Outbreak of avian aspergillosis in colonial-bred chicks (Isa Brown) in southern Rio Grande do Sul - case report / [Surto de aspergilose aviária em pintainhas (Isa Brown) de criação colonial na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul - relato de caso]

In this study we describe the epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathology of an outbreak of avian aspergillosis in alternative breeding in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Between the fifth and tenth day of life, 360 chicks from a flock of 4000 developed unspecific clinical signs and died. The birds were housed in a reused aviary litter, without previous treatment. In 11 six-day-old female ISA Brown chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus), necropsy revealed firm, yellowish-white, multinodular lesions extending from the pleura to the lung parenchyma. Histologically, a granulomatous, multifocal to coalescent pneumonia was observed. Granulomas were characterized by central necrosis, with heterophil and epithelioid macrophage infiltration and presence of countless Y-shaped intralesional septate hyphae morphologically compatible with Aspergillus spp. The diagnosis through isolation confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus. We highlight the importance of aspergillosis as a primary cause of diseases in the respiratory tract of young birds in alternative breeding. Measures to prevent aspergillosis mainly regarding the reuse of aviary litter are essential in poultry husbandry to prevent economic losses, reduce environmental contamination and mitigate the potential risk to public health.(AU)

Descrevem-se os aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de um surto de aspergilose aviária em criação alternativa na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. De um lote de 4000 pintainhas, entre o quinto e o 10º dia de vida, 360 aves apresentaram sinais clínicos inespecíficos e morreram. As aves foram alojadas em cama reutilizada do aviário, sem tratamento prévio. Na necropsia de 11 pintainhas (Gallus gallus domesticus), fêmeas, seis dias de idade da linhagem Isa Brown, foram observadas no pulmão lesões multinodulares, branco-amareladas e firmes, que se estendiam da pleura ao parênquima. Histologicamente foi observada pneumonia granulomatosa, multifocal a coalescente. Os granulomas eram caracterizados por necrose central, com infiltrado inflamatório de heterófilos, macrófagos, células epitelioides com presença de inúmeras hifas septadas intralesionais, semelhantes à letra "Y", morfologicamente compatíveis com Aspergillus spp. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelo isolamento de Aspergillus fumigatus. Alerta-se para a importância da aspergilose como causa primária de afecções no trato respiratório de aves jovens em criações alternativas. Medidas preventivas relacionadas ao manejo dessas aves são indispensáveis principalmente quanto à reutilização da cama dos aviários, a fim de evitar perdas econômicas, reduzir a contaminação ambiental e o potencial risco à saúde pública.(AU)

Agentes comunes en las aspergilosis humanas: conceptos primarios en la diferenciación de sus complejos de especies / Common agent in human aspergillosis: primary concepts in their complex species differentiation

Las especies del género Aspergillus P.Micheli ex Haller, son consideradas como importantes organismos integrantes de la microbiota en distintos tipos de suelos en todas las latitudes. Presentan grandes capacidades fermentativas industriales, son agentes comunes en microbiología de alimentos, grandes biodescomponedores junto a las bacterias, contaminantes de productos agrícolas y de importancia en salud humana y animal. El género se asocia a 9 o más teleomorfos, formando un clado monofilético estrechamente relacionado con el género Penicillium. Debido al elevado número de especies, su dinámica taxonómica y sus frecuentes cambios en la nomenclatura, han complicado a menudo al investigador en algún campo de la biología, en especial cuando éste guarda relación con la industria o la medicina. Estos hongos productores de grandes cantidad de esporas secas de dispersión aérea, constituyen una fuente constante de exposición para los humanos, especialmente en los ambientes internos. Si bien es cierto, que los integrantes del género Aspergillus (en especial A. fumigatus) pueden causar un amplio espectro de enfermedades invasoras o no invasoras, la incidencia de otras especies del género reportadas en la literatura como agentes de aspergilosis, ha aumentado y complicado el trabajo taxonómico, genético y clínico en los últimos decenios. La presente revisión abarca el tema desde un punto de vista primario que incluye básicamente la morfofisiología de 34 especies involucradas en diversos casos clínicos geográficamente dispersos en todos los continentes. Se destacan algunos aspectos taxonómicos, ecológicos, patológicos, moleculares y el empleo de cultivos comunes en el diagnóstico en 3 de los subgéneros más frecuentes en clínica (Fumigati, Circumdati y Nidulantes) y 7 de sus secciones: Fumigati, Clavati, Nigri, Flavi, Terrei, Nidulantes y Usti...

Species of the genus Aspergillus P.Micheli ex Haller, are considered important members of the organisms of mycrobiota in different tipes of soils in all latitudes. They prsent large industrial fermentative capacity, are common agents in food microbiology, major biodeterioration agents with bacteria, contaminants in agricultural products, and important in human and animal health. The genus is associated with 9 or more teleomorphs, forming a monophyletic clade closely related to the genus Penicillium. Due to the high number of species, their taxonomic dynamic and frequent changes in nomenclature have often complicated the researcher in any field of biology, especially when related to industry or medicine. These fungi producing large amount of dry spores of aerial dispersion, and they are a constant source of exposure for humans, especially in indoor environments. While it is true, that members of the genus Aspergillus (especially A. fumigatus) can cause a wide spectrum invasive or non-invasive disease, the incidence of other species of the genus reported in the literature as agents of aspergillosis has increased and complicated the taxonomic, genetic and clinical work in recent decades. The present review covers the topic from a primary morphophysiology view and basically includes 34 species involved in various clinical cases geographically dispersed in all continents. It highlights some taxonomic, ecological, pathological and molecular aspects and the use of common culture media in the diagnosis in 3 of the most common clinical subgenera (Fumigati, Circumdati and Nidulantes) and 7 sections: Fumigati, Clavati, Nigri, Flavi, Terrei, Nidulantes and Usti...

Progression of hepatic aspergillosis following second renal transplantation in a patient with recurrent glomerulonephritis.

Invasive aspergillosis is a serious complication in renal transplant recipients. Hepatic involvement, although seen in liver transplant recipients, has not been reported following renal transplantation. We describe here an interesting occurrence of hepatic Aspergillus infection in a renal transplant recipient. The infection responded to anti-fungal therapy, but there was re-activation following a second renal transplant. In addition, the patient had recurrence of the underlying membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis following both transplants. The relevant existing literature relating to these problems has been reviewed.

Ocular mycosis at a referral center in Saudi Arabia: a 20-year study

To review the clinical experience of fungal keratitis cases at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital [KKESH] in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Retrospective observational review and analysis of 124 patient charts with confirmed diagnosis of fungal keratitis between 1984 and 2004. One hundred and twenty four eyes of 124 patients had proven fungal infection; 101 eyes had fungal keratitis and 23 eyes had fungal endophthalmitis complicating keratitis. Estimated proportion of fungal keratitis and endophthalmitis was 10.3%. Mean age was 55 years with male predominance [79.0%]. Commonly associated factors were previous intraocular surgery [38.7%] and trauma [20.9%]. Major risk factor for progressing to endophthalmitis was previous intraocular surgery [65.2%], p < 0.001. Initial laboratory results were fungal positive only in 30.6% [p < 0.001]. Commonest organisms isolated were Aspergillus spp. [29.8%] followed by Trichophyton sp. [16.1%], then Candida and Fusarium sp. Comparison of both phases of the study showed improvement in the rate of successfully treated cases from 34.6% to 58.3%, and a decline in cases progressing to endophthalmitis from 25.0% to 13.9%. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty increased from 26.9% to 73.6% [p < 0.001]. Thirteen eyes required enucleation or evisceration. In contrast to other studies on fungal keratitis, Aspergillus spp. and Trichophyton sp. were the most commonly isolated fungal pathogens; the former carries the worst prognosis. Risk factors included previous intraocular surgery and trauma. Poor outcome was associated with Aspergillus spp., delayed presentation, previous intraocular surgery and late surgical intervention. This study recommends early surgical intervention to improve the outcome

Prevalence of Aspergillus species in clinical samples isolated in an Indian tertiary care hospital.

CONTEXT (BACKGROUND): In recent times, it has become important to determine the prevalence of different Aspergillus species in clinical samples in view of difference in antifungal susceptibility noted in some species. AIMS: To determine the species prevalence of Aspergillus isolates in various clinical samples received in the Mycology Laboratory at our institute. METHOD: Over a period of 4-years, a total of 18,731 samples were processed, and species identification carried out by standard microbiological methods. RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty six samples (2.43%) were culture positive for Aspergillus species. A.flavus (46.93%) was the most common isolate, followed by A.fumigatus (37.72%) and A.niger (15.35%). It was observed that A.fumigatus was the predominant species isolated from blood and respiratory specimens, A.flavus was predominantly isolated from nasal polyps whereas A.niger predominated in nail specimens. Culture positivity was highest in the age group 12-65 years and in males. Sixty-nine patients (15.13%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the diverse manifestations caused by Aspergillus species in human beings and also throws light on the different species prevalent locally. The knowledge would prove useful in selecting empirical antifungal therapy and formulating prophylactic and pre-emptive strategies.

Reproductive tract infections among married women in Upper Egypt

In a house-to-house survey using cluster sampling, 1344 married women from urban and rural areas of Upper Egypt [Minia, Assiut and Sohag] were interviewed and examined to study the magnitude and determinants of reproductive tract infections. Overall prevalence was found to be 52.8%, with the most prevalent forms being Candida albicans [28.0%], Trichomonas vaginalis [8.7%], Aspergillus species [7.4%], streptococci [4.6%] and Chlamydia trachomatis [4.2%]. Multivariate analysis identified certain groups of women at high risk of developing reproductive tract infections [those currently using an intrauterine device, those who regularly practised internal vaginal washing]. Discriminant analysis showed that symptoms were of low discriminating value. There is a great need to increase community and women's understanding of reproductive tract infections

Role of aspergillus species in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma in paediatrics

As understanding of the inflammatory nature of asthma increases, so does our ability to treat asthma. The fine tuned management of asthma requires awareness and the ability to control these other factors. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is not just an associated condition that may make asthma worse but it is also a complication of asthma and can be confused with asthma. This study included 25 asthmatic children who suffer sever interactable asthma, their ages ranged from 4-13 years [mean=8.0 +/- 3.5]. They were fourteen males [56%] and eleven females [44%]. All gave [+ve] skin test to aspergillus mix extract. Their total Ig[E] was very high with mean value [505.2] I. U. /ml] which ranged from [44 to 8950 I.U./ ml]; and absolute eosinophllic count mean value was [573 +/- 83/ml]. The atopic ones were 76% and 80% gave positive family history of allergy. Their X-Ray findings showed heavy infilterates and tendancy to central destruction in most of them. While their course of the disease was very progressive and interactable, they only improved on corticosteroid therapy. The specific Ig[E] against Aspergillus fumigatus gave [-ve] results. We found positive cultures for Fungi in Sputum of 25 asthmatics, they were Aspergillus niger [52%], Aspergillus flavus [12%], Aspergillus fumigtus [4%], Candida [36%] and Penicillium [24%] while 20% showed no growth. While the 10 normal controls showed Asp. niger [20%], Candida [40%], Penicillium [10%], and the rest [30%], showed no growth. We conclude that Aspergillosis could affect asthmatic children as well as adults and needs full accurate investigation as well as steroids therapy; when suspicious interactable course noticed in them

Otomycosis in Sao Paulo

Em vista da escassez de publicacoes sobre otomicoses no Brasil, foi projetada uma pesquisa para conhecer a incidencia, caracteristicas clinicas, fatores predisponentes e agentes etiologicos da micose. Durante um ano, 22 casos suspeitos foram estudados, 20 dos quais corresponderam a otomicoses. As especies mais frequentemente isoladas foram Aspergillus niger (35 por cento) e Candida albicans (20 por cento). O genero Aspergillus representou 75 por cento dos isolamentos. Os sinais clinicos mais comuns foram prurido e hiperemia (70 por cento), otalgia (65 por cento), hipoacusia (50 por cento). Falta de cerumen (70 por cento), otite cronica (30 por cento), antibioticoterapia previa e eczema (25 por cento) foram os fatores predisponentes mais relevantes.

Mycotic keratitis in Madras.

Corneal scrapings from 698 clinically suspected cases of mycotic keratitis were investigated for evidence of fungal infection. Of these, 322 were found to be positive by direct examination and/or culture. The infection was predominantly seen in the age group 21-50. Men were more frequently affected than women. Majority of the patients were either agricultural workers or out door manual labourers and 66.8% of them gave a definite history of antecedent corneal trauma due to vegetable or soil matter. Asperyllus flavus was the commonest causal agent isolated from 55 cases (17.1%), followed by A. niger (13.7%), A. fumigatus (10.9%), A. terreus (1.2%), A. glaucus (0.9%), and Pseudoallescheria boydii (0.6%). The order of occurrence of the genera of fungi isolated was Aspergillus, Acremonium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Candida, Syncephalastrum, Penicillium, Aureobasidium, Drechslera, Cladosporium, Rhizopus, Alternaria, Mucor, Pseudoallecheria and lastly Paecilomyces and Trichoderma from one case each.

Informe sobre micosis profundas / Report of deep mycosis profundas

A partir de 1980, se estudiaron 73 enfermos con micosis profundas en un Servicio de Dermatología de la ciudad de Santa Fe conjuntamente con la sección Micología de la Cátedra de Prácticas Finales de La Facultad de Bioquimica de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Hubo 44 pacientes con paracoccidioidomicosis, de los cuales uno presentó la forma clínica juvenil, los restantes tuvieron la forma crónica tipo adulto. Se observaron 12 enfermos con aspergilosis cavitaria, todos tuberculosos inactivos, menos uno en que persistía actividad bacilar. De los 5 casos histoplasmosis, 4 fueron formas clínicas pulmonares crónicas y el restante diseminada crónica. Atendimos 9 pacientes con esporotricosis; de ellos 8 acusaron formas cutáneo-linfáticas y 1 cutáneo fija. Diagnosticamos un caso de micetoma maduromicótico, otro caso de actinomicosis geniana y una candidiasis invasiva en una paciente diabética. Hemos observado que un porcentaje elevado de enfermos no concluyó el tratamiento y faltó al control prefijado. Esto demuestra la necesidad de implementar programas de detección y control de micosis profundas en áreas endémicas en Argentina, como los desarrollados en tuberculosis y lepra