Specific detection of fusarium species in blood and tissues by a PCR technique.

Fusarium species are opportunistic nosocomial pathogens that often cause fatal invasive mycoses. We designed a primer pair that amplifies by PCR a fragment of a gene coding for the rRNA of Fusarium species. The DNAs of the main Fusarium species and Neocosmospora vasinfecta but not the DNAs from 11 medically important fungi were amplified by these primers.

Organisation of the mitochondrial genome of Trichophyton rubrum III. DNA sequence analysis of the NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the cytochrome b gene.

In this paper, we present the nucleotide sequence of a 9761 nt-long segment of the mitochondrial genome of the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum that bridges the gap between two previously published segments, making a unique contig that represents approximately 80% of the molecule. The location of all genes on the map is determined except for some tRNA genes expected to flank the LSU rRNA gene not yet sequenced. Starting from the 5' end of the present sequence, we recognized the ND5 and ND2 genes, the cytochrome b gene, an unusually long intergenic spacer of unknown function, as well as the ND3, ND1 and ND4 genes.

Deep-seated fungal diseases in the South Pacific, especially in New Caledonia.

The main deep-seated fungal diseases and their encountered pathology in New Caledonia and other islands of the South Pacific are reviewed (1970-96). Cryptococcosis is encountered in all islands of the South Pacific, Australia and Papua New Guinea, with a predominance of variety gattii, which is associated with some species of Eucalyptus. Histoplasmosis is not uncommon, and there was an epidemic in New Caledonia in 1994 among people who had visited a bat-inhabited cave.

First European cases of onychomycosis caused by Onychocola canadensis.

Onychocola canadensis is a new fungus responsible of onychomycosis only isolated until now from Canada and New Zealand. We present the first European cases of onychomycosis caused by this fungus.

Subcutaneous abscess caused by Pleurophomopsis lignicola Petr: first case.

The dematiaceous coelomycete Pleurophomopsis lignicola Petr. was isolated repeatedly in pure culture from a subcutaneous abscess of the left leg in a farmer undergoing corticosteroid therapy for asthma gravis. To our knowledge, we report the first case involving this fungus as an aetiological agent of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.

Organisation of the mitochondrial genome of Trichophyton rubrum. DNA sequence analysis of the ND4 gene, the ATPase subunit-6 gene, the ribosomal RNA small-subunit gene, the ND6 gene, the COXIII gene, the ATPase subunit-8 gene and six tRNA genes that correspond respectively to the tyrosine, lysine, glutamine, asparagine, isoleucine and tryptophan isoacceptors.

We present the nucleotide sequence of a 5207-bp-long region of the mitochondrial genome of the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. This represents about 1/5th of the total genome and extends a previous study. From the 5' end of the present sequence, the order of genes is as follows: the end of the ND4 gene, the gene coding for subunit 6 of ATPase, the gene coding for the small ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA), the tyrosyl tRNA gene, the ND6 gene, the COXIII gene, the ATPase 8 subunit gene and a cluster of tRNAs genes corresponding respectively to the lysine, glutamine, asparagine, isoleucine and tryptophan isoacceptors.

Sex hormone effects on Phialophora verrucosa in vitro and characterization of progesterone receptors.

To determine the effects of sex steroid hormones on the growth of an aetiologic agent of chromoblastomycosis, we studied the dematiaceous fungus Phialophora verrucosa. The in vitro growth of this species on culture media containing either progesterone, testosterone or oestradiol at various concentrations was assessed. Both progesterone and testosterone inhibited the growth of P.

[Chromoblastomycosis in Gabon. Study of 64 cases].

During the last 25 years, 64 cases of chromoblastomycosis were diagnosed in Gabon. They came from the entire territory, where living in rural zones men as well as women were affected. The evolution of the disease has lasted for more than 10 years for the majority of the cases.

[Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae.A typical case in a cirrhotic patient].

The rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is an acute rapidly progressive fungal infection. This disease is caused by a zygomycetes fungus, most often from the Rhizopus genus. This fungus is saprophitic of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I and II genes, the ATPase9 gene, the NADH dehydrogenase ND4L and ND5 gene complex, and the glutaminyl, methionyl and arginyl tRNA genes from Trichophyton rubrum.

In this paper, we present the nucleotide sequence of a 5248 bp-long region of the mitochondrial (mt) genome of the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. This region which represents about 1/4 of the total mt genome of this species reveals a compact organization of genes including: the glutaminyl tRNA, the methionyl tRNA, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene, the arginyl tRNA, the mitochondrial version of the ATPase subunit 9 gene, the cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene and a part of the NADH dehydrogenase ND4L and ND5 gene "complex". The main features of the part of mt DNA sequenced is the non-interrupted COXI gene and the presence in the mitochondrial version of the ATPase 9 gene of a small group IA intron.

Hendersonula toruloidea as an agent of mycotic foot infection in Gabon.

Pathogenic fungi were isolated from 149 of 210 Gabonese patients with clinical signs of tinea pedis. Hendersonula toruloidea was isolated from 51 patients (34.2%), either alone (in 25%) or in association with a dermatophyte species or Candida albicans.

Maxillary sinusitis from Microascus cinereus and Aspergillus repens.

Microascus was associated with Aspergillus repens in a left maxillary sinus. Tissue contained septale filaments of two types, conidia, ostiolate perithecia containing ascospores corresponding to Microascus cinereus which was identified by culture. The abundance of sexual fructifications in the tissue indicates that pathogenicity is due to Microascus cinereus.

[Fungal otitis in Libreville. Study of 83 cases].

83 cases of mycotic otitis of external ear are reported during a period of 27 months from three departments of otorhinolaryngology in Libreville (Gabon, Central Africa) Prevalence is estimated at about 25% among all infectious otitis. The main functional signs are pruritus, otorrhea, pain and hypoacousia. The physical examination shows masse of white, grey, black or creamy caseous debris, invading the external auditory meatus (EAM) which is sometimes inflammatory.

Immunochemical characterisation of antigens and growth inhibition of Fonsecaea pedrosoi by species-specific IgG.

Antigens of Fonsecaea pedrosoi, the most common agent of chromomycosis, were characterised by immunoprecipitation with a rabbit antiserum raised against the cell-protein extract and serum from an infected patient. Thirteen antigens were commonly detected and, as some of these antigens could be iodinated, they may be present in the fungal cell wall. Purified IgG from the rabbit antiserum was shown to produce a 50-60% inhibition of fungal growth.

Polymorphism in mitochondrial DNA of several Trichophyton rubrum isolates from clinical specimens.

Mitochondrial DNA from six isolates of Trichophyton rubrum (a fungal pathogen of humans) was isolated, purified and digested by restriction endonucleases HindIII, HaeIII, AluI and EcoR1. The isolates could be classified into two groups according to their characteristic fragment patterns. Electron microscopy indicated that T.

[Keratinophilic fungal flora isolated from small wild mammals and rabbit-warren in France. Discussion on the fungal species found].

The occurrence of dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi was investigated in 237 small wild mammals and 125 european rabbit. The purpose of the investigation was to determine what were the species of fungi present in the these animals. Four species of dermatophytes were isolated: Trichophyton ajelloi, Trichophyton terrestre, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum persicolor.

Comparative electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and numerical taxonomy of some isolates of Fonsecaea pedrosoi and allied fungi.

The proteins in broken-cell extracts from eight isolates of Fonsecaea pedrosoi, the principal agent of chromomycosis, were studied and compared by electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. A type pattern was established with 16 fractions ranging in molecular weight between 7600 and 78500 daltons and 16 fractions varying in isoelectric point between 4.95 and 7.

Disturbances in toxicological experiments caused by Microsporum canis.

Cutaneous lesions which can lead to false positive results have been observed in several rabbits used for the determination of the cutaneous irritation capacity of a product (ITA, PII). The responsible agent was Microsporum canis. A preventive treatment by an antifungal agent did not modify toxicological experimental results.