Lusinete Aciole de Queiroz

Identification and pathogenicity of Malassezia species isolated from human healthy skin and with macules

This study investigated the ocurrence of Malassezia species in clinically healthy students and with macules with a slight fawn discoloration and characterized the isolates as to the pathogenicity factors such as growth at 37oC, lipase, phospholipase and protease detection. Clinical samples were collected from different body sites of one hundred students of different ages and both sexes. The samples, obtained by scrapping the skin surface and the scalp, were treated with potassa and cultured. Cultures were obtained in Petri dishes containing Sabouraud agar medium added of olive oil, incubated at room temperature and at 37oC. Culture identifications were based in their morphological and physiological properties. Lipase, phospholipase and protease detection was performed in specific media on Petri dishes for formation of a zone. Globose, spherical yeast cells and hypha were investigated by direct microscopy of clinical materials. Malassezia furfur was detected in seven samples and M. sympodialis in four. All Malassezia cultures presented lipase activity, but none was phospholipase positive. Protease activity was observed in two M. furfur and two M. simpodialis isolates.

Pathogenic aspects of Epidermophyton floccosum langeron et milochevitch as possible aethiological agent of Tinea capits

The aim of this research was to verify the ability of 15 isolates of Epidermophyton floccosum to perforate hair in vitro and characterize them for pathogenicity factors such as growth at 37oC and proteinase and phospholipase production. Fourteen isolates perforated hair and from these twelve produced perforating organs. All isolates grew at 37oC and produced proteinase, but not phospholipase. These results suggest that E. floccosum may be a possible aethiological agent of tinea capitis.

Fermentation capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar culturas de S. cerevisiae diploides originais, haploides monocelulares e diploides recuperados, quanto a capacidade de fermentar em mosto de cana-deacucar esterilizado. Vinte e oito culturas foram analisadas, sendo 4 diploides originais (URM-4420, Fermento Itaiquara FIT, Fermento Lallemand FLA e Fermento Selvagem SEL); 12 haploides monocelulares provenientes das originais e 12 diploides recuperados a partir das monocelulares. O percentual de etanol produzido variou de 1,70% a 6,20% e os acucares redutores infermentesciveis de 0,45 g/100mL a 0,50 g/100mL. Os maiores percentuais de etanol foram produzidos pelas culturas haploides monocelulares URM-MH3 (4,80%), em 12 horas e SEL-MH1 (6,20%), em 24 horas, correspondendo a valores de produtividade 3,15g.L-1.h-1 e 2,03 g.L-1.h-1 , respectivamente. Os diploides recuperados nao apresentaram teores de etanol detectaveis pelo metodo utilizado. Os resultados mostram que, dependendo do estado fisiologico das leveduras, seja na forma diploide ou haploide monocelular, podem ser produzidos diferentes percentuais de etanol.

Fusarium lateritium (NEES) as an agent of fungemia in a patient infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Emerging fungal pathogens are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised host. The association of fungi from the Fusarium genus with human infection in uncommon. The objective of this paper is to report the first case of fungaemia caused by Fusarium lateritium in a 42-year-old HIV-infected patient.

Occorrence of Pseudomicrodochium suttonii in Brazil

Pseudomicrodochium suttonii was isolated from the soil of Derby Square, a leisure area in Recife city, Pernambuco, Brazil. For the isolation, suspensions were made in distilled sterile water. According to the literature, this is probably the first occurrence reported in South America.