Trichophyton tonsurans strains from Brazil: phenotypic heterogeneity, genetic homology, and detection of virulence genes.

The objective of this study was to establish the phenotypical and molecular patterns of clinical isolates of Trichophyton tonsurans circulating in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. For this purpose, 25 T. tonsurans strains isolated from independent cases of tinea capitis in children were phenotypically evaluated regarding their macro- and micro-morphological characteristics, vitamin requirements, urease production, and antifungal susceptibility.

Effect of farnesol on growth, ergosterol biosynthesis, and cell permeability in Coccidioides posadasii.

Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungi Coccidioides spp. The treatment for chronic and/or disseminated coccidioidomycosis can be prolonged and complicated. Therefore, the search for new drugs is necessary.

Knowledge of the patients regarding leprosy and adherence to treatment.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is known for its great disfiguring capacity and is considered an extremely serious disease to public health worldwide. The state of Ceará ranks 13th in number of cases of leprosy in Brazil, and fourth in Northeastern region, with an average of 2,149 new cases diagnosed every year.

Chemical composition, toxicity and larvicidal and antifungal activities of Persea americana (avocado) seed extracts.

The present study had the aim of testing the hexane and methanol extracts of avocado seeds, in order to determine their toxicity towards Artemia salina, evaluate their larvicidal activity towards Aedes aegypti and investigate their in vitro antifungal potential against strains of Candida spp, Cryptococcus neoformans and Malassezia pachydermatis through the microdilution technique. In toxicity tests on Artemia salina, the hexane and methanol extracts from avocado seeds showed LC50 values of 2.37 and 24.