ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING AND GENOTYPING CHARACTERIZATION OF Cryptococcus neoformans AND gattii ISOLATES FROM HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS OF RIBEIRÃO PRETO, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL.

Cryptococcosis is a leading invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Considering the high prevalence and severity of these infections in immunocompromised patients attended at HC-FMRP-USP, the present research aimed to characterize the clinical isolates of Cryptococcus strains by biochemical and molecular methods and evaluate antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates. Fifty isolates from 32 HIV-positive patients were obtained at HC-FMRP-USP.

Genotype and mating type distribution within clinical Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii isolates from patients with cryptococcal meningitis in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

We molecularly characterized 81 cryptococcal isolates recovered from cerebrospinal fluid samples of 77 patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2007 as having cryptococcal meningitis in Uberaba Minas Gerais, Brazil. Fifty-seven (74%) were male with a mean age 35.6 years.

Evaluation of the experimental inoculation of Cryptococcus albidus and Cryptococcus laurentii in normal mice: virulence factors and molecular profile before and after animal passage.

The genus Cryptococcus includes free-developing species, a few of which are of medical importance. Some, such as C. neoformans and C.

[Occurrence of dermatophyte, in nails, feet and hands of university students].

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the occurrence of dermatophytes, specifically in the nails, feet and hands of university students with and without lesions. Two hundred and eighty samples were collected; 31 (11.1%) were positive by direct examination, while only 20 (7.

Group B Streptococcus carriers among HIV-1 infected pregnant women: prevalence and risk factors.

Objective: The objective was to determine the frequency and risk factors of anogenital colonization by Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) in pregnant women infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).

Study Design: A prospective study was conducted on 207 pregnant women divided into two groups: HIV group (n=101) and a control group consisting of HIV-uninfected pregnant women (n=106) to assess regional colonization by GBS. Anal and vaginal swabs were collected and cultured in Todd-Hewitt broth, followed by a confirmatory test.

Colonization by Streptococcus agalactiae during pregnancy: maternal and perinatal prognosis.

We reviewed colonization by group B Streptococcus beta-haemolyticus of Lancefield (SGB), or Streptococcus agalactiae, in pregnant women, and the consequences of infection for the mother and newborn infant, including factors that influence the risk for anogenital colonization by SGB. We also examined the methods for diagnosis and prophylaxis of SGB to prevent early-onset invasive neonatal bacterial disease. At present, it is justifiable to adopt anal and vaginal SGB culture as part of differentiated obstetrical care in order to reduce early neonatal infection.