Terpinen-4-ol, tyrosol, and β-lapachone as potential antifungals against dimorphic fungi.

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of terpinen-4-ol, tyrosol, and β-lapachone against strains of Coccidioides posadasii in filamentous phase (n=22) and Histoplasma capsulatum in both filamentous (n=40) and yeast phases (n=13), using the broth dilution methods as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of these compounds. The mechanisms of action of these compounds were also investigated by analyzing their effect on cell membrane permeability and ergosterol synthesis. The MIC and MFCf these compounds against C.

Easy storage strategies for Sporothrix spp. strains.

The present study evaluated the maintenance of Sporothrix spp. (6 Sporothrix brasiliensis; 6 S. schenckii; 5 S.

Histoplasma capsulatum in planktonic and biofilm forms: in vitro susceptibility to amphotericin B, itraconazole and farnesol.

It is believed that most microbial infections are caused by pathogens organized in biofilms. Recently, it was shown that the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, estimated to be the most common cause of fungal respiratory diseases, is also able to form biofilm. Although the antifungal therapy commonly used is effective, refractory cases and recurrences have been reported.

In vitro inhibitory activity of terpenic derivatives against clinical and environmental strains of the Sporothrix schenkii complex.

Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic subcutaneous infection, caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenkii complex, occurring in human and animal tissues. Potassium iodide and itraconazole have been used as effective therapy for first-choice treatment, while amphotericin B may be indicated for disseminated infection. However, the adverse effects of potassium iodide and amphotericin B or the long duration of therapy with itraconazole often weigh against their use, leading to the search for alternatives for the treatment of severe infections.

In vitro inhibitory effect of miltefosine against strains of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum and Sporothrix spp.

Miltefosine (MIL), originally developed for use in cancer chemotherapy, has been shown to have important antifungal activity against several pathogenic fungi. Our aim in this study was to determine the in vitro activity of MIL against the dimorphic fungi Histoplasma capsulatum and Sporothrix spp. This was done using the broth microdilution method.

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.

Genetic diversity of Coccidioides posadasii from Brazil.

Studies of the genetic variation within populations of Coccidioides posadasii are scarce, especially for those recovered from South America. Understanding the distribution of genotypes among populations is important for epidemiological surveillance. This study evaluated the genetic diversity of 18 Brazilian strains of C.

Coccidioidomycosis in armadillo hunters from the state of Ceará, Brazil.

Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis with a variable clinical presentation. Misdiagnosis of coccidioidomycosis as bacterial pneumopathy leads to inappropriate prescription of antibiotics and delayed diagnosis. This report describes an outbreak among armadillo hunters in northeastern Brazil in which an initial diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia was later confirmed as coccidioidomycosis caused by Coccidioides posadasii.

Evaluation of the genetic diversity of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum isolates from north-eastern Brazil.

Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of histoplasmosis cases in Ceará, a state in north-east Brazil. The lack of epidemiological data on the genotypes circulating in the north-east region shows the importance of more detailed studies on the molecular epidemiology of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum in this region.

Clinical-epidemiological features of 13 cases of melioidosis in Brazil.

The aim of this work was to catalog the clinical and ecoepidemiological characteristics of melioidosis in Brazil. The clinical-epidemiological features of melioidosis in Ceará are similar to those in other regions where the disease is endemic. These findings support the inclusion of this Brazilian state as part of the zone of endemicity for melioidosis.

Histoplasmosis in HIV-positive patients in Ceará, Brazil: clinical-laboratory aspects and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Histoplasma capsulatum isolates.

This study contains a descriptive analysis of histoplasmosis in AIDS patients between 2006 and 2010 in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Additionally, the in vitro susceptibility of Histoplasma capsulatum isolates obtained during this period was assessed. We report 208 cases of patients with histoplasmosis and AIDS, describing the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic aspects.

Cotrimoxazole enhances the in vitro susceptibility of Coccidioides posadasii to antifungals.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of cotrimoxazole on the in vitro susceptibility of Coccidioides posadasii strains to antifungals. A total of 18 strains of C. posadasii isolated in Brazil were evaluated in this study.

Feline histoplasmosis in Brazil: clinical and laboratory aspects and a comparative approach of published reports.

The present study described clinical and epidemiological aspects of three cases of feline histoplasmosis and compared them to previously described cases. A detailed mycological identification and antifungal susceptibility profile of each isolate are presented. Secondarily, a serological survey for anti-Histoplasma antibodies was performed with domestic and wild cats.

PCR-REA as an important tool for the identification of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii from human and veterinary sources.

The extraordinary ability of Cryptococcus species to cause disease has focused the attention of scientists on finding ways to improve their identification methods. In this study, PCR-REA, manual methods (morphological and biochemical characteristics), API 20C and VITEK 2 were used to test identify a total of 30 Cryptococcus spp. from human and veterinary sources.

Synergistic effect of antituberculosis drugs and azoles in vitro against Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum.

This study evaluated in vitro interactions of antituberculosis drugs and triazoles against Histoplasma capsulatum. Nine drug combinations, each including an antituberculosis drug (isoniazid, pyrazinamide, or ethambutol) plus a triazole (itraconazole, fluconazole, or voriconazole), were tested against both growth forms of H. capsulatum.

In vitro effect of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim against Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum.

This study evaluated the in vitro effect of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim against Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum isolated from HIV-positive patients. The drugs were tested by microdilution testing in accordance with the CLSI guidelines.

In vitro synergistic effects of antituberculous drugs plus antifungals against Coccidioides posadasii.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro interactions of antituberculous drugs (ATDs) with antifungals against Coccidioides posadasii. Eighteen drug combinations, formed by an ATD (isoniazid, pyrazinamide or ethambutol) plus an antifungal (amphotericin B, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole or caspofungin), were tested using the checkerboard method. All the antimicrobial combinations inhibited C.