[Outbreak of histoplasmosis in province of Neuquén, Patagonia Argentina].

Background: In Argentina, there are no reports of autochthonous cases of histoplasmosis in the southern regions of the country.

Aim: To report a histoplasmosis outbreak in Zapala town, Province of Neuquén, Patagonia Argentina.

Methods: We evaluated the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 5 patients involved in the outbreak.

Determination of the therapeutic activity of caspofungin compared with the amphotericin B in an animal experimental model of histoplasmosis in hamster (Mesocrisetus auratus).

Background: Treatment with amphotericin B is highly effective in histoplasmosis. Caspofungin has shown good activity against Candida and Aspergillus spp. In vitro studies have demonstrated that Histoplasma capsulatum is inhibited by caspofungin.

Genetic relatedness of subgingival and buccal Candida dubliniensis isolates in immunocompetent subjects assessed by RAPD-PCR.

Background: It is recognized that Candida dubliniensis commonly colonizes oral and subgingival sites in immunocompetent subjects with periodontal disease.

Objective: Since there are few data available on genetic characterization of C. dubliniensis in periodontal pockets and other oral sites, the aim of this study was to characterize subgingival and mucosal C.

[Examination of the genetic variability among biofilm-forming Candida albicans clinical isolates].

Biofilms are microbial communities encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix and represent a common mode of microbial growth. Candida albicans is able to colonize the surface of catheters, prostheses, and epithelia, forming biofilms that are highly resistant to antimicrobial drugs. The objective of this study was the genotypic characterization of biofilm-forming C.