OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of growth and metabolism and the toxicity of under different conditions. METHODS: We observed the growth of and under routine culture conditions and in different pH and salt concentrations, and compared their activities of sugar fermentation using microbiochemical reaction tubes. Four-week-old nude mice were randomized into infection group (=5), infection group (=5) and control group (=5) for intragastric administration of 0.3 mL suspension the two (5×10 cfu/mL) or 0.3 mL normal saline. Samples of the liver, kidney, intestine, feces and blood were taken for analysis of the distribution and toxicity of by fungal culture and histopathological examination. RESULTS: exhibited logarithmic growth at 8-24 h after inoculation and showed stable growth after 24 h. showed optimal growth within the pH value range of 5-7 with a growth pattern identical to that of . grew better than in media containing 5% and 10% NaCl, and could ferment glucose, sucrose, trehalose and sorbitol. could be isolated from the feces, blood, liver and kidney of infected nude mice, and the liver had the highest fungal load (5.7 log cfu/g). could cause pathological changes in the liver and intestine of the mice, but with a lesser severity as compared with . CONCLUSIONS exhibits optimal growth in mildly acidic or neutral conditions with a high salt tolerance, and can potentially penetrate the intestinal barrier into blood and lead to tissue injuries in hosts with immunosuppression.
Animals ; Candida ; growth & development ; isolation & purification ; Candida albicans ; growth & development ; Candidiasis ; microbiology ; Culture Media ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Random Allocation

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between the prevalence of Candida albicans and early childhood caries(ECC) among 3-5 years old children of Uygur and Han nationalities in Kashi city, Xinjiang province.

METHODSTotally 397 generally healthy children(Uyghurs 256, Hans141) aged 3-5 years were recruited randomly in Kashi city using the stratified cluster random method. Dental plaque samples were collected from carious tooth tissues of children with ECC and from supragingival tooth sites of caries free(CF) children, respectively. Plaque samples were cultured and Candida albicans were isolated selectively by using CHROM agar candida medium. The isolates were further identified using methods of germ tubes test, Gram stain and PCR molecular biology. The data were analyzed using Pearson χ(2) test and Spearman analysis.

RESULTSThe prevalenses of Candida albicans were 44.5% (114/256) in Han children and 31.2%(44/141) in Urgur children, respectively(P=0.009). Candida albicans could be isolated from 48.8% (124/254) of ECC children, while 23.8% (34/143) of CF ones(P=0.000). The frequencies of Candida albicans acquisition of boys and girls of Uygur children were 51.2%(66/129) and 37.8%(48/127), respectively (P=0.031). The frequencies of Candida albicans acquisition increased with the decayed missing filled tooth (dmft) scores. For both Uygur and Hanchildren, the detection rates of Candida albicans were correlated with dmft scores(Uygur r=0.350, P=0.001; Han r=0.276, P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONSThe oral Candida albicans distributions were different in Uygur and Han ethnic groups. There were significant correlations between the presence of Candida albicans and ECC severityas well as score of dmft. There was a difference of the Candida albicans distributions between boys and girls among Uygur children. Candida albicans might be one of the important cariogenic microorganisms in ECC.

Candida albicans ; isolation & purification ; Candidiasis ; epidemiology ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Dental Care ; Dental Caries ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; Dental Plaque ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; Ethnic Groups ; statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence

OBJECTIVETo compare the characteristics of urinary tract infection (UTI) between kidney transplant recipients and non-recipient patients.

METHODSForty-nine kidney transplant recipients with UTI (69 episodes) and 401 non-recipient patients with UTI (443 episodes) admitted in Nanfang Hospital from January 2003 to August 2014 were enrolled in the study. The characteristics of UTI were compared between two groups.

RESULTSIn both groups of UTI, female patients comprised a greater proportion (63.3% and 58.6%) and Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen isolated (37.7% and 34.1%). However, the infection rate of Klebsiella pneumonia in recipients was higher than that in non-recipients (11.6% vs 3.2%, P= 0.001), while the infection rate of Candida albicans was lower (1.5% vs 11.3%, P=0.008) than that in non-recipients. Recipients were likely to develop antibiotic resistance and with a higher recurrence rate than non-recipient patients (38.8% vs 16.7%, P<0.001). Compared to non-recipient UTI patients, the symptoms of urinary irritation in recipient UTI patients were more common. There was higher percentage of neutrophil granulocyte (72.65% ± 1.90% vs 68.59% ± 0.73%, P=0.048), lower proportion of lymphocytes (17.73% ± 1.27% vs 21.28% ± 0.61%, P=0.037), and less platelets [(187.64 ± 10.84) × 10(9)/L vs (240.76 ± 5.26) × 10(9)/L, P<0.01] in recipients than in non-recipient UTI patients.

CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that the characteristics of UTI in kidney transplantation recipients and non-recipients patients are different.

Candida albicans ; isolation & purification ; Escherichia coli ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; isolation & purification ; Male ; Transplant Recipients ; Urinary Tract Infections ; epidemiology ; pathology

Amphibian skin contains rich bioactive peptides. Especially, a large amount of antimicrobial peptides have been identified from amphibian skin secretions. Antimicrobial peptides display potent cytolytic activities against a range of pathogenic bacteria and fungi and play important defense roles. No antimicrobial peptides have been reported from toads belonging to the family of Pelobatidae. In this work, two novel antimicrobial peptides (Megin 1 and Megin 2) were purified and characterized from the skin venoms of spadefoot toad Megophrys minor (Pelobatidae, Anura, Amphibia). Megin 1 had an amino acid sequence of FLKGCWTKWYSLKPKCPF-NH2, which was composed of 18 amino acid residues and contained an intra-molecular disulfide bridge and an amidated C-terminus. Megin 2 had an amino acid sequence of FFVLKFLLKWAGKVGLEHLACKFKNWC, which was composed of 27 amino acid residues and contained an intra-molecular disulfide bridge. Both Megin 1 and Megin 2 showed potential antimicrobial abilities against bacteria and fungi. The MICs of Megin 1 against Escherichia coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans were 25, 3, 6.25, 3, and 50 μg·mL(-1), respectively. The corresponding MICs for Megin 2 were 6.25, 1.5, 12.5, 1.5, and 12.5 μg·mL(-1), respectively. They also exerted strong hemolytic activity against human and rabbit red cells. The results suggested that megin peptides in the toad skin of M. minor displayed toxic effects on both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. This was the first report of antimicrobial peptides from amphibians belonging to the family of Pelobatidae.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Amphibian Venoms ; chemistry ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Animals ; Anura ; immunology ; Bacillus ; Candida albicans ; Erythrocytes ; physiology ; Escherichia coli ; Female ; Hemolysis ; Humans ; Male ; Peptides ; chemistry ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Rabbits ; Sequence Alignment ; Skin ; chemistry ; immunology ; Staphylococcus aureus

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng decoction ( BAEB) on yeast-to-hyphae transition of Candida albicans isolates from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in alkaline pH.

METHODSerial 2-fold dilution assay was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Baitouweng decoction extracts against C. albicans isolates from VVC, XTT assay was applied to determine the metabolic activity of C. albicans hypha treated by BAEB for 6 h. The morphological change of C. albicans treated by BAEB was inspected at different pH by inverted microscope, fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Solid agar plate and semi-solid agar were utilized to evaluate colony morphology and invasive growth of C. albicans, respectively. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was adopted to observe the expressions of hyphae-specific genes including HWP1, ALS3, CSH1, SUN41 and CaPDE2.

RESULTThe MIC of BAEB against C. albicans is less than that of other extracts; hyphae grow best at pH 8. 0; 512 mg · L(-1) and 1,024 mg · L(-1) BAEB could inhibit formation of hyphae and influence colony morphology. When treated by 512 mg · L(-1) and 1,024 mg · L(-1) BAEB, the colonies became smooth; while by 0 and 256 mg · L(-1) BAEB, the colonies became wrinkled. In semi-solid agar, the length of hyphae decreased steadily as the concentration of BAEB lowered. The expression of HWP1, ALS3, CSHl, SUN41 were downregulated by 5.12, 4.26, 3.2 and 2.74 folds, and CaPDE2 was upregulated by 2.38 fold.

CONCLUSIONBAEB could inhibit yeast-to-hyphae transition of C. albicans isolates from VVC in alkaline pH.

Antifungal Agents ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; genetics ; growth & development ; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Hyphae ; drug effects ; growth & development

BACKGROUND: Microbiological laboratories seek technologically innovative solutions to cope with large numbers of samples and limited personnel and financial resources. One platform that has recently become available is the Kiestra Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) system (BD Kiestra B.V., the Netherlands). This fully automated sample processing system, equipped with digital imaging technology, allows superior detection of microbial growth. Combining this approach with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) (Bruker Daltonik, Germany) is expected to enable more rapid identification of pathogens. METHODS: Early growth detection by digital imaging using Kiestra TLA combined with MS was compared to conventional methods (CM) of detection. Accuracy and time taken for microbial identification were evaluated for the two methods in 219 clinical blood culture isolates. The possible clinical impact of earlier microbial identification was assessed according to antibiotic treatment prescription. RESULTS: Pathogen identification using Kiestra TLA combined with MS resulted in a 30.6 hr time gain per isolate compared to CM. Pathogens were successfully identified in 98.4% (249/253) of all tested isolates. Early microbial identification without susceptibility testing led to an adjustment of antibiotic regimen in 12% (24/200) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The requisite 24 hr incubation time for microbial pathogens to reach sufficient growth for susceptibility testing and identification would be shortened by the implementation of Kiestra TLA in combination with MS, compared to the use of CM. Not only can this method optimize workflow and reduce costs, but it can allow potentially life-saving switches in antibiotic regimen to be initiated sooner.
Automation, Laboratory ; Candida albicans/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests ; Gram-Negative Bacteria/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Gram-Positive Bacteria/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Humans ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/chemistry/genetics ; Retrospective Studies ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; *Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

AIM: To investigate the chemical and bioactive constituents from the stems and leaves of Micromelum integerrimum. METHOD: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and HPLC. Their structures were mainly elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities were tested by the SRB and turbidimetric methods, respectively. RESULTS: Two new phenylpropanoids and two known coumarins were obtained, and their structures were identified as microintegerrin A (1), microintegerrin B (2), scopoletin (3), and scopolin (4). All of the compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, and BGC-823) and for antimicrobial activity against the fungus Candida albicans and the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION Two new phenylpropanoids 1 and 2 were isolated and identified from the stems and leaves of M. intgerrimum. None of the compounds showed cytotoxic or antimicrobial activity at the tested concentration of 20 μg·mL(-1).
Candida albicans ; drug effects ; Coumarins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Glucosides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Molecular Structure ; Phenylpropionates ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Plant Leaves ; Plant Stems ; Rutaceae ; chemistry ; Scopoletin ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Staphylococcus aureus ; drug effects

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical characteristics of invasive fungal infection secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: We observed the clinical features and experimental examination in 91 patients treated in Xiangya Hospital in recent years, of which 48 patients with invasive fungal infection and 41 patients without invasive fungal infection. RESULTS: The invasive fungal infection secondary to SLE mainly occurred in the lungs, nervous system, and urinary system. The fungi were mainly Candida albins and Aspergillus. The rate of invasive fungal infection in SLE patients and the level of CRP and TNF-α in these patients were significantly increased. The occurrence of invasive fungal infection was positively correlated with the prolonged course of disease, long-term use of immunosuppressants and antibiotics, and occurrence of complications, such as hypoproteinemia, leukocytopenia, and so on. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were increased in SLE patients with invasive fungal infection. CONCLUSION The clinical features of SLE patients with invasive fungal infections are long course of disease, long-time use of immunosuppressants or antibiotics, and occurrence of complications, such as hypoproteinemia or leukopenia. The level of CRP and TNF-α can be used as an important reference index for diagnosing invasive fungal infections.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aspergillus ; isolation & purification ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Candida albicans ; isolation & purification ; Central Nervous System Fungal Infections ; epidemiology ; Child ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Diseases, Fungal ; epidemiology ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; microbiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mycoses ; complications ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood ; Young Adult

AIM: To investigate the chemical constituents of the endophytic fungus Verticillium sp. isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa. METHODS: The compounds were isolated and purified by repeated column chromatography, and their structures were determined on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral analysis. Their cytotoxic and antifungal activities were evaluated. RESULTS: Ten compounds were obtained and their structures were identified as 2, 4-dihydroxy-2', 6-diacetoxy-3'-methoxy-5'-methyl-diphenyl ether (1), paecilospirone (2), α-acetylorcinol (3), 2-methoxy-1,8-dimethyl-xanthen-9-one (4), 4-hydroxy-α-lapachone (5), enalin A (6), 2,3,4-trimethyl-5,7-dihydroxy-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (7), 4-hydroxyethyl-phenol (8), 2,4-dihydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl- methylbenzoate (9), and 3-isopropenyl-(Z)-monomethyl maleate (10). CONCLUSIONS Compound 1 is a new diphenyl ether, and showed cytotoxic activity against HL-60 cells (IC50 2.24 μg · mL(-1)), and antifungal activities against Candida albicans (MIC 8 μg · mL(-1)) and Aspergillus fumigatus (MIC 16 μg · mL(-1)).
Antifungal Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Aspergillus fumigatus ; drug effects ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Endophytes ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Humans ; Phenyl Ethers ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Rehmannia ; microbiology ; Verticillium ; chemistry ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to compare several DNA extraction methods and 16S rDNA primers and to evaluate the clinical utility of broad-range PCR in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) culture fluids. METHODS: Six type strains were used as model organisms in dilutions from 10(8) to 100 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL for the evaluation of 5 DNA extraction methods and 5 PCR primer pairs. Broad-range PCR was applied to 100 CAPD culture fluids, and the results were compared with conventional culture results. RESULTS: There were some differences between the various DNA extraction methods and primer sets with regard to the detection limits. The InstaGene Matrix (Bio-Rad Laboratories, USA) and Exgene Clinic SV kits (GeneAll Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Korea) seem to have higher sensitivities than the others. The results of broad-range PCR were concordant with the results from culture in 97% of all cases (97/100). Two culture-positive cases that were broad-range PCR-negative were identified as Candida albicans, and 1 PCR-positive but culture-negative sample was identified as Bacillus circulans by sequencing. Two samples among 54 broad-range PCR-positive products could not be sequenced. CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in the analytical sensitivity of various DNA extraction methods and primers for broad-range PCR. The broad-range PCR assay can be used to detect bacterial pathogens in CAPD culture fluid as a supplement to culture methods.
Bacillus/genetics/isolation & purification ; Bacteria/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Candida albicans/genetics/isolation & purification ; DNA Primers/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/*analysis/isolation & purification ; *Genetic Techniques/standards ; Humans ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory ; Peritonitis/*microbiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ; Sequence Analysis, DNA