In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of some essential oils against feline isolates of Microsporum canis

The treatment of dermatophytoses due to Microsporum canis is cumbersome and relapses can occur. Volatile essential oils (EOs) obtained from plants would seem to represent suitable tools to contrast mycoses both in human and animals. The anti-M. canis activity of some EOs chemically characterized was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Eleven feline isolates of M. canis were tested by microdilution against EOs extracted from Thymus serpillum, Origanum vulgare, Rosmarinus officinalis, Illicium verum and Citrus limon. A mixture composed by 5% O. vulgare, 5% R. officinalis and 2% T. serpillum, in sweet almond oil was administered to seven infected, symptomatic cats. T. serpillum and O. vulgare showed the lowest MICs, followed by I. verum, R. officinalis and C. limon. The assay performed on mixture showed that antimycotic activity of each component was enhanced. Four out of seven treated cats recovered both clinically and culturally. T. serpillum and O. vulgare EOs showed a strong antifungal activity. Preliminary data suggest a possible application in managing feline microsporiasis. Considering the potential zoonotic impact of this infection, the use of alternative antimycotic compounds would be of aid to limit the risk of environmental spreading of arthrospores.

Neonatal thrombosis

Thrombosis is a special problem of the neonatal period, particularly in premature sick neonate, where it occurs with greater frequency than at other times of childhood. The aim of this article is to review the recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal thrombosIs.

Antifungal activity of tea tree oil from Melaleuca alternifolia against Trichophyton equinum: an in vivo assay

Dermatophytes are a group of keratinophilic and keratinolytic molds, some of which are responsible for ringworm. Among them Trichophyton equinum, which mostly infects equids, can cause extensive outbreaks in stud farms. The conventional treatment of equine trichophytosis is topic, based upon medicated shampoos to reduce the spread of infection among the animals. Nevertheless the popularity of phytotherapy is at an all-time peak, and the interest for natural alternatives or complements to conventional drug therapy is challenging both in human and veterinary field. Among herbal remedia Tea Tree Oil (TTO) shows a wide range of antimicrobial activities. A randomized open clinical trial was carried out on 60 thoroughbred breeding horses affected by equine ringworm. The animals were randomly divided into 2 groups of 30 subjects. Diagnostic criteria were the presence of clinical signs and positive T. equinum culture. Specificity control using TTO mixture in 5 not dermatophyte affected animals was achieved also. The antimycotic activity against T. equinum of a mixture containing 25% TTO in sweet almond oil, was evaluated in vivo treating 30 subjects, the others were administered enilconazole 2% solution. The animals of both groups were topically treated twice a day for 15 days with a 25% mixture of TTO diluted in sweet almond oil and every 3 days, four times with enilconazole rinses, respectively. The clinical and mycological outcome were evaluated at day 30 from the start of the treatments. Data analysis was performed by chi square test. All the treated animals showed complete clinical and aetiological healing. Part of control subjects also, showed an improvement and none of them exacerbate the lesions. This therapeutic protocol appears to be effective and versatile, being applicable immediately after physical examination, prior to have the laboratory response. It could be an alternative for practitioners interested in herbal medicines, contributing to fulfill the gap existing between in vitro and clinical studies.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of sublingual immunotherapy in patients with latex-induced urticaria: a 12-month study

BACKGROUND

Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy is a worldwide problem. Although prevention is sufficient to reduce sensitization, prolonged avoidance is needed to prevent resensitization or adverse reactions on re-exposure.

OBJECTIVES

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to determine the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with latex.

METHODS

Forty patients with NRL allergy were enrolled. At diagnosis, 30 presented urticaria and 10 asthma. Patients were evaluated on their clinical history and an allergological assessment: skin prick test with latex extract, serum-specific IgE and provocation tests. Patients were subdivided by complaint (asthma or urticaria), and randomized to receive SLIT with latex extract (ALK-Abelló, Lainate, Milan, Italy) or placebo.

RESULTS

The evaluable population consisted of 35 patients, 18 treated with SLIT and 17 with placebo. The results show that 12 months of SLIT improved the symptoms score and reduced the medication score in all subjects. The subjective evaluation was corroborated by improved bronchial and glove provocation test results. The latex-specific IgE levels increased slightly in the SLIT group, and skin sensitization was reduced at the end of the trial in all the patients treated with SLIT. The immunotherapy was not complicated by any severe adverse reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the efficacy of SLIT with latex extract conducted in adult patients allergic to NRL. SLIT with latex can be proposed for subjects with latex allergy, especially those for whom complete avoidance of latex exposure may be very difficult or even impossible. More studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of SLIT in the treatment of subjects with latex allergy who are sensitized to inhalant allergens.

Macrophage activation syndrome: experience from a tertiary referral centre

Over a period of 3 years, 13 patients with Macrophage Activation Syndrome were seen. Most had underlying connective tissue disease or malignancy. High-grade fever, cytopenia and elevated transaminases were the common presenting manifestations. Elevated LDH and ferritin were characteristic. Due to low index of suspicion the diagnosis was delayed in majority of cases. Five of the 13 expired. Macrophage Activation Syndrome is associated with a high mortality and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pancytopenia in-patients with connective tissue disease and malignancy.

Isolated 3-methylcrotonyl-coenzyme A carboxylase deficiency in a child with metabolic stroke

We report a 3-year-old boy with isolated 3-methylcrotonyl-coenzyme A deficiency with unexpectedly severe presentation, seizures and history of cerebral ischae-mic episode.