Micosis en tiempos de COVID-19 / Mycosis in times of COVID-19

El brote mundial del SARS-CoV-2, descrito a partir del 2019, provocó la pandemia de COVID-19, originando un riesgo para la salud de las personas, una amenaza a la vida y una emergencia de salud pública internacional, que hasta Julio del 2021 no se ha logrado controlar. La coinfección en estos pacientes, por virus, bacterias y hongos, aumenta la dificultad de diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad. Es importante profundizar los conocimientos sobre el virus SARS-CoV-2 y las coinfecciones que podrían presentarse, en particular, en pacientes con COVID-19 que presentan micosis. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es, determinar la importancia de las micosis, como enfermedad oportunista, en pacientes con COVID-19. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistemática, en la base de datos "PubMed-NCBI". Se utilizaron las palabras claves: "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "Coronavirus", "COVID-19 and coinfection", "Mycosis", "Aspergillus spp.", "Candida spp.", "COVID-19 and Aspergillus spp.", "COVID-19 and Candida spp.". Del análisis de la bibliografía, se concluye la importancia de las micosis respiratorias, originadas por diversos hongos en pacientes con COVID-19. Hay poca información del manejo de estas, siendo necesario fortalecer la investigación de la coinfección, para así, mejorar los flujogramas de sospecha clínica, contribuyendo a diagnósticos, tratamientos precisos y fomentar la prevención frente a esta pandemia.

The global outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, described as of 2019 whose expansion caused the COVID-19 pandemic, has created a risk to people's health, presenting itself as a threat to life and an international public health emergency, which to the date cannot be controlled. Coinfection in these patients, by viruses, bacteria and fungi, increases the difficulty of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the disease. It's important to deepen the knowledge about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the co-infections that could occur, in particular, in patients with COVID-19 who present with mycosis. The objective of this bibliographic review is to determine the importance of mycosis, as an opportunistic disease, in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. A systematic bibliographic review was carried out in the "PubMed-NCBI" database, using the keywords and / or headings: "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "Coronavirus", "COVID-19 and coinfection" ,"Mycosis", "Aspergillus spp.", "Candida spp." COVID-19 and Aspergillus spp.", "COVID-19 and Candida spp.". From the analysis of the literature, one can conclude the importance of respiratory mycoses, caused by various fungal pathogens in patients with COVID-19. The disease was described in 2019 and there is few a information on cases and their management, making it necessary to strengthen the investigation of coinfection in these patients, in order to improve the flow charts of clinical suspicion, contributing to diagnoses, accurate treatments and promoting prevention against to this pandemic.

Perfil das infecções fúngicas em pacientes transplantados renais / Profile of fungal infectios in renal transplantes patients

O transplante renal é uma alternativa eficaz como tratamento da Doença Renal Crônica, dado seu custo efetividade e o aumento na sobrevida dos pacientes. Os imunossupressores também garantem maior sobrevida do enxerto, porém tornam o receptor susceptível a infecções, como as fúngicas. O objetivo do estudo foi conhecer as infecções fúngicas de pacientes da enfermaria de transplante renal do Hospital de Referência do Maranhão, através de pesquisa dos prontuários destes com diagnóstico de micose entre 2014 a 2018. Foram encontrados 9 casos, 5 de criptococose, 2 de aspergilose e 2 de candidíase, sendo 6 pacientes homems e 3 mulheres; 5 receptores de doadores vivos e 4, doadores falecidos. Em 7 casos, a terapia de imunossupressão prescrita foi metilprednisolona e basiliximab, e em 2 casos, timoglobulina. O exame diagnóstico foi o micológico direto em 6 casos e endoscopia digestiva alta, biópsia de pele e exame clínico em 1 caso cada. As espécies isoladas foram Cryptococcus sp. (3), C. neoformans (2), Aspergillus sp. (2), Candida tropicalis, C. krusei (1) e C. albicans (1). Excetuando-se um caso de candidíase tratado com fluconazol e um caso com a forma desoxicolato, todos os outros foram tratados com anfotericina B lipídica e fluconazol como manutenção. Sete casos tiveram a cura como desfecho, e 2 o óbito. Percebe-se a importância do estudo dessas infecções, o olhar cuidadoso em relação as mesmas e a atuação do farmacêutico para monitorização da farmacoterapia, para maior segurança do paciente. (AU)

Renal transplantation has been an effective alternative as the treatment of Chronic Renal Disease, due to its cost effectiveness and the increase of the patients' survival. Immunosuppressants also ensure the longer survival of the graft, but make the recipient susceptible to infections, such as fungi. The objective of the study was to know as the main fungal infections of patients with transplant renal disease at the Reference Hospital of Maranhão, through the study of the medical records of patients diagnosed with fungal infection in the period from 2014 to 2018. There were 9 cases, cryptococcosis, 2 aspergillosis and 2 per candidiasis, 6 male and 3 female patients, 5 live donor recipients and 4 deceased donors. In 7 cases, a prescribed immunosuppressive therapy was methylprednisolone and basiliximab, and in 2 cases thymoglobulin. The clinical examination was done in 6 cases and upper digestive endoscopy, skin biopsy and clinical examination in 1 case each. The species were Cryptococcus sp. (3), C. neoformans (2), Aspergillus sp. (2), Candida tropicalis, C. krusei (1) and C. albicans (1). Except for one case of candidacy treated with fluconazole and one case with a deoxycholate form, all others were treated with amphotericin B lipid complex and fluconazole as maintenance. Seven cases had a cure as an outcome, and 2 a death. It was noticed the importance of the study of these infections, the careful look at them and the pharmacist's performance to monitor pharmacotherapy, for greater patient safety. (AU)

Euterpe oleracea Mart. inhibits virulence factors of Aspergillus fumigatus.

Aim:Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí) presents organic compounds with different pharmacological properties. The aim was to evaluate the bioactivity of the açaí extract on the virulence factors of two strains of Aspergillus fumigatus on abiotic surfaces. Methods: The adhrence and biofilm removal activities of was analyzed by adding 3 ml of the prepared dilutions of the tube extract containing the fragments with adhered fungal structures and formed biofilm. Results: The extract of Euterpe oleraceae Mart. presented adherence and biofilm removal properties of AFAR and AF4091 on abiotic surfaces. Conclusion: The strains were able to adhere and form biofilm on the abiotic surface and Euterpe oleracea Mart. was able to remove the adhered structures and biofilm on the abiotic surfaces.

Immunocytochemical and Ultrastructural Evidence Supporting That Andes Hantavirus (ANDV) Is Transmitted Person-to-Person Through the Respiratory and/or Salivary Pathways.

In South America Andes hantavirus (ANDV) is hosted by the rodent Oligoryzomys longicaudatus (also known as pygmy rice rat). In humans, ANDV causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), with a fatality rate of about 40%. Epidemiologic and molecular evidence has shown that ANDV can be transmitted from person to person. Sin Nombre hantavirus, occurring in North America, and ANDV are genetically related, and both cause HPS with similar clinical evolution and mortality rate. However, only ANDV is transmitted from person to person. A recent hantavirus outbreak in a small village in Southern Argentine, with 29 HPS cases and 11 deaths has brought to mind that person-to-person transmission continues to be a public health emergency. The present investigation was aimed to understand how does ANDV actually spread between persons. Tissue samples of lung and salivary glands from infected Oligoryzomys longicaudatus and lethal cases of human HPS were investigated by bright field immunocytochemistry, multichannel immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. The findings are consistent with ANDV infection and replication in the lung alveolar epithelium and macrophages, and in the secretory cells of the submandibular salivary glands. In the lung of infected Oligoryzomys longicaudatus and human cases HPS, the bulk of immunoreactive hantavirus antigens was localized in epithelial cells of the alveolar walls and macrophages. The ultrastructural study supports that in the lung of HPS patients the virus replicates in the alveolar epithelial cells with virus particles being discharged into the alveolar lumen. Virus-like particles were seen within vacuoles of the lung macrophages. Considering that these macrophages can reach the conductive segments of the airways, their expectoration becomes a deadly bullet for ANDV transmission. In the submandibular glands of infected rodents and HPS cases, ANDV antigens were in capillary endothelium, the secretory cells and filling the lumen of the excretory pathway. It is proposed that in patients with HPS caused by ANDV the alveolar epithelium and macrophages would be the gate for the airway spreading of the virus, while the salivary glands are a target for virus replication and an exit pathway through saliva.

IgE serum concentration against airborne fungi in children with respiratory allergies.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate total and specific E immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody concentrations in underage subjects with respiratory allergic diseases. METHODS: This study was a transversal-type study in 100 underage subjects between 4 and 14 years old, with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Total and specific IgE were quantified for airborne fungi in the city of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Five distinct regions-North, South, Center, East and West-were selected so fungi could be collected monthly for 1 year. Twenty genera were identified. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Neurospora were selected for the preparation of sensitizing antigens from ELISA dishes. IgE total concentrations were estimated using the same method. RESULTS: IgE total serum concentration was increased in 97 % of the atopic subjects: 75 % of the subjects presented increased IgE anti-Aspergillus concentrations, 87 % presented IgE anti-Penicillium, 45 % presented IgE anti-Fusarium, and 46 % presented IgE anti-Neurospora. CONCLUSIONS: Atopic subjects presented simultaneous IgE total and specific elevations for the tested fungi, possibly due to polysensitization caused by the presence of fungi in all of the areas all year. However, determining the clinical significance of the results was not yet possible because most of the data were isolated variables.

Un caso de queratitis micótica por Fusarium solani en Valdivia, Chile / A case of mycotic keratitis due to Fusarium solani in Valdivia, Chile

Antecedentes: La queratitis micótica es una de las principales infecciones oculares. Se necesita un tratamiento específico que depende de la naturaleza del microorganismo infectante. Su pronóstico suele ser grave y depende de un diagnóstico precoz y una terapia adecuada. Caso clínico: Se describe un caso clínico de queratitis por Fusarium solani en un paciente procedente de un área rural, afectado entre mayo y octubre de 2011 por un traumatismo corneal causado por partículas de polvo en Valdivia, Chile. El examen directo del raspado corneal reveló, en dos ocasiones, la presencia de abundantes hifas septadas. Todos los cultivos fueron positivos para el mismo hongo, que fue identificado como Fusarium solani mediante técnicas fenotípicas y secuenciación de los genes nucleares ribosomales. El paciente fue tratado inicialmente con anfotericina B, y después, con voriconazol oral e intravenoso, tratamiento al que respondió exitosamente, aunque la opacidad corneal persistió. Conclusiones: Aun cuando las queratomicosis en Chile son poco frecuentes, deben tomarse en consideración sus particularidades diagnósticas para poder instaurar el tratamiento más eficaz. Así, se hace indispensable la rápida visualización del hongo en la lesión, un eficiente aislamiento del agente etiológico en cultivo y una rápida identificación, lo que para el caso particular de las especies del género Fusarium requiere el empleo de técnicas moleculares de secuenciación (AU)

Background: Keratomycosis is one of the most prevalent ophthalmic infections, which needs a specific treatment depending on the nature of the infecting fungus. The prognosis is usually severe and depends on an early diagnosis and suitable therapy. Case report: We describe a case of keratitis due to Fusarium solani in a patient from a rural area, who, between May and October 2011, suffered a corneal trauma caused by dust particles in Valdivia, Chile. On two occasions, direct examination of eye scrapes revealed abundant septate hyphae. All cultures were positive for the same fungus, which was identified as Fusarium solani by phenotypic characterization and sequencing of ribosomal nuclear genes. The patient was initially treated with amphotericin B and afterwards successfully responded to a treatment with oral and intravenous voriconazole, although corneal opacity persisted. Conclusions: Although keratomycosis in Chile is rare, its diagnostic particularities must be taken into consideration to establish the most effective treatment. Thus, a rapid visualization of the fungus in the lesion, an efficient isolation of the etiologic agent in pure culture is essential, as well as its rapid identification, which requires the use of molecular sequencing techniques in the case of Fusarium species (AU)

Chemical Characterization and Anti-Oomycete Activity of Laureliopsis philippianna Essential Oils against Saprolegnia parasitica and S. australis.

Laureliopsis philippiana (Looser) R. Schodde (Monimiaceae) is a native tree widespread in the forest areas in the south of Chile and Argentina, known for its medicinal properties and excellent wood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of L. philippiana leaf and bark essential oils (EOs) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and to quantify its anti-oomycete activity, specifically against Saprolegnia parasitica and S. australis. Only six components were identified in leaf EO, 96.92% of which are phenylpropanoids and 3.08% are terpenes. As for bark EO, 29 components were identified, representing 67.61% for phenylpropanoids and 32.39% for terpenes. Leaf EO was characterized mainly by safrole (96.92%) and ß-phellandrene (1.80%). Bark EO was characterized mainly by isosafrole (30.07%), safrole (24.41%), eucalyptol (13.89%), methyleugenol (7.12%), and eugenol (6.01%). Bark EO has the most promising anti-Saprolegnia activity, with a minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value of 30.0 µg/mL against mycelia growth and a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) value of 50.0 µg/mL against spores; for leaf EO, the MIC and MFC values are 100 and 125 µg/mL, respectively. These findings demonstrate that bark EO has potential to be developed as a remedy for the control of Saprolegnia spp. in aquaculture.

[A case of mycotic keratitis due to Fusarium solani in Valdivia, Chile]. / Un caso de queratitis micótica por Fusarium solani en Valdivia, Chile.

BACKGROUND: Keratomycosis is one of the most prevalent ophthalmic infections, which needs a specific treatment depending on the nature of the infecting fungus. The prognosis is usually severe and depends on an early diagnosis and suitable therapy. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of keratitis due to Fusarium solani in a patient from a rural area, who, between May and October 2011, suffered a corneal trauma caused by dust particles in Valdivia, Chile. On two occasions, direct examination of eye scrapes revealed abundant septate hyphae. All cultures were positive for the same fungus, which was identified as Fusarium solani by phenotypic characterization and sequencing of ribosomal nuclear genes. The patient was initially treated with amphotericin B and afterwards successfully responded to a treatment with oral and intravenous voriconazole, although corneal opacity persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Although keratomycosis in Chile is rare, its diagnostic particularities must be taken into consideration to establish the most effective treatment. Thus, a rapid visualization of the fungus in the lesion, an efficient isolation of the etiologic agent in pure culture is essential, as well as its rapid identification, which requires the use of molecular sequencing techniques in the case of Fusarium species.

Respiratory allergy to airborne fungi in São Luís--MA: clinical aspects and levels of IgE in a structured asthma program.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory allergies are becoming increasingly frequent, especially based on studies of asthma and rhinitis. It is estimated that 20-30% of the world's population is affected. Allergic reactions are caused by the production of IgE antibodies specific to inhaled allergens, such as fungi in the air. This study aimed to analyze the level of specific IgE against airborne fungi in patients with a clinical diagnosis of asthma and rhinitis/sinusitis. METHODS: In total, 158 patients enrolled in the Program of Support for Asthmatic Patient, and 20 controls were studied. Clinical data from the period of 2007-2008 were surveyed using a protocol form. ELISAs were performed to quantify the levels of total and specific IgE. RESULTS: Of the 158 patients diagnosed with asthma, 71 had rhinitis and 32 had sinusitis. There was a predominance of females and residents of urban areas. The main symptoms reported were dyspnea, cough, wheezing and nasal obstruction. There was a statistically significant relationship between dyspnea and seropositivity for Fusarium (p = 0.01) and Penicillium (p = 0.005) and between cough and seropositivity for Aspergillus (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Penicillium (79.7%) and anti-Fusarium IgE (77.8%) were found to have the highest prevalence of seropositivity in individuals with asthma and rhinitis/sinusitis. Sensitivity to fungi was higher in symptomatic individuals. The identification of environmental fungi is essential for the diagnosis of respiratory allergy.

Avaliação da resposta IgE para o entendimento do papel de fungos do ar na alergia respiratória em crianças / Evaluation of IgE responses for a better understanding of the role of airborne fungi in respiratory allergy in children

Este estudo realizou-se na cidade de São Luis, Maranhão, com a finalidade de investigar possível relação entre alergia respiratória e elevação sérica de IgE total e IgE específica para fungos isolados de ambientes externos. Métodos: Fizeram parte deste estudo 98 crianças com diagnóstico clínico de asma e/ou rinite alérgica, com idades entre 4 e 12 anos, sendo 65(66,3%) do sexo masculino e 33 (33,7%) do sexo feminino. Quantificaram-se no soro dessas crianças os níveis de IgE total e IgE específica para Aspergillus spp e Penicillium spp, pelo método de ELISA. Resultados: IgE total foi detectada em 95 crianças (96,9%); 73 (74,5%) apresentaram níveis detectáveis de IgE anti-Aspergillus spp e 85 (86,7%) de IgE anti-Penicillium spp. Não houve significância estatística quando foram correlacionados níveis de IgE total, sexo e área de residência das crianças estudadas (p = 0,88). Na correlação entre IgE total e faixa etária verificou-se distribuição não normal dos dados, com destaque à faixa etária de 11 anos, onde os níveis deIgE total foram mais elevados (Teste de Shapiro p < 0,05). Não houve correlação entre IgE anti-Aspergilluse IgE anti-Penicillium com idade, sexo e área de residência. Conclusão: Anticorpos IgE contra os fungos estudados possivelmente fazem parte de uma polissensibilização, já que os fungos estão presentes em todas as áreas e durante todo o ano na cidade de São Luis, Maranhão, Brasil. Serão necessários mais estudos para o entendimento da alergia respiratória por fungos do ar em São Luis, Maranhão...

The present study was carried out in the city of São Luís, capital of the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil, with the aim of investigating a possible relationship between respiratory allergies and high serum levels of total IgE and specific IgE for fungi isolated in outdoor environments. Methods: The study included 98 children with a clinical diagnosis of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis, aged 4 to 12 years. Sixty-five (66.3%) were male and 33 (33.7%) female. Total IgE, Aspergillus spp-specific IgE, and Penicillium spp-specific IgE were quantified in the serum of the children using the ELISA method. Results: Total IgE was detected in 95 children (96.9%). Seventy-three (74.5%) showed detectable levels of Aspergillus spp-specific IgE, and 85 (86.7%), of Penicillium spp-specific IgE. There was no significant correlation between total IgE levels, sex, and area of residence among the children assessed (p = 0.88). When assessing the correlation between total IgE levels and age, data were found to have a non-normal distribution, especially in the 11-year old age group, where total IgE levels were higher than in the other ages (Shapiro test, p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation of Aspergillus spp- and Penicillium spp-specific IgE with age, gender, and area of residence. Conclusion: IgE antibodies against the fungi investigated are possibly a part of polysensitization, as these fungi are present in all areas and throughout the year in the city investigated. Further studies are necessary for a better understanding of the role played by fungal sensitization in respiratory allergy in São Luís, Maranhão...

Antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate extract and essential oil from bark of Laurelia sempervirens against multiresistant bacteria / Actividad antimicrobiana del extracto acetato de etilo y aceite esencial de corteza de Laurelia sempervirens contra bacterias multirresistentes

Context: Laurelia sempervirens (R. et P.) Tul., is an evergreen tree that growths in southern Chile, its leaves and bark are used in folk medicine as an infusion. Objective: The antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and ethyl acetate extract obtained from the bark of Laurelia sempervirens were investigated. Materials and methods: Ethyl acetate extract and essential oil were analyzed by GC- mass and the antimicrobial activity was investigated against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Results: The extract and essential oil showed a strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumanii, a relevant world nosocomial pathogen Discussion and conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the ethyl acetate extract and essential oil of L.sempervirens bark have excellent antimicrobial activities and thus have great potential as a source for natural health products.

Contexto: Laurelia sempervirens (R. et P.) Tul., es un árbol de hoja perenne que crece en el sur de Chile, sus hojas y corteza se utilizan en medicina popular como infusión. Objetivo: Investigar la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial y el extracto de acetato de etilo obtenido de la corteza de Laurelia sempervirens. Materiales y métodos: El extracto de acetato de etilo y el aceite esencial se analizaron por GC-masa y la actividad antimicrobiana se analizó contra bacterias gram positivas y gram negativas. Resultados: El extracto y aceite esencial evidenció una fuerte actividad antimicrobiana frente a la bacteria, Acinetobacter baumanii patógeno que causa infecciones nosocomiales de relevancia mundial. Discusión y conclusiones: Estos hallazgos demuestran que el extracto de acetato de etilo y aceite esencial de corteza de L.sempervirens tienen excelentes actividades antimicrobianas y por lo tanto tienen un gran potencial como fuente de productos naturales para la salud.

Un nuevo caso clínico de rinosporidiosis en Chile / A new case of rhinosporidiosis in Chile

Antecedentes. La rinosporidiosis es una afección no contagiosa, granulomatosa crónica con desarrollo de pólipos, fundamentalmente nasales, altamente vascularizados que sangran con facilidad. Objetivos. La exposición del caso de un joven de 14 años de edad que presentaba obstrucción y lesión en la fosa nasal derecha de forma polipoidea y de aspecto aframbuesado. Métodos. Se realizó una resección quirúrgica amplia de la base de la lesión y posteriormente se efectuó el procesamiento histopatológico estándar y el análisis microscópico con tinción de hematoxilina-eosina y Grocott. Resultados y conclusiones. El informe histopatológico indicó que el pólipo inflamatorio crónico era compatible con rinosporidiosis(AU)

Background. Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic, granulomatous, and non-contagious infection, in which highly vascularized polyps (mainly present in the nasal cavity) appear. These polyps usually bleed easily. Aims. To present the case of a 14 year-old male suffering from an obstruction and injury of the right nostril due to a polypoid shaped-lesion with a raspberry-like appearance. Methods. A wide surgery resection of the base of the lesion was performed, as well as a standard histopathology procedure, including microscopic analysis with haematoxylin-eosin and Grocott staining. Results and conclusions. The histopathology report indicated that the chronic inflammatory polyp was compatible with rhinosporidiosis(AU)

[A new case of rhinosporidiosis in Chile]. / Un nuevo caso clínico de rinosporidiosis en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic, granulomatous, and non-contagious infection, in which highly vascularized polyps (mainly present in the nasal cavity) appear. These polyps usually bleed easily. AIMS: To present the case of a 14 year-old male suffering from an obstruction and injury of the right nostril due to a polypoid shaped-lesion with a raspberry-like appearance. METHODS: A wide surgery resection of the base of the lesion was performed, as well as a standard histopathology procedure, including microscopic analysis with haematoxylin-eosin and Grocott staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The histopathology report indicated that the chronic inflammatory polyp was compatible with rhinosporidiosis.

Microsporum canis en gatos dermatológicamente sanos en Temuco, Chile / Microsporum canis on dermatologically healthy cats in Temuco city, Chile

AntecedentesMicrosporum canis es el agente etiológico más común de dermatofitosis en gatos y es el hongo más aislado de la piel y del pelo de este felino sano, lo que indica que actuaría como reservorio y diseminador de la enfermedad.ObjetivosConocer la frecuencia de M. canis en la población de gatos dermatológicamente sanos de Temuco, Chile.MétodosSe tomaron muestras a 50 felinos, sin distinción de sexo y de raza, cuyas edades oscilaron entre los 2 meses y los 12 años, que habían acudido al Hospital Clínico Veterinario de la Universidad Católica de Temuco y a 3 clínicas privadas de esta ciudad. La toma de muestras de piel y pelos se realizó mediante pinza para extracción de pelos y con el método del tapete de Mariat y Tapia. Para el diagnóstico clínico complementario se utilizó la lámpara de Wood. Se realizó, además, examen microscópico directo de pelos y posterior cultivo en agar Sabouraud y agar Lactrimel.ResultadosEn el 60% de los gatos sanos se aisló M. canis. La lámpara de Wood determinó la presencia de hongos en sólo un caso de cada 5 en los que se aisló el hongo. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas al tomar en cuenta parámetros como edad, sexo y raza. Tampoco se registraron diferencias entre la cantidad de aislamientos mediante agar Sabouraud y agar Lactrimel. Se encontró que con el método de Mariat y Tapia se recogían más dermatofitos que con el método de pinza, y esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa.ConclusionesEl porcentaje de aislamiento de M. canis obtenido en este trabajo destaca el rol de los felinos clínicamente sanos en la transmisión de estos dermatofitos al hombre y a otros animales domésticos(AU9

BackgroundMicrosporum canis is the most common cause of feline dermatophytosis and the most pathogenic fungus isolated from the skin and hair of healthy cats. Cats are considered to be the natural reservoir and infection sourse of this disease in human and domestic animals.AimsKnowing the M. canis frequency in the dermatological healthy cat population of Temuco city, Chile.ResultsThere were no statistically significative differences when parameters such as age, sex and race were taking into account. Differences between the use of Sabouraud agar and Lactrimel agar were not registered. It was determined that the Mariat & Tapia method was able to detect more dermatophytes than the collecting tweezers method. These differences were statistically significative.ConclusionsThe percentage of M. canis isolation obtained in this work remarks the role of healthy cats in the transmission of these dermatophytes to humans and other animals(AU)

[Microsporum canis on dermatologically healthy cats in Temuco city, Chile]. / Microsporum canis en gatos dermatológicamente sanos en Temuco, Chile.

BACKGROUND: Microsporum canis is the most common cause of feline dermatophytosis and the most pathogenic fungus isolated from the skin and hair of healthy cats. Cats are considered to be the natural reservoir and infection sourse of this disease in human and domestic animals. AIMS: Knowing the M. canis frequency in the dermatological healthy cat population of Temuco city, Chile. METHODS: Fifty cat samples were collected irrespective sex or race. Cats' ages were between 2 months and 12 years old, and the animals were treated at the Veterinary Clinical Hospital of the Universidad Católica de Temuco, or in three private clinics from this city. Tissue and hair samples were collected using two sampling techniques: hair extracting tweezers and the Mariat & Tapia method. For the clinical diagnosis, the Wood's lamp was used. Hairs were microscopically observed followed by a culture using Sabouraud agar and Lactrimel agar. M.canis was isolated in 30 cats (60%). RESULTS: There were no statistically significative differences when parameters such as age, sex and race were taking into account. Differences between the use of Sabouraud agar and Lactrimel agar were not registered. It was determined that the Mariat & Tapia method was able to detect more dermatophytes than the collecting tweezers method. These differences were statistically significative. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of M. canis isolation obtained in this work remarks the role of healthy cats in the transmission of these dermatophytes to humans and other animals.

Onychomycosis in São Paulo, Brazil.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails with broad aetiological scope, and it represents 18-40% of all onychopathies and 39% of all superficial mycotic infections. From July 1996 to December 1999, samples of nails were collected from 588 patients with presumptive diagnosis of onychomycosis at the Dermatology and Mycology Divisions EPM\UNIFESP, Brazil, and the diagnosis was confirmed in 247 of these cases. The most common pathogens isolated in this study were yeasts in 52% of positive cultures (Candida albicans 18.3%, Candida parapsilosis 13.8%, other species of Candida 15.4% and other yeasts 4.6%), followed by dermatophytes in 40.6% of positive cultures (the most commonly isolated organisms were Trichophyton rubrum in 33.2%, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes in 6.3% and others 1.2%). Non-dermatophyte moulds were isolated in 7.4% of positive cultures (Fusarium spp. 4.5%, Nattrassia mangiferae 2.3% and Aspergillus spp. 0.6%). Distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO) was the commonest clinical pattern 44.6% followed by free edge onycholysis (FEO) 38.8% and others. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that T. rubrum is the main agent causing onychomycosis in toenails, and species of genus Candida were the main agents isolated in fingernail onychomycosis in our region.