Zygomycosis of the Oral Cavity in a Main Referral Centre in Malaysia: A Case Series (1967-2021)

@#Zygomycosis is a rare opportunistic fungal infection caused by fungi in the phylum Mucoromycota, subphylum Mucoromycotina and order Mucorales. Immunocompromised patients may harbour the disease by inhalation of the spores from the environment into the paranasal sinuses. Rhino-orbital-cerebral is the most common form which extends into the oral cavity, especially to the palate. We present twelve cases of zygomycosis diagnosed in the Stomatology Unit, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Malaysia. Most of the patients are immunocompromised and presented as the rhino-orbital-cerebral form. Routine haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used for all cases while selected cases required additional special staining. The characteristic histological features of broad, non-septate, branched, amphophilic fungal hyphae are seen. We aim to report this rare occurrence to contribute to the literature and raise awareness about this condition among clinicians. To date, this is the first compilation of oral zygomycosis cases known to be reported in Malaysia.

Mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19: revisión de la literatura para odontólogos / COVID-19 associated mucormycosis: a literature review for dentists

La mucormicosis es una infección fúngica rara, con alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Se presenta principalmente en pa- cientes con diabetes mellitus no controlada, inmunocompro- metidos, con tratamiento crónicos con esteroides, entre otros. Actualmente, se cree que la pandemia de COVID-19 y los tratamientos con corticosteroides podrían estar implicados en el aumento de casos de esta micosis. Este hongo invade el sistema vascular, ocluyendo el flujo sanguíneo arterial y generando una rápida trombosis e isque- mia, lo que provoca la necrosis de los tejidos duros y blandos, con invasión rápida a los tejidos circundantes. Hay varias formas clínicas. En la cavidad bucal se presenta la variante rino-orbito-cerebral, que afecta el paladar en forma de lesión eritematosa o grisácea que puede progresar hacia la formación de una masa necrótica o ulceración con muy escaso sangrado de mucosa. Se manifiesta con síntomas típicos de una rinosinusitis con fiebre y dolor en las piezas dentarias superiores. El tratamiento consta de tres pilares fundamentales: el diagnóstico, un manejo adecuado de las comorbilidades y la combinación de las terapias antifúngica y quirúrgica. Desde el año 2020, la mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19 pasó a ser un evento de notificación obligatoria inmediata al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia de la Salud (SNVS2.0) me- diante el Sistema Integrado de Información Sanitaria Argen- tina (SISA). Es importante destacar que se han reportado casos de mu- cormicosis luego de extracciones dentales; lo que impulsa a afianzar los conocimientos sobre esta enfermedad, extremar las medidas preventivas e incentivar el diagnóstico precoz en la atención odontológica, debido a la rapidez en la evolución de la patología (AU))

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection, with high mor- bidity and mortality. It occurs mainly in patients with uncon- trolled diabetes mellitus, immunocompromised, on chronic treatment with steroids, among others. Currently, it is believed that the COVID-19 pandemic and the corticosteroid treatments could be one of the causes of increased cases. This fungus invades the vascular system, occluding arteri- al blood flow and generating rapid thrombosis and ischemia, which causes necrosis of hard and soft tissues, with rapid in- vasion to the surrounding tissues. There are several clinical forms. In the oral cavity, the rhino-orbito-cerebral variant presents itself affecting the pal- ate in the form of an erythematous or grayish lesion that can progress towards the formation of a necrotic mass or ulcera- tion with very little mucosal bleeding. It manifests itself with typical symptoms of rhinosinusitis, with fever and pain in the upper teeth. The treatment consists of three fundamental pillars: diag- nosis, proper management of comorbidities and the combina- tion of antifungal and surgical therapies. Since 2020, COVID-19 associated mucormycosis became an event of mandatory immediate notification to the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS2.0,) through the Argentina Integrated Health Information System (SISA). It is important to emphasize that mucormycosis cases had been reported following tooth extractions, which drives to strengthen knowledge about this disease, extreme preventive measures and encourage early diagnosis in dental care, due to the speed of the evolution of the pathology (AU))

Post COVID-19 Disseminated Mucormycosis in a 55-year-old patient in Western Amazon: Case report

A feared fungal disease surprised and became a warning to severe cases of COVID-19, especially to health professionals involved with the pandemic. Designated as black fungus for public health services in India, where reported data reflects an increase of more than eighty times the expected increase for Rhizopus among the communities. The disease has become even more worrisome due to the high mortality already established as an opportunistic infection, coupled with the reserved prognosis for all those infected and hospitalised by the SARS-CoV-2 severity criteria. This patient, who was submitted to corticosteroid therapy, in an excessive dose, therefore immunosuppressive, developed a severe, disseminated clinical form. It was verified the progression of the lesions and thus the high risk of trans- surgical lethality, or, also, by the insufficiency of conduct in removing the lesions to their satisfaction. Thus, the therapeutic option is the associated use of micafungin, liposomal amphotericin B and isavuconazole for the regressive phase. The patient remains hospitalised with progressive and discrete improvement. Until the opportunity of reevaluation of the surgery by the interspecialty collaboration.

Uma temida doença fúngica surpreendeu e se tornou um alerta para casos graves de COVID-19, principalmente aos profissionais de saúde envolvidos com a pandemia. Designado como fungo preto para serviços de saúde pública na Índia, onde os dados relatados refletem um aumento de mais de oitenta vezes o aumento esperado para Rhizopus entre as comunidades. A doença tornou-se ainda mais preocupante devido à alta mortalidade já estabelecida como infecção oportunista, aliada ao prognóstico reservado para todos os infectados e internados pelos critérios de gravidade do SARS-CoV-2. Esse paciente, que foi submetido à corticoterapia, em dose excessiva, portanto imunossupressora, desenvolveu uma forma clínica grave e disseminada. Verificou-se a progressão das lesões e, portanto, o alto risco de letalidade transcirúrgica, ou, ainda, pela insuficiência de conduta na remoção das lesões a contento. Assim, a opção terapêutica é o uso associado de micafungina, anfotericina B lipossomal e isavuconazol para a fase regressiva. O paciente permanece internado com melhora progressiva e discreta. Até a oportunidade de reavaliação da cirurgia pela colaboração interespecialista.

Mucormicosis cutánea extensa: reporte de caso

La mucormicosis es una enfermedad oportunista causada por un grupo de hongos filamentosos del subfilo Mucormycotina, tiene una presentación clínica variada: rino-orbito-cerebral, pulmonar, cutánea, gastrointestinal, diseminada y de sitios poco frecuentes. La mucormicosis cutánea se presenta en el 19% de los casos. Se presenta un caso de mucormicosis cutánea extensa en un paciente adulto joven, luego de quemadura por sustancia desconocida y aplicación de emplastos medicinales herbales. Tras recibir curaciones en varias oportunidades en un establecimiento de salud fue referido a un hospital de nivel 3 donde se le realizó limpieza quirúrgica y administración de antibióticos por vía endovenosa, sin mejoría clínica. Se le realizó estudio histológico de la piel afectada, cuyo informe fue inflamación intensa mixta a nivel del tejido subcutáneo, con moderado predominio de granulocitos, focos de necrosis grasa en parches, con variable inflamación. En el interior de los adipocitos necróticos, se observaron algunas estructuras con morfología de hifas fúngicas anchas, de contorno irregular morfológicamente consistentes con mucor. El paciente recibió antifúngicos combinados con curas quirúrgicas del tejido afectado en varias oportunidades, sin detener progresión de la infección. El paciente falleció.

SUMMARY Mucormycosis is an opportunistic disease caused by a group of filamentous fungi of the subphylum Mucormycotina, it has a varied clinical presentation: rhino-orbito-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, disseminated and with infrequent sites. Cutaneous mucormycosis occurs in 19% of cases. A case of extensive cutaneous mucormycosis is presented in a young adult patient, after a burn caused by an unknown substance and the application of herbal medicinal plasters. After receiving cures on several occasions in a health facility, he was referred to a level 3 hospital where he underwent surgical cleaning plus administration of intravenous antibiotics, without clinical improvement; A histological study of the affected skin was performed, where intense mixed inflammation is reported at the subcutaneous tissue level, with a moderate predominance of granulocytes; as well as foci of fat necrosis in patches, with variable inflammation. Inside the necrotic adipocytes, there are some structures with wide fungal hyphae morphology, with an irregular contour morphologically consistent with mucor. The patient received antifungals combined with surgical cures of the affected tissue on several occasions, without stopping the progression of the infection; patient dies.

Mucormicosis cerebral / Cerebral mucormycosis

RESUMEN El Aspergillus es un moho oportunista, que se encuentra muy extendido en el medio ambiente. Las cepas de A. fumigatus, A. Flavus, A. Niger y otras especies de Aspergillus pueden habitar diferentes tipos de ambientes. Algunas especies, como Aspergillus fumigatus, pueden provocar una variedad de reacciones alérgicas e infecciones sistémicas potencialmente mortales en humanos, siendo responsable de más del 90 % de las infecciones. La incidencia de aspergilosis cerebral no se conoce, pero ha aumentado de manera notable en los últimos años, ya que ocurre principalmente en pacientes con inmunodeficiencia grave. En este apartado se realiza una revisión detallada sobre el Aspergillus, especialmente A. fumigatus, puesto que es un microorganismo poco conocido, con un limitado espectro de tratamiento, pero que representa una amenaza ominosa para la salud y la mortalidad en el ser humano.

SUMMARY Mucormycosis encompasses syndromic manifestations due to an emergent infection, of acute course and a high mortality rate, caused by opportunistic organisms (fungi) belonging to the phylum glomeromycota subfilum mucoromycotina division of the mucorales order. Species such as mucor circinelloides, rhizopus oryzae and lichtheimia corymbifera are frequently found, having a ubiquitous habitat they can be isolated in different geographical regions, being commonly found in decomposing organic matter, fruits, wheat bread, rye, garbage and soil. People with some degree of immunocompromise (diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, cancer, HIV, among others) are predisposed. Its etiology is among the first frequently isolated sites in the air, clearly explaining the entry pathway of sporangiospores in pulmonary and rhinoorbit-cerebral cases that characteristically present with coagulopathy, thrombosis, vascular invasion, tissue ischemia and heart attacks. Its timely detection and rapid establishment of treatment are key to prognosis and survival.

Zigomicosis y síndrome hemofagocítico en un paciente inmunocompetente: informe de caso / Zygomycosis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

Introducción: la zigomicosis es una infección fúngica poco frecuente, con alta tasa de mortalidad y de mal pronóstico. Afecta principalmente a pacientes inmunocomprometidos. La asociación con el síndrome hemofagocítico es extremadamente inusual, más aún en pacientes inmunocompetentes, con pocos ejemplos registrados en la literatura. Caso clínico: se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino inmunocompetente de 40 años con diagnóstico de mucormicosis y síndrome hemofagocítico que evoluciona desfavorablemente, con fallo multiorgánico, a pesar de los esfuerzos médicos. Conclusión: la asociación de mucormicosis con síndrome hemofagocítico en un paciente inmunocompetente es extremadamente rara; existen pocos casos informados en Latinoamérica. Debemos tener presente esta asociación, ya que requiere un tratamiento agresivo y soporte vital avanzado. (AU)

Introduction: zygomycosis is a rare fungal infection that carries with high mortality rates. This poor prognosis, rapidly progressive infection mainly affects immunocompromised patients. The association with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is extremely unusual, even more in immunocompetent patients, with few cases reported. Case: we present the case of an immunocompetent male patient who was diagnosed with zygomycosis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Despite medical efforts he developed multiorganic failure. Conclusion: the association of mucormycosis with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent patient is exceptional with few cases reported in Latin America. We must always suspect this association considering they require aggressive treatment and advanced life support. (AU)

Mucormicosis diseminada en un paciente diabético: un reporte de caso / Disseminated mucormycosis in a diabetic patient: a case report

La mucormicosis es una infección fúngica altamente mortal que se presenta en pacientes con algún grado de inmunosupresión, siendo la forma rinocerebral la más común. Es el primer reporte en el Perú de mucormicosis diseminada con compromiso multisistémico en un paciente con cetoacidosis diabética. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 47 años diabético procedente de la selva peruana con cuadro de insuficiencia respiratoria en ventilación mecánica. A su ingreso presenta leucocitosis, acidosis metabólica anion gap elevado, hiperglicemia e hipoalbuminemia. Posteriormente, es intervenido quirúrgicamente en tres oportunidades por presentar abdomen agudo con hallazgos en la patología de necrosis y perforación de varios órganos, falleciendo a los pocos días. Paciente se encontraba recibiendo su quinta dosis de anfotericina B deoxicolato. Se observaron hifas con angulación recta compatible con mucormicosis en estómago, intestino y pulmón.

Mucormycosis is a highly lethal fungal infection occurring in patients with some degree of immunosuppression. The rhinocerebral form is the most frequent presentation. This is the first report in Peru of a case of disseminated mucormycosis in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a 47-year-old diabetic male subject who was referred from the Amazon jungle and presented with respiratory insufficiency receiving mechanical ventilation. On admission, the patient had leukocytosis, metabolic acidosis with high anion gap, hyperglycemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Soon afterwards, the patient underwent surgery because of acute abdomen, and the anatomopathological examination revealed necrosis and hollow viscus perforation, and he ultimately died. At this time, he was receiving amphotericin B deoxycholate. Straight angle hyphae compatible with mucormycosis were found in stomach, intestine, and lungs.

Cutaneous mucormycosis

Abstract Cutaneous mucormycosis is an emerging fungal infection caused by opportunistic fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota. It is frequent in poorly controlled diabetic patients and individuals with immunosuppression. It is usually acquired by direct inoculation through trauma. The clinical presentation is nonspecific, but an indurated plaque that rapidly evolves to necrosis is a common finding. Diagnosis should be confirmed by demonstration of the etiological agent and new molecular diagnostic tools have recently been described. It is an invasive life-threatening disease and in order to improve survival, a prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management should be provided. The treatment of choice is amphotericin B, but new azoles, such as posaconazole and isavuconazole, must be considered.

Fungal infections of the orbit.

Fungal infections of the orbit can lead to grave complications. Although the primary site of inoculation of the infective organism is frequently the sinuses, the patients can initially present to the ophthalmologist with ocular signs and symptoms. Due to its varied and nonspecific clinical features, especially in the early stages, patients are frequently misdiagnosed and even treated with steroids which worsen the situation leading to dire consequences. Ophthalmologists should be familiar with the clinical spectrum of disease and the variable presentation of this infection, as early diagnosis and rapid institution of appropriate therapy are crucial elements in the management of this invasive sino‑orbital infection. In this review, relevant clinical, microbiological, and imaging findings are discussed along with the current consensus on local and systemic management. We review the recent literature and provide a comprehensive analysis. In the immunocompromised, as well as in healthy patients, a high index of suspicion must be maintained as delay in diagnosis of fungal pathology may lead to disfiguring morbidity or even mortality. Obtaining adequate diagnostic material for pathological and microbiological examination is critical. Newer methods of therapy, particularly oral voriconazole and topical amphotericin B, may be beneficial in selected patients.

Epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects of sheep conidiobolomycosis in Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e de diagnóstico da conidiobolomicose ovina no Brasil

ABSTRACT: Conidiobolomycosis is an emerging disease caused by fungi of the cosmopolitan genus Conidiobolus. Particular strains of Conidiobolus coronatus, Conidiobolus incongruus and Conidiobolus lamprauges, mainly from tropical or sub-tropical origin, cause the mycosis in humans and animals, domestic or wild. Lesions are usually granulomatous and necrotic in character, presenting two clinical forms: rhinofacial and nasopharyngeal. This review includes the main features of the disease in sheep, with an emphasis on the epidemiology, clinical aspects, and diagnosis of infections caused by Conidiobolus spp. in Brazil. In this country, the disease is endemic in the Northeast and Midwest, affecting predominantly woolless sheep breeds and occasioning death in the majority of the studied cases. The species responsible for infections of sheep are C. coronatus and C. lamprauges and the predominant clinical presentation is nasopharyngeal. These fungal infections are very important, since they compromise the health status of the sheep flock and cause serious economic losses to the sheep industry. Thus, research is needed to investigate faster tools for diagnosis and effective methods for the control and treatment of conidiobolomycosis.

RESUMO: Conidiobolomicose é uma enfermidade emergente causada por fungos cosmopolitas do gênero Conidiobolus. Isolados de Conidiobolus coronatus, Conidiobolus incongruus e Conidiobolus lamprauges, principalmente de origem tropical e subtropical, afetam humanos, animais domésticos e silvestres. As lesões da conidiobolomicose normalmente são de caráter granulomatoso e necrótico, apresentando-se sob duas formas clínicas: rinofacial e nasofaríngea. O presente artigo tem como objetivo revisar as principais características da doença em ovinos, particularizando a epidemiologia, assim como os aspectos clínicos e o diagnóstico das infecções causadas por Conidiobolus spp. no Brasil. Neste País, a enfermidade é endêmica nas regiões nordeste e centro-oeste, afetando ovinos predominantemente de raças deslanadas, ocasionando a morte na grande maioria dos casos estudados. As espécies do fungo responsáveis pelas infecções em ovinos são C. coronatus e C. lamprauges e a forma clínica predominante é a nasofaríngea. Tais infecções fúngicas são muito importantes, uma vez que comprometem o status sanitário do rebanho ovino e acarretam sérios prejuízos econômicos à ovinocultura. Dessa forma, pesquisas são necessárias para investigar ferramentas rápidas de diagnóstico e métodos eficazes de controle e tratamento da conidiobolomicose.

Paciente endodóntico con mucormicosis rinocerebral: reporte de un caso / Endodontic patient with rhinocerebral mucormycosis: clinical case report

Se presenta en la Clínica de Endodoncia de la División de Estudios de Postgrado e Investigación (DEPeI) de la Facultad de Odontología (UNAM) una paciente diagnosticada con mucormicosis rinocerebral; en este artículo se presentan las variaciones en el manejo clínico de esta paciente y la importancia de mantener el mayor número de órganos dentales en boca para una mejor estabilidad del obturador palatino, tanto para las funciones de fonación como de masticación adecuadas.

A patient previously diagnosed with cerebral mucormycosis attended the Endodontics Clinic of the Graduate and Research School, National School of Dentistry, National University of Mexico (UNAM). This article presents variations in the clinical handling of the patient; stress is made on the importance of preserving the greatest number of teeth in the mouth to thus achieve better stability of the palatal obturator and establish suitable phonation and mastication functions.

Trombosis de seno cavernoso causada por zigomicosis invasiva fulminante: A propósito de un caso / Cavernous sinus Thrombosis caused by fulminant invasive zygomycosis: A case report

Zygomycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by fungi of the Mucorales order. It’s potentially lethal infection which generally affects diabetic or inmunocomprised patients. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is uncommon complication. We report the case of a 67 year old woman with invasive zycomycosis who present cranial nerves dysfunction (III, IV, VI, V1 and V2 branches of the trigeminal nerve), proptosis and retroorbital pain as initial manifestation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging evidence early indirect signs. Biopsy of the cavernous sinus revealed Rhizopus as the offending agent. A high index of suspicion is needed to correctly diagnose this condition for its optimal management.

La zigomicosis es una infección oportunista y potencialmente letal producida por hongos del orden Mucorales. Afecta a pacientes diabéticos e inmunocomprometidos. La trombosis del seno cavernoso es una complicación poco frecuente. Presentamos el caso de una paciente mujer de 67 años diagnosticada de zigomicosis invasiva que debutó con compromiso de pares craneales (III, IV, VI además de las ramas V1 y V2 del nervio trigémino), proptosis y dolor retroorbitario derecho. La resonancia magnética craneal, en fase aguda, mostró signos indirectos característicos. La biopsia de seno cavernoso confirmó la presencia de Rhizopus. Se precisa un alto índice de sospecha clínica que favorezca una intervención terapéutica precoz y agresiva.

Zygomycosis as a Rare Cause of Surgical Site Infection: A Case Report and Review Literature

Zygomycosis is a rare invasive fungal infection seen most often in patients with haematological malignancies, particularly in the neutropenic phase[1]. Fungal infection causing surgical site infection is uncommon, of which yeast attributes predominant cause, followed by aspergillosis. But zygomycosis manifesting as the surgical site infection is still very rare entity. The treatment of zygomycosis is multimodal, and consists of surgical debridement, use of antifungal drugs and reversal of underlying risk factors, if possible. We report a case of zygomycosis presenting as post-caesarean surgical site infection.

Central nervous system mycosis: Analysis of 10 cases.

Aim: To describe the clinicopathological features in patients with fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) presenting as mass lesions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of records obtained from 10 patients was done with histopathologically confirmed fungal infections presenting as ICSOL, diagnosed in the department of pathology. Clinical features at presentation, findings of radiological investigations performed and histopathology were noted for each patient and subjected for analysis. Results: Infection was higher in males, and paranasal sinusitis was the most common predisposing factor. Location was intraparenchymal followed by sphenoid wing. Four dural-based lesions mimicked meningioma clinically. The most common fungus identified was zygomycosis (seven cases), followed by phaeohyphomycosis (two cases) and aspergillosis (one case). Conclusion: There is a rising trend of CNS mycosis, both in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Intracranial fungal granuloma may mimic radiologically as glioma or meningioma, therefore a high index of suspicion is needed to detect early CNS fungal infections, especially in immunocompetent young patients with no predisposing illness. Fungi should always be excluded in patients with inflammatory or granulomatous pathology of CNS.

Formas lipídicas de anfotericina / Lipid formulations of amphotericin

Amphotericin B deoxycholate use has increased during the past years in parallel with the increase in the number of immunosuppressed patients suffering invasive fungal infections. This drug is associated with a high rate of side effects, especially renal toxicity. Lipid formulations (liposomal, lipid complex, colloidal suspension and the Indian liposomal formulation) have been developed, which share the same antifungal spectrum but differ in efficacy and toxicity. A review of amphotericin lipid formulations is presented, focusing on differences in efficacy and, especially renal toxicity. The main problem for use of these formulations in Latin America is their highcost.

Dado el aumento en el número de pacientes inmunosuprimidos en los últimos años, el uso de anfotericina B desoxicolato también se incrementó debido a una mayor incidencia de las infecciones fúngicas invasoras en esta población. Este medicamento tiene una alta frecuencia de efectos adversos, especialmente nefrotoxicidad. Se han desarrollado modificaciones de la presentación de anfotericina B con el desarrollo de formas lipídicas (liposomal, complejo lipídico, suspensión coloidal y fórmula liposomal procedente de la India) que tienen el mismo espectro y con variaciones en su efectividad y toxicidad. Se presenta una revisión de las formas lipídicas de anfotericina, sus diferencias en efectividad y, especialmente, nefrotoxicidad. El principal problema para su implementación en América Latina es el alto costo de estas presentaciones.

Zigomicose rino facial: relato de caso / Rhino facial zygomycosis: case report

A zigomicose é uma doença invasiva, que acomete tanto imunocompetentes como imunocomprometidos, dependendo do tipo da cepa. O diagnóstico é clínico e histopatológico, e o tratamento é baseado em antifúngico e em limpeza cirúrgica. O presente relato de caso é sobre um menino com zigomicose rinofacial invasiva com tratamento final bem-sucedido, após terapias antifúngicas e limpezas cirúrgicas.

Zygomycosis is an invasive disease that affects both immunocompetent and immunocompromised, depending on the type of strain. This disease diagnosis is clinical and histopathological, and its treatment is based on antifungal therapy and surgical cleaning. This paper reports a case of a boy with invasive zygomycosis rinofacial who final treatment was successful after underwent antifungal and surgical therapies.

Utilização de três métodos imuno-histoquímicos na detecção de aspergilose e zigomicose em animais / Usage of three immunohistochemical methods in the detection of aspergillosis and zygomycosis in animals

Visando a otimização do uso da técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) na detecção de Aspergillus spp. e zigomicetos (membros da família Mucoraceae), utilizaram-se dois anticorpos monoclonais fungo-específicos em fragmentos de tecidos de animais (fixados em formol e embebidos em parafina) com diagnóstico histomorfológico prévio de aspergilose e zigomicose, os quais foram submetidos a três sistemas de detecção diferentes (dois biotinilados e um não biotinilado). Os dois anticorpos apresentaram alta especificidade e sensibilidade nos tecidos examinados. Não ocorreram reações cruzadas entre os anticorpos utilizados e os agentes etiológicos avaliados (incluindo casos de aspergilose, zigomicose, candidíase e pitiose). No entanto, reações inespecíficas foram observadas nas hifas em alguns casos, as quais puderam ser eliminadas através de um dos métodos de detecção utilizados. Para a aspergilose, o método da estreptavidina-biotina-fosfatase alcalina não apresentou reações inespecíficas nas hifas. Enquanto que nos casos de zigomicoses, as reações inespecíficas não ocorreram no método por polímero (não biotinilado). A técnica de IHQ mostrou-se uma ferramenta muito útil na detecção e confirmação dos casos de aspergilose e zigomicose neste estudo retrospectivo.

Aiming to optimize the usage of the immunohistochemical technique (IHC) in the detection of Aspergillus spp. and zygomycetes (members of the Mucoraceae family), two fungal-specific monoclonal antibodies were used in tissue fragments (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded), previously diagnosed by histomorphology as aspergillosis and zygomycosis. Tissues were submitted to three different detection systems (two biotinilated and one non biotinilated). Both antibodies showed high specificity and sensitivity in the examined tissues. No cross-reactions were observed between the antibodies used and the agents evaluated (including cases of aspergillosis, zygomycosis, candidiasis and pythiosis). However, nonspecific reactions in hyphae were observed in some cases, but were eliminated by mean of one of the detection systems used. In the aspergillosis cases, with the streptavidin-biotin-alkaline phosphatase method, nonspecific reactions were not observed. In the zygomycosis cases, nonspecific reactions did not occur using a polymer (nonbiotinilated). The IHC technique showed to be a useful tool detecting and confirming aspergillosis and zygomycosis in this retrospective study.

Frecuencia de ptthiosis cutánea en caballos de roducción en explotaciones Ganaaderas de córdoba, Colombia / Frequecy of cutaaneous pythiosis in dairy horses in farms of cordoba, Colomiia

La pythiosis cutánea equina es una enfermedad crónica, granulomatosa, pruriginosa y rápidamente progresiva, que ocurre en regiones con temperaturas que varían de clima templado a caliente (tropical y subtropical) y es causada por el oomiceto Pythium insidiosum. En la Costa Atlántica colombiana, la pythiosis se ve favorecida por las condiciones medioambientales y las inundaciones. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de presentación de pythiosis cutánea en caballos de producción en explotaciones ganaderas del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia. A tal fin, se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo entre los meses de noviembre (2012) y enero (2013); fueron evaluados clínica, epidemiológica e histopatológicamente 47 equinos con lesiones cutáneas granulomatosas compatibles con pythiosis, de un total de 175 equinos pertenecientes a siete explotaciones ganaderas ubicadas en zonas inundables de tres municipios del departamento de Córdoba. La frecuencia de la enfermedad fue de 26,9%. Las manifestaciones clínico-epidemiológicas, las características macroscópicas de las lesiones cutáneas y los hallazgos histopatológicos, indicaron una ocurrencia moderada de pythiosis cutánea en equinos de producción en explotaciones ganaderas de las zonas inundables de dicha zona colombiana.

The equine cutaneous pythiosis is a chronic, granulomatous, often pruriginous, rapidly progressive condition, caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum, and with occurrence in regions with temperatures ranging from temperate to hot (tropics and subtropics), as in the Colombian Atlantic Coast, where pythiosis is favored by environmental conditions and floods. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of cutaneous pythiosis in dairy horses of farms of the department of Cordoba, Colombia. We performed a prospective study in animals of convenience, between November of 2012 and January of 2013. We evaluated clinical, epidemiological and histopathologically 47 horses with granulomatous skin lesions compatible with pythiosis, from 175 equine belonging to 7 farms located in flood zones of 3 municipalities of the department of Cordoba, Colombia. The frequency of occurrence of equine cutaneous pythiosis in farms of Cordoba department, was 26.9%. It is concluded that clinical and epidemiological manifestations, macroscopic characteristics of the skin lesions and pathological findings, show a median pythiosis presence of equine dermal in 7 farms located in flood zones of the department of Cordoba, Colombia.

Neonatal Zygomycosis with Gastric Perforation.

Zygomycosis is a rare infection in neonates. The clinical presentation is non-specific and diagnosis most often is made at autopsy. Surgical debridement performed early improves survival. We report a case of neonatal zygomycosis with gastric perforation.

Rhizomucor variabilis : A rare causative agent of primary cutaneous zygomycosis.

Rhizomucor variabilis is a rare cause of human infections. We report a case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis in an immunocompetent host. Although microscopy reveals the fungal aetiology, the need for species identification is highlighted to better understand the species and establish an epidemiological pattern as it is reported from restricted geographical locations.