Next step in Monachacantiana (Montagu, 1803) phylogeography: northern French and Dutch populations (Eupulmonata, Stylommatophora, Hygromiidae)

Features of shell and genitalia as well as nucleotide sequences of selected mitochondrial and nuclear genes of specimens of Monachacantiana from ten northern French and two Dutch populations were compared with the same features of British and Italian populations. They were found to be very similar to populations previously identified as belonging to the CAN-1 lineage of M.cantiana. This confirms previous suggestions that M.cantiana was introduced to western Europe (England, France and the Netherlands) in historical times.

Protective effect of Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction against inflammatory injury caused by intestinal flora disorders in an ischemic stroke mouse model

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent studies have shown that intestinal flora are involved in the pathological process of ischemic stroke (IS). The potential protective effect of the traditional Chinese prescription, Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction (THSWD), against inflammatory injury after IS and its underlying mechanisms of action were investigated in the current study.

METHODS

Fifty SPF(Specefic pathogen Free) male C57 mice were randomly assigned to sham operation, model, THSWD low-dose (6.5 g/kg), medium-dose (13 g/kg) and high-dose (26 g/kg) groups (10 mice per group). Mouse models of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion were prepared via thread embolism. Neurological function score, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and other methods were employed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

Notably, THSWD induced a reduction in the neurological function score (P < 0.01) and neuronal injury in brain tissue, increase in protein expression of Claudin-5 and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in brain tissue(P < 0.01), and decrease in serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS)(P < 0.01), diamine oxidase (DAO)(P < 0.01) and D-lactic acid(P < 0.01, P < 0.05) levels to a significant extent. THSWD also inhibited the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)(P < 0.01) and interleukin - 1β (IL-1β)(P < 0.01) in brain tissue, and increased alpha and beta diversity in ischemic stroke mice, along with a certain reversal effect on different microflora. Finally, THSWD inhibited the polarization of microglia cells(P < 0.01) and decreased the protein and gene expression of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4)(P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)(P < 0.01) in brain tissue.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that THSWD may interfere with inflammatory response in ischemic stroke by regulating intestinal flora and promoting intestinal barrier repair.

Bacterial diversity of herbal rhizospheric soils in Ordos desert steppes under different degradation gradients

Objectives

This study explored the effects of different degradation gradients on bacterial diversity in the rhizospheric soils of herb plants.

Methods

The alpha diversity, species composition and correlations of bacterial communities in the rhizospheric soils of herb plants were studied using metagenomics 16SrDNA gene high-throughput sequencing.

Results

The diversity of bacterial communities in the rhizospheric soils of herb plants differed during the degradation of desert steppes. An analysis of bacterial community alpha diversity indices showed the bacterial diversity and species evenness of rhizospheric soils were best in moderately degraded desert steppes. Among all samples, a total of 43 phyla, 133 classes, 261 orders, 421 families, 802 genera and 1,129 species were detected. At the phylum level, the predominant bacterial phyla were: Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the predominant bacterial genera were: RB41, Sphingomonas, WD2101_soil_group_unclassified, Pseudomonas and Actinomyces. The relative abundance of unknown genera was very large, which deserves further research. At the phylum and genus levels, the species abundance levels under slight and moderate degradation were significantly higher than those under extreme degradation. Correlation network diagrams showed there were many nodes in both slightly deteriorated and moderately deteriorated soils, and the node proportions were large and mostly positively correlated. These results indicate the bacterial communities in rhizospheric soils under slight or moderate deterioration are relatively stable. The rhizospheric soil microbes of desert steppes can form a stable network structure, allowing them to adequately respond to environmental conditions.

Conclusions

The bacterial communities in the rhizospheric soils of herb plants differ between different degradation gradients. The species number, abundance and diversity of bacterial communities in rhizospheric soils are not directly correlated with degree of degradation. The abundance, species diversity and species abundance of bacterial communities in the rhizospheric soils of moderately degraded desert steppes are the highest and most stable. The soil bacterial diversity is lowest in severely degraded desert steppes.

16S and 18S rDNA Amplicon Sequencing Analysis of Aesthetically Problematic Microbial Mats on the Walls of the Petralona Cave: The Use of Essential Oils as a Cleaning Method

The presence of microbial communities on cave walls and speleothems is an issue that requires attention. Traditional cleaning methods using water, brushes, and steam can spread the infection and cause damage to the cave structures, while chemical agents can lead to the formation of toxic compounds and damage the cave walls. Essential oils (EOs) have shown promising results in disrupting the cell membrane of bacteria and affecting their membrane permeability. In this study, we identified the microorganisms forming unwanted microbial communities on the walls and speleothems of Petralona Cave using 16S and 18S rDNA amplicon sequencing approaches and evaluated the efficacy of EOs in reducing the ATP levels of these ecosystems. The samples exhibited a variety of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, the SAR supergroup, Opisthokonta, Excavata, Archaeplastida, and Amoebozoa. These phyla are often found in various habitats, including caves, and contribute to the ecological intricacy of cave ecosystems. In terms of the order and genus taxonomy, the identified biota showed abundances that varied significantly among the samples. Functional predictions were also conducted to estimate the differences in expressed genes among the samples. Oregano EO was found to reduce ATP levels by 87% and 46% for black and green spots, respectively. Consecutive spraying with cinnamon EO further reduced ATP levels, with reductions of 89% for black and 88% for green spots. The application of a mixture solution caused a significant reduction up to 96% in ATP levels of both areas. Our results indicate that EOs could be a promising solution for the treatment of microbial communities on cave walls and speleothems.

Microbial characterization of the nasal cavity in patients with allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis

Introduction

Although recent studies have shown that the human microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, the impact of microbiota on allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (nAR) has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the composition of the nasal flora in patients with AR and nAR and their role in the pathogenesis.

Method

From February to September 2022, 35 AR patients and 35 nAR patients admitted to Harbin Medical University's Second Affiliated Hospital, as well as 20 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination during the same period, were subjected to 16SrDNA and metagenomic sequencing of nasal flora.

Results

The microbiota composition of the three groups of study subjects differs significantly. The relative abundance of Vibrio vulnificus and Acinetobacter baumanni in the nasal cavity of AR patients was significantly higher when compared to nAR patients, while the relative abundance of Lactobacillus murinus, Lactobacillus iners, Proteobacteria, Pseudomonadales, and Escherichia coli was lower. In addition, Lactobacillus murinus and Lacttobacillus kunkeei were also negatively correlated with IgE, while Lacttobacillus kunkeei was positively correlated with age. The relative distribution of Faecalibacterium was higher in moderate than in severe AR patients. According to KEGG functional enrichment annotation, ICMT(protein-S-isoprenylcysteine O-methyltransferase,ICMT) is an AR microbiota-specific enzyme that plays a role, while glycan biosynthesis and metabolism are more active in AR microbiota. For AR, the model containing Parabacteroides goldstemii, Sutterella-SP-6FBBBBH3, Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea, Lachnospiraceae bacterium-615, and Bacteroides coprocola had the highest the area under the curve (AUC), which was 0.9733(95%CI:0.926-1.000) in the constructed random forest prediction model. The largest AUC for nAR is 0.984(95%CI:0.949-1.000) for the model containing Pseudomonas-SP-LTJR-52, Lachnospiraceae bacterium-615, Prevotella corporis, Anaerococcus vaginalis, and Roseburia inulinivorans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, patients with AR and nAR had significantly different microbiota profiles compared to healthy controls. The results suggest that the nasal microbiota may play a key role in the pathogenesis and symptoms of AR and nAR, providing us with new ideas for the treatment of AR and nAR.

Detection and Multigene Typing of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani'-Related Strains Infecting Tomato and Potato Plants in Different Regions of Turkey

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (‘Ca. P. solani’) is a crop pathogen that is a member of the 16SrXII-A ribosomal subgroup. It is also known as stolbur phytoplasma and causes yield losses in several important crops, especially in Solanaceous crops. Different strains of the pathogen are regularly reported all over the world, particularly in the Mediterranean region. In this study, the determination of genetic diversity for the pathogen infecting tomatoes and potatoes was carried out by using multilocus sequence typing analysis for the Tuf, SecY, and Vmp1 genes to gain insight into the epidemiology of ‘Ca. P. solani’ in Turkey. Genetic diversity of the phytoplasmas was investigated by sequence-based phylogenetic analyses and in silico RFLP analysis of related genes. It was determined that all ‘Ca. P. solani’-related strains infecting tomatoes and potatoes were tuf-b, which is linked to field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.). Tomato or potato-infecting ‘Ca. P. solani’-related strains showed similarities with each other; however, the isolates collected from different plants showed genetic differences in terms of the SecY gene. This study indicates that the highest genetic variability of collected samples was found in the Vmp1 gene. RsaI-RFLP analysis of TYPH10F/R amplicons showed that potato-infecting ‘Ca. P. solani’-related strains were found to be similar to some existing V types. However, the V-type of tomato-infecting isolates is not similar to any previously reported V-type. The results indicate that there could be an important genetic diversity of ‘Ca. P. solani’-related phytoplasmas in Turkey. This could indicate various ways in which the pathogen has adapted to the two host plants as a consequence of the various Vmp1 gene rearrangements seen in these two plant hosts. Obtained results also indicate that the epidemiology of ‘Ca. P. solani’-related phytoplasmas in the tomato and potato agroecosystem may be better understood with the use of molecular data on the complex of vmp-types.

A metagenomic study of the gut microbiome in PTB'S disease

BACKGROUND

There is an abundant link between the gut microbiota and human health and it plays a critical role in the clinic. It is recognized that microbial dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the association of gut microbiome composition with TB as well as its possible roles in the development of this disease.

METHODS

Fecal samples were collected from 10 TB patients and 20 healthy control samples. DNA extracted from fecal samples was subjected to 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis on the Illumina MiSeq platform.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy control samples, the gut microbiome of patients with TB was characterized by the decreased Alpha diversity. Perhaps, the decrease of microbial diversity which results in microbial dysregulation is the reason for clinical patients with more symptoms. The PTB group showed the most unique microbiota by higher abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae, Bifidobacteriales, Coriobacteriaceae, Coriobacteriales, Actinobacteria, Caulobacteraceae, Phyllobacteriaceae, Rhizobiales, Burkholderiaceae, Burkholderiaceae. Inflammatory status in PTB patients may be associated with the increased abundance of Clostridia and decreased abundance of Prevotella. We found that the abundance of Solobacterium and Actinobacteria was higher in the patients. There were 4 significant differences (p<0.05) in the two groups which belonged to four metabolic categories, including endocytosis, phosphotransferase system (PTS), toluene degradation, and amoebiasis.

CONCLUSION

We applied the approach of metagenomic sequencing to characterize the features of gut microbiota in PTB patients. The present study provided a detailed analysis of the characterization of the gut microbiota in patients based on the clinic. According to the metagenome analysis, our results indicated that the gut microbiota in PTB patients was significantly different from healthy control samples as characterized by the bacteria and metabolic pathway. The richness of the gut microbiota in patients was revealed. It was hypothesized that the above-mentioned changes of the gut microbiota could exert an impact on the development of PTB through the downstream regulation of the immune status of the host by way of the gut-lung axis.

Inoculation of Mimosa Pudica with Paraburkholderia phymatum Results in Changes to the Rhizoplane Microbial Community Structure

Nitrogen fixing symbiosis between rhizobia and legumes contributes significant amounts of N to agricultural and natural environments. In natural soils, rhizobia compete with indigenous bacterial communities to colonize legume roots, which leads to symbiotic interactions. However, limited information is currently available on the effects of the rhizobial symbiont on the resident microbial community in the legume rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and endosphere, which is partly due to the presence of native nodulating rhizobial strains. In the present study, we used a symbiotic system comprised of Paraburkholderia phymatum and Mimosa pudica to examine the interaction of an inoculant strain with indigenous soil bacteria. The effects of a symbiont inoculation on the native bacterial community was investigated using high throughput sequencing and an analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The results obtained revealed that the inoculation induced significant alterations in the microbial community present in the rhizoplane+endosphere of the roots, with 13 different taxa showing significant changes in abundance. No significant changes were observed in the rhizospheric soil. The relative abundance of P. phymatum significantly increased in the rhizoplane+endosphere of the root, but significant decreased in the rhizospheric soil. While the rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and root endosphere contained a wide diversity of bacteria, the nodules were predominantly colonized by P. phymatum. A network analysis revealed that the operational taxonomic units of Streptomyces and Phycicoccus were positively associated with P. phymatum as potential keystone taxa. Collectively, these results suggest that the success of an inoculated symbiont depends on its ability to colonize the roots in the face of competition by other soil bacteria. A more detailed understanding of the mechanisms by which an inoculated strain colonizes its plant host is crucial for realizing the full potential of microbial inoculants in sustainable agriculture.

Characterization of gut microbiota in children with pulmonary tuberculosis

Background

Gut microbiota plays a critical role in many important physiological processes and is linked with various pulmonary infectious diseases. The relationship between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and gut microbiota has been poorly studied. The present study aimed to characterize gut microbiota in pediatric patients with PTB.

Methods

A case-controlled study was executed for the characterization of gut microbiota in pediatric PTB patients. Fecal samples were collected from the PTB patients and healthy controls upon admission. In addition, a one-month follow-up assessment was performed to investigate alterations in the gut microbiota post anti-tuberculosis treatment. 16SrDNA sequencing analysis of fecal DNA was completed on the Illumina MiSeq platform.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, the gut microbiota of pediatric patients with PTB was characterized by decreased microbial diversity. PTB patients further presented an up-regulation of the pro-inflammatory bacteria Prevotella, the opportunistic pathogen Enterococcus, as well as a reduction of beneficial bacteria including Ruminococcaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae and prausnitzii. One-month after anti-tuberculosis therapy, the richness of gut microbiota in PTB patients was distinctly depleted.

Conclusions

The gut microbiota of pediatric patients with PTB was significantly distinct from healthy controls. Additionally, the richness of gut microbiota in PTB patients decreased after one-month anti-tuberculosis treatment. It is hypothesized that the homeostasis of gut microbiota in PTB patients may affect the pathogenies of PTB by de-regulation of the hosts’ immune status through the gut-lung axis.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus fiber on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, microbial composition, VFA production, gut pH, and immunity of weaned pigs

Astragalus membranaceus is an herbaceous perennial plant, growing to about 2 feet tall, with sprawling stems and alternate leaves about 12-24 leaflets. In total, 24 cross bred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets weaned at 4 weeks with an average body weight of 10.84 ± 1.86 kg, were divided into four groups and randomly assigned to dietary treatments containing different AMSLF levels (0.00%, 2.50%, 5.00%, and 7.50%). The piglets in the control group (0.00% AMSLF) were fed basal diet and other treatment groups were fed basal diet in addition to 2.50%, 5.00%, and 7.50% pulverized AMSLF. The results indicated that supplementation with AMSLF significantly (p < 0.05) decreased diarrheal incidence in piglets. There was significant difference between treatment in terms of ADFI, ADG and FCR. Both 5.00% and 7.50% treatments significantly increased growth performance. The digestibility of gross energy and dry matter increased (p > 0.05) with increasing AMSLF level. The level of blood IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly affected by AMSLF supplementation with 7.50% AMSLF group having higher (p < 0.05) IL-2 and TNF-α levels than the other treatment groups. The 16SrDNA sequencing results from the four treatments showed that the potentially active bacterial microbial population and diversity in pig cecum were dominated by the phyla Bacteriodetes and Firmicutes regardless of the AMSLF supplementation. The Shannon diversity, PD whole tree diversity indices and Chao analyses exhibited significant variability in species richness across the treatments. The principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) showed significant (p < 0.1) differences between bacterial communities in all treatment groups. Results from the current study suggested that AMSLF supplementation increased composition of bacterial microbiota in pig gut. In conclusion, dietary supplements with AMSLF could potentially be used to prevent diarrheal incidence and improved pig production.

Exploration of phylogeography of Monachacantiana s.l. continues: the populations of the Apuan Alps (NW Tuscany, Italy) (Eupulmonata, Stylommatophora, Hygromiidae)

Two new lineages CAN-5 and CAN-6 were recognised in four populations of Monachacantiana (Montagu, 1803) s.l. from the Italian Apuan Alps by joint molecular and morphological analysis. They are different from other M.cantiana lineages known from English, Italian, Austrian and French populations, i.e. CAN-1, CAN-2, CAN-3 and CAN-4, as well as from the other Italian Monacha species used for comparisons (M.parumcincta and M.cartusiana). Although a definite taxonomic and nomenclatural setting seems to be premature, we suggest that the name or names for these new lineages as one or two species should be found among 19th century names (Helixsobara Mabille, 1881, H.ardesa Mabille, 1881, H.apuanica Mabille, 1881, H.carfaniensis De Stefani, 1883 and H.spallanzanii De Stefani, 1884).

Structure of intestinal microflora in hepatitis B cirrhosis patients and hepatitis B cirrhosis patients with diabetes mellitus

AIM

To analyze the changes of intestinal microflora in hepatitis B cirrhosis patients and hepatitis B cirrhosis patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Fecal samples were collected from nine patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and six hepatitis B cirrhosis patients with diabetes mellitus, and DNA was extracted from the fecal samples. The extracted DNA was purified and amplified by PCR, and the V3-V6 regions of the 16S rDNA of the fecal flora of the two groups were sequenced using the Roche454 high-throughput sequencing platform. The sequencing results were finally analyzed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in diversity parameters (OTUs, Chao1 index, Simpson index, and Shannon index) between the two groups. At the phylum level, the proportion of Proteobacteria in intestinal microflora of hepatitis B cirrhosis patients with diabetes increased significantly (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. At the class level, the proportion of Gammaproteobacteria in the intestinal flora of hepatitis B cirrhosis patients with diabetes mellitus was significantly higher than that in the hepatitis B cirrhosis group (P < 0.05), although the rest classes were not statistically different. At the order level, Desulfovibrionales in the intestinal microflora had obvious advantage in hepatitis B cirrhosis patients over hepatitis B cirrhosis patients with diabetes mellitus (P < 0.05), but the percentage of Burkholderiales in the intestinal flora of patients with cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus increased obviously (P < 0.05). At the family level, the proportions of Veillonellaceae and Alcaligenaceae in the intestinal flora increased significantly in hepatitis B cirrhosis patients with diabetes mellitus compared with patients with cirrhosis alone (P < 0.05), and the percentages of Streptococcaceae and Clostridiaceaein in the intestinal flora of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis had obvious advantages (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the proportions of Parabacteroides, Roseburia, Veillonellaceae, and Sutterella in hepatitis B cirrhosis patients with diabetes mellitus were significantly higher than those in patients with cirrhosis alone (P < 0.05), and the populations of Faecalibacterium and Streptococcus had advantages in hepatitis B cirrhosis patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although hepatitis B cirrhosis and hepatitis B cirrhosis patients with diabetes have similar intestinal flora structures, there are differences between them. The differences in certain bacterial populations may be a new target for the treatment of hepatitis B cirrhosis with diabetes.

Exploring Monacha cantiana (Montagu, 1803) phylogeography: cryptic lineages and new insights into the origin of the English populations (Eupulmonata, Stylommatophora, Hygromiidae)

Molecular analysis of nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 16S ribosomal DNA (16SrDNA) as well as nuclear histone 3 (H3) and internal transcribed spacer 2 of rDNA (ITS2) gene fragments together with morphological analysis of shell and genitalia features showed that English, French and Italian populations usually assigned to Monacha cantiana consist of four distinct lineages (CAN-1, CAN-2, CAN-3, CAN-4). One of these lineages (CAN-1) included most of the UK (five sites) and Italian (five sites) populations examined. Three other lineages represented populations from two sites in northern Italy (CAN-2), three sites in northern Italy and Austria (CAN-3), and two sites in south-eastern France (CAN-4). The taxonomic and nomenclatural setting is only currently available for lineages CAN-1 and CAN-4; a definitive frame for the other two requires much more research. The lineage CAN-1 corresponds to the true M. cantiana (Montagu, 1803) because it is the only one that includes topotypical English populations. The relationships and genetic distances support the hypothesis of the Italian origin of this lineage which was probably introduced to England by the Romans. The lineage CAN-4 is attributed to M. cemenelea (Risso, 1826), for which a neotype has been designated and deposited. Its diagnostic sequences of COI, 16SrDNA, H3 and ITS2 genes have also been deposited in GenBank. Molecular and morphological (shell and genitalia) features showed that M. parumcincta (Rossmässler, 1834) is a distinct taxon from the M. cantiana lineages.

Comparative 16SrDNA Gene-Based Microbiota Profiles of the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and the Mediterranean Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from a Shellfish Farm (Ligurian Sea, Italy)

The pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis are two widely farmed bivalve species which show contrasting behaviour in relation to microbial diseases, with C. gigas being more susceptible and M. galloprovincialis being generally resistant. In a recent study, we showed that different susceptibility to infection exhibited by these two bivalve species may depend on their different capability to kill invading pathogens (e.g., Vibrio spp.) through the action of haemolymph components. Specific microbial-host interactions may also impact bivalve microbiome structure and further influence susceptibility/resistance to microbial diseases. To further investigate this concept, a comparative study of haemolymph and digestive gland 16SrDNA gene-based bacterial microbiota profiles in C. gigas and M. galloprovincialis co-cultivated at the same aquaculture site was carried out using pyrosequencing. Bacterial communities associated with bivalve tissues (hemolymph and digestive gland) were significantly different from those of seawater, and were dominated by relatively few genera such as Vibrio and Pseudoalteromonas. In general, Vibrio accounted for a larger fraction of the microbiota in C. gigas (on average 1.7-fold in the haemolymph) compared to M. galloprovincialis, suggesting that C. gigas may provide better conditions for survival for these bacteria, including potential pathogenic species such as V. aestuarianus. Vibrios appeared to be important members of C. gigas and M. galloprovincialis microbiota and might play a contrasting role in health and disease of bivalve species. Accordingly, microbiome analyses performed on bivalve specimens subjected to commercial depuration highlighted the ineffectiveness of such practice in removing Vibrio species from bivalve tissues.

In Vitro Evaluation of Enzymatic and Antifungal Activities of Soil-Actinomycetes Isolates and Their Molecular Identification by PCR

Background:

Human cutaneous infection caused by a homogeneous group of keratinophilic fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi are the most common infectious agents in humans that are free of any population and geographic area. Microsporum canis is a cause of dermatophytosis (Tinea) in recent years in Iran and atypical strain has been isolated in Iran. Its cases occur sporadically due to M. canis transmission from puppies and cats to humans. Since this pathogenic dermatophyte is eukaryotes, chemical treatment with antifungal drugs may also affect host tissue cells.

Objectives:

The aim of the current study was to find a new antifungal agent of soil-Actinomycetes from Kerman province against M. canis and Actinomycete isolates were identified by PCR.

Materials and Methods:

A number of hundred Actinomycete isolated strains were evaluated from soil of Kerman province, for their antagonistic activity against the M. canis. M. canis of the Persian Type Culture Collection (PTCC) was obtained from the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST). Electron microscope studies of these isolates were performed based on the physiological properties of these antagonists including lipase, amylase, protease and chitinase activities according to the relevant protocols and were identified using gene 16SrDNA.

Results:

In this study the most antagonist of Actinomycete isolates with antifungal activity against M. canis isolates of L1, D5, Ks1m, Km2, Kn1, Ks8 and Ks1 were shown in vitro. Electron microscopic studies showed that some fungal strains form spores, mycelia and spore chain. Nucleotide analysis showed that Ks8 had maximum homology (98%) to Streptomyceszaomyceticus strain xsd08149 and L1 displayed 100% homology to Streptomyces sp. HVG6 using 16SrDNA studies.

Conclusions:

Our findings showed that Streptomyces has antifungal effects against M. canis.