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The World Allergy Organization Journal May 2024Fungi are known for their ability to cause allergies, but data on individual sensitization to them are insufficient. The purpose of the study was to carry out a...
BACKGROUND
Fungi are known for their ability to cause allergies, but data on individual sensitization to them are insufficient. The purpose of the study was to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the fungal allergens' sensitization profile in the Ukrainian population and to determine both population and individual sensitivity to these allergens.
METHODS
We utilized a set of ALEX allergy test data from 20,033 inhabitants of 17 regions of Ukraine from 1 to 89 years conducted in 2020-2022. A complex of programs in the Python language was developed and Bayesian network analysis was applied to determine the sensitivity combinations in individual patients to various fungal components.
RESULTS
Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated and was observed in 79.39% of patients, and 62.17% of them were sensitive solely to Alt a 1. Exclusive sensitivity to Mala s 6 was second in individual patient profiles with a frequency of 4.06%. Combined sensitivity to Alt a 1 - Asp f 3 was third with a share of 3.28%. Pen ch and Cla h extracts stimulated the production of the lowest median sIgE levels. The highest median sIgE levels were for Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6, respectively. Median sIgE levels increased in adults compared to children for all components of , as well as for Mala s 5 and Mala s 11. In the rest of the cases, they decreased in adults compared to children. The sensitization rates to fungi in general and specifically to were lower in the western parts of Ukraine, especially in the Carpathian region, situated within the Broad-leaved Forest zone. The results of Bayesian modeling revealed that in the case of Alt a 1, the simultaneous absence of sensitivity to Cla h 8, Mala s 11, Mala s 5 and Mala s 6 molecules could condition the presence of sensitization to the major allergen with a probability of 92.42%. In all other cases, there was a high probability of absence of sensitivity to particular allergen against the background of absence of sensitivity to other ones, which may indicate the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens.
CONCLUSIONS
Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated in the studied population with a lower rate in the western regions. The highest median sIgE levels were induced by Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6. Bayesian Analysis suggest a high probability of the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. The idea that sensitization to one allergen may be protective against sensitization to another one(s) requires further clinical study.
PubMed: 38800499
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100908 -
Microorganisms May 2024Because data on the fungal gut community structure of African children are scarce, we aimed to describe it by reanalysing rRNA ITS1 and ITS2 metabarcoding data from a...
Because data on the fungal gut community structure of African children are scarce, we aimed to describe it by reanalysing rRNA ITS1 and ITS2 metabarcoding data from a study designed to assess the influence of microbiota in malaria susceptibility in Malian children from the Dogon country. More specifically, we aimed to establish the core gut mycobiome and compare the gut fungal community structure of breastfed children, aged 0-2 years, with other age groups. Briefly, DNA was extracted from 296 children's stool samples. Both rRNA ITS1 and ITS2 genomic barcodes were amplified and subjected to Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The ITS2 barcode generated 1,975,320 reads and 532 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), while the ITS1 barcode generated 647,816 reads and 532 OTUs. The alpha diversity was significantly higher by using the ITS1 compared to the ITS2 barcode ( < 0.05); but, regardless of the ITS barcode, we found no significant difference between breastfed children, aged 0-2 years, compared to the other age groups. The core gut mycobiome of the Malian children included , , , , and section , which were present in at least 50% of the 296 children. Further studies in other African countries are warranted to reach a global view of African children's core gut mycobiome.
PubMed: 38792756
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050926 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Gut bacterial alterations have been previously linked to several non-communicable diseases in adults, while the association of mycobiome is not well understood in these...
Gut bacterial alterations have been previously linked to several non-communicable diseases in adults, while the association of mycobiome is not well understood in these diseases, especially in infants and children. Few studies have been conducted on the association between gut mycobiome and non-communicable diseases in children. We investigated gut mycobiome composition using 194 faecal samples collected at birth, 6 months after birth, and 18 months after birth in relation to atopic dermatitis (AD) and overweight diagnoses at the age of 18 or 36 months. The mycobiome exhibited distinct patterns, with prevalent in the meconium samples of both overweight and non-overweight groups. took precedence in overweight cases at 6 and 18 months, while dominated non-overweight samples at 6 months. emerged as a consistent high-abundance taxon across groups that had dermatitis and were overweight. We found a weak association between gut mycobiome and AD at birth and overweight at 18 months when using machine learning (ML) analyses. In ML, unidentified fungi, , and , were important for classifying AD, while , and were important for classifying overweight. Gut mycobiome might be associated with the development of AD and overweight in children.
PubMed: 38786688
DOI: 10.3390/jof10050333 -
Veterinary World Mar 2024Catnip essential oils have antimicrobial effects against bacteria, yeast, and fungi; however, there is limited information regarding their antimicrobial activity against...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Catnip essential oils have antimicrobial effects against bacteria, yeast, and fungi; however, there is limited information regarding their antimicrobial activity against pathogens that cause canine skin infections. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical constituents of catnip essential oil and assay its antimicrobial activity against , , , , , and .
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Catnip essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and its chemical constituents were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). antimicrobial activity was investigated using broth microdilution and time-kill tests. To evaluate the effect of catnip essential oil on microbial morphology and cell membrane integrity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and leakage studies were conducted.
RESULTS
GC-MS analysis revealed that the principal components of catnip essential oil were - and -nepetalactone (57.09% of peak area), --nepetalactone (39.69% of peak area), -caryophyllene (1.88% of peak area), and caryophyllene oxide (1.34% of peak area). The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration values determined by broth microdilution ranged from 0.0625 mg/mL to 4.0 mg/mL. Time-kill testing showed that the germicidal effects of catnip essential oil were time and concentration-dependent, respectively. Environmental SEM and cell leakage analysis indicated that catnip essential oil disrupted the integrity of cell membranes in the tested microorganisms.
CONCLUSION
Catnip essential oil has potential as an alternative antimicrobial against a wide range of canine skin infection pathogens, including , and .
PubMed: 38680153
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.585-592 -
Journal of Photochemistry and... Jun 2024Many common skin diseases are associated with changes in the microbiota. This applies for the commensal yeast Malassezia, which is linked to a wide range of skin...
Many common skin diseases are associated with changes in the microbiota. This applies for the commensal yeast Malassezia, which is linked to a wide range of skin disorders ranging from mild dandruff to severe seborrheic and atopic dermatitis, all of which have a detrimental impact on the individuals' quality of life. While antifungal medications offer relief in many cases, the challenges of disease recurrence and the emergence of resistance to the limited range of available antifungal drugs poses a pressing need for innovative therapeutic options. Here we examined the activity of water-filtered infrared A (wIRA) irradiation against Malassezia. wIRA's antimicrobial and wound healing properties make it an attractive option for localized, non-invasive, and contact-free treatment of superficial skin infections. Irradiation of Malassezia furfur with wIRA (570-1400 nm) resulted in a reduction of the yeast's metabolic activity. When put in contact with immune cells, wIRA-irradiated M. furfur was recovered at lower counts than non-irradiated M. furfur. Likewise, wIRA irradiation of M. furfur put in contact with keratinocytes, the primary host interface of the fungus in the skin, reduced the fungal counts, while the keratinocytes were not affected by the irradiation. The combination of wIRA with the photosensitizer methyl aminolevulinate exerted an additional antifungal effect on M. furfur, irrespective of the presence or absence of keratinocytes, suggesting an enhancement of the treatment effect when used in combination. These findings suggest that wIRA holds promise as a potential therapy for skin disorders associated with Malassezia.
Topics: Malassezia; Infrared Rays; Humans; Water; Antifungal Agents; Skin; Keratinocytes
PubMed: 38669741
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112909 -
Heliyon Apr 2024, a lipophilic pathogen, is known to be involved in various chronic skin diseases. Unfortunately, the available treatments have unwanted side effects and microbial drug...
, a lipophilic pathogen, is known to be involved in various chronic skin diseases. Unfortunately, the available treatments have unwanted side effects and microbial drug resistance is evolving. As the antimicrobial activity of propolis is outstanding, this study aimed to examine the potential of propolis from the stingless bee against the yeast. Anti- growth activity was ascertained in agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays and the inhibitory concentration value at 50 % (IC) was determined. Since the yeast cannot synthesize its own fatty acids, extracellular lipase is important for its survival. Here, anti- extracellular lipase activity was additionally investigated by colorimetric and agar-based methods. Compared to the crude hexane and crude dichloromethane extracts, the crude methanol partitioned extract (CMPE) exhibited the best anti- growth activity with an IC of 1.22 mg/mL. After CMPE was further enriched by silica gel column chromatography, fraction CMPE1 (IC of 0.98 mM or 184.93 μg/mL) presented the highest activity and was later identified as methyl gallate (MG) by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Subsequently, MG was successfully synthesized and shown to have a similar activity, and a minimal fungicidal concentration of 43.44 mM or 8.00 mg/mL. However, lipase assay analysis suggested that extracellular lipase might not be the main target mechanism of MG. This is the first report of MG as a new anti- compound. It could be a good candidate for further developing alternative therapeutic agents.
PubMed: 38660263
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29421 -
Cureus Mar 2024Pityriasis versicolor (PV) also referred to as Peter Elam's disease or tinea versicolor is caused by the species which is a chronic-relapsing widespread mycosis. The...
Pityriasis versicolor (PV) also referred to as Peter Elam's disease or tinea versicolor is caused by the species which is a chronic-relapsing widespread mycosis. The most common sites involved are the shoulders, upper arms, back, upper trunk, and chest. Atrophying PV is a very rare variant that has rarely been reported in the Indian literature. Hence, in this case report, a 29-year-old male presented with chief complaints of multiple asymptomatic, light-colored lesions over his chest, shoulder, and arms for three months. On examination, multiple well-defined hypopigmented macules of varying sizes with fine scales were observed on the patient's chest, shoulders, and arms. Dermoscopic examination revealed nonuniform perifollicular hypopigmentation with clearly demarcated borders, patchy scaling, and inconspicuous ridges and furrows. Moreover, a histopathological examination was performed that reported flattening of rete ridges along with fungal hyphae and spores which consequently confirmed the diagnosis. The medical intervention with antifungal agents was prescribed by the dermatologist, after which the lesion was completely resolved and the follow-up period reported no recurrence of the lesions demonstrating positive outcomes. In conclusion, diagnosing atrophic PV which is a rare variant of PV can be challenging. Hence, accurate diagnosis along with appropriate and adequate intervention can lead to the resolution of the condition and can prevent its recurrence.
PubMed: 38586795
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55763 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Dandruff, a common scalp disorder characterized by flaking dead skin, is often treated with conventional topical products. However, limitations exist due to potential...
Dandruff, a common scalp disorder characterized by flaking dead skin, is often treated with conventional topical products. However, limitations exist due to potential side effects and high costs. Therefore, searching for natural, cost-effective solutions for dandruff and hair loss is crucial. Rosemary herb and neem tree, both cultivated in Egypt, possess well-documented anti-inflammatory properties derived from their rich phenolic phytoconstituents. This study formulated a standardized combined extract of rosemary and neem (RN-E 2:1) into hair gel and leave-in tonic formats. This extract demonstrated superior efficacy against Malassezia furfur (a causative agent of dandruff) and Trichophyton rubrum (associated with scalp disorders) compared to the conventional antifungal agent, ketoconazole. The combined extract (RN-E 2:1) also exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the suppression of iNOS expression is considered concentration-dependent. Quality control verified formulation stability, and ex-vivo studies confirmed effective ingredient penetration into the epidermis, the primary site of fungal presence. Remarkably, both formulations outperformed the standard treatment, minoxidil in hair growth trials. These findings highlight the potential of natural extracts for scalp and hair health.
Topics: Dandruff; Rosmarinus; Azadirachta; Alopecia; Plant Extracts; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 38565924
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57838-w -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Mar 2024In medicine, parasitic cysts or cysticerci (fluid-filled cysts, larval stage of tapeworms) are believed to be sterile (no bacteria), and therein, the treatment of...
Rodent Gut Bacteria Coexisting with an Insect Gut Virus in Parasitic Cysts: Metagenomic Evidence of Microbial Translocation and Co-adaptation in Spatially-Confined Niches.
In medicine, parasitic cysts or cysticerci (fluid-filled cysts, larval stage of tapeworms) are believed to be sterile (no bacteria), and therein, the treatment of cysticerci infestations of deep extra-intestinal tissues (, brain) relies almost exclusively on the use of antiparasitic medications, and rarely antibiotics. To date, however, it is unclear why common post-treatment complications include abscessation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cyst contents in a higher-order rodent host, using multi-kingdom shotgun metagenomics, to improve our understanding of gut microbial translocation and adaptation strategies in wild environments. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts () in an adult vole mouse (), and from feces, liver, and peritoneal fluid of three other vole family members living in a vegetable garden in Ohio, USA. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, including , and , inhabiting the cysts. and other species were also present outside the cyst in the peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, but unexpectedly, it detected an insect-origin virus from the army moth () known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A) in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from two different voles, indicating survival of the insect virus and adaption in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in the cysts compared to other samples (peritoneal fluid, p<0.05; and feces p<0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst for and . The samples with a higher probability of fungi were the peritoneal fluid. In conclusion, commensal/pathobiont bacterial species can inhabit parasitic tapeworm cysts, which needs to be considered during therapeutic decisions of cysticerci or other chronic disease scenarios where immune privileged and spatially restricted ecosystems with limited nutrients and minimal presence of immune cells could facilitate microbial adaptation, such as within gut wall cavitating micropathologies in Crohn's disease.
PubMed: 38562820
DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.585885 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Empirically, in Indonesia, the leaves of L. (candle bush or ketepeng cina) have been used as a topical antifungal agent. is a natural microorganism found in the human...
Empirically, in Indonesia, the leaves of L. (candle bush or ketepeng cina) have been used as a topical antifungal agent. is a natural microorganism found in the human body. It is among the factors contributing to conditions such as pityriasis versicolor, a common, benign, superficial fungal infection of the skin that is closely associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. This study aimed to explore leaves, starting from determining antifungal activity against and the identification of major compounds in the ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions, and then we carried out molecular docking of the major compounds in the n-hexane fraction to lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase. The method was the disc diffusion technique to test antifungal activity, LC-MS/MS for major compound identification, and homology modeling through Swiss Models for molecular docking. The fractions of ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract showed concentration-dependent antifungal activity against . The LCMS/MS analysis revealed five major compounds in the ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions. The molecular docking demonstrated the highest binding affinity with stearidonic acid at -7.2 kcal/mol. It can be concluded that the compounds in the n-hexane fraction have antifungal activity against , as supported by both in vitro and in silico studies.
PubMed: 38543166
DOI: 10.3390/ph17030380