Survey of bovine mycotic mastitis in dairy herds in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Homeobox Transcription Factors in Phoma sorghina var. saccharum Causing Sugarcane Twisted Leaf Disease

A homeobox transcription factor is a conserved transcription factor, ubiquitous in eukaryotes, that regulates the tissue formation of structure, cell differentiation, proliferation, and cancer. This study identified the homeobox transcription factor family and its distribution in Phoma sorghina var. saccharum at the whole genome level. It elucidated the gene structures and evolutionary characteristics of this family. Additionally, knockout experiments were carried out and the preliminary function of these transcription factors was studied. Through bioinformatics approaches, nine homeobox transcription factors (PsHOX1-PsHOX9) were identified in P. sorghina var. saccharum, and these contained HOX-conserved domains and helix-turn-helix secondary structures. Nine homeobox gene deletion mutants were obtained using the homologous recombinant gene knockout technique. Protoplast transformation was mediated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the transformants were identified using PCR. The knockouts of PsHOX1, PsHOX2, PsHOX3, PsHOX4, PsHOX6, PsHOX8, and PsHOX9 genes resulted in a smaller growth diameter in P. sorghina var. saccharum. In contrast, the knockouts of the PsHOX3, PsHOX6, and PsHOX9 genes inhibited the formation of conidia and led to a significant decrease in the pathogenicity. This study's results will provide insights for understanding the growth and development of P. sorghina var. saccharum. The pathogenic mechanism of the affected sugarcane will provide an essential theoretical basis for preventing and controlling sugarcane twisted leaf disease.

Epicoccum sp. as the causative agent of a reddish-brown spot defect on the surface of a hard cheese made of raw ewe milk

Colour defects can affect the appearance of cheese, its flavour, the safety of its consumption, and the price it can demand. This work reports the identification of five fungal isolates from a dairy plant where the surface of most cheeses was affected by patent, reddish-to-brown stains. One of these isolates was obtained from cheese, two from brine, and two from a bulk tank containing ewe milk. Molecular identification by partial amplification, sequencing, and database comparison of the concatenated sequence of the genes coding for the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2), β-tubulin (β-TUB), and the large subunit of the rRNA molecule (LSU), plus the internal transcribed sequence (ITS) regions, assigned the isolates to Epicoccum layuense, Epicoccum italicum, and Epicoccum mezzettii. Features of the growth of these different species on different agar-based media, and of the morphology of their conidia following sporulation, are also reported. The strain isolated from cheese, E. layuense IPLA 35011, was able to recreate the reddish-brown stains on slices of Gouda-like cheese, which linked the fungus with the colour defect. In addition, two other strains, E. italicum IPLA 35013 from brine and E. italicum IPLA 35014 from milk, also produced stains on cheese slices. Epicoccum species are widely recognized as plant pathogens but have seldom been reported in the dairy setting, and never as human or animal pathogens.

Nasal trichosporonosis in 2 mixed-breed ewes

Two adult mixed-breed ewes were presented with a 2-wk history of upper respiratory disease. Both animals were depressed, with bilateral serosanguineous nasal discharge and harsh bronchovesicular sounds accompanied by crackles and wheezes on auscultation. One animal was recumbent and was euthanized at presentation. The other animal with similar signs, as well as exophthalmos, was euthanized because of a mass in the nasal passages. On autopsy, severe pyogranulomatous and necrotizing ethmoidal rhinitis with focal pyogranulomatous pneumonia was diagnosed in both animals. An intralesional fungal organism was identified in the nares and lungs of both animals. The organism could not be isolated via fungal culture but was identified as Trichosporon sp. by a PCR assay. Trichosporon spp. are rarely associated with disease in veterinary medicine. This ubiquitous fungus might cause disease following trauma to the nasal passages or secondary to immunocompromise.

Alternatives to Antimicrobial Treatment in Bovine Mastitis Therapy: A Review

Despite preventive and therapeutic measures, mastitis continues to be the most prevalent health problem in dairy herds. Considering the risks associated with antibiotic therapy, such as compromised effectiveness due to the emergence of resistant bacteria, food safety issues, and environmental impact, an increasing number of scientific studies have referred to the new therapeutic procedures that could serve as alternatives to conventional therapy. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide insight into the currently available literature data in the investigation of non-antibiotic alternative approaches. In general, a vast number of in vitro and in vivo available data offer the comprehension of novel, effective, and safe agents with the potential to reduce the current use of antibiotics and increase animal productivity and environmental protection. Constant progress in this field could overcome treatment difficulties associated with bovine mastitis and considerable global pressure being applied on reducing antimicrobial therapy in animals.

Characterization, enzymatic activity and biofilm formation of Candida species isolated from goat milk

BACKGROUND

Data regarding yeast microbiota in goat milk is scarce.

AIMS

To isolate and identify species of the genus Candida in milk samples from clinically healthy goats, and evaluate their enzymatic activity and biofilm formation.

METHODS

1092 milk samples from clinically healthy goats were collected and processed. The yeast isolates were identified by phenotypic, methods and their enzymatic activity (phospholipase, hemolysin and protease) and biofilm formation evaluated.

RESULTS

We obtained 221 Candida isolates belonging to six species: Candida kefyr (35.7%), Candida guilliermondii (33%), Candida famata (23.5%), Candida glabrata (5.9%), Candida albicans (1.35%) and Candida parapsilosissensu lato (0.45%). Protease activity was detected in all Candida species while hemolysin activity was only present in C. kefyr, C. guilliermondii, C. famata and C. albicans. Only C. albicans showed phospholipase activity. With the exception of C. parapsilosis sensu lato, all Candida species formed biofilm, with 60.19% of the isolates being poor producers, 9.93% moderate producers, and 1.35% strong producers.

CONCLUSIONS

The milk of clinically healthy goats contains several species of the genus Candida that could play a role as opportunistic pathogens in mastitis.

The A756T Mutation of the ERG11 Gene Associated With Resistance to Itraconazole in Candida Krusei Isolated From Mycotic Mastitis of Cows

Candida krusei (C. krusei) has been recently recognized as an important pathogen involved in mycotic mastitis of cows. The phenotypic and molecular characteristics of 15 C. krusei clinical isolates collected from cows with clinical mastitis in three herds of Yinchuan, Ningxia, were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry. In addition to sequencing analysis, the ERG11 gene that encodes 14α-demethylases, the expression of the ERG11 gene, and efflux transporters ABC1 and ABC2 in itraconazole-susceptible (S), itraconazole-susceptible dose dependent (SDD), and itraconazole-resistant (R) C. krusei isolates was also quantified by a quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Sequencing analysis revealed three synonymous codon substitutions of the ERG11 gene including T939C, A756T, and T642C in these C. krusei clinical isolates. Among them, T642C and T939C mutations were detected in itraconazole-resistant and -susceptible C. krusei isolates, but the A756T substitution was found only in itraconazole-resistant isolates. Importantly, the expression of the ERG11 gene in itraconazole-resistant isolates was significantly higher compared with itraconazole-SDD and itraconazole-susceptible isolates (p = 0.052 and p = 0.012, respectively), as determined by the qRT-PCR assay. Interestingly, the expression of the ABC2 gene was also significantly higher in itraconazole-resistant isolates relative to the itraconazole-SDD and itraconazole-susceptible strains. Notably, the expression of ERG11 was positively associated with resistance to itraconazole (p = 0.4177 in SDD compared with S, p = 0.0107 in SDD with R, and p = 0.0035 in S with R, respectively). These data demonstrated that mutations of the ERG11 gene were involved in drug resistance in C. krusei. The A756T synonymous codon substitution of the ERG11 gene was correlated with an increased expression of drug-resistant genes including ERG11 and ABC2 in itraconazole-resistant C. krusei isolates examined in this study.

Diphtheric aspergillosis tracheitis with gastrointestinal dissemination secondary to viral infections in a dairy calf

Diphtheric aspergillosis tracheitis is an uncommon syndrome described in human pathology, usually associated with immunosuppression in the affected individuals. Interestingly, no comparative/equivalent cases were found in domestic animals. This report describes the pathological and mycological findings associated with diphtheric aspergillosis tracheitis in an immunocompromised calf. The main pathological findings were diphtheric tracheitis and rhinitis, and necrotizing ruminitis associated with intralesional septate, acute branching fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus spp. Mycological culture and isolation confirmed the fungal hyphae as A. fumigatus due to characteristic features. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays identified intralesional antigens of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and malignant catarrhal fever virus (MCFV) at the trachea and small intestine; IHC detected intralesional antigens of bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) only at the trachea. These findings confirmed the simultaneous occurrence of A. fumigatus with concomitant infections due to BVDV, MCFV, and BoHV-1 in this calf. Since ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) is the cause of MCF in Brail, it is likely that the intralesional MCFV antigens identified were those of OvHV-2. In this case, disseminated aspergillosis was probably associated with the undeveloped immunological status of the calf that was further impaired due to the combined immunodepressive effects of BVDV and BoHV-1 infections. Although BVDV and BoHV-1 are infectious disease pathogens frequently associated with the development of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in feedlot and dairy cattle, the identification of intralesional OvHV-2-like antigens in several parts of the lungs suggest that this MCFV also played a role in the BRD-associated lesions identified in this calf.

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An unusual presentation of fungal diphtheric tracheitis associated with Aspergillus fumigatus is described in a dairy calf.

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A Malignant Catarrhal Fever Virus, most likely, OvHV-2, was associated with the development of pneumonia in this calf.

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Simultaneous infections in dairy calves may be more frequent than previously reported.

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OvHV-2 should be considered as a possible disease pathogen associated with the development of bovine respiratory disease.

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The immunodepressive effects of BVDV and BoHV-1 were fundamental for the development of the fungal disease observed in this calf.

The phoma-like dilemma

Species of Didymellaceae have a cosmopolitan distribution and are geographically widespread, occurring in diverse ecosystems. The family includes several important plant pathogenic fungi associated with fruit, leaf, stem and root diseases on a wide variety of hosts, as well as endophytic, saprobic and clinically relevant species. The Didymellaceae was recently revised based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses of ex-type strains subjected to DNA sequencing of partial gene data of the LSU, ITS, rpb2 and tub2 loci. Several poly- and paraphyletic genera, including Ascochyta, Didymella and Phoma were redefined, along with the introduction of new genera. In the present study, a global collection of 1 124 Didymellaceae strains from 92 countries, 121 plant families and 55 other substrates, including air, coral, human tissues, house dust, fungi, insects, soil, and water were examined via multi-locus phylogenetic analyses and detailed morphological comparisons, representing the broadest sampling of Didymellaceae to date. Among these, 97 isolates representing seven new genera, 40 new species and 21 new combinations were newly introduced in Didymellaceae. In addition, six epitypes and six neotypes were designated to stabilise the taxonomy and use of older names. A robust, multi-locus reference phylogenetic tree of Didymellaceae was generated. In addition, rpb2 was revealed as the most effective locus for the identification of Didymellaceae at species level, and is proposed as a secondary DNA marker for the family.

Fungal infections in animals: a patchwork of different situations

The importance of fungal infections in both human and animals has increased over the last decades. This article represents an overview of the different categories of fungal infections that can be encountered in animals originating from environmental sources without transmission to humans. In addition, the endemic infections with indirect transmission from the environment, the zoophilic fungal pathogens with near-direct transmission, the zoonotic fungi that can be directly transmitted from animals to humans, mycotoxicoses and antifungal resistance in animals will also be discussed. Opportunistic mycoses are responsible for a wide range of diseases from localized infections to fatal disseminated diseases, such as aspergillosis, mucormycosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis and infections caused by melanized fungi. The amphibian fungal disease chytridiomycosis and the Bat White-nose syndrome are due to obligatory fungal pathogens. Zoonotic agents are naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans and vice versa. The list of zoonotic fungal agents is limited but some species, like Microsporum canis and Sporothrix brasiliensis from cats, have a strong public health impact. Mycotoxins are defined as the chemicals of fungal origin being toxic for warm-blooded vertebrates. Intoxications by aflatoxins and ochratoxins represent a threat for both human and animal health. Resistance to antifungals can occur in different animal species that receive these drugs, although the true epidemiology of resistance in animals is unknown, and options to treat infections caused by resistant infections are limited.

Association of bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) gene polymorphism with colostrum and milk microbiota of dairy cows during the first week of lactation

BACKGROUND

The interplay between host genotype and commensal microbiota at different body sites can have important implications for health and disease. In dairy cows, polymorphism of bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) gene has been associated with susceptibility to several infectious diseases, most importantly mastitis. However, mechanisms underlying this association are yet poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to explore the association of BoLA gene polymorphism with the dynamics of mammary microbiota during the first week of lactation.

RESULTS

Colostrum and milk samples were collected from multiparous Holstein dairy cows at the day of calving and days 1 and 6 after calving. Microbiota profiling was performed using high-throughput sequencing of the V1-V2 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes and ITS2 region of the fungal ribosomal DNA. Polymorphism of BoLA genes was determined using PCR-RFLP of exon 2 of the BoLA-DRB3. In general, transition from colostrum to milk resulted in increased species richness and diversity of both bacterial and fungal communities. The most dominant members of intramammary microbiota included Staphylococcus, Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridiales within the bacterial community and Alternaria, Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus within the fungal community. Comparing the composition of intramammary microbiota between identified BoLA-DRB3.2 variants (n = 2) revealed distinct clustering pattern on day 0, whereas this effect was not significant on the microbiota of milk samples collected on subsequent days. On day 0, proportions of several non-aureus Staphylococcus (NAS) OTUs, including those aligned to Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus gallinarum, Staphylococcus sciuri, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus, were enriched within the microbiota of one of the BoLA-DRB3.2 variants, whereas lactic acid bacteria (LAB) including Lactobacillus and Enterococcus were enriched within the colostrum microbiota of the other variant.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a potential role for BoLA-gene polymorphism in modulating the composition of colostrum microbiota in dairy cows. Determining whether BoLA-mediated shifts in the composition of colostrum microbiota are regulated directly by immune system or indirectly by microbiota-derived colonization resistant can have important implications for future development of preventive/therapeutic strategies for controlling mastitis.

Marine-derived Phoma-the gold mine of bioactive compounds

The genus Phoma contains several species ubiquitously present in soil, water, and environment. There are two major groups of Phoma, viz., terrestrial and marine. After 1981 researchers all over the world have focused on marine-derived Phoma for their bioactive compounds. The marine Phoma are very rich sources for novel bioactive secondary metabolites, which could potentially be used as drugs. Recently, a large number of structurally unique metabolites with potential biological and pharmacological activities have been isolated from the marine Phoma species particularly Phoma herbarum, P. sorghina, and P. tropica. These metabolites mainly include diterpenes, enolides, lactones, quinine, phthalate, and anthraquinone. Most of these compounds possess antimicrobial, anticancer, radical scavenging, and cytotoxic properties. The present review has been focused on the general background of Phoma, current approaches used for its identification and their limitations, difference between terrestrial and marine Phoma species. In addition, this review summarizes the novel bioactive compounds derived from marine Phoma and their biological activities.

Epidemiological investigation of non-albicans Candida species recovered from mycotic mastitis of cows in Yinchuan, Ningxia of China

BACKGROUND

Candida spp. is the vital pathogen involved in mycotic mastitis of cows. However the epidemiology and infection of Candida species in mycotic mastitis of cow in Ningxia province of China has not been explored. In the present study, the epidemiology, antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence-related genes of non-albicans Candida (NAC) species were investigated.

METHODS

A total of 482 milk samples from cows with clinical mastitis in four herds of Yinchuan, Ningxia were collected and used for the isolation and identification of mastic pathogens by phenotypic and molecular characteristics, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial susceptibility to antifungal agents was also determined by a disk diffusion assay. The presence of virulence-related genes was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

A total of 60 isolates from nine different Candida species were identified from 256 (60/256, 23.44%) milk samples. The most frequently identified species in cows with clinical mastitis groups were Candida krusei (n = 14) and Candida parapsilosis (n = 6). Others include Candida lipolytica, Candida lusitaniae, Cryptococcus neoformans. But no Candida albicans was identified in this study. Interestingly, All C. krusei isolates (14/14) were resistant to fluconazole, fluorocytosine, itraconazole and ketoconazole, 2 out of 14 C. krusei were resistant to amphotericin, and 8 out of the 14 were resistant to nystatin. Similarly, all six C. parapsilosis isolates were resistant to fluorocytosine, but susceptible to fluconazole, ketoconazole and nystatin; two of the six were resistant amphotericin and itraconazole. Molecularly, all of the C. parapsilosis isolates carried eight virulence-related genes, FKS1, FKS2, FKS3, SAP1, SAP2, CDR1, ERG11 and MDR1. All of the C. krusei isolates contained three virulence-related genes, ERG11, ABC2 and FKS1.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that Candida species other than C. albicans played a pathogenic role in mycotic mastitis of cows in Yinchuan, Ningxia of China. The high incidence of drug-resistant genes in C. parapsilosis and C. krusei also highlighted a great concern in public and animal health in this region.

Mixed Infection of Respiratory Tract in a Dog Caused by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Trichosporon jirovecii: A Case Report

This report describes the isolation of two environmental fungi: Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Trichosporon jirovecii accompanied by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli from a dog with bronchotracheitis. All microorganisms were isolated routinely from a mucopurulent discharge, obtained during bronchoscopy from laryngotracheal area. The initial identification of yeasts was confirmed by API Candida and by molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer region. Administered antimicrobial treatment with Marbofloxacin and Canizol has brought the improvement in the dogs’ health status. The final results of control mycological culture were negative. Most probably underlying hypothyroidism and the use of steroids were the factors predisposing this patient to opportunistic infection of mixed aetiology. As far as we are concerned, this is the first case of dogs’ respiratory tract infection caused by R. mucilaginosa and T. jirovecii.

Epidemiology of Rhodotorula: an emerging pathogen

This is an updated paper focusing on the general epidemiological aspects of Rhodotorula in humans, animals, and the environment. Previously considered nonpathogenic, Rhodotorula species have emerged as opportunistic pathogens that have the ability to colonise and infect susceptible patients. Rhodotorula species are ubiquitous saprophytic yeasts that can be recovered from many environmental sources. Several authors describe the isolation of this fungus from different ecosystems, including sites with unfavourable conditions. Compared to R. mucilaginosa, R. glutinis and R. minuta are less frequently isolated from natural environments. Among the few references to the pathogenicity of Rhodotorula spp. in animals, there are several reports of an outbreak of skin infections in chickens and sea animals and lung infections and otitis in sheep and cattle. Most of the cases of infection due to Rhodotorula in humans were fungemia associated with central venous catheter (CVC) use. The most common underlying diseases included solid and haematologic malignancies in patients who were receiving corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs, the presence of CVC, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Unlike fungemia, some of the other localised infections caused by Rhodotorula, including meningeal, skin, ocular, peritoneal, and prosthetic joint infections, are not necessarily linked to the use of CVCs or immunosuppression.

High prevalence of Candida yeast in milk samples from cows suffering from mastitis in poland

Mastitis is an economically important disease in which fungi belonging to the genus Candida may participate as etiological agents. This study focused on determining the frequency of fungal isolation and differentiation of fungal species isolated from milk of mastitic cows. Sixty-six milk samples from mastitic cows were studied, and 55 strains of fungi were isolated. Seven different species classified as Candida were identified basing on phenotypic properties, and the dominating species was C. parapsilosis. Genomic DNA was isolated and amplified in PCR with ITS1 and NL2 primers. Amplification products were digested with restriction enzymes HpaII and EcoRI. Amplification of DNA with ITS1 and NL2 primers resulted in products of different sizes. Comparison of product sizes in restriction fragment PCR REA confirmed differences among species. Strains grouped together on the basis of phenotype characteristics differed in restriction fragment profiles. None of the investigated species showed similar genetic profiles.

Eficácia in vitro de desinfetantes utilizados na anti-sepsia dos tetos frente a leveduras isoladas do leite de vaca com mastite

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a sensibilidade in vitro de leveduras isoladas do leite de vaca com mastite frente a alguns desinfetantes comerciais utilizados no pré e pós-dipping em propriedades leiteiras do Estado de Pernambuco. Após a identificação, 12 isolados de leveduras foram submetidos aos testes com os seguintes princípios ativos: iodo (0,57%), cloro (2,5%), clorexidine (2,0%), ácido láctico (2,0%) e amônia quaternária (2,0%) em cinco tempos distintos (15", 30", 60", 300" e 600"). Observou-se que 100% dos isolados mostraram-se sensíveis ao clorexidine, em todos os tempos de exposição. O iodo obteve o segundo melhor resultado com os seguintes percentuais: 83,33% foram sensíveis em 15" de exposição, 91,67% em 30" e 100% foram sensíveis nos tempos 60", 300" e 600". Para o ácido láctico, os resultados foram: 41,67% sensíveis em 15" de exposição, 58,33% em 30", 66,67% em 60" e 300" e 75% em 600". Na Análise dos resultados para amônia quaternária, observou-se que 66,67% foram sensíveis nos tempos 15" e 30", e 91,67% em 60", 300" e 600". Em relação ao princípio ativo cloro apenas 16,67% foram sensíveis no tempo de 15" e 30", e 25% em 60", 300" e 600". Conclui-se que o clorexidine e o iodo apresentam atividade desinfetante significativamente superior ao cloro, frente a leveduras envolvidas nos processos infecciosos da glândula mamária em bovinos. É necessário realizar uma avaliação periódica da atividade desinfetante dos produtos utilizados na rotina do pré e pós-dipping nas propriedades leiteiras frente aos microrganismos mais comumente envolvidos nos casos de mastite (micótica ou bacteriana), pois esta é uma medida eficaz para reduzir a frequência de casos de mastite nos rebanhos.

Yeasts isolation from bovine mammary glands under different mastitis status in the Mexican High Plateu

BACKGROUND

The mastitis subclinical and clinical in cows caused by fungi has been increased specially by yeast of the genus Candida.

OBJECTIVE

To identify what yeasts were present in milk samples obtained from mammary glands of healthy cows, and others suffering subclinical or clinical mastitis.

METHODS

From a total of 1,095 milk samples 342 were from mammary glands of healthy dairy cows, 383 with subclinical mastitis, and 370 with clinical mastitis, were taken, in the states of Querétaro, Hidalgo, Puebla and Mexico City (Distrito Federal) in the so called Mexican High Plateu. The clinical status of the mammary glands was determined by clinical examination and the California Mastitis Test. Yeasts identification was carried out by morphology and biochemical methods.

RESULTS

Twenty different species of Candida were identified out of 282 (25.75%) milk samples. The most frequently identified species in the healthy cows and cows with clinical mastitis groups were Candida glabrata and Candida krusei. On the other hand, samples from the subclinical mastitis group showed a diversity of Candida species, including Candida zeylanoides, Candida norvegica, Candida viswanathii, Candida guilliermondii, and Candida tropicalis. Candida albicans was isolated only in 11 (3.9%) samples from the clinical and subclinical mastitis groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the possible role that Candida species other than C. albicans may play in mycotic mastitis in cows.

The Slime Production by Yeasts Isolated from Subclinical Mastitic Cows

The aim of this study was to isolate yeasts from subclinical mastitic cows and to investigate the slime production by the isolated yeasts. The material used in this study included 339 milk samples from 152 dairy cattle with subclinical mastitis.Milk wasplated onto blood agar, MacConkey agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar. Forty-onesamples (12.1% of total milk samples) were found positive for the yeast by API 20 C AUX identification system. The isolated yeasts were classified into four genera ofCandida, Trichosporon, CryptococcusandSaccharomyces.TheCandidaspecies were following:C. krusei,C. kefyr,C. guilliermondii,C. famata,C. rugosaandC. utulis. Other yeasts were identified asTrichosporon mucoides,T. asahii,Cryptococcus laurentii,C.  neoformansandSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Slime production was tested on Congo red brain heart infusion agar and evaluated according to Congo red phenomenon. Fifteen (36.6%) strains were slime factor positive: seven wereC. krusei, fourC. kefyr, oneC. guilliermondii, oneC. famata, oneT. asahii, and oneC. laurentii. The results of the present study indicate that yeast mastitis is significant for causing economic losses and slime production is mostly found in non-albicans Candidaspecies. Therefore, non-albicans Candidaspecies should be examined for slime production.

Highlights of the Didymellaceae: A polyphasic approach to characterise Phoma and related pleosporalean genera

Fungal taxonomists routinely encounter problems when dealing with asexual fungal species due to poly- and paraphyletic generic phylogenies, and unclear species boundaries. These problems are aptly illustrated in the genus Phoma. This phytopathologically significant fungal genus is currently subdivided into nine sections which are mainly based on a single or just a few morphological characters. However, this subdivision is ambiguous as several of the section-specific characters can occur within a single species. In addition, many teleomorph genera have been linked to Phoma, three of which are recognised here. In this study it is attempted to delineate generic boundaries, and to come to a generic circumscription which is more correct from an evolutionary point of view by means of multilocus sequence typing. Therefore, multiple analyses were conducted utilising sequences obtained from 28S nrDNA (Large Subunit - LSU), 18S nrDNA (Small Subunit - SSU), the Internal Transcribed Spacer regions 1 & 2 and 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), and part of the beta-tubulin (TUB) gene region. A total of 324 strains were included in the analyses of which most belonged to Phoma taxa, whilst 54 to related pleosporalean fungi. In total, 206 taxa were investigated, of which 159 are known to have affinities to Phoma. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the current Boeremaean subdivision is incorrect from an evolutionary point of view, revealing the genus to be highly polyphyletic. Phoma species are retrieved in six distinct clades within the Pleosporales, and appear to reside in different families. The majority of the species, however, including the generic type, clustered in a recently established family, Didymellaceae. In the second part of this study, the phylogenetic variation of the species and varieties in this clade was further assessed. Next to the genus Didymella, which is considered to be the sole teleomorph of Phoma s. str., we also retrieved taxa belonging to the teleomorph genera Leptosphaerulina and Macroventuria in this clade. Based on the sequence data obtained, the Didymellaceae segregate into at least 18 distinct clusters, of which many can be associated with several specific taxonomic characters. Four of these clusters were defined well enough by means of phylogeny and morphology, so that the associated taxa could be transferred to separate genera. Aditionally, this study addresses the taxonomic description of eight species and two varieties that are novel to science, and the recombination of 61 additional taxa.

Identification of Candida species isolated from bovine mastitic milk and their in vitro hemolytic activity in Western Turkey

In this study, identification of 207 Candida isolates, previously isolated from mastitic bovine quarter milk samples at the level of genus, was made using API 20 C AUX system. The most frequently isolated species were Candida krusei (34.8%), followed by Candida rugosa (16.4%), Candida kefyr (12.6%), Candida albicans (10.1%), and Candida tropicalis (9.2%). Less common isolates were Candida zeylanoides (5.8%), Candida parapsilosis (4.3%), Candida guilliermondii (3.4%), Candida famata (1.9%), and Candida glabrata (1.5%). Additionally, in vitro hemolytic activity of all Candida strains were also examined in the present study. C. krusei (72 isolates), C. kefyr (26), C. albicans (21), C. tropicalis (19), C. zeylanoides (12), and C. glabrata (3) demonstrated both alpha and beta hemolysis at 48-h postinoculation. Only alpha hemolysis was detected in C. rugosa (34), C. guilliermondii (7), and C. famata (4), while C. parapsilosis (9) did not show any hemolytic activity after incubation for 72 h. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was determined between the beta-hemolytic activities of Candida strains. The hemolytic activities of C. zeylanoides, C. albicans and C. kefyr were higher than other strains. This is the first study to describe variable hemolysis types exhibited by different Candida strains isolated from bovine mastitic milk in Turkey.

The "in vitro" antifungal activity evaluation of propolis G12 ethanol extract on Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcosis is a worldwide disease caused by the etiological agent Cryptococcus neoformans. It affects mainly immunocompromised humans. It is relatively rare in animals only affecting those that have received prolonged antibiotic therapy. The propolis is a resin that can present several biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. The standard strain C. neoformans ATTC 90112 was used to the antifungal evaluation. The tests were realized with propolis ethanol extract (PEE) G12 in concentrations from 0.1 to 1.6 mg mL-1. The evaluation of MIC and MFC were done according to DUARTE (2002)5. The inhibitory effect of PEE G12 on the fungal growing was seen at the concentration of 0.2 mg mL-1 and 1.6 mg mL-1 was considered a fungicidal one.

Isolation of Candida spp. from mastitic bovine milk in Brazil

The purpose of this study was to isolate yeast (Candida) from the quarter milk of cow udders from 37 dairy farms in Brazil and to identify the different species involved in mastitis. The samples were collected between October 2002 and February 2003. Two-hundred-and-sixty milk samples from cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis were examined. Milk samples were plated onto Blood agar, Mac Conkey agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar. Forty-five (17.3%) samples were positive for the genus Candida. The Candida species isolated were C. krusei (44.5%), C. rugosa (24.5%), C. albicans (8.9%), C. guilliermondii (8.9%), and others (13.2%). We also isolated Escherichia coli (26.5%), coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (25.0%), Streptococcus spp. (8.1%), Enterobacter spp. (8.1%), and other fungi (8.1%), among others.

Characterization of micro-organisms isolated from dairy industry after cleaning and fogging disinfection with alkyl amine and peracetic acid

AIMS

To characterize micro-organisms isolated from Norwegian dairy production plants after cleaning and fogging disinfection with alkyl amine/peracetic acid and to indicate reasons for survival.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Microbial samples were collected from five dairy plants after cleaning and fogging disinfection. Isolates from two of these production plants, which used fogging with alkylamino acetate (plant A), and peracetic acid (plant B), were chosen for further characterization. The sequence of the 16S ribosomal DNA, fatty acid analysis and biochemical characteristics were used to identify isolates. Three isolates identified as Rhodococcus erythropolis, Methylobacterium rhodesianum and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were isolated from plant A and one Sphingomonas sp. and two M. extorquens from plant B. Different patterns of resistance to seven disinfectants in a bactericidal suspension test and variable degree of attachment to stainless steel were found. The strains with higher disinfectant resistance showed lower degree of attachment than susceptible strains.

CONCLUSIONS

The study identifies and characterizes micro-organisms present after cleaning and fogging disinfection. Both surface attachment and resistance were shown as possible reasons for the presence of the isolates after cleaning and disinfection.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results contribute to the awareness of disinfectant resistance as well as attachment as mechanisms of survival in dairy industry. It also strengthens the argument of frequent alternation of disinfectants in the food processing industry to avoid the establishment of resistant house strains.

Evaluation of the microbiological status of milk and various structures in mammary glands from naturally infected dairy cows

A knowledge of the microbiological status of milk and of the different structures in the mammary glands has great importance in elucidating the pathogenesis of mammary gland infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological status of various structures in the mammary glands from naturally infected dairy cows following slaughter. A total of 94 samples of milk, 184 samples of mammary parenchyma, 168 samples of gland cisterns, and 168 samples of teat cisterns were collected for microbiological examination. Microorganisms were detected in 59.9% of all samples, 67.0% of the milk samples, 70.1% of the mammary parenchymas, 55.9% of the gland cisterns and 48.8% of the teat cistern samples. When all samples were considered, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus were the most prevalent (35.7%) followed by coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (12.2%), Corynebacterium bovis (2.4%), Prototheca sp. (1.9%), and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (1.5%). There was a significantly higher occurrence of microorganisms in the milk and mammary parenchyma compared to the gland cisterns and teat cisterns.

Ocorrência de Candida albicans em intestinos de bovinos

Foram realizadas a identificação e a sorotipagem de C. albicans isoladas de fezes de bovinos em amamentação natural. Para o isolamento, utilizou-se o meio seletivo e diferencial de Pagano Levin, adicionado de bifenilo na concentração final de 0,1%. De 210 bovinos inicialmente considerados, 70 adultos, 68 bezerros após o desmame e 72 bezerros em fase de amamentação natural, observou-se positividade para C. albicans somente em nove amostras de fezes de bezerros em fase de amamentação (12,5%). A determinação do sorotipo por meio de provas de aglutinação direta em lâmina, com soros monoespecíficos, revelou que a totalidade das amostras isoladas pertencia ao sorotipo A. O bifenilo na concentração de 0,1% mostrou-se inibitório para a maioria dos bolores sem, aparentemente, afetar a viabilidade de C. albicans. O isolamento de C. albicans somente a partir de fezes de bezerros em amamentação, provavelmente, está relacionado à dieta láctea.

Aetiology and histopathology of bovine mastitis of espontaneous occurrence

Infectious bovine mastitis is responsible for serious economic losses in dairy cattle breeding. Information about the damages caused by micro-organisms is of great interest and importance. The purpose of the present study was to report on the microbiological and histopathological aspects of the mammary parenchymas of slaughtered dairy cows. A total of 184 mammary glands were examined and samples of mammary parenchyma were collected for microbiological and histopathological examinations. Micro-organisms were isolated from 69.6% samples; 23 (12.5%) of the 184 samples did not show histological changes; inflammatory response was observed in 56 (30.4%) samples; inflammatory response and repair were present in 82 (44.6%) samples; repair process was verified in 23 (12.5%) of the mammary glands. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were observed in 53.8% of the samples followed by coagulase-positive Staphylococci (7.6%), Prototheca sp. (2.2%) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (1.6%). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci and coagulase-positive Staphylococci were associated mainly to chronic inflammatory response and chronic inflammatory response and repair. Samples from which no micro-organisms were isolated (n = 56) had no histological changes in 82.6% of the cases. These results were higher (P < 0.05) when compared to the samples with micro-organisms and without histological changes (17.4%).

Survey of yeast mastitis in dairy herds of small-type farms in the Lublin region, Poland

The purpose of this study was to isolate fungi from the quarter milk of cow udders in 9 dairy farms. The samples were collected between May 1996 and April 2000 in the Lublin region. Six hundred and four milk samples collected from the quarters of 172 cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis were examined. Milk samples were plated as soon as possible on blood agar (BA), Mac Conkey agar, aesculin-tallium acetate-crystal violet blood agar, and Sabouraud agar with chloramphenicol and gentamicin. Fifty eight (9.6%) of the samples were positive for fungi. All of the fungal isolates were yeasts of the genera Candida, Rhodotorula and Trichosporon. We also isolated Streptococcus agalactiae (4.9%), Str. spp.(6.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.4%), coagulase-negative staphylococci-CNS (36.6%), Escherichia coli (3.5%), other microorganisms (2.6%) and no growth (25.8%).

Infectious bovine mastitis caused by environmental organisms

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of environmental mastitis in dairy herds and identify the main environmental pathogens, and to evaluate the influence of season, housing and management. A total of 20,310 quarters of 5216 animals from 52 dairy herds in 32 counties was examined. Milk samples were aseptically collected for laboratory examination from mammary glands testing positive to any of the field tests. From these, 736 environmental infections were identified. The most frequently isolated environmental pathogens were algae of the genus Prototheca sp. (41.2%), Streptococcus uberis (21.1%), fungi (19.5%), enterobacteriacea (8.3%) and Nocardia sp. (6.6%). The occurrence of mastitis was not influenced by the herd size, use of dry cow therapy, or post milking teat dipping. A tendency for increased occurrence of environmental mastitis during the months of September to February (hot and wet weather) was observed, suggesting a seasonal influence.

Microbiological diagnoses of chronic otitis externa in the dog

The microbiological characteristics of otic exudates from 26 dogs with chronic otitis externa was studied with special reference to the implication of yeasts in the aetiology of the disease. A high frequency of yeasts and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated, alone or in association. In reference to the yeasts, there was a clear predominance of the genus Candida (48% of the total yeasts). Malassezia (Pytirosporum) represented only 3% of the isolates. It can be concluded that yeasts have an important role in the pathogenicity of this disease. For the microbiological diagnosis of otitis externa, we recommend the simultaneous use of Columbia/5% Sheep Blood Agar and Sabouraud-Dextrose without antibiotic addition, the use of 37 degrees C as the incubation temperature and direct microscopic observation of the sample before culture.

Isolation of yeasts from bovine milk in Belgium

A total of 436 milk samples from non-infected and 80 from infected quarters were investigated: 24.5% of the samples collected from non-infected and 55% of those collected from infected quarters were positive. Normal milk yielded not less than 16 different species and among them many potentially pathogenic yeast species such as C. parapsilosis, C. guilliermondii, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and T. asahii, all five able to grow at 40 degrees C. In contrast, the yeasts isolated from infected quarters were from 3 species: C. kefyr, C. catenulata and C. lambica, which were also among the yeasts species recovered from normal milk. Among the three species, only one i.e. Candida kefyr is able to grow above 40 degrees C and from there can be considered as potentially pathogenic, even if bacterial association is necessary to cause mastitis.