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Journal de Mycologie Medicale Jun 2021A total of 70 feathers samples of Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) were collected from 7 Emu farms situated at two districts (Raigad and Thane) of Maharashtra (India) and...
A total of 70 feathers samples of Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) were collected from 7 Emu farms situated at two districts (Raigad and Thane) of Maharashtra (India) and screened for resident keratinophilic fungi. Among them, 44 isolates were recovered and identified by evaluating characteristic macro- and micro-morphological features. Further gene products corresponding to the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region from all isolates were amplified and sequenced. Homology search was performed using BLAST program against non-redundant nucleotide database, and significantly matched DNA sequences deposited to the NCBI Gene Bank for reference purposes. Eight identified fungal species belongs to 7 different genera named as Aphanoascus terreus Ac_MW577456 (21.43%), Microsporum gypseum Ac_MW580920 (14.29%), Ctenomyces serratus Ac_MW577459 (10.0%), Uncinocarpus orissi Ac_MW577461 (5.17%), Aphanoascus verrucosus Ac_MW577458 (4.29%), Gymnascella dankaliensis Ac_MW577460 (2.86%), Gymnoascoideus petalosporus Ac_MW577462 (2.86%) and Arthroderma tuberculatum Ac_MW577457 (1.43%).
Topics: Animals; DNA, Ribosomal; Dromaiidae; Farms; Feathers; Fungi; India; Keratins; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 33774386
DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101133 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023The ability of dermatophytes to develop biofilms is possibly involved in therapeutic failure because biofilms impair drug effectiveness in the infected tissues. Research...
The ability of dermatophytes to develop biofilms is possibly involved in therapeutic failure because biofilms impair drug effectiveness in the infected tissues. Research to find new drugs with antibiofilm activity against dermatophytes is crucial. In this way, riparins, a class of alkaloids that contain an amide group, are promising antifungal compounds. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm activity of riparin III (RIP3) against , and strains. We used ciclopirox (CPX) as a positive control. The effects of RIP3 on fungal growth were evaluated by the microdilution technique. The quantification of the biofilm biomass in vitro was assessed by crystal violet, and the biofilm viability was assessed by quantifying the CFU number. The ex vivo model was performed on human nail fragments, which were evaluated by visualization under light microscopy and by quantifying the CFU number (viability). Finally, we evaluated whether RIP3 inhibits sulfite production in . RIP3 inhibited the growth of and from 128 mg/L and from 256 mg/L. The results showed that RIP3 is a fungicide. Regarding antibiofilm activity, RIP3 inhibited biofilm formation and viability in vitro and ex vivo. Moreover, RIP3 inhibited the secretion of sulfite significantly and was more potent than CPX. In conclusion, the results indicate that RIP3 is a promising antifungal agent against biofilms of dermatophytes and might inhibit sulfite secretion, one relevant virulence factor.
PubMed: 36836345
DOI: 10.3390/jof9020231 -
Natural Product Research Aug 2022In recent years, propolis extract (PE) has demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of...
In recent years, propolis extract (PE) has demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of a bioadhesive thermoresponsive system containing 16% propolis (BTSP 16%) against , , and . We also evaluated PE alone against the same strains. The results showed that both PE and BTSP 16% significantly reduced the fungal viability of all evaluated strains. In addition, they interacted with the biofilm of these species in different stages of biofilm formation. We observed that the bioadhesive and thermoresponsive properties of BTSP 16% prolonged propolis presence at infection sites, leading to positive results against planktonic fungal cells and mature biofilms. These characteristics make this formulation a valuable alternative treatment for dermatomycosis.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Biofilms; Dermatomycoses; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microsporum; Propolis; Trichophyton
PubMed: 34470510
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1973457 -
Veterinary World May 2023Fungal zoonoses are an economic and public health concern because they can cause various degrees of morbidity and mortality in animals and humans. To combat this issue,...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Fungal zoonoses are an economic and public health concern because they can cause various degrees of morbidity and mortality in animals and humans. To combat this issue, alternative natural antifungals, such as products derived from rice protein hydrolysates or rice antifungal protein/peptide are being considered because they are highly bioactive and exhibit various functional properties. Thailand is a leading rice producer and exporter. Among the various cultivated rice varieties, Sangyod rice ( L.) is exclusively indigenous to Thailand's Phatthalung province; it has a Thai geographical indication tag. Here, we investigated whether the Phatthalung Sangyod rice seeds have bioactive antifungal peptides.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Antifungal activity in four Sangyod rice seed extracts (SYPs) - namely, (1) the crude lysate, SYP1; (2) the heat-treated lysate, SYP2; (3) the heat- and pepsin digested lysate, SYP3; and (4) the heat- and proteinase K-digested lysate, SYP4 - was analyzed. Protein concentrations in these SYPs were determined using the Bradford assay. The total phenolic compound content was determined using the modified Folin-Ciocalteu method in a 96-well microplate. Then, the SYP protein pattern was determined using the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Subsequently, using the agar well diffusion method, the antifungal properties of these SYPs were tested against ten medically important pathogenic fungi. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration values were determined for the active SYPs - SYP2-4. Finally, the clinical safety of SYP4 was determined using a hemolytic assay (using canine red blood cells [RBCs]).
RESULTS
The crude lysate SYP1 did not show antifungal activity against any of the ten tested pathogenic fungi. Surprisingly, hydrolysates SYP2, SYP3, and SYP4 displayed antifungal properties against the ten tested pathogenic fungi. Thus, heat and enzymatic hydrolysis seem to transform the bioactivity of the crude protein extract - SYP1. Further, SYP4 shows the most effective antifungal activity. It completely inhibited s, yeast phase, s, and m. A partial inhibitory action on s and was possessed while showing the least activity to s. SYP4 was nontoxic to canine RBCs. Hemolysis of canine RBCs was undetectable at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC concentrations; therefore, it can be safely used in further applications.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate that heat and proteinase K hydrolyzed SYP is a very potent antifungal preparation against animal and human fungal pathogens and it can be used in future pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
PubMed: 37576760
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1018-1028 -
Medical Mycology May 2023Nannizzia gypsea is a geophylic agent of human and animal dermatophytosis. This study compares the metabolic and morphostructural plasticity of N. gypsea strains...
Nannizzia gypsea is a geophylic agent of human and animal dermatophytosis. This study compares the metabolic and morphostructural plasticity of N. gypsea strains isolated from moss, sand, and a dog. The in vitro metabolic plasticity included the detection of extracellular enzymes, thermotolerance, resistance to oxidative stress, and assessment of fungal growth. Structural plasticity studies included cell surface hydrophobicity, electronegativity, and size of macroconidia. Virulence was assessed on Tenebrio mollitor model. The strains showed low thermotolerance, susceptibility to oxidative stress, and were producers of keratinase, lipase and catalase. N. gypsea strains were unable to produce hemolysin, esterase, and phospholipase although they were able to grow with different carbon sources. The electronegative properties of the surface did not vary between the strains under study. The knowledge about N. gypsea metabolic and morphostructural plasticity could be crucial for the development of therapeutic strategies and control of dermatophytosis.
PubMed: 37170071
DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad044 -
Experimental Parasitology Nov 2022Gold nanorods (GNRs) are increasingly being studied for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Green synthesis based methods with natural compounds as additives stand out...
Gold nanorods (GNRs) are increasingly being studied for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Green synthesis based methods with natural compounds as additives stand out as a hope in terms of better synthesis methodology, with advantages of producing potentially less toxic and, perhaps, biologically active GNRs due to influence of natural additives used during synthesis. Exploring green chemistry using different natural phenolic compounds, the present work reveals different in vitro activity of GNRs evaluated against different parasites that causes skin infectious diseases compared to GNRs produced by convencional seed mediated method. This approach brings advantages in producing active GNRs, with ease calling, less cytotoxic and with a better selectivity index (SI) than GNRs synthesized by conventional seed mediated synthesis, opening new possibilities for therapies. Natural compounds used in green syntheses were gallic acid (GA), resveratrol (RSV) and a purified fraction of the hydroalcoholic extract of Stryphnodendron obovatum. GNRs exhibited great activity against Leishmania braziliensis, and the dermatophytes Tricophyton rubrum, T. interdigitale and Microsporum gypseum. The anti-Leishmania and antidermatophytic activity of GNRs reinforce the applicability of GNRs in biomedical field and the influence of synthesis method in biological activity, showing benefits related to the seedless synthesis with natural compounds. In addition, these preliminary results indicate the possibility of exploring at maximum the physical and chemical properties of GNRs in addition to the biological activity itself, such as the development of topical antiparasitic formulations for association with phototherapy.
Topics: Gold; Resveratrol; Nanotubes; Gallic Acid; Antiparasitic Agents
PubMed: 36055388
DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108367 -
Medical Mycology Oct 2023Dermatophytosis is a superficial cutaneous infection, most commonly caused by fungal species such as Microsporum canis, Nannizzia gypsea (Microsporum gypseum), and...
Dermatophytosis is a superficial cutaneous infection, most commonly caused by fungal species such as Microsporum canis, Nannizzia gypsea (Microsporum gypseum), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in dogs and cats. The zoonotic potential of these species is concerning, as companion animals are increasingly close to their owners. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to evaluate the current prevalence of Nannizzia-causing canine and feline dermatophytosis in Curitiba and Metropolitan Region, as well as perform phenotypic and phylogenetic characterizations of these isolates. Thus, 241 skin and fur samples from 163 dogs and 78 cats were analyzed from 2020 to 2021. The samples were obtained from animals of three sources: Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná, animal shelters, and private clinics. The diagnosis was performed through phenotypic characterization and sequencing ITS rDNA region. Among 97 positive samples for dermatophytes, Nannizzia was identified in 14 (14.4%) samples, while other dermatophyte genera were found in the remaining 83 (85.6%) samples. Among the canine samples, nine (90%) were N. gypsea, and one (10%) was N. incurvata. Whereas in feline samples, three (75%) were N. gypsea, and one (25%) was N. incurvata. It was concluded that among 97 animals infected with dermatophytes, dogs (24.4%; 10/41) were significantly more affected by Nannizzia than cats (7.1%; 4/56) (P < .05). According to molecular analyses, the ITS rDNA region provided satisfactory results for species-level identification of Nannizzia, confirming the first report of N. incurvata as an etiological agent of canine and feline dermatophytosis in Brazil.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Arthrodermataceae; Cat Diseases; Brazil; Phylogeny; Dog Diseases; Microsporum; Tinea; DNA, Ribosomal; Dermatomycoses
PubMed: 37804177
DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad105 -
Natural Product Research Oct 2022One new 2-oxaspiro[4.5]decane, roussoellide, and one new pyrenocine, 2,3-dihydropyrenocine A, together with nine known compounds including known arthropsolide A, and...
One new 2-oxaspiro[4.5]decane, roussoellide, and one new pyrenocine, 2,3-dihydropyrenocine A, together with nine known compounds including known arthropsolide A, and pyrenocines A and E, were obtained from the culture broth of the endophytic fungus sp. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of known arthropsolide A was assigned on the basis of X-ray diffraction data using Cu K radiation. Known pyrenocine A displayed weak cytotoxic activity against breast cancer (MCF-7) cells with an IC value of 27.1M and weak antifungal activity against SH-MU-4 with an MIC value of 615.2M.[Formula: see text].
Topics: Alkanes; Antifungal Agents; Ascomycota; Molecular Structure; Spiro Compounds
PubMed: 33853446
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1910692 -
Journal of Analytical Science and... 2021Fungal infections are among the most difficult diseases to manage in humans. Eukaryotic fungal pathogens share many similarities with their host cells, which impairs the...
Fungal infections are among the most difficult diseases to manage in humans. Eukaryotic fungal pathogens share many similarities with their host cells, which impairs the development of antifungal compounds. Therefore, it is desirable to harness the pharmaceutical potential of medicinal plants for antifungal drug discovery. In this study, the antifungal activity of sixteen plant extracts was investigated against selected dermatophytic fungi. Of the sixteen plants, the cladode (leaf) of and seed extract of showed antifungal activity against , , and . The plant antifungal compounds were located by direct bioassay against IR and NMR spectrometry analyses of these compounds identified the presence of saponin (in ) and hydroxy anthraquinone (in ) in these antifungal compounds. The antidermatophytic activity of plant anthraquinone and saponins with reports of little or no hemolytic activity, makes these compounds ideal for alternative antifungal therapy and warrants further in-depth investigation in vivo.
PubMed: 34745684
DOI: 10.1186/s40543-021-00304-3 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2021Novel biodegradable and biocompatible formulations of "old" but "gold" drugs such as nystatin (Nys) and amphotericin B (AmB) were made using a biopolymer as a matrix....
Novel biodegradable and biocompatible formulations of "old" but "gold" drugs such as nystatin (Nys) and amphotericin B (AmB) were made using a biopolymer as a matrix. Medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA) were used to formulate both polyenes (Nys and AmB) in the form of films (~50 µm). Thermal properties and stability of the materials were not significantly altered by the incorporation of polyenes in mcl-PHA, but polyene containing materials were more hydrophobic. These formulations were tested in vitro against a panel of pathogenic fungi and for antibiofilm properties. The films containing 0.1 to 2 weight % polyenes showed good activity and sustained polyene release for up to 4 days. A PHA monomer, namely 3-hydroxydecanoic acid (C10-OH), was added to the films to achieve an enhanced synergistic effect with polyenes against fungal growth. Mcl-PHA based polyene formulations showed excellent growth inhibitory activity against both yeasts ( ATCC 1023, SC5314 (ATCC MYA-2876), ATCC 22019) and filamentous fungi ( ATCC 13073; ATCC 9533, ATCC 24102). All antifungal PHA film preparations prevented the formation of a biofilm, while they were not efficient in eradication of mature biofilms, rendering them suitable for the transdermal application or as coatings of implants.
PubMed: 34207011
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060737