Histopathology showed granulomas with hyphae surrounded by an eosinophilic sheath (Splendore–Hoeppli phenomenon). Culture of biopsy specimens on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar led to the growth of fungi with microscopically visible conidiophores and terminal spherical conidia (primary conidium), with multiple
secondary conidia and villose conidia. The patient was successfully treated with combination therapy, primarily itraconazole and terbinafine. We conclude with a brief literature review of the epidemiology of conidiobolomycosis. “
“The objective of this study was to evaluate the infection of domestic rabbits by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Initially two rabbits were experimentally infected with P. brasiliensis and the humoral immune response was evaluated by ELISA using gp43 as antigen. The two animals showed IgG response against gp43 although no signs of disease were observed. The seroepidemiological study was carried out in CT99021 manufacturer 170 rabbits (free range n = 81 and caged n = 89) living in an endemic area for human FK506 in vivo paracoccidioidomycosis and a positivity
of 27% was observed in the ELISA using gp43 as antigen. The free-range rabbits showed a significantly higher positivity (34.6–51.7%) than the caged animals (11.1%). Sentinel rabbits exposed to natural infection with P. brasiliensis were followed up for 6 months and a seroconversion rate of 83.3% was observed. This is the first report of paracoccidioidomycosis in rabbits and suggests that this species can be useful sentinels for P. brasiliensis presence in the environment. “
“Onychomycosis is a common, chronic fungal nail infection that can have a significant negative impact on patients’ physical and social functioning and emotional well-being. This study was undertaken to assess health-related
quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with toenail onychomycosis. The Onychomycosis Aurora Kinase QoL questionnaire (ONYCHO), as a disease-specific instrument, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) as a generic instrument, were applied in 140 consecutive patients affected by onychomycosis. Women and patients who were experiencing toenail onychomycosis for more than 2 years were reporting worse disease-specific HRQoL. The patients working in blue-collar occupations and patients with greater involvement of individual nails were more affected by onychomycosis regarding symptoms. The results of this study confirm that although onychomycosis is not a life-threatening disease, it can significantly reduce patients’ QoL. “
“The aetiology of psoriasis remains elusive. Among multiple factors hypothesised, association of Malassezia spp. is supported by response to topical antifungals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of Malassezia spp. with psoriatic lesion. The subjects included 50 consecutive patients with psoriasis, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Samples were collected using scotch tape over one square inch area from the lesional and non-lesional sites.