Efficient alachlor degradation by the filamentous fungus Paecilomyces marquandii with simultaneous oxidative stress reduction

The acceleration of alachlor degradation by Paecilomyces marquandii under controlled and optimized conditions of fungal cultivation in liquid batches was observed (by ca. 20% in comparison to the flask cultures). Acidic environment and oxygen limitation resulted in deterioration of herbicide elimination. Efficient xenobiotic degradation did not correlate with free radicals formation, but some conditions of bioreactor cultivation such as neutral pH and oxygen enriched atmosphere (pO2⩾30%) caused a decrease in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in mycelia. The changes in the glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) levels, also in the dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities showed active response of the tested fungus against alachlor induced oxidative stress. These results will contribute to the improvement of chloroacetanilides elimination by fungi and extend the knowledge concerning oxidative stress induction and fungal cellular defense.

Growth of Paecilomyces variotii in B0 (diesel), B100 (biodiesel) and B7 (blend), degradation and molecular detection

The introduction of biodiesel to diesel may allow the fuel to be more susceptible to microorganism growth, especially during incorrect storage. To evaluate the effect of adding biodiesel in pure diesel on the growth of Paecilomyces variotii, microcosms containing pure diesel (B0), blend diesel/biodiesel (B7) and pure biodiesel (B100) were used. In microcosm with minimal mineral medium and B0, B7 or B100, after 60 days, the biomass (dry weight) formed at interface oil-water in B7 and B100 was significantly higher when compared to that of B0. Infrared analysis showed reduction of the carbonile fraction in B7 and B100 suggesting formation of intermediate compounds in B7. To monitor possible contamination of fuel storage tank by P. variotii samples were collected and analysed by specific-PCR assay for detection of P. variotii spores in the aqueous phase. This method was able to detect a minimum of 103 spores ml-1, corresponding to 0.0144 ng µl-1 of DNA. Specificity was tested against Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudallescheria boydii.

Toxicology of Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Against Paecilomyces catenlannulatus

Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets have been extensively investigated to fabricate the graphene in recent years. The migration of GO nanosheets into the environment could lead to the instability of biological system. In this study, the GO nanosheets were synthesized and were characterized by SEM, high resolution TEM, XRD, Raman, FTIR and XPS techniques. Toxicology testing of GO nanosheets against Paecilomyces catenlannulatus (P. catenlannulatus) was performed by measuring the efflux of cytoplasmic materials of P. catenlannulatus. Approximate 35 % of the bacteria could survive on the surface of GO nanosheets compared to the control sample (~92 %) within 3 h, indicating that GO nanosheets presented significantly antibacterial activities. It was observed that the concentration of RNA in the solution was obviously higher than that of control sample, which could be due to direct contact of the bacterial cell. The results showed that the damage of cell membrane of P. catenlannulatus was attributed to the direct contact of the P. catenlannulatus with the extremely sharp edges of GO nanosheets, which resulted in the P. catenlannulatus inactivation. The less resistant to the damage of cell membrane was observed with increasing of GO concentration and contact time.

Evaluation of Paecilomyces variotii potential in bioethanol production from lignocellulose through consolidated bioprocessing

The ascomycete Paecillomyces variotii was evaluated for the first time as a candidate species for the production of bioethanol from lignocellulose through consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) approaches. The examined strain (ATHUM 8891) revealed all the necessary phenotypic characteristics required for 2nd generation biofuel production. The fungus is able to efficiently ferment glucose and xylose to ethanol, with yields close to the theoretical maximum. Nitrogen supplementation greatly affected ethanol production with nitrate-nitrogen presenting the best results. Notably, ethanol yield on xylose fermentation was higher than that of glucose, while in co-fermentation of glucose-xylose mixtures no distinguished diauxic behavior was observed. Furthermore, the fungus seems to possess the necessary enzyme factory for the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass, as it was able to grow and produce ethanol on common agro-industrial derivatives. Overall, the results of our study indicate that P. variotii is a new and possibly powerful candidate for CBP applications.

Alachlor oxidation by the filamentous fungus Paecilomyces marquandii

Alachlor, a popular chloroacetanilide herbicide, can be a potential health risk factor. Soil microorganisms are primarily responsible for conversion and migration of alachlor in natural environment, but knowledge concerning alachlor biodegradation is not complete. Therefore, we studied the ability of Paecilomyces marquandii, soil fungus tolerant to heavy metals, to eliminate alachlor and proposed a new pathway of its transformation. After 7 days of incubation only 3.3% of alachlor was detected from an initial concentration 50 mg L(-1) and 20.1% from a concentration 100 mg L(-1). The qualitative IDA LC-MS analysis showed the presence of ten metabolites. All of them were dechlorinated mainly through oxidation, but also reductive dechlorination was observed. The main route of alachlor conversion progressed via N-acetyl oxidation resulting in the formation of mono-, di- and trihydroxylated byproducts. N-acetyl oxidation as a dominant route of alachlor metabolism by fungi has not been described so far. The toxicity of alachlor tested with Artemia franciscana did not increase after treatment with P. marquandii cultures. Paecilomyces marquandii strain seems to be an interesting model for the research on alachlor conversion by soil microscopic fungi, due to its dechlorination and hydroxylation ability as well as high tolerance to heavy metals.

Adaptive alterations in the fatty acids composition under induced oxidative stress in heavy metal-tolerant filamentous fungus Paecilomyces marquandii cultured in ascorbic acid presence

The ability of the heavy metal-tolerant fungus Paecilomyces marquandii to modulate whole cells fatty acid composition and saturation in response to IC50 of Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cu was studied. Cadmium and nickel caused the most significant growth reduction. In the mycelia cultured with all tested metals, with the exception of nickel, a rise in the fatty acid unsaturation was noted. The fungus exposure to Pb, Cu, and Ni led to significantly higher lipid peroxidation. P. marquandii incubated in the presence of the tested metals responded with an increase in the level of linoleic acid and escalation of electrolyte leakage. The highest efflux of electrolytes was caused by lead. In these conditions, the fungus was able to bind up to 100 mg g(-1) of lead, whereas the content of the other metals in the mycelium was significantly lower and reached from 3.18 mg g(-1) (Cu) to 15.21 mg g(-1) (Zn). Additionally, it was shown that ascorbic acid at the concentration of 1 mM protected fungal growth and prevented the changes in the fatty acid composition and saturation but did not alleviate lipid peroxidation or affect the increased permeability of membranes after lead exposure. Pro-oxidant properties of ascorbic acid in the copper-stressed cells manifested strong growth inhibition and enhanced metal accumulation as a result of membrane damage. Toxic metals action caused cellular modulations, which might contributed to P. marquandii tolerance to the studied metals. Moreover, these changes can enhance metal removal from contaminated environment.

Comparative study of metal induced phospholipid modifications in the heavy metal tolerant filamentous fungus Paecilomyces marquandii and implications for the fungal membrane integrity

In this work we compared the effect of five heavy metals: Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cu on phospholipid composition of the ubiquitous soil fungus Paecilomyces marquandii, originating from a strongly metal polluted area and characterized by high tolerance to these elements. Cd, Ni and Cu caused an increase in phosphatidylcholine (PC). Only Pb decreased PC content, which was accompanied by a significant rise in the phosphatidic acids (PA) level, probably due to activation of phospholipase D which hydrolyzes PC to PA. This could result in membrane fluidity disturbance, and thus affect its integrity. The assessment of propidium iodide influx showed strong disturbance of membrane integrity for Cu and Pb stressed mycelia, whereas mycelia treated with Ni were impermeable to this dye. The results obtained revealed a strong Cu and Pb toxicity involving disruption of membrane integrity. Pb action was reflected by lipid composition, whereas changes in Cu treated mycelia did not completely elucidate its harmful effect on the membrane, which was most probably caused by Cu induced lipid peroxidation. Zn did not induce quantitative changes in PC and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) but caused changes in phospholipid lipid saturation, which appears to be important for fungus adaptation to the presence of metals. The enhanced PC content balanced by higher PC saturation can help in the maintenance of proper membrane fluidity and result in alleviating the Cd and Ni induced stress. These results will allow to clarify the mechanism of Pb toxicity and help to elucidate the cellular basis of fungal membrane adaptation to heavy metals.

[Cardiac involvement in adults with echinococcosis]

Experiments have established that the first target for echinococcus is the liver and lung and that for pathogenic fungi and protozoa is the heart. Adult patients with hepatic hydatid disease complicated by paecilomycosis have been found to have atypical paecilomycosis-associated myocarditis, the treatment of which was developed by the authors, by using antibiotics, fungicides, and homeopathic remedies.

[Amino acid exchange in paeci lomycosis-complicated echinococcosis]

The authors have detected atypical paecilomycosis-associated myocarditis with impaired amino acid exchange and pain syndrome for the first time. At first, pain occurs in the chest and radiates into the axilla, to the left arm to the finger tips, by paralyzing the arm. In some patients, pain manifests itself in both arms with radiation to the belly, by accompanying by fainting. The skin is wet, cold; the pulse is frequent and of poor volume and difficult-to-count. Heart pain spreads into the armpit and down the arm, by making the fingers numb. Attempts to use current analgesics (movalis, sirdalud, nimesil, morphine) in combination with fungicides (diflucan, mycosist, orungal) have failed to yield positive results. The homeopathic drug Latrodectus mactans, prepared from caracurt venom, in combination with the authors' designed diet and other homeopathic agents have relieved pain syndrome and normalized amino acid exchange, which offered possibilities for successful surgical treatment for echinococcosis with later recovery.

In vitro activity of E1210, a novel antifungal, against clinically important yeasts and molds

E1210 is a new antifungal compound with a novel mechanism of action and broad spectrum of antifungal activity. We investigated the in vitro antifungal activities of E1210 compared to those of fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and micafungin against clinical fungal isolates. E1210 showed potent activities against most Candida spp. (MIC(90) of ≤0.008 to 0.06 μg/ml), except for Candida krusei (MICs of 2 to >32 μg/ml). E1210 showed equally potent activities against fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible Candida strains. E1210 also had potent activities against various filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus (MIC(90) of 0.13 μg/ml). E1210 was also active against Fusarium solani and some black molds. Of note, E1210 showed the greatest activities against Pseudallescheria boydii (MICs of 0.03 to 0.13 μg/ml), Scedosporium prolificans (MIC of 0.03 μg/ml), and Paecilomyces lilacinus (MICs of 0.06 μg/ml) among the compounds tested. The antifungal action of E1210 was fungistatic, but E1210 showed no trailing growth of Candida albicans, which has often been observed with fluconazole. In a cytotoxicity assay using human HK-2 cells, E1210 showed toxicity as low as that of fluconazole. Based on these results, E1210 is likely to be a promising antifungal agent for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.

Detoxification of castor bean residues and the simultaneous production of tannase and phytase by solid-state fermentation using Paecilomyces variotii

In this work, we introduce a biological detoxification method that converts toxic waste from castor beans into animal feed material. This method simultaneously induces the production of tannase and phytase by Paecilomyces variotii; both enzymes have high levels of activity and have the potential to be used in feedstuffs because they decrease overall anti-nutritional factors. The maximum tannase and phytase activities obtained were 2600 and 260 U/g after 48 and 72 h, respectively. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis of the fermented castor cake extracts revealed a reduction in ricin bands during fermentation, and the bands were no longer visible after 48 h. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated by MTT testing on RAW cells, and a progressive increase in cellular viability was obtained, reaching almost 100% after 72 h of fermentation.

Physiological effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes)

The aim of the investigation was to assess the influence of commercial and carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus. The commercial MWCNTs had an external diameter of about 40-60 nm, a length of 300-600 nm, a specific density of 140 to 300 g/dm(3) and a carbon content of above 80%. Carboxylated MWCNTs were obtained by oxidizing commercial MWCNT by heating in HNO(3), filtering, washing with water and drying. Conidia after different times of contact (from 1 to 865 hours) with nanomaterials in aqueous solutions were cultured for linear and biomass growth. Growth and sporification of mycelium after culture were evaluated. MWCNTs are not greatly cytotoxic for P. fumosoroseus conidia in the applied concentrations. The linear growth of mycelium obtained from conidia after contact with nanotubes was inhibited only in 2 (out of 18) cases (ones for both kinds of nanotubes). Carboxylated nanotubes did not inhibit biomass growth at all, but commercial nanotubes inhibited biomass growth in 2 cases. Sporification was the feature most strongly modified by carbon nanotubes. The commercial nanotubes again more strongly limited sporification of mycelium than carboxylated nanotubes did. The relatively greater influence of commercial versus carboxylated nanotubes was observed in the experiments.

Influence of copper ions on the fatty acid profiles of soil filamentous fungi

The fatty acid profiles have been studied for 5 species 4 genera (9 strains) of soil filamentous fungi isolated from Ukrainian soils polluted with heavy metals and reserve territories. Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids were found in the highest quantities (up to 66.82%) of the total content of fatty acids of fungi. Fatty acid unsaturation rate in Paecilomyces lilacinus 146 and P. marquandii 153 resistant to copper ions was high (0.85-1.15) under an increase of copper ions concentration in nutrient medium. The same index in the strains of fungi isolated from soils polluted with heavy metals decreased with an increase of copper ions concentration in the medium. Fatty acid unsaturation rate in P. lilacinus 146 and Penicillium velutinum 465 isolated from soils polluted with heavy metals was 2-fold higher than that in the fungal strains isolated from reserve soils.

El papel del voriconazol en el tratamiento de las micosis emergentes

Voriconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal drug belonging to triazoles class. Recently, it has been recommended for the treatment of invasive candidiasis in non neutropenic patients. In addition, this drug has showed clinical efficacy in the treatment of fungal infections caused by Candida species other than Candida albicans, and also in several other infections caused by less common fungi, such as Aspergillus terreus, Fusarium and Scedosporium.

[Intraspecific variations of Paecilomyces fumosoroseus in temperature fitness and carbendazim resistance]

A total of six wild strains of fungal biocontrol agent Paecilomyces fumosoroseus were grown at 15 degrees C-35 degrees C to reveal their variations in colony growth, conidiation, and conidial viability. The results showed that the test three indices were the best at 25 degrees C, but differed significantly at different temperatures for a given strain or at a given temperature among test strains. The strains Pfr116 and Pfr6206 behaved better or more stably than other strains at 15 degrees C-35 degrees C. The sensitivities of the fungal strains to gradient concentrations of fungicide carbendazim were assayed at the optimal temperature, based on their colony growth diameters and the counts of colony forming units (CFU). The inhibitory effect of carbendazim concentration on CFU counts fitted well to a Logistic model, with high coefficients of determination being achieved for all the strains (r2 > or = 0.90). The fitted minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values showed a low carbendazim resistance of strains Pfr4205 and Pfr116 (MIC < or = 20.0 microg x ml(-1)), whereas the other four strains fell within medium resistance to the fungicide (20 < or = MIC < or = 100). The MIC of strain Pfr6206 (93.5 microg x ml(-1) was very close to the high resistance level of MIC > 100 microg x ml(-1). Therefore, strain Pfr6206 was satisfactory with both the temperature fitness and the carbendazim resistance, and could be considered as a candidate strain for a fungal formulation adapting to more variable crop systems against insect pests.

Variation in Resistance to Benzimidizole in Different Biocontrol Agents Based on Protein Sequence Homology

Benzimidazole resistance in thirty isolates of the biocontrol agents was studied with reference to specific mutations in the beta-tubulin genes. Our results suggest that apart from the correlation between specific mutations in the beta-tubulin gene and variation in resistance, the overall ratio of polar and non-polar amino-acids may also play a vital role in conferring benzimidazole resistance to these fungi.

Paecilomyces lilacinus infection with a sporotrichoid pattern in a renal transplant patient

Paecilomyces lilacinus (P. lilacinus) is a saprophytic fungus with increasing prevalence as a source of infection in the immunosuppressed patient population. We report a P. lilacinus infection with a sporotrichoid pattern spreading in a renal transplant recipient that responded to itraconazole therapy. There was no recurrence at 3 years follow-up.

Unexplained increase in Paecilomyces variotii blood culture isolates in the UK

Since July 2006, a marked increase has been seen in the number of Paecilomyces variotii isolates identified by hospital laboratories across the UK.

Topical voriconazole as a novel treatment for fungal keratitis

Paecilomyces lilacinus is a fungal pathogen which is generally resistant to amphotericin B and certain other antifungals and is an uncommon cause of devastating fungal keratitis. In the present studies, we evaluated topical voriconazole as therapy for P. lilacinus keratitis in rabbits. Thirty eyes of 15 rabbits were studied. In five animals, the uninfected left eye was treated twice daily with voriconazole (drug control, uninfected eye). In these same animals, the right eye was infected with P. lilacinus but not treated with voriconazole (infection control eye). By day 5, the infection controls had lesions of >2.4 mm in diameter, with conjunctivitis and severe hypopyon, and were sacrificed. In the other 10 rabbits (voriconazole treatment), the right eyes were infected with P. lilacinus and treated with voriconazole beginning on day 3 after infection. Voriconazole therapy caused lesions to decrease during 8 days of therapy, after which rabbits were sacrificed (11 days postinfection). Hyphal masses were present in the control infected eyes and absent in treated infected eyes. Voriconazole was detected in all tissues of treated eyes. Topical voriconazole is effective treatment for P. lilacinus experimental keratitis, and it penetrates more deeply than the corneal tissue.

Quality control and reference guidelines for CLSI broth microdilution susceptibility method (M 38-A document) for amphotericin B, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole

Although standard conditions are available for testing the susceptibilities of filamentous fungi to antifungal agents by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI; formerly National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) broth microdilution assay, quality control (QC) MIC limits have not been established for any mold-agent combination. This multicenter (eight-center) study documented the reproducibility of tests for one isolate of Paecilomyces variotii ATCC MYA-3630 and 11 other mold isolates (three isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus; two isolates of A. terreus; one isolate each of A. flavus, A. nidulans, Fusarium moniliforme, and F. solani; and two isolates of Scedosporium apiospermum) by the CLSI reference broth microdilution method (M 38-A document). Control limits (amphotericin B, 1 to 4 microg/ml; itraconazole, 0.06 to 0.5 microg/ml; posaconazole, 0.03 to 0.25 microg/ml; voriconazole, 0.015 to 0.12 microg/ml) for the selected QC P. variotii ATCC MYA-3630 were established by the analysis of replicate MIC results. Reference isolates and corresponding MIC ranges were also established for 6 of the 12 molds evaluated. MIC limits were not proposed for the other five molds tested due to low testing reproducibility for these isolates.

Secretion of Streptomyces tendae antifungal protein 1 by Lactococcus lactis

Lactococcus lactis, the model lactic acid bacterium, is a good candidate for heterologous protein production in both foodstuffs and the digestive tract. We attempted to produce Streptomyces tendae antifungal protein 1 (Afp1) in L. lactis with the objective of constructing a strain able to limit fungal growth. Since Afp1 activity requires disulfide bond (DSB) formation and since intracellular redox conditions are reportedly unfavorable for DSB formation in prokaryotes, Afp1 was produced as a secreted form. An inducible expression-secretion system was used to drive Afp1 secretion by L. lactis; Afp1 was fused or not with LEISSTCDA, a synthetic propeptide (LEISS) that has been described to be a secretion enhancer. Production of Afp1 alone was not achieved, but production of LEISS-Afp1 was confirmed by Western blot and immunodetection with anti-Afp1 antibodies. This protein (molecular mass: 9.8 kDa) is the smallest non-bacteriocin heterologous protein ever reported to be secreted in L. lactis via the Sec-dependent pathway. However, no anti-fungal activity was detected, even in concentrated samples of induced supernatant. This could be due to a too low secretion yield of Afp1 in L. lactis, to the absence of DSB formation, or to an improper DSB formation involving the additional cysteine residue included in LEISS propeptide. This raises questions about size limits, conformation problems, and protein secretion yields in L. lactis.

Voriconazole-resistant disseminated Paecilomyces variotii infection in a neutropenic patient with leukaemia on voriconazole prophylaxis

Paecilomyces variotii, an emerging hyalohyphomycetes, has been reported to be susceptible in vitro to voriconazole. We describe a case of disseminated P. variotii infection in a neutropenic child with relapsed leukaemia who was on voriconazole prophylaxis. The P. variotii isolate was resistant to voriconazole in vitro. The patient responded to liposomal amphotericin B.

In vitro interactions of approved and novel drugs against Paecilomyces spp

We have evaluated the in vitro activity of 15 combinations of antifungal drugs (amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, albaconazole, ravuconazole, terbinafine, and micafungin) against four isolates of Paecilomyces variotii and three of P. lilacinus. The interaction of terbinafine with the four azoles was synergistic for 53% of the combinations, while the interactions of both amphotericin B and micafungin with the rest of antifungal agents were mainly indifferent.

Combined surgical and antifungal treatment of a subcutaneous infection due to Paecilomyces lilacinus

Paecilomyces lilacinus was the causal agent of a case of subcutaneous infection in a patient with liver cirrhosis. Surgical treatment in combination with systemic amphotericin B therapy led to complete recovery. Retrospectively performed microdilution testing revealed dose dependent in vitro susceptibility of the isolate to voriconazole (MIC = 2 g/ml) and terbinafine (MIC = 1 microg/ml).

Paecilomyces variotii central nervous system infection in a patient with cancer

Paecilomyces variotii was isolated from two subsequent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens of a cancer patient. Identification was confirmed through beta-tubulin and rDNA ITS sequencing. MICs were determined for seven antifungal agents; the isolate was found to be susceptible to amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ITZ), ketaconazole (KTZ) and 5-fluorocytosine (5FC) but resistant to fluconazole (FLZ) and miconazole (MCZ). Despite antimycotic therapy, the infection proved to be fatal.

Risk assessment of biocontrol products: a semi-selective medium for improving quantitative isolation of Paecilomyces lilacinus (strain 251) from soil

Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson 1974 is an egg pathogenic fungus, attacking mainly sedentary stages of root-knot and cyst nematodes, especially eggs, and is about to register as a product for the biological control of nematodes. Monitoring P. lilacinus (strain 251) is essential by way of ascertaining the fate and behaviour of this fungus in the soil. In order to obtain more data on the persistence of P. lilacinus (strain 251) in the soil, an improved selective medium for this strain is necessary. For this reason, different compounds with known antifungal properties were tested. Among them, P. lilacinus (strain 251) was found to tolerate high concentrations of 2,6-dichlor-4-nitroanilin, the active ingredient of Dichloran, which inhibits growth of many commonly occurring soil-borne fungi. The fact that P. lilacinus is more tolerant of higher salt concentrations than many other fungi are, was also taken into consideration. As a basis for the improved medium, OHIO-agar medium was used.

Voriconazole treatment of disseminated paecilomyces infection in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

We describe a patient with poorly controlled, multidrug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus disease who developed >20 skin lesions caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus. The lesions failed to improve during treatment with oral itraconazole, amphotericin B, and amphotericin B lipid complex but improved during treatment with voriconazole.

Microbiological quality of topical drug formulations: efficacy of antimicrobial preservation against Paecilomyces lilacinus

BACKGROUND

Microbiological quality of topical products comprises both, the microbiological purity of the unopened product and the efficacy of the antimicrobial preservation system.

OBJECTIVE

Subsequent to an outbreak of invasive Paecilomyces lilacinus mycosis among patients of an isolation ward, probably caused by a contaminated skin care product, the microbiological quality of different skin care products from the market was investigated.

METHODS

The different products were investigated for their efficacy of antimicrobial preservation in general and especially against P. lilacinus according to a pharmacopoeial routine method slightly adopted for the purpose of this investigation.

RESULTS

The products did partially not comply with the British Pharmacopoeia 1993 test for efficacy of antimicrobial preservation. The antimicrobial preservation systems were less effective against P. lilacinus than against the pharmacopoeial reference germs. The antimicrobial preservation efficacy decreased towards the end of the shelf-life of the product. A decreased P. lilacinus inoculum dose was related to an increased growth of the micro-organisms.

CONCLUSION

Topical products are, unless not labelled otherwise, non-sterile preparations and their preservation systems are only tested against pharmacopoeial key micro-organisms. The microbiological behaviour following contamination with other germs remains unknown.

Progressive cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis due to Paecilomyces lilacinus: rapid response to treatment with caspofungin and itraconazole

A case of rapidly progressive cutaneous infection due to Paecilomyces lilacinus developed in a woman with advanced pancreatic cancer who did not have granulocytopenia. The infection responded favorably to caspofungin and itraconazole combination therapy.

Host plant effects on activity of the mitosporic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus against two populations of Bemisia whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to determine the effect of host plant on mycosis in two geographically distinct populations of early 2nd-instar nymphs of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring from the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Wize) Brown & Smith. Mycosis in B. argentifolii nymphs varied according to the host plant on which the nymphs were reared but not according to the population. Both populations of whiteflies reared on cotton were consistently significantly less susceptible to infection by either fungus than when reared on melon. We hypothesized that the cotton plant produced a fungal inhibitor that may confer protection on whiteflies feeding (and possibly sequestering) upon it. Germination of conidia of both fungi was strongly inhibited (below 12% germination) on the cuticle of nymphs reared on cotton but was over 95% on the cuticle of nymphs reared on melon. We further hypothesized that the terpenoid gossypol, produced by many cultivars of cotton, might have been involved in antibiosis. Gossypol mixed with Noble agar at five concentrations was tested for its effects on germination of conidia of both fungi. P. fumosoroseus was highly tolerant of gossypol, even at the relatively high concentration of 1000 ppm, while B. bassiana tolerated gossypol at concentrations up to 500 ppm and strong inhibition only occurred in presence of gossypol at 1000 ppm. Our in vivo findings on cotton and on the insect's cuticle pointed at a potential host plant-mediated antibiosis. The in vitro tolerance of P. fumosoroseus and partial tolerance of B. bassiana to gossypol disagreed with our in vivo data. Gossypol concentrations higher than 1000 ppm might have increased the sensitivity of the fungi in our in vitro tests. Sequestered gossypol (and/or other cotton plant allelochemicals) by B. argentifolii nymphs would explain, at least partially, the insect's defense against the pathogens.

Case report. Successful treatment of cutaneous Paecilomyces lilacinus infection with oral itraconazole in an immune competent host

A 59-year-old woman presented to us with an eight-month history of Paecilomyces lilacinus soft tissue infection. She was treated with a six-month course of oral itraconazole. The lesion resolved fully without the need for adjunctive surgery. Susceptibility testing confirmed susceptibility to itraconazole. This is the second case of confirmed P. lilacinus soft tissue infection in an immunocompetent host treated with oral itraconazole alone.

In vitro antifungal activities of the new triazole UR-9825 against clinically important filamentous fungi

We used a modified reference microdilution method (the M-38P method) to evaluate the in vitro activities of the new triazole UR-9825 in comparison with those of amphotericin B against 77 strains of opportunistic filamentous fungi. UR-9825 was clearly more active than amphotericin B against all fungi except Fusarium solani and Scytalidium spp. Notably, UR-9825 had low MICs for Aspergillus fumigatus and Paecilomyces lilacinus (MICs at which 90% of isolates are inhibited, 0.125 microg/ml for both species).

Modelling the effects of (green) antifungals, droplet size distribution and temperature on mould outgrowth in water-in-oil emulsions

Prevention of fungal spoilage is a key microbiological issue for the shelf life of fat spreads. Our aim was to assess and model the scope of (natural) antimicrobials for extending shelf life of spreads (water-in-oil emulsions). Production conditions were established to make 60% model fat spreads with reproducible droplet size distributions. The mould vulnerabilities ranged from 1 to 20 weeks. The system allowed feasibility testing of lytic enzymes (Novozym 234) and LMW compounds against Penicillium roqueforti, a key-spoilage mould. The action of Novozym 234, carvacrol, undecanol and dihydrocarveol was benchmarked against sorbate and preservative-free controls under ambient and chilled conditions. Novozym 234 was ineffective to prevent outgrowth of P. roqueforti. Carvacrol, undecanol and dihydrocarveol had limited effects on shelf-life extension compared to sorbate. Fungal growth boundaries of (un-)preserved spreads were modelled. The emulsion droplet size distribution (DSD) was first captured in a mechanistic parameter DSD-I (I = Influence). DSD-I was a move away from the mean droplet diameter D3,3 as sole quantitative droplet-size distribution parameter for mould susceptibility of emulsions. DSD-I is a combination of available water droplets and surface area to initiate and sustain fungal outgrowth. Followup experiments showed that modelling D3,3 and distribution width (e(sigma)) instead of DSD-I gave better results for emulsions with high e(sigma). Empirical predictive models were subsequently developed for the effects of D3,3, e(sigma) and undissociated sorbic acid (HSO) on the shelf life of emulsions.

Comparative toxicities and pharmacokinetics of intrathecal lipid (amphotericin B colloidal dispersion) and conventional deoxycholate formulations of amphotericin B in rabbits

The lipid formulation of amphotericin B, Amphotec (ABCD), has not been used intrathecally. After a single intrathecal dose or after four doses, conventionally formulated deoxycholate amphotericin B (AMB) (Fungizone) resulted in higher levels of amphotericin B in the cerebrospinal fluid of rabbits than did ABCD. Clinically and histologically, ABCD was about threefold less toxic than AMB after a single dose and 3- to 30-fold less toxic after multiple dosing. These data are encouraging for the potential use of ABCD as an intrathecal treatment.

The antifungal activity of natamycin toward molds isolated from commercially manufactured poultry feed

The antifungal activity of natamycin, a polyene antifungal compound, was evaluated on molds isolated from commercial poultry feed. The antifungal activity was measured by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for natamycin on molds growing on semisolid microbiological medium (potato dextrose agar) containing pure natamycin at concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 mg/liter. Natamycin exhibited a high degree of antifungal activity against the 191 isolates of aspergilli used in this study, with average MIC values ranging from 5.08 to 40.1 mg/liter for Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus parasiticus, respectively. Natamycin was also equally effective in inhibiting the growth of nonaflatoxigenic compared with aflatoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Natamycin was also efficacious against molds other than aspergilli, with MIC values ranging from 2.15 to 5.80 mg/liter for Paecilomyces and Rhizopus spp., respectively. Natamycin exhibited apparent sporicidal activity against spores of toxigenic strains of Fusarium moniliforme and A. parasiticus but not Penicillium rubrum. This sporicidal activity was evident only when spores were exposed to an in vitro concentration of natamycin of 25 mg/liter or higher for a period of time of at least 12 hr. The growth inhibiting activity of natamycin was more pronounced compared with the sporicidal activity.

[Melanin pigments of the fungi Paecilomyces variotii and Aspergillus carbonarius]

Pigments synthesized by micromycetes Paecilomyces variotii and Aspergillus carbonarius are true melanins. Copper ions and bicyclic phenolic compounds stimulated melaninogenesis, whereas benzotriazole inhibited this process. Precursors of melanin pigments were obtained and identified. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid was shown to be the main product of melanin degradation. Melanins of these fungi are concluded to belong to the dihydronaphthalene group.

Overview of SPA-S-843 in vitro activity against filamentous fungi

In this study, we investigated the in vitro antifungal activity of a new water-soluble partricin A derivative, N-dimethylaminoacetyl-partricin A 2-dimethylaminoethylamide diascorbate, coded SPA-843, currently developed by Società Prodotti Antibiotici. The activity of SPA-S-843 was compared to that of amphotericin B against 13 strains of Aspergillus spp., 4 strains of Mucor sp., 4 strains of Rhizopus oryzae, 2 strains Paecilomyces variotii, 5 strains of Penicillium spp., 1 strain of Sporothrix schenkii, 7 strains of Trichophyton spp. and 2 strains of Microsporum spp.; the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) were measured for all the organisms. The in vitro susceptibility testing method employed was an adaptation of the macrodilution reference method for yeasts as described in the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document M27-A. The in vitro inhibitory activities of SPA-S-843 and amphotericin B against the fungi were evaluated in RPMI-1640 supplemented with L-glutamine and buffered with morpholinepropanesulfonic acid, while the in vitro fungicidal activities were determined by subculturing 0.1 ml from all tubes with no visible growth onto drug-free Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. Comparison with amphotericin B showed that the in vitro inhibitory activity of SPA-S-843 against Aspergillus spp. was better than that of amphotericin B and similar against R. oryzae, P. variotii, Penicillium spp. and S. schenkii. Amphotericin B presented geometric means (GM) of the MICs lower than those of SPA-S-843 against Mucor sp., Microsporum spp. and Trichophyton spp. SPA-S-843 was most fungicidal against Mucor sp. and P. variotii; SPA-S-843 and amphotericin B showed the same fungicidal activity against Aspergillus spp. (GM of the MFCs 12.53 microg/ml), Penicillium spp. (about 12 microg/ml) and S. schenkii (MFC 19.2 microg/ml). Amphotericin B presented GM of the MFC values lower than those of SPA-S-843 against R. oryzae, Microsporum spp. and Trichophyton spp.

Inoculum preparation for in-vitro susceptibility testing of filamentous fungi

The percent transmission (T) and the equivalence in cfu/mL of two suspensions of 125 isolates of clinically important filamentous fungi containing 1-5 x 10(5) and 1-5 x 10(4) conidia/mL, adjusted with a haemocytometer, were determined. A wide variation of T values was observed, especially with the first inoculum. A good agreement was obtained between the counted and the viable propagules. The haemocytometric method is considered a useful technique for standardizing inocula.

Antifungal susceptibilities of Paecilomyces species

The MICs and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of amphotericin B, miconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and flucytosine for 52 isolates of Paecilomyces species were evaluated by the broth microdilution method, largely based on the recommendations of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (document M27-A). The fungal isolates tested included 16 P. variotii, 11 P. lilacinus, 9 P. marquandii, 6 P. fumosoroseus, 4 P. javanicus, and 2 P. viridis isolates and 1 isolate of each of the following species: P. carneus, P. farinosus, P. fulvus, and P. niveus. The MFCs and the MICs at which 90% of isolates were inhibited (MIC90s) for the six antifungal agents were remarkably high; the MIC50s indicated that amphotericin B, miconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole had good activities, while fluconazole and flucytosine demonstrated poor efficacy. The ranges of the MICs were generally wider and lower than those of the MFCs. There were significant susceptibility differences among the species. All species with the exception of P. variotii were highly resistant to fluconazole and flucytosine; P. variotii was susceptible to flucytosine. Amphotericin B and the rest of the azoles showed good activity against P. variotii, while all the antifungal agents assayed showed low efficacy against P. lilacinus.

High frequency gene transfer by microprojectile bombardment of intact conidia from the entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus

Two different methods, (i) PEG and (ii) biolistic, were employed to transform protoplasts and conidia of Paecilomyces fumosoroseus using hygromycin resistance as selectable marker. Transformation frequencies varied from 1.9 to 2.5 transformants microgram-1 of DNA by the PEG method, and from 33 to 153 transformants microgram-1 of DNA by the biolistic procedure.

Production of reactive oxygen metabolites by opsonized fungi and bacteria isolated from indoor air, and their interactions with soluble stimuli, fMLP or PMA

Changes in the levels of free intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and the production of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) induced by opsonized indoor air fungi and bacteria in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) were measured. Moreover, modification of a chemotactic peptide (fMLP)-and a tumor promoter (PMA)-induced production of ROM by opsonized fungi and bacteria were studied. The cells were exposed to graded doses of opsonized Candida sp., Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., Stachybotrys sp., Penicillium sp., Paecilomyces sp., or A4 or A91 Streptomyces sp. alone, or together with fMLP or PMA. All the organisms were isolated from air samples of mold-problem buildings. None of the fungi or bacteria induced changes in [Ca2+]i or the production of ROM without opsonization with human serum. Of all opsonized fungi and bacteria, only Candida sp. elevated [Ca2+]i. All fungi and bacteria, except Paecilomyces sp. and Stachybotrys sp., markedly increased the production of ROM in PMNL. Furthermore, A91 Streptomyces sp. and Aspergillus sp. amplified fMLP-induced production of ROM. Only Candida sp. increased PMA-induced phenomen that normally occurs in the lung, was required for biological activity of the fungi and bacteria. Amplification by opsonization of fungi- or bacteria-induced leukocyte activation revealed remarkable changes between these biologically active particles. The present results suggest that many indoor air fungi and bacteria may activate leukocytes to produce oxidative stress, perhaps associated with harmful effects in exposed individuals.

Reduced amphotericin toxicity in an albumin vehicle

Amphotericin B systemically infused into anesthetized rats at the rate of 0.4 mg/kg body weight over 20 min reproducibly induced renal vasoconstriction and renal cortical hypoxemia. By contrast, when infused with albumin (3 g/dl), amphotericin B did not reduce renal blood flow and did not affect renal cortical oxygenation. In vitro, hemolysis induced by amphotericin was also markedly reduced in the presence of albumin. Albumin did not appear to reduce the antibiotic effect of amphotericin in vitro. It was concluded that amphotericin B toxicity may be considerably reduced if administered in an albumin vehicle.

Hyalohyphomycosis caused by Paecilomyces variotii: a case report, animal pathogenicity and 'in vitro' sensitivity

A case of cutaneous infection in a 25-year-old male caused by Paecilomyces variotii is described. Animal pathogenicity studies with normal and cortisone-treated mice revealed the predeliction of P. variotii for skin and liver in both normal and cortisone-treated mice and for lungs and heart only in immunosuppressed mice. 5-fluorocytosine gave the best MIC value for P. variotii in vitro. This report documents for the first time that P. variotii causes cutaneous infection.

[Paecilomyces lilacinus--sensitivity to disinfectants]

In conjunction with nosocomial infection of opthalomycoses in the ophthalmological department, from the enucleated eye and from Ringer solution (used during operations) a fibrous microscopic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus was isolated. During sensitivity tests of the isolated strain to locally used disinfectants and chemical sterilizing agents it was revealed that the strain was not killed even by the action of higher concentrations of disinfectant solutions, used in our health departments according to instructions of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic. Persteril, although supposed to act as a chemical sterilizing agent 0.5% concentrations and 10 minute exposure, killed the isolated strains only in the course of 30 minutes. Based on tests of the strain Paecilomyces lilacinus it must be foreseen that in health institutions strains of microorganisms may be present which are resistant to these concentrations of disinfectants which are considered effective.

Bacereutin, an antifungal antibiotic isolated from metabolites of Bacillus cereus CHU 130

An antifungal metabolite, bacereutin, was isolated from culture filtrate of Bacillus cereus CHU 130. The bacterium was isolated from soils collected in Changhwa County, Taiwan, and was grown in soybean meal-mannitol broth for production of the antibiotic metabolite. The antibiotic metabolite was isolated by adsorption column chromatography of Amberite XAD-2 and was purified by passing through the chromatographic columns packed with Dowex 50W-X8, Sephadex LH 20 and Biogel P-2. The antibiotic metabolite was soluble in water and 87% acetone, and was slightly soluble in methanol, but was not dissolved in n-propanol, n-butanol, acetone, benzene and ethyl acetate. The antibiotic metabolite was a heat-stable and ninhydrin-positive substance. The antibiotic activities of bacereutin were tested by means of the agar-diffusion plate method. The antibiotic metabolite inhibited the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CHU 1, Paecilomyces variotii CHU 6, Rhizomucor miehei CHU 40 and Fusarium oxysportum CHU 98. Bacereutin was a ninhydrin-positive antifungal antibiotic.

Water relations of Paecilomyces variotii, Eurotium amstelodami, Aspergillus candidus and Aspergillus sydowii, xerophilic fungi isolated from Indonesian dried fish

The water relations of four xerotolerant fungi, Paecilomyces variotii, Eurotium amstelodami, Aspergillus candidus and Aspergillus sydowii, isolated from dried salt fish, were examined at 25 degrees C, on media in which water activity (aW) was controlled by NaCl or a glucose/fructose mixture. All fungi were less tolerant of NaCl than glucose/fructose at low aW. P. variotii grew 2 to 3 times faster on glucose/fructose media than on NaCl. The minimum aW permitting germination varied from 0.753 for E. amstelodami and, 0.776 for A. candidus and A. sydowii to 0.793 for P. variotii. At low aW germination was not always followed by growth. In most cases the minimum for growth was 0.02 aW units above that for germination.