Variability of biochemical characteristics in strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes

The characteristics of 23 strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolated from clinical samples, were studied. Sabouraud agar was the most adequate medium to inhance at their utmost the different taxonomical features. Variability of enzymatic reactions in strains of T. mentagrophytes was observed.

Antifungal activity of some mediterranean algae

The antifungal activity of 15 mediterranean algae species on some dermatophyte strains (Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes) and pathogenic yeasts (Candida albicans, C. guillermondii, C. krusei, C. tropicalis and Torulopsis glabrata) has been tested following a modification of Aubert's technique. Among the algae species studied, Falkenbergia rufolanosa is the most active in front of all the fungi tested.

Brief communication: extracellular enzymatic activities of dermatophytes

Eighty dermatophyte strains belonging to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Chrysosporium were screened for their ability to produce extracellular enzymes using a semiquantitative method. The results obtained vary significantly when the studied genera are observed separately, though the enzyme beta-galactosidase was detected in none of the four studied genera.

Contribution to the study of Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius

50 Strains of Aspergillus fumigatus were studied for enzymatic and physiologic profile. Proteolytic and lipolytic activity were lacking. Various ribonucleases and sacchrolytic enzymes were found.

Correlation between morphological and physiological characteristics in species of microsporum

The correlations between the physiological and morphological characteristics of various Microsporum strains were studied together with the inhibitory activities toward different microorganisms.

[Campylobacter enteritis]

Authors report results of the study of a series of 50 children patients with Campylobacter enteritis. After insisting on the present frequency of this infectious agent as pathogen for human beings, they analyse the epidemiologic, clinic and therapeutic aspects.

[Relation between meteorological conditions and the atmospheric microflora of the city of Barcelona]

This work deals with a study of the changes observed throughout the four seasons of the year concerning the number of fungi which can be found in the atmosphere of Barcelona. The results obtained will bring us to the conclusion that during the autumn and winter months the number of conidia per m3 is greater than in spring and summer. This observation would confirm the fact that generally speaking in autumn and winter, temperature decreases and humidity increases, while the opposite occurs in spring and summer. These phenomena would be directly related to our findings where we have established that an increase in temperature implies a reduction on the airborne fungi, while the remaining climatic factors taken into account would indicate an increase in the total fungal population. The same relation - phenomena were observed for the strains of the genus Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aureobasidium, Aspergillus and Alternaria, though with some modifications in the three later.

Scanning electron microscopy of penicillium conidia

The morphology of conidia in 211 species and 12 varieties belonging to the genus Penicillium Link ex Gray have been studied and compared. According to surface ornamentation, conidia have been classified into six groups: A, smooth-walled (7% of the species); B, delicately roughened (13%); C, warty (28%); D, echinate 910%); E, striate with low irregular ridges (36%); and F, striate with scarce high ridges or bars (6%). Whereas the first two groups are closely related in both shape and average size, a gradual reduction was observed in size and in the length/width (l/w) ratio in the remaining groups. Echinate conidia were globose, having the largest average size. Only four species produced conidia not surpassing 2 micrometers in diameter. Maximum length observed was 8 micrometers, and most elongated conidia had a l/w ratio of 3.5. Forty per cent of the species studied had globose conidia. Conidia of the monoverticillate species were generally smaller, more globose and frequently with ridges. In the Asymmetrica, the conidia were generally larger, and showed ridges in comparatively few species. Conidia of the Symmetrica, which were frequently striate with ridges, presented the most elongated forms. The largest average size was found in the conidia of the Polyverticillata which were generally warty. Finally, we have considered the variations in surface ornamentation of conidia during the evolution of the genus Penicillium and drawn attention to their possible relationship with certain habitats and ways of conidial dispersion.

Toxicological study of fungi isolated from starches intended for human consumption

A total of 310 fungal strains isolated from starches intended for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals were tested to determine their toxicity to Brine shrimp (Artemia salina L.) larvae and Bacillus megaterium NRRL 1 366. Of them, 82 proved toxic for both biotests, 173 (82 + 91) toxic for at least one of the tests. The system based on the use of Brine shrimp larvae proved to be the more sensitive of the two assayed. Results are stated also for the different species of each genus.

Morphological changes in strains of Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries and Aspergillus parasiticus Speare related with aflatoxin production

Two strains of Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fr. and two strains of A. parasiticus Speare were cultured on crushed moist wheat (Triticum durum var. Pané no. 257) for aflatoxin production studies in correlation with morphological changes. The toxicogenic strains were adapted to the substratum by means of successive transfers at regular intervals (72 h.) The amount aflatoxins synthesized by the toxicogenic strains decreased gradually after succesive subculturing. The decrease was accompanied by marked morphological changes. One of the strains studied, A. flavus NRRL 3251, lost completely the capacity of aflatoxin synthesis after several subcultures, presenting at the same time strong morphological variations. A. flavus CBS 120.62 also lost its toxicogenicity after six subcultures.

Airborne fungi in the air of barcelona, Spain. V. The yeasts

During a two-year survey of the fungal flora present in the air of Barcelona, Spain, the following species of yeasts were isolated: Sporobolomyces roseus Kluyver et van Niel, Candida albicans (Robin) Berkhout, Rhodotorula glutinis (Fres.). Harrison var. glutinis and Rhodotorula minuta (Saito) Harrison. Diurnal and seasonal incidences are presented.

Air-borne fungi in the air of Barcelona (Spain). IV. Various isolated genera

During a two-year survey on the air-borne fungi in the atmosphere of Barcelona (Spain), the following genera were isolated in decreasing order: Aureobasidium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Arthrinium, Phoma, Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Botrytis.

Air-borne fungi in Barcelona City (Spain). I. A two-year study (1976-1978)

Quantitative and qualitative studies were made of the fungi of the air in Barcelona City. The genera Cladosporium and Alternaria formed two of the most important components of the fungus population studied during a two-year period running from January 1976 through January 1978. Penicillium species formed the 16.3% of the total colonies while Aspergillus species represented only the 2.8%. The occurrence of the genera was greatly affected by climatic conditions. An attempt was made to summariza the data of various kinds of fungi on a volumetric basis. Most of the fungi reported here have been identified as far as genera.

Airborne fungi in the air of Barcelona, Spain. IV. Studies of the spore content of air in dwellings

This paper summarizes the first results of a mycological survey on the spore content of the air in and outside of homes in Barcelona, Spain, including the records of several genera of microfungi isolated during a 15-month study period.

Air-borne fungi in the air of Barcelona (Spain). II. The genus alternaria

The genus Alternaria Nees formed one of the more important components of the fungus population of the air at Barcelone (Spain), during a two-year study, from February 1976 through January 1978. Results were based only on studied of colonies obtained by gravity-exposed plates. The occurrence of this genus was greatly affected by climatic conditions. In general. however, Alternaria appeared to prefer warmer weather. A total of six species of Alternaria was identified, of which, Alternaria alternata (Fries) Keissler was by far the commonest, representing 71.3% of all colonies.