JOSE CANO - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by JOSE CANO
The fungi of the order Onygenales can cause important human infections; however, their taxonomy a... more The fungi of the order Onygenales can cause important human infections; however, their taxonomy and worldwide occurrence is still little known. We have studied and identified a representative number of clinical fungi belonging to that order from a reference laboratory in the USA. A total of twenty-two strains isolated from respiratory tract (40 %) and human skin and nails (27.2 %) showed a malbranchea-like morphology. Six genera were phenotypically and molecularly identified, i.e. Auxarthron/Malbranchea (68.2 %), Arachnomyces (9.1 %), Spiromastigoides (9.1 %), and Currahmyces (4.5 %), and two newly proposed genera (4.5 % each). Based on the results of the phylogenetic study, we synonymysed Auxarthron to Malbranchea, and erected two new genera: Pseudoarthropsis and Pseudomalbranchea. New species are proposed: Arachnomyces bostrychodes, A. graciliformis, Currahmyces sparsispora, Malbranchea gymnoascoidea, M. multiseptata, M. stricta, Pseudoarthropsis crassispora, Pseudomalbranchea gem...
Mycopathologia, 2018
Mycopathologia was founded in 1938 to 'diffuse the understanding of fungal diseases in man and an... more Mycopathologia was founded in 1938 to 'diffuse the understanding of fungal diseases in man and animals among mycologists.' This was an important mission considering that pathogenic fungi for humans and animals represent a tiny minority of the estimated 1.5-5 million fungal inhabitants on Earth. These pathogens have diverged from the usual saprotrophic lifestyles of most fungi to colonize and infect humans and animals. Medical and veterinary mycology is the subdiscipline of microbiology that dwells into the mysteries of parasitic, fungal lifestyles. Among the oldest continuing scientific publications
Genome, 2018
With new or emerging fungal infections, human and animal fungal pathogens are a growing threat wo... more With new or emerging fungal infections, human and animal fungal pathogens are a growing threat worldwide. Current diagnostic tools are slow, non-specific at the species and subspecies levels, and require specific morphological expertise to accurately identify pathogens from pure cultures. DNA barcodes are easily amplified, universal, short species-specific DNA sequences, which enable rapid identification by comparison with a well-curated reference sequence collection. The primary fungal DNA barcode, ITS region, was introduced in 2012 and is now routinely used in diagnostic laboratories. However, the ITS region only accurately identifies around 75% of all medically relevant fungal species, which has prompted the development of a secondary barcode to increase the resolution power and suitability of DNA barcoding for fungal disease diagnostics. The translational elongation factor 1α (TEF1α) was selected in 2015 as a secondary fungal DNA barcode, but it has not been implemented into pra...
Microorganisms, Jan 16, 2018
is known to be regularly isolated from food and also to be a cause of human disease. Herein, we r... more is known to be regularly isolated from food and also to be a cause of human disease. Herein, we resolve some sources of confusion that have strongly hampered the accurate interpretation of these and other isolations. The recently designated type species of the genus , , is known only from a single isolate, but it is the closest known relative of what may be one of the planet's most successful organisms, , shown herein to be best called by its earliest valid name, . The sequencing of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, actin genes, or both for 72 study isolates within this group allowed the full range of morphotypes and ITS barcode types to be elucidated, along with information on temperature tolerance and habitat. The results showed that nomenclatural confusion and frequent misidentifications facilitated by morphotaxonomy, along with misidentified early sequence deposits, have obscured the reality that this species is, in many ways, the definitive match of the h...
Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland), Jan 6, 2018
Mucormycosis is an emerging opportunistic fungal infection. Increasing immunocompromization, wide... more Mucormycosis is an emerging opportunistic fungal infection. Increasing immunocompromization, widespread use of antibacterial and antifungal agents (such as voriconazole prophylaxis), carcinomas, transplantation and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes are the main contributors to this situation. The predominant clinical manifestations of mucormycosis vary from host to host, with rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal infections being the most common. In India, the prevalence of mucormycosis is approximately 0.14 cases/1000 population, which is about 70 times the worldwide-estimated rate for mucormycosis. The present study was undertaken over a period of five years (January 2009-December 2014) to determine the prevalence of mucormycosis. The samples suspected of mucormycosis were examined by direct KOH wet mount and cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar without actidione and on blood agar as per standard mycological techniques. Histopathological correla...
Medical mycology, Jan 22, 2015
Human and animal fungal pathogens are a growing threat worldwide leading to emerging infections a... more Human and animal fungal pathogens are a growing threat worldwide leading to emerging infections and creating new risks for established ones. There is a growing need for a rapid and accurate identification of pathogens to enable early diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy. Morphological and biochemical identification methods are time-consuming and require trained experts. Alternatively, molecular methods, such as DNA barcoding, a powerful and easy tool for rapid monophasic identification, offer a practical approach for species identification and less demanding in terms of taxonomical expertise. However, its wide-spread use is still limited by a lack of quality-controlled reference databases and the evolving recognition and definition of new fungal species/complexes. An international consortium of medical mycology laboratories was formed aiming to establish a quality controlled ITS database under the umbrella of the ISHAM working group on "DNA barcoding of human and animal pa...
Mycologia, Jan 6, 2015
Based on a number of isolates of Myceliophthora (Chaetomiaceae, Sordariales, Ascomycota) recently... more Based on a number of isolates of Myceliophthora (Chaetomiaceae, Sordariales, Ascomycota) recently isolated from soil samples collected in USA, the taxonomy of the genus was re-evaluated through phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region and genes for the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II and translation elongation factor 1a. Members of Myceliophthora were split into four monophyletic clades strongly supported by molecular and phenotypic data. Such clades correspond with Myceliophthora, now restricted only to the type species of the genus Corynascus, which is re-established with five species, the new monotypic genus Crassicarpon and also the new genus Thermothelomyces (comprising four species). Myceliophthora lutea is mesophilic and a permanently asexual morph compared to the members of the other three mentioned genera, which also are able to sexually reproduce morphs with experimentally proven links to their asexual morphs. The ...
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009
A comparative study on the experimental pathogenicity of five species of Sporothrix of clinical i... more A comparative study on the experimental pathogenicity of five species of Sporothrix of clinical interest, Sporothrix albicans, Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix globosa, Sporothrix mexicana, and Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto, was performed using an immunocompetent murine model. Two strains of each species and two levels of inoculum for each strain (2 • 10 7 and 2 • 10 4 conidia/animal) were tested by intravenous inoculation of mice (ten per group). Mortality was caused by the low inoculum of one strain of S. brasiliensis only, and the high inocula of S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii strains. Other inocula and other species tested did not kill any of the experimental animals. Tissue burden studies showed fungal spread to kidneys, lungs, spleen, brain, and testicles. S. brasiliensis was recovered extensively from all of the studied organs, and S. schenckii and S. globosa were recovered in lower amounts. Histopathological studies revealed differences in the lesions, which ranged from local inflammation with a low number of fungal cells at the injection site in mice infected with S. globosa, to massive infiltration of fungal cells in organs of those infected with S. brasiliensis. Our findings showed that S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii were the most virulent species, and suggest that lesional mechanisms could be species-specific.
Persoonia - Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Fungi, 2020
Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: A... more Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antarctica, Cladosporium arenosum from marine sediment sand. Argentina, Kosmimatamyces alatophylus (incl. Kosmimatamyces gen. nov.) from soil. Australia, Aspergillus banksianus, Aspergillus kumbius, Aspergillus luteorubrus, Aspergillus malvicolor and Aspergillus nanangensis from soil, Erysiphe medicaginis from leaves of Medicago polymorpha, Hymenotorrendiella communis on leaf litter of Eucalyptus bicostata, Lactifluus albopicri and Lactifluus austropiperatus on soil, Macalpinomyces collinsiae on Eriachne benthamii, Marasmius vagus on soil, Microdochium dawsoniorum from leaves of Sporobolus natalensis, Neopestalotiopsis nebuloides from leaves of Sporobolus elongatus, Pestalotiopsis etonensis from leaves of Sporobolus jacquemontii, Phytophthora personensis from soil associated with dying Grevillea mccutcheonii. Brazil, Aspergillus oxumiae from soil, Calvatia baixaverdensis on soil, Geastrum...
Journal of clinical microbiology, 2014
A case of fungal necrotizing fasciitis that appeared in an immunocompetent Mexican woman after a ... more A case of fungal necrotizing fasciitis that appeared in an immunocompetent Mexican woman after a car accident is described. The patient did not respond to antifungal treatment and died 4 days later. The fungus was molecularly identified as a new species of Apophysomyces, namely, Apophysomyces mexicanus.
Revista Iberoamericana de Micología, 2009
Medical Mycology, 2006
Foot infections are common and serious complications of diabetic patients. We report the case of ... more Foot infections are common and serious complications of diabetic patients. We report the case of a 68-year-old patient with a diabetic foot infection that developed into a gangrenous necrosis. Fusarium spp. was isolated on two successive occasions with no other associated microorganisms. Histopathology demonstrated invasion of the fungus into the tisssue. These findings suggested an infection rather than colonization. A detailed morphological study showed that the isolate was Fusarium acutatum, which was confirmed by rDNA sequencing. This fungus is found only in Asia and has not been previously reported as a human pathogen.
Medical Mycology, 2008
Here we report on two isolates of Candida glabrata recovered from urine samples collected from of... more Here we report on two isolates of Candida glabrata recovered from urine samples collected from of an Intensive Care Unit patient. D1/D2 and ITS 1'2 rDNA sequence analysis confirmed its identification. The isolates were cholesterol dependent and resistant to Amphotericin B.
Medical Mycology, 2008
Microsphaeropsis olivacea is reported as the agent of a case of human skin infection in an otherw... more Microsphaeropsis olivacea is reported as the agent of a case of human skin infection in an otherwise healthy woman. This fungus has not been reported previously as causing disease in humans. It was identified on the basis of its production of pycnidia and conidial structures typical of the Coelomycetes, and by its light brown, ellipsoid to cylindrical and thick walled conidia. The in vitro inhibitory activity of amphotericin B, fluconazole, flucytosine, itraconazole, ketoconazole and miconazole was determined.
Medical Mycology, 2013
a case of osteomyelitis which led to amputation of the dog ' s limb [8]. In man, disease caused b... more a case of osteomyelitis which led to amputation of the dog ' s limb [8]. In man, disease caused by Lecythophora species is also rare, with a few case reports in which L. hoffmannii and L. mutabilis are cited as etiologic agents and involved keratitis, abscesses, peritonitis, endocarditis and septic shock [9]. Lecythophora species are anamorphs of Coniochaeta , an ascomycete genus belonging to the family Coniochaetaceae [10-12]. Primarily pathogens of woody hosts, they are similar to the closely-related genus Phialemonium and notoriously diffi cult to identify on the basis of morphologic features. The Lecythophora isolate recovered from the bone in this GSD, characterized by both phenotypic features and molecular sequencing, did not match any known species. A second uncommon isolate, the ascomycete Plectospharella cucumerina , anamorph Plectosporium tabacinum , was isolated from the dog ' s urine. It was identifi ed by both phenotypic and molecular methods. This organism is used as an anti-nematophagous agent to control potato cyst nematodes and to the authors ' knowledge there are no previous reports in the veterinary literature of it as an agent infecting dogs [13,14]. Case presentation A 3-year-old, female, spayed GSD was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) to obtain a second
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005
Pseudallescheria boydii (anamorph Scedosporium apiospermum ) is the species responsible for human... more Pseudallescheria boydii (anamorph Scedosporium apiospermum ) is the species responsible for human scedosporiosis, a fungal infection with a high mortality rate and which is difficult to treat. Recently, it has been demonstrated that high genetic variation exists within this species. We have performed a morphological and molecular study involving numerous strains of clinical or environmental origins and from different countries. The analysis of partial sequences of the β-tubulin (two loci) and calmodulin genes and the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene has demonstrated that P. boydii is a species complex. The combined analysis of the sequences of the four loci of 60 strains has showed the presence of 44 haplotypes in the ingroup. Three species morphologically related to P. boydii sensu stricto, i.e., Pseudallescheria angusta , Pseudallescheria ellipsoidea , and Pseudallescheria fusoidea , which had previously been considered synonyms, could be differentiated genetica...
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2007
Sporothrix schenckii is the species responsible for sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by ... more Sporothrix schenckii is the species responsible for sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by the traumatic implantation of this dimorphic fungus. Recent molecular studies have demonstrated that this species constitutes a complex of numerous phylogenetic species. Since the delineation of such species could be of extreme importance from a clinical point of view, we have studied a total of 127 isolates, most of which were received as S. schenckii , including the available type strains of species currently considered synonyms, and also some close morphological species. We have phenotypically characterized all these isolates using different culture media, growth rates at different temperatures, and numerous nutritional tests and compared their calmodulin gene sequences. The molecular analysis revealed that Sporothrix albicans , S. inflata , and S. schenckii var. luriei are species that are clearly different from S. schenckii . The combination of these phenetic and genetic approaches ...
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2006
The pathogenic dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii is the agent responsible for sporotrichosis,... more The pathogenic dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii is the agent responsible for sporotrichosis, an important fungal infection with a worldwide distribution. Little is known about the population structure of S. schenckii , although recent molecular and phenotypic data seem to demonstrate that different genetic lineages exist within this species. The aim of this study was to determine, by sequence analysis of three protein coding loci (chitin synthase, β-tubulin, and calmodulin), whether this variability is due to species divergence or intraspecific diversity in S. schenckii . We included in the analysis 60 isolates (59 of clinical and 1 of environmental origin) of this species from a wide geographical range. DNA sequence data from the three nuclear regions were used in a phylogenetic analysis. The combined analysis of the three loci revealed the presence of three major clades, one grouping all of the European isolates, another with only Brazilian isolates, and the third with isolat...
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2007
Ninety-two isolates belonging to five species of the Sporothrix schenckii complex were tested in ... more Ninety-two isolates belonging to five species of the Sporothrix schenckii complex were tested in vitro against 12 antifungal agents, using a reference microdilution method. There were significant differences among the species; Sporothrix brasiliensis was the species that showed the best response to antifungals, and S. mexicana had the worst response. In general, terbinafine was the most active drug, followed by ketoconazole and posaconazole.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2008
The in vitro activity of amphotericin B in combination with micafungin was evaluated against 115 ... more The in vitro activity of amphotericin B in combination with micafungin was evaluated against 115 isolates representing seven species of Candida . Overall, the percentages of synergistic interactions were 50% and 20% when the MIC-2 (lowest drug concentration to cause a prominent reduction in growth) and MIC-0 (lowest drug concentration to cause 100% growth inhibition) end point criteria, respectively, were used. Antagonism was not observed. Some of the interactions were confirmed by time-kill assays.
The fungi of the order Onygenales can cause important human infections; however, their taxonomy a... more The fungi of the order Onygenales can cause important human infections; however, their taxonomy and worldwide occurrence is still little known. We have studied and identified a representative number of clinical fungi belonging to that order from a reference laboratory in the USA. A total of twenty-two strains isolated from respiratory tract (40 %) and human skin and nails (27.2 %) showed a malbranchea-like morphology. Six genera were phenotypically and molecularly identified, i.e. Auxarthron/Malbranchea (68.2 %), Arachnomyces (9.1 %), Spiromastigoides (9.1 %), and Currahmyces (4.5 %), and two newly proposed genera (4.5 % each). Based on the results of the phylogenetic study, we synonymysed Auxarthron to Malbranchea, and erected two new genera: Pseudoarthropsis and Pseudomalbranchea. New species are proposed: Arachnomyces bostrychodes, A. graciliformis, Currahmyces sparsispora, Malbranchea gymnoascoidea, M. multiseptata, M. stricta, Pseudoarthropsis crassispora, Pseudomalbranchea gem...
Mycopathologia, 2018
Mycopathologia was founded in 1938 to 'diffuse the understanding of fungal diseases in man and an... more Mycopathologia was founded in 1938 to 'diffuse the understanding of fungal diseases in man and animals among mycologists.' This was an important mission considering that pathogenic fungi for humans and animals represent a tiny minority of the estimated 1.5-5 million fungal inhabitants on Earth. These pathogens have diverged from the usual saprotrophic lifestyles of most fungi to colonize and infect humans and animals. Medical and veterinary mycology is the subdiscipline of microbiology that dwells into the mysteries of parasitic, fungal lifestyles. Among the oldest continuing scientific publications
Genome, 2018
With new or emerging fungal infections, human and animal fungal pathogens are a growing threat wo... more With new or emerging fungal infections, human and animal fungal pathogens are a growing threat worldwide. Current diagnostic tools are slow, non-specific at the species and subspecies levels, and require specific morphological expertise to accurately identify pathogens from pure cultures. DNA barcodes are easily amplified, universal, short species-specific DNA sequences, which enable rapid identification by comparison with a well-curated reference sequence collection. The primary fungal DNA barcode, ITS region, was introduced in 2012 and is now routinely used in diagnostic laboratories. However, the ITS region only accurately identifies around 75% of all medically relevant fungal species, which has prompted the development of a secondary barcode to increase the resolution power and suitability of DNA barcoding for fungal disease diagnostics. The translational elongation factor 1α (TEF1α) was selected in 2015 as a secondary fungal DNA barcode, but it has not been implemented into pra...
Microorganisms, Jan 16, 2018
is known to be regularly isolated from food and also to be a cause of human disease. Herein, we r... more is known to be regularly isolated from food and also to be a cause of human disease. Herein, we resolve some sources of confusion that have strongly hampered the accurate interpretation of these and other isolations. The recently designated type species of the genus , , is known only from a single isolate, but it is the closest known relative of what may be one of the planet's most successful organisms, , shown herein to be best called by its earliest valid name, . The sequencing of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, actin genes, or both for 72 study isolates within this group allowed the full range of morphotypes and ITS barcode types to be elucidated, along with information on temperature tolerance and habitat. The results showed that nomenclatural confusion and frequent misidentifications facilitated by morphotaxonomy, along with misidentified early sequence deposits, have obscured the reality that this species is, in many ways, the definitive match of the h...
Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland), Jan 6, 2018
Mucormycosis is an emerging opportunistic fungal infection. Increasing immunocompromization, wide... more Mucormycosis is an emerging opportunistic fungal infection. Increasing immunocompromization, widespread use of antibacterial and antifungal agents (such as voriconazole prophylaxis), carcinomas, transplantation and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes are the main contributors to this situation. The predominant clinical manifestations of mucormycosis vary from host to host, with rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal infections being the most common. In India, the prevalence of mucormycosis is approximately 0.14 cases/1000 population, which is about 70 times the worldwide-estimated rate for mucormycosis. The present study was undertaken over a period of five years (January 2009-December 2014) to determine the prevalence of mucormycosis. The samples suspected of mucormycosis were examined by direct KOH wet mount and cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar without actidione and on blood agar as per standard mycological techniques. Histopathological correla...
Medical mycology, Jan 22, 2015
Human and animal fungal pathogens are a growing threat worldwide leading to emerging infections a... more Human and animal fungal pathogens are a growing threat worldwide leading to emerging infections and creating new risks for established ones. There is a growing need for a rapid and accurate identification of pathogens to enable early diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy. Morphological and biochemical identification methods are time-consuming and require trained experts. Alternatively, molecular methods, such as DNA barcoding, a powerful and easy tool for rapid monophasic identification, offer a practical approach for species identification and less demanding in terms of taxonomical expertise. However, its wide-spread use is still limited by a lack of quality-controlled reference databases and the evolving recognition and definition of new fungal species/complexes. An international consortium of medical mycology laboratories was formed aiming to establish a quality controlled ITS database under the umbrella of the ISHAM working group on "DNA barcoding of human and animal pa...
Mycologia, Jan 6, 2015
Based on a number of isolates of Myceliophthora (Chaetomiaceae, Sordariales, Ascomycota) recently... more Based on a number of isolates of Myceliophthora (Chaetomiaceae, Sordariales, Ascomycota) recently isolated from soil samples collected in USA, the taxonomy of the genus was re-evaluated through phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region and genes for the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II and translation elongation factor 1a. Members of Myceliophthora were split into four monophyletic clades strongly supported by molecular and phenotypic data. Such clades correspond with Myceliophthora, now restricted only to the type species of the genus Corynascus, which is re-established with five species, the new monotypic genus Crassicarpon and also the new genus Thermothelomyces (comprising four species). Myceliophthora lutea is mesophilic and a permanently asexual morph compared to the members of the other three mentioned genera, which also are able to sexually reproduce morphs with experimentally proven links to their asexual morphs. The ...
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2009
A comparative study on the experimental pathogenicity of five species of Sporothrix of clinical i... more A comparative study on the experimental pathogenicity of five species of Sporothrix of clinical interest, Sporothrix albicans, Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix globosa, Sporothrix mexicana, and Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto, was performed using an immunocompetent murine model. Two strains of each species and two levels of inoculum for each strain (2 • 10 7 and 2 • 10 4 conidia/animal) were tested by intravenous inoculation of mice (ten per group). Mortality was caused by the low inoculum of one strain of S. brasiliensis only, and the high inocula of S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii strains. Other inocula and other species tested did not kill any of the experimental animals. Tissue burden studies showed fungal spread to kidneys, lungs, spleen, brain, and testicles. S. brasiliensis was recovered extensively from all of the studied organs, and S. schenckii and S. globosa were recovered in lower amounts. Histopathological studies revealed differences in the lesions, which ranged from local inflammation with a low number of fungal cells at the injection site in mice infected with S. globosa, to massive infiltration of fungal cells in organs of those infected with S. brasiliensis. Our findings showed that S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii were the most virulent species, and suggest that lesional mechanisms could be species-specific.
Persoonia - Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Fungi, 2020
Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: A... more Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antarctica, Cladosporium arenosum from marine sediment sand. Argentina, Kosmimatamyces alatophylus (incl. Kosmimatamyces gen. nov.) from soil. Australia, Aspergillus banksianus, Aspergillus kumbius, Aspergillus luteorubrus, Aspergillus malvicolor and Aspergillus nanangensis from soil, Erysiphe medicaginis from leaves of Medicago polymorpha, Hymenotorrendiella communis on leaf litter of Eucalyptus bicostata, Lactifluus albopicri and Lactifluus austropiperatus on soil, Macalpinomyces collinsiae on Eriachne benthamii, Marasmius vagus on soil, Microdochium dawsoniorum from leaves of Sporobolus natalensis, Neopestalotiopsis nebuloides from leaves of Sporobolus elongatus, Pestalotiopsis etonensis from leaves of Sporobolus jacquemontii, Phytophthora personensis from soil associated with dying Grevillea mccutcheonii. Brazil, Aspergillus oxumiae from soil, Calvatia baixaverdensis on soil, Geastrum...
Journal of clinical microbiology, 2014
A case of fungal necrotizing fasciitis that appeared in an immunocompetent Mexican woman after a ... more A case of fungal necrotizing fasciitis that appeared in an immunocompetent Mexican woman after a car accident is described. The patient did not respond to antifungal treatment and died 4 days later. The fungus was molecularly identified as a new species of Apophysomyces, namely, Apophysomyces mexicanus.
Revista Iberoamericana de Micología, 2009
Medical Mycology, 2006
Foot infections are common and serious complications of diabetic patients. We report the case of ... more Foot infections are common and serious complications of diabetic patients. We report the case of a 68-year-old patient with a diabetic foot infection that developed into a gangrenous necrosis. Fusarium spp. was isolated on two successive occasions with no other associated microorganisms. Histopathology demonstrated invasion of the fungus into the tisssue. These findings suggested an infection rather than colonization. A detailed morphological study showed that the isolate was Fusarium acutatum, which was confirmed by rDNA sequencing. This fungus is found only in Asia and has not been previously reported as a human pathogen.
Medical Mycology, 2008
Here we report on two isolates of Candida glabrata recovered from urine samples collected from of... more Here we report on two isolates of Candida glabrata recovered from urine samples collected from of an Intensive Care Unit patient. D1/D2 and ITS 1'2 rDNA sequence analysis confirmed its identification. The isolates were cholesterol dependent and resistant to Amphotericin B.
Medical Mycology, 2008
Microsphaeropsis olivacea is reported as the agent of a case of human skin infection in an otherw... more Microsphaeropsis olivacea is reported as the agent of a case of human skin infection in an otherwise healthy woman. This fungus has not been reported previously as causing disease in humans. It was identified on the basis of its production of pycnidia and conidial structures typical of the Coelomycetes, and by its light brown, ellipsoid to cylindrical and thick walled conidia. The in vitro inhibitory activity of amphotericin B, fluconazole, flucytosine, itraconazole, ketoconazole and miconazole was determined.
Medical Mycology, 2013
a case of osteomyelitis which led to amputation of the dog ' s limb [8]. In man, disease caused b... more a case of osteomyelitis which led to amputation of the dog ' s limb [8]. In man, disease caused by Lecythophora species is also rare, with a few case reports in which L. hoffmannii and L. mutabilis are cited as etiologic agents and involved keratitis, abscesses, peritonitis, endocarditis and septic shock [9]. Lecythophora species are anamorphs of Coniochaeta , an ascomycete genus belonging to the family Coniochaetaceae [10-12]. Primarily pathogens of woody hosts, they are similar to the closely-related genus Phialemonium and notoriously diffi cult to identify on the basis of morphologic features. The Lecythophora isolate recovered from the bone in this GSD, characterized by both phenotypic features and molecular sequencing, did not match any known species. A second uncommon isolate, the ascomycete Plectospharella cucumerina , anamorph Plectosporium tabacinum , was isolated from the dog ' s urine. It was identifi ed by both phenotypic and molecular methods. This organism is used as an anti-nematophagous agent to control potato cyst nematodes and to the authors ' knowledge there are no previous reports in the veterinary literature of it as an agent infecting dogs [13,14]. Case presentation A 3-year-old, female, spayed GSD was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) to obtain a second
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005
Pseudallescheria boydii (anamorph Scedosporium apiospermum ) is the species responsible for human... more Pseudallescheria boydii (anamorph Scedosporium apiospermum ) is the species responsible for human scedosporiosis, a fungal infection with a high mortality rate and which is difficult to treat. Recently, it has been demonstrated that high genetic variation exists within this species. We have performed a morphological and molecular study involving numerous strains of clinical or environmental origins and from different countries. The analysis of partial sequences of the β-tubulin (two loci) and calmodulin genes and the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene has demonstrated that P. boydii is a species complex. The combined analysis of the sequences of the four loci of 60 strains has showed the presence of 44 haplotypes in the ingroup. Three species morphologically related to P. boydii sensu stricto, i.e., Pseudallescheria angusta , Pseudallescheria ellipsoidea , and Pseudallescheria fusoidea , which had previously been considered synonyms, could be differentiated genetica...
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2007
Sporothrix schenckii is the species responsible for sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by ... more Sporothrix schenckii is the species responsible for sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by the traumatic implantation of this dimorphic fungus. Recent molecular studies have demonstrated that this species constitutes a complex of numerous phylogenetic species. Since the delineation of such species could be of extreme importance from a clinical point of view, we have studied a total of 127 isolates, most of which were received as S. schenckii , including the available type strains of species currently considered synonyms, and also some close morphological species. We have phenotypically characterized all these isolates using different culture media, growth rates at different temperatures, and numerous nutritional tests and compared their calmodulin gene sequences. The molecular analysis revealed that Sporothrix albicans , S. inflata , and S. schenckii var. luriei are species that are clearly different from S. schenckii . The combination of these phenetic and genetic approaches ...
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2006
The pathogenic dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii is the agent responsible for sporotrichosis,... more The pathogenic dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii is the agent responsible for sporotrichosis, an important fungal infection with a worldwide distribution. Little is known about the population structure of S. schenckii , although recent molecular and phenotypic data seem to demonstrate that different genetic lineages exist within this species. The aim of this study was to determine, by sequence analysis of three protein coding loci (chitin synthase, β-tubulin, and calmodulin), whether this variability is due to species divergence or intraspecific diversity in S. schenckii . We included in the analysis 60 isolates (59 of clinical and 1 of environmental origin) of this species from a wide geographical range. DNA sequence data from the three nuclear regions were used in a phylogenetic analysis. The combined analysis of the three loci revealed the presence of three major clades, one grouping all of the European isolates, another with only Brazilian isolates, and the third with isolat...
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2007
Ninety-two isolates belonging to five species of the Sporothrix schenckii complex were tested in ... more Ninety-two isolates belonging to five species of the Sporothrix schenckii complex were tested in vitro against 12 antifungal agents, using a reference microdilution method. There were significant differences among the species; Sporothrix brasiliensis was the species that showed the best response to antifungals, and S. mexicana had the worst response. In general, terbinafine was the most active drug, followed by ketoconazole and posaconazole.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2008
The in vitro activity of amphotericin B in combination with micafungin was evaluated against 115 ... more The in vitro activity of amphotericin B in combination with micafungin was evaluated against 115 isolates representing seven species of Candida . Overall, the percentages of synergistic interactions were 50% and 20% when the MIC-2 (lowest drug concentration to cause a prominent reduction in growth) and MIC-0 (lowest drug concentration to cause 100% growth inhibition) end point criteria, respectively, were used. Antagonism was not observed. Some of the interactions were confirmed by time-kill assays.