Pathogenicity of some Chrysosporium species isolated in France

Zoonotic fungus Arthroderma multifidum causing chronic pulmonary infection

A rare case of fungus Arthroderma multifidum infection occurred in a 63-year-old man. The patient had some risk factors, including occupational exposure, immunosuppressive state, and structural basis following pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumothorax surgery. The pathogen was repeatedly isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and identified by gene sequencing. It is the first report of human infection caused by A. multifidum. Whole genome sequencing and analysis of its genomic characterization are completed. The findings provide us with a key clinical insight that the combination of immune suppression and environmental exposure could create an ideal condition for zoonotic fungal infections.

Survey of Keratinophilic Fungi from Feathers of Birds in Tuscany

Although keratinophilic fungi on avian feathers have been widely described, data from European literature are quite lacking regarding Mediterranean countries. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the occurrence of fungal species on feathers of different avian species in Italy. A total of 378 feather samples from both aquatic (n = 254) and terrestrial birds (n = 124), for a total of 30 bird species, were cultured for keratinophilic fungi. Fungal isolates were recognized by their macro- and micro-scopical morphology, and results were corroborated by PCR and sequencing. Keratinophilic fungi belonging to 11 different species (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Trichophyton terrestre, Microsporum gypseum, Sepedonium sp., Chrysosporium pannorum, Myriodontium sp., Chrysosporium tropicum, Chrysosporium pruinosum, Chrysosporium luteum and Aphanoascus fulvescens) were isolated from 71 animals (18.8%). The frequency of isolation of keratinophilic species from terrestrial birds was significantly higher in waterfowl. Migratory birds in Italy have been proven to carry pathogenic fungi such as dermatophytes, (A. platyrhyncos, A. crecca, E. rubecula), besides saprophytic species.

Epidemiological aspects of superficial fungal infections in Koranic schools in two localities of Senegal (Thies and Touba)

BACKGROUND

In developing countries, superficial fungal infections (SFI) are endemic and cause a therapeutic problem because of the duration and cost of treatment. Community living and promiscuity are key factors in the direct or indirect transmission and spread of these diseases.

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to study the epidemiological aspects of SFI, among koranic school children in two localities in Senegal.

PATIENTS/METHODS

School koranic students were recruited in Thies and Touba. Diagnosis of fungal diseases was carried out using conventional techniques (microscopic examination and culture).

RESULTS

Among 210 children, the overall prevalence of SFI was 25.71%, with 27.63% in Touba and 20.68% in Thiès. The clinical lesions were epidermophytosis (0.5%), intertrigo (0.9%), palmoplantar keratoderma (KPP) (0.9%), onychomycosis (7.7%) and tinea capitis (TC) (90%). The species responsible for the SFI were Trichophyton soudanense (85.18%), Microsporum audouinii langeronii (9.25%), Trichophyton rubrum (3.70%) and Chrysosporium keratinophilum (1.85%). The prevalence of infection was higher among boys (85.18%).

CONCLUSION

Superficial fungal infections are prevalent in koranic school children and attention should be given to non-dermatophytic species that could be responsible for SFI.

Disseminated Chrysosporium infection in a German shepherd dog

Disseminated Chrysosporium spp. infection was diagnosed in a German shepherd dog based on a positive fungal culture and cytological findings of intralesional fungi associated with granulomatous splenitis and neutrophilic lymphadenitis. The clinical presentation that could mimic a multicentric lymphoma, including markedly enlarged lymph nodes and a very abnormal splenic appearance on ultrasound makes this case even more atypical. The patient showed rapid clinical improvement on oral posaconazole and remains clinically stable ten months after diagnosis.

Epidemiological investigation of keratinophilic fungi from soils of Djerba (Tunisia)

INTRODUCTION

Epidemiological investigation of keratinophilic fungi in soil has been carried out in different parts of the world. However, our knowledge of the present occurrence and distribution of keratinophilic fungi in Tunisian soils remains unknown. This study was carried out to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of keratinophilic fungi in the soils collected in Djerba (South of Tunisia).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and forty one soil samples were collected from various sites in Djerba and screened for the presence of keratinophilic fungi and related dermatophytes using hair-baiting technique. Fungi were identified using macro- and micro-morphological features.

RESULTS

Among them, 29 (20.6%) soil samples were positive. Seven species were isolated in the following order of dominance: Chrysosporium keratinophilum (48.3%), Microsporum gypseum (41.4%), C. tropicum (10.4%), C. parvum (3.45%), C. anamorph of Anixiopsis stercoraris (3.45%), C. anamorph of Arthroderma cuniculi (3.45%) and Chaetomium sp. (3.45%). The association of M. gypseum and C. keratinophilum was detected in 13.8% of positive soils. Sixty-nine percent of fungi were found in organic matter rich soil. Our results revealed a higher prevalence of keratinophilic fungi in the regions far from the sea (33.3%) than in those near the sea (11.1%) with a statistically significant difference (P=0.001). All keratinophilic fungi were isolated from soils with pH ranging from 6.2 to 7.6.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that keratinophilic fungi were present in the various soils of Djerba. They may represent a risk to human health.

Keratinophilic fungi isolated from soils of long-term fold-grazed, degraded pastures in national parks of Slovakia

A total of 939 isolates of 11 genera representing 15 species of keratinophilic fungi were isolated and identified from the soils of three long-term fold-grazed pastures in national parks of Slovakia (Pod Ploskou, Strungový príslop, and Pod Kečkou) and one non-fold-grazed pasture in sierra Stolicke vrchy (Diel) using the hair-baiting technique. Keratinophilic fungi were present in all soil samples with a prevalence of Trichophyton ajelloi and Paecilomyces lilacinus. These fungi were more abundant in soil from fold-grazed pasture (Strungový príslop) compared to non-fold-grazed pasture (Diel). The occurrence of the other keratinophilic fungi was substantially lower, likely because of low pH in some soils.

Fungi associated with the hairs of goat and sheep in libya

The mycoflora on the hair in 25 samples of each of goats and sheep collected from Libya was analyzed using two isolation methods at 25℃. Seventy species and 3 varieties belonging to 31 genera were collected from the two substrates. The hairs of sheep were polluted with fungi than goat, contained high total counts and number of genera and species. Two species of true dermatophytes were isolated namely Trichophyton rubrum and T. terrestre. Several keratiophilic species were isolated of which Chrysosporium indicum, C. keratinophilum and C. tropicum were the most prevalent. The commonest saprophytes in order of frequency were members of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Emericella, Alternaria and Cochliobolus.

Mycological and some physiological studies of keratinophilic and other moulds associated with sheep wool

Wool samples of 50 healthy sheep collected from different localities at Ar' Ar in Saudi Arabia were examined for the presence of keratinophilic and other fungi using the hair plate technique. Forty-eight species and 2 varieties belonging to 20 genera were isolated on Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 25 degrees C. Two species of true dermatophytes were isolated: Trichophyton terrestre and T. rubrum in low frequency of occurrence. Chrysosporium, a well-know keratinophilic genus, was the predominant genus on sheep wool. Of 6 Chrysosporium species isolated C. tropicum, C. keratinophilum and C. indicum were the most prevalent. Several other moulds could colonize wool, and the most frequent species were members of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Emericella, Chaetomium and Acremonium. 14 isolates of selected fungi were screened for their ability to produce protease and keratinase on solid media. All test fungi exhibited protease, but with varying degree. It was observed that true dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, T. terrestre and the keratinolytic fungi Chrysosporium tropicum and C. keratinophilum showed highly keratinolytic activity, but Emericella nidulans var. lata, E. quadrilineata and Penicillium funiculosum were not able to attack horse hair.

Isolation of fungi from the pelage of cats and dogs using the hairbrush technique

A total of 178 cats and 59 dogs in Palmerston North, New Zealand were sampled for the presence of keratinophilic fungi on their pelage; 57.8% had fungi. The fungi were classified in 20 genera with the predominant species being members of the genera; Chrysosporium, Microsporum and Trichophyton. Cats were the major carriers of keratinolytic fungi. 18.5% of the cats and 5.1% of the dogs were either carriers or infected with M. canis. Microsporum canis was a frequent isolate and its distribution had a seasonal variation, with a peak appearing in May-June.

Isolation of dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi from surface sediments of the Shatt Al-Arab River and its creeks at Basrah, Iraq

Twenty-five sediment samples were taken from randomly selected sites in the Shatt Al-Arab River and its creeks and analysed for dermatophytes and related keratinophilic fungi. The results revealed that out of 25 samples only 13 (52%) yielded dermatophytes and related keratinophilic fungi. A total of nine species in four genera were isolated. The most frequent genera isolated in this study were Chrysosporium and its teleomorph Aphanoascus. The species most frequently found were Aphanoascus fulvescens, A. durus, Chrysosporium crassitunicatum, Chr. keratinophilum and Chr. tropicum (each n = 3). Microsporum was represented by two species, namely M. fulvum and M. gypseum. Trichophyton was represented by one species, T. verrucosum. The occurrence of these fungi illustrates that sediments may act as a reservoir for potentially pathogenic fungi for human and animals.

Chrysosporium tropicum as a probable cause of mycosis of poultry in India

Chrysosporium tropicum was isolated from comb lesions in two different breeds of chickens in India and subcultures were shown to be pathogenic when inoculated onto prepared skin of guinea pigs. This report provides additional evidence to consider Ch. tropicum as a pathogenic fungus and a probable cause of a dermatomycosis in chickens.

A preliminary survey of cycloheximide-resistant airborne fungi in Turin, Italy

Numbers and type of the cycloheximide-resistant part of the aerially transmitted mycoflora of Turin were studied. Samples from three areas characterized by differing human usage were taken in the first week of March. During each sampling, 12 m3 of air were aspirated, using an one-stage volumetric sieve sampler. Fifty-two mesophilic species and eight thermotolerant were isolated. Propagule load varied from 2.92 to 120.31 cfu m-3. The following species appear not to have been reported previously from air samples: Ascotricha bosei, Blastobotrys navarrensis, Cryptendoxyla hypophloia, Chrysosporium an. gymnoascus demonbreunii, Ophiostoma piceae, Penicillium vulpinum, Phialophora mustea, Rhinocladiella pedrosoi, Scopulariopsis croci, S. komngii and Sesquiallium candelabrum. A significant number of potential opportunistic pathogens was isolated.

Outdoor airborne dermatophytes and related fungi: a survey in Turin (Italy)

Aerial dispersal of propagules, an important mechanism of fungal spread, has not been sufficiently studied for skin-infecting fungi. Over a period of one year, we have monitored the distribution of dermatophytes in the air of Turin. We have also examined the related aleurioconidic and arthroconidic fungi, which share physiological and morphological characters with dermatophytes and are sometimes considered to cause similar infections. A viable volumetric collector was used. Samples were taken each month; each sample collected 9.6 m3 of air. The medium was Dermasel agar supplemented with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Thirty-two species were isolated, within the genera Aphanoascus, Arthrographis, Chrysosporium, Geomyces, Gymnoascus, Malbranchea, Myceliophthora, Myxotrichum, Ovadendron, Trichophyton. The total mycoflora load obtained was rather low throughout the year and particularly in the hottest months. Apart from T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, which are dermatophytes very frequently encountered in Turin, many of the species detected have known pathogenic potential and/or keratinolytic activity.

Ultrastructural aspects of the demolition of human hair in vitro by Chrysosporium tropicum Carmichael

The pattern of invasion of human hair in vitro by a non-dermatophytic fungus, Chrysosporium tropicum, was studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The components of the hair were attacked in sequence, depending on their level of keratinization, i.e. their content of cystine. In the cuticle, the sequence of digestion was as follows: intercellular material, cytoplasmic membrane, endocuticle, exocuticle, layer A, and a thinner layer below the inner cytoplasmic membrane of the cuticle cells. In the cortex, the order was: cementing material, plasmalemma, intermacrofibrillar material, microfibrils and matrix of the microfibrils. At the same time a different mode of attack was radial penetration of the various layers without regard to degree of keratinization. This occurred by means of perforating hyphae originating in the cuticle from structures similar to appressoria. With both modes of attack, the process showed all the characteristics of enzymatic digestion rather than physical breakdown. Ch. tropicum thus demonstrated important physiological parallels with dermatophytes in its demolition of hair in vitro. This could be of interest in predicting its ability to infect in vivo.