Intra-species variations in
DNA pattern of Malassezia isolates and the presence of specific genetic types in cattle, dogs or humans were observed. A review of genetic heterogeneity of these Obeticholic Acid yeast in veterinary and human medicine studies is given considering a possible transmission animal to human or human to animal. Additional studies must clarify the differences between the RAPD band patterns observed in this and other studies, which would facilitate monitoring of Malassezia spp. carriage in domestic animals and in humans. “
“Mucormycosis is increasingly encountered in immunosuppressed patients, such as those with haematological malignancies or stem cell transplantation. We present a descriptive analysis BGB324 of 121 cases of mucormycosis from the Prospective Antifungal Therapy Alliance® registry (July 2004 to December
2008). Patients with proven or probable mucormycosis were enrolled and followed prospectively for 12 weeks. The most common underlying disease and site of infection were haematologic malignancy (61.2%) and lungs (46.3%) respectively. Rhizopus (n = 63; 52.1%) was the most commonly isolated species, followed by Mucor (n = 28; 23.1%), other or unknown (n = 17; 14.0%), Rhizomucor (n = 9; 7.4%) and Lichtheimia (n = 4; 3.3%). The 12-week Kaplan–Meier survival probability for all patients was 0.41; however, there was large variation in survival probabilities between species, with highest survival probability observed for Lichtheimia (0.5), followed by Rhizopus (0.47), Mucor (0.40), unknown Mucormycetes species (0.40), other Mucormycetes species (0.17) and Rhizomucor (0.15). Prior use of voriconazole decreased 12-week survival probability. Survival probability was higher in patients receiving amphotericin
B by Day 3 (0.72) vs. those who started amphotericin B therapy after Day 3 (0.33). The low survival probability observed underscores the importance of further studies of mucormycosis. Optimal treatment selection and timing may improve prognosis. “
“Patients with aspergilloma can be safely managed with supportive therapy in absence of massive haemoptysis. We hypothesised that chronic Acyl CoA dehydrogenase cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) could also be managed on similar grounds. The aim of this prospective, randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of itraconazole in CCPA. Consecutive patients of CCPA with presence of chronic pulmonary/systemic symptoms; and pulmonary cavities; and presence of Aspergillus (immunological or microbiological) were randomised to receive either supportive treatment alone or itraconazole 400 mg daily for 6 months plus supportive therapy. Response was assessed clinically, radiologically and overall after 6 months therapy. A total of 31 patients (mean age, 37 years) were randomised to itraconazole (n = 17) or the control (n = 14) group.