Epidemiology of tinea capitis in Ceyhan district, Adana in Cukurova region, Turkey

Diversity, morphology, and molecular phylogeny of Diatrypaceae from southern China

During an investigation of Diatrypaceae from southern China, 10 xylariales-like taxa have been collected. Morphological and multi-gene analyses confirmed that these taxa reside in Diatrypaceae and represent eight novel taxa and two new records belonging to six genera (viz., Allocryptovalsa, Diatrype, Diatrypella, Paraeutypella, Peroneutypa, and Vasilyeva gen. nov.). Vasilyeva gen. nov. was proposed to accommodate Vasilyeva cinnamomi sp. nov. Among the other collections, seven new species were introduced (viz., Diatrype camelliae-japonicae sp. nov., Diatrype rubi sp. nov., Diatrypella guiyangensis sp. nov., Diatrypella fatsiae-japonicae sp. nov., Paraeutypella subguizhouensis sp. nov., Peroneutypa hainanensis sp. nov., and Peroneutypa qianensis sp. nov.), while two were reported as new records from China (Allocryptovalsa rabenhorstii and Diatrype enteroxantha). For Diatrypaceae, the traditional taxonomic approach based on morphology may not be applicable.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions to Diatrypaceae from southeastern Tibet in China

In this study, we investigated the diversity of diatrypaceous fungi from southeastern Tibet in China. The phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS and β-tubulin sequences of 75 taxa of Diatrypaceae from around the world. Based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence, a new genus—Alloeutypa, with three new species—A. milinensis, Diatrype linzhiensis, and Eutypella motuoensis, and a new combination—A. flavovirens, were revealed by the materials in China. Alloeutypa is characterized by stromatal interior olivaceous buff, stromata producing well-developed discrete, and ascospores allantoid, subhyaline. These characteristics separate the new genus from the similar genus Eutypa. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of new taxa are provided. All novelties described herein are morphologically illustrated and phylogeny investigated to better integrate taxa into the higher taxonomic framework and infer their phylogenetic relationships as well as establish new genera and species. Our results indicate that the diatrypaceous fungi harbor higher species diversity in China.

Distribution and diversity of myxomycetes in Tiantangzhai National Forest Park, China

Although myxomycetes are ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems, studies on their distribution and diversity in subtropical humid forests are still lacking. Field collections and moist chamber cultures were conducted from May to October within a two-year period in the Tiantangzhai National Forest Park of China. A total of 1,492 records representing 73 species belonging to 26 genera were obtained, of which 243 records/37 species were from field collections, and 1,249 records/52 species were from moist chamber cultures. Among the specimens obtained by culturing, 896 records/38 species and 353 records/37 species were obtained from living bark and ground litter, respectively. ANOVA showed that the sampling months had significant impacts on collection of myxomycetes from field and those that inhabit litter. An LEfSe analysis indicated that Arcyria was significantly abundant in August, while Stemonitis and Physarum were more abundant in July when collected from field. An RDA analysis showed that temperature was the main factor that affected the litter-inhabiting myxomycetes. The ANOVA indicated that forest type was the significant factor for bark-inhabiting myxomycetes. Diderma effusum was primarily obtained from mixed forests, while Clastoderma debaryanum and Colloderma oculatum were more common in coniferous forests. The RDA analysis indicated that the vegetation, pH, water retention, and elevation were the primary factors that affected the bark-inhabiting myxomycetes.

Two new species of Hirsutella (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Sordariomycetes) that are parasitic on lepidopteran insects from China

Hirsutella are globally distributed entomopathogenic fungi that offer important economic applications in biological control and biomedicine. Hirsutella was suppressed in favour of Ophiocordyceps affected by the ending of dual nomenclature for pleomorphic fungi in 2011. Currently, Hirsutella has been resurrected as a genus under Ophiocordycipitaceae. In this study, we introduce two new species of Hirsutella, based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Hirsutellaflava and H.kuankuoshuiensis are pathogenic on different species of larval Lepidoptera in China. Hirsutellaflava primarily differs from related species by its awl-shaped base; long and narrow neck, 24–40.8 × 2.2–2.5 μm; long and narrow cymbiform or fusoid conidia, 6.5–10 × 2.1–4.3 μm. Hirsutellakuankuoshuiensis has two types of phialides and distinctive 9.9–12.6 × 2.7–4.5 μm, clavate or botuliform conidia. The distinctions amongst the new species and phylogenetic relationships with other Hirsutella species are discussed.

Mitogenomics, Phylogeny and Morphology Reveal Ophiocordyceps pingbianensis Sp. Nov., an Entomopathogenic Fungus from China

The new entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps pingbianensis, collected from Southeast China, was described by mitogenomic, morphological, and phylogenetic evidence. The systematic position of O. pingbianensis was determined by phylogenetic analyses based on six nuclear gene (ITS, tef1-α, nrSSU, nrLSU, rpb1 and rpb2) and 14 mitochondrial protein-coding gene (PCGs) (cox1, cox2, cox3, atp6, atp8, atp9, cob, nad1, nad2, nad3, nad4, nad5, nad6 and nad4L) data. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that O. pingbianensis was belonged to the Hirsutella nodulosa clade in the genus Ophiocordyceps of Ophiocordycipiaceae. This fungus exhibits distinctive characteristics which differed from other related Ophiocordyceps species with slender and geminate stromata, monophialidic conidiogenous cells with an inflated awl-shaped base, a twisty and warty phialide neck and a fusiform or oval conidia, as well as being found on a tiger beetle of Coleoptera buried in moss at the cave. The complete mitochondrial genome of O. pingbianensis was a circular DNA molecule 80,359 bp in length, containing 15 PCGs, 24 open reading frames genes (ORFs), 25 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and 27 introns. Ophiocordyceps pingbianensis, containing 27 introns, has the second largest mitogenome in Ophiocordycipiaceae and was next to O. sinensis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the mitogenome from a new entomopathogenic fungus, and thus provides an important foundation for future studies on taxonomy, genetics and evolutionary biology of Ophiocordycipiaceae.

The Hidden Diversity of Diatrypaceous Fungi in China

In this study, we investigated the diversity of diatrypaceous fungi from six regions in China based on morpho-molecular analyses of combined ITS and tub2 gene regions. We accept 23 genera in Diatrypaceae with 18 genera involved in the phylogram, and the other five genera are lacking living materials with sequences data. Eleven species included in four genera (viz. Allocryptovalsa, Diatrype, Diatrypella, and Eutypella) have been isolated from seven host species, of which nine novel species (viz. Allocryptovalsa castaneae, A. castaneicola, Diatrype betulae, D. castaneicola, D. quercicola, Diatrypella betulae, Da. betulicola, Da. hubeiensis, and Da. shennongensis), a known species of Diatrypella favacea, and a new record of Eutypella citricola from the host genus Morus are included. Current results show the high diversity of Diatrypaceae which are wood-inhabiting fungi in China.

Tinea capitis and tinea faciei in the Zurich area - an 8-year survey of trends in the epidemiology and treatment patterns

BACKGROUND

Tinea capitis and tinea faciei are dermatophyte infections of the scalp and glabrous skin of the face affecting mainly prepubertal children. During the past 30 years, a significant increase and a change in the pattern of infectious agents has been noted for tinea capitis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine trends in the current epidemiological situation of tinea capitis and tinea faciei in the Zurich area, Switzerland and adjacent Central and Eastern Switzerland.

METHODS

Consecutive cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2013 were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 90 tinea capitis and 40 tinea faciei cases were observed. Anthropophilic isolates (primarily Trichophyton violaceum and Microsporum audouinii) accounted for 76% of tinea capitis cases. In contrast, zoophilic isolates (primarily T. interdigitale) were responsible for 73% of tinea faciei cases. The peak incidence in both conditions was in 4-8 year-old children. While the annual number of tinea faciei cases remained stable over the past 8 years, a trend for an increase in T. violaceum-positive tinea capitis has been observed. This was mainly due to patients of African ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Anthropophilic isolates accounted for three quarters of tinea capitis and one quarter of tinea faciei cases. T. violaceum-positive tinea capitis was primarily linked to patients of African ethnicity. Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum spp. was more refractory to therapy and needed longer treatment than Trichophyton spp.-induced infection.

Causative agents of superficial mycoses in Istanbul, Turkey: retrospective study

The aim of the present study was to determine the percentage of agents, which can give rise to superficial fungal infections in Istanbul, Turkey. Between 2000 and 2007, the clinical samples collected from 8,200 patients attending the outpatient Dermatology Clinic at Mihrimahsultan Medical Center were examined by direct microscopy and culture. Pathogen fungi were detected in 5,722 of the patients. Of the isolates were 4,218 (74%) dermatophytes, 1,196 (21%) Candida sp., 170 (3%) Malassezia furfur, and 138 (2%) Trichosporon sp. Among the dermatophytes, Trichophyton sp. was the most common isolate followed by Epidermophyton floccosum (243) and Microsporum sp. Among the Candida species, C. albicans (549) was also frequently found. Onychomycosis was the most prevalent type of infection, followed by tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and tinea capitis. In conclusion, our study showed that the most common isolated agents from superficial infections were T. rubrum being Candida sp. the second most prevalent.

Comparison of hairbrush, toothbrush and cotton swab methods for diagnosing asymptomatic dermatophyte scalp carriage

BACKGROUND

Tinea capitis may also present as a minimal infection, termed carrier state. Anthropophilic dermatophytes (i.e. Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton violaceum) have been generally associated with high rates of asymptomatic carriage.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the hairbrush, toothbrush and cotton swab methods for diagnosing scalp carriage as well as to determine the prevalence and related dermatophyte species for both asymptomatic and symptomatic tinea capitis in Adana Province, Turkey.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A screening study was carried out between February 2006 and May 2006, covering three schools and a total of 1560 children with 857 (54.9%) boys and 703 (45.1%) girls, aged between 7 and 17 years (10.6 +/- 2.3 years). The diagnosis was made by using three of the methods mentioned above with inoculation onto Sabouraud glucose agar.

RESULTS

Symptomatic tinea capitis was not detected in the study; however, 21 (1.3%) asymptomatic carriers, with 9 (42.9%) boys and 12 (57.1%) girls, aged 7 to 13 years (9.7 +/- 1.9 years) were detected. The diagnosis was made via hairbrush in 13, via cotton swab in 4 and via toothbrush in 4. The mean age (P = 0.075) and gender differences were found to be statistically insignificant (P = 0.26). The most common isolated species was Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (90.4%) followed by Trichophyton audouinii (4.8%) and Microsporum gypseum (4.8%). Nine children had Arab origin (P = 0.005), and 12 had immigrated from the south-eastern region of Anatolia, Turkey. The screening of 32 households of 21 children with asymptomatic carriage enabled the researchers to detect the carrier state in three mothers and one sister, resulting in a total of four households (12.5%), with T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes isolated, by hairbrush method in three cases and cotton swab in one case. If the methods were to be used alone, the prevalence of asymptomatic carriage would be found as 1.0% (16 of 1592) in the hairbrush, 0.3% (4 of 1592) in the toothbrush and 0.3% (5 of 1592) in the cotton swab methods; whereas the combined use of these three methods could reveal a total prevalence of 1.6% (25 of 1592). The hairbrush method was significantly found to be more effective in detecting dermatophyte fungi than the toothbrush (P < 0.01) and the cotton swab methods (P < 0.05). There was also a statistically significant difference between the use of a single method and the combination of all other three methods (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, it was found that the prevalence of asymptomatic carriage did not cover symptomatic tinea capitis prevalence (1.6% vs. 0%), and the dominant species was zoophilic T. mentagrophytes (92%, 23 of 25). Asymptomatic carriage was not found to be related to age, gender and the coexistence of other dermatophytoses; however, race (Arab origin) was found to be the only risk factor. For laboratory diagnosis, no method was found to be nominated as a gold standard; hence, a combined use of diagnosing methods was suggested.

Epidemiology of tinea capitis in Europe: current state and changing patterns

Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is the most common dermatophyte infection of the scalp affecting mainly children and rarely adults. The epidemiology of tinea capitis varies within different geographical areas throughout the world. It may occur sporadically or epidemically and an increase in its incidence has been noted over the last few decades. The aim of the study is to obtain a general overview of the current state and changing pattern of tinea capitis in Europe. According to the literature, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of tinea capitis and a change in the pattern of infectious agents in particular. Microsporum canis, a zoophilic dermatophyte, is still the most common reported causative agent of tinea capitis in Europe. The countries reporting the highest incidence of M. canis infections are mainly in the Mediterranean but also bordering countries like Austria, Hungary, Germany and Poland. Besides the increase in Microsporum-induced tinea capitis, there is a shift towards anthrophilic tinea capitis mainly in urban areas in Europe. The largest overall increase with anthropophilic dermatophytes has been noted with Trichophyton tonsurans mainly in the UK and with Trichophyton soudanense and Microsporum audouinii in France. The occurrence of anthropophilic infections seems to be geographically restricted and is possibly linked to the immigration from African countries. Children (aged 3-7 years with no predilection of gender) remain the most commonly affected, but recently an increase of tinea capitis has been observed in adults and in the elderly. The results of the study clearly demonstrate the importance of diagnosing and proper treatment of mycotic scalp infection in the Europe. If not diagnosed and treated properly, its prevalence might reach epidemic proportions in the near future. Therefore, an increased level of surveillance (screening in schools), and a highly effective interdisciplinary cooperation among general practitioners, mycologists, veterinarians and dermatologists are strongly recommended.

Asymptomatic dermatophyte scalp carriage in school children in Adana, Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic dermatophyte scalp carriage and symptomatic tinea capitis in Adana Province, Cukurova region, Turkey. For this purpose, a screening study was performed in five schools, between January 2004 and May 2005, covering a total of 5143 children with 2740 (53.3%) boys and 2403 (46.7%) girls, aged 7-14 years (9.6 +/- 2.0). The diagnosis was made using the cotton swab method with inoculation onto Sabouraud glucose agar amended with cycloheximide, chloramphenicol and gentamicin. Among 10 (0.2%) cases, six asymptomatic carriers (mean age 10.7 +/- 2.3) and four symptomatic cases (mean age 8.3 +/- 0.5) were detected, all of whom were boys and had immigrated from the south-eastern and eastern region of Anatolia, Turkey. The mean age differences were found to be statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U=3.000, P=0.046). Boys were found to be more prone to asymptomatic carriage (P=0.033), but not tinea capitis (P>0.05). Zoophilic dermatophytes, namely Microsporum canis (40%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (40%) were the most commonly isolated species, followed by anthropophilic Trichophyton tonsurans (10%), while no causative agent was detected in a case (10%) with tinea capitis superficialis. Scalp cultures were found to be dermatophyte-negative after 3- to 8-month follow-up in cases with asymptomatic carriage. As a conclusion, the prevalence of asymptomatic carrier state was similar with the prevalence of symptomatic cases, and we found a predominance of zoophilic species.