnoascus reessii were recorded. The distribution of these fungi is discussed and related to previous records.

Superficial mycoses in Italy.

A total of 1244 cases suspected of superficial mycoses were analysed in a period of 12 months in Italy. Dermatophytoses were found in 62.4%; the other common disease was Pityriasis versicolor (44.1%)., The predominant species Epidermophyton floccosum (34,2%) was strikingly high in relation to other statistics; this species was commonest in tinea cruris. Among the other dermatophytes M. canis was predominant (31.3%) commonest in tinea corporis, followed by T. mentagrophytes (17,8%) and T. rubrum (10,3%). A high rate of yeasts was found in tinea manum (81.6%) and tinea pedis (47.7%). ?

Respiratory syndrome very similar to extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to Penicillium verrucosum in workers in a cheese factory.

A respiratory syndrome very similar to extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to Penicillium verrucosum was recognized in 4 workers employed in a Gorgonzola cheese factory. A mycogen allergy to P. verrucosum, used as starter in the production, was demonstrated by positive sputum culture and detection of specific antibodies in the blood. Intense and prolonged exposure to inhalation of fungal spores could have lead to the development of this allergic response. The fact that 2 of the subjects are siblings seems to indicate host susceptibility or immunological constitution in the pathogenesis of the respiratory allergy.

Seasonal behaviour of keratinophilic fungi isolated from parks soil in Milán

Soil samples collected from 10 parks in Milan were examined for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by the Orr’s hair baiting technique. The organisms isolated and their frequency were as follows: Arthroderma uncinatum and its anamorph Keratinomyces ajelloi were dominant and recovered from 22.5 percent - 43.7 percent and 40 por ciento - 50 percent of the soil samples collected in summer and winter respectively. Myceliophthora vellerea was isolated in 31.2 percent of the samples, particularly in winter, Microsporum gypseum in winter (20 percent) and Trichophyton terrestre (10 percent) in summer. Chrysosporium keratinophilum (16.2 percent in summer and 18.7 percent in winter) C. indicum (15 percent s- 23.7 percent w), C. pannicola (5 percent s - 37 percent w). Aphanoascus fulvescens was isolated in summer (23.7 percent). Among the cycloheximide-resistant keratinophilic fungi Alternaria alternata (27.5 percent s – 33.7 percent w), Paecilomyces lilacinus (26.2 percent s - 18.7 percent w) and Acremonium strictum (8.7 percent s - 20 percent w) also were observed. The distribution of the different species is discussed.

Se examinaron muestras de suelo procedentes de 10 parques de Milán para determinar la presencia de hongosqueratinofilicos utilizando la técnica de Orr. Los organismos aislados y su frecuencia fueron: Arthroderma uncinatum y su anamorfo Keratinomyces ajelloi fueron dominantes y se recuperaron desde un 22,5 por ciento-43,7 por ciento y 40 por ciento- 50 por ciento de las muestras de suelo colectadas en verano e invierno respectivamente. Myceliophthora Vellerea fue detectada en el 31,2 por ciento de las muestras, particularmente en invierno, Microsporum gypseum en invierno (20 por ciento) y Trichophyton terrestre (10 por ciento) en verano. Chrysosporium keratinophilum (16.2 por ciento en verano y 18.7 por ciento en invierno) C. indicum (15 por ciento v - 23.7 por ciento i), C. Pannicola (5 por ciento v - 37 por ciento i). Aphanoascus fulvescens fue aislado en verano (23.7 por ciento). Entre los hongos queratinofílicos resistentes a la Cicloheximida, se presentó Alternaria alternata (27.5 por ciento v – 33.7 por ciento i), Paecilomyces lilacinus (26.2 por ciento v - (8.7 por ciento i) y Acremonium strictum (8.7 por ciento v- 20 por ciento i). Se discute la distribución de las diferentes especies.

Production of serine chymotrypsin-like elastate by aspergillus fumigatus strains

Treinta y cuatro cepas de Aspergillus fumigatus aisladas del aire, crín de caballo, suelo agrícola y del hombre, fueron examinadas con el fin de evaluar la producción de elastasa. Las cepas de Aspergillus fumigatus fueron cultivadas en un medio sólido con elastina, apreciándose en ella su amplio solubilización por la acción del hongo. Los aislamientos fúngicos provenientes de muestras aisladas del hobre y de suelos agrícolas fueron detectados como los más altos productores de elastasa. Ocho de las 34 cepas fueron desarrollas en 4 diferentes medios líquidos en las cuales se investigó la actividad proteolítica total y específica. Los resultados de este experimento sugieren que la producción de elastasa es inducida por la presencia de elastina como sustrato y que la primera es una enzima semejante a la quimiotripsina. El perfil inhibitorio comprobó que la elastina de A.fumigatus, es una serina-proteinasa

Hongos aislados del plumaje y excremento de gallinas en una industria avicola de Monferrato, Pavia Italia / Fungi isolated from feathers and faeces of hens in an avian industry of Monferrato, Pavia Italy

Mediante cultivos en sustratos queratínicos, diluciones en PDA y un medio selectivo para Cryptococcus neoformans, se evaluó durante 2 períodos estacionales en una industria avicola, la micota presente en el plumaje y excrementos de gallinas sanas y enfermas, con la finalidad de evaluar la frecuencia de presencia de algunos hongos considerados potencialmente patógenos o toxicogénicos. En el plumaje de las aves sanas predominaron Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, Penicillium glabrum, mientras en sus excrementos Candida famata, C. guilliermondi. Cryptococcus laurentii, Mucor hiemalis y M. racemosus. El plumaje de las aves enfermas presentó una mayor diversidad de especies, dominando: A. niger, P. purpurogenum, Fusarium equiseti, Chrysosporium Keratinophilum, Chry. indicum, mientras en los excrementos, A. flavus, A. clavatus, A. fumigatus, M. hiemalis y M. racemosus, Candida albicans, C. pseudotropicalis y Cryptococcus laurentii. Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans, se aisló con baja frecuencia en las heces. Estas aves y su habitat, constituyen un ambiente vinculado a la ecología de algunos hongos filamentosos y levaduriformes con capacidad toxicogénica o invasiva, representando un reservorio y una fuente de infección para las aves y el personal de estas industrias

Microfungi from different substrata in south west Africa (Namibia)

This paper come be considered as a little contribution to knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Namibia. Soils, seed dung an some vegetal substrata such herb, leaves and bark were collected at random in order to investigate the presence of tropical microfungi and to determine significance of some fungal taxa in the Namibia ecosystem. A total of 49 genera and 80 taxa predominantly anamorph of Ascomycota was recorded, most of them (51 por ciento) were insolated from soil and many were considered common tropical microfungi. The most representative isolate taxa in all substrata analized or in some of them were: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Bipolaris, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Penicillium and Phoma. It is interesting to note in vegetables the presence of Lasiobolidium spirale, quite a rare species.

Precipitating antibodies in workers inhaling spores of Aspergillus niger.

Se reporta la presencia de anticuerpos precipitantes en un grupo de trabajadores industriales expuestos a la inhalacion de conidios de A. niger, el cual es utilizado para la produccion de acido citrico a traves de la fermentacion de las melazas.Treinta y cuatro trabajadores presentaron pruebas micologicas y serologicas positivas a A. niger. Se detectaron un 42.8% de los pacientes con cultivos positivos y un 27,9% con cultivos negativos. 8 de los 15 trabajadores con cultivos y precipitinas positivas desarrollan sintomatologia en el tracto respiratorio como, aumento de tos, disnea, fiebre y algunas veces asma, relacionada con la exposicion, despues de haber trabajado con el hongo