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“Although haemolytic factor is known to be a putative virulence factor contributing to pathogenicity in Candida species, its production by Candida tropicalis is poorly understood. In this study, we analysed the culture conditions under which C. tropicalis can display haemolytic

factor on plate assay and the secretion of haemolytic factor in liquid medium by clinical isolates obtained from different specimens. All the tested isolates exhibited an internal translucent ring, resembling beta-haemolysis, surrounding by a peripheral greenish-grey halo on sheep blood agar medium. Similar PF01367338 haemolytic pattern was observed on human blood enriched medium. Furthermore, incubation either under normal atmosphere or under increased CO2 had no effect on haemolysis. Overall, no differences were observed on beta-haemolytic activities (P > 0.05) among tested isolates of C. tropicalis. In glucose-limited medium

(RPMI 1640 with 0.2% glucose), none of the isolates induced haemolysis on red blood cells. Similarly to found on plate assays, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the activity of secreted haemolytic factor in liquid medium among C. tropicalis isolates. However, after growth, the number of yeast Proteasome inhibition assay cells varied among isolates revealing different efficiencies of haemolytic factor production. Haemolytic activity was neither inhibited by heat treatment (100 °C) nor by the addition of pepstatin A. The obtained results extend our knowledge about haemolytic factor production by Candida species. “
“The lungs are common sites for the occurrence of saprophytic or invasive mycosis as well as hydatid cysts. The two diseases seldom coexist, and the manifestation is seen as a fungal ball (usually aspergilloma) formed in the cavity

left behind after hydatid cystectomy. Active invasion and proliferation of the fungi in the laminated ectocyst or sometimes the pericyst of the hydatid is very unusual. We report such a unique coexistence identified in two of the Nutlin-3 in vitro six surgically excised pulmonary hydatid cysts in the past 2 years. Both were immunocompetent males, who had presented with non-specific symptoms of cough, haemoptysis and chest pain. The septate slender hyphae of the invading fungus resembled those of Aspergillus. “
“The purpose of this study was to evaluate a preemptive approach with serum 1,3-beta-d-glucan (BDG) as a marker for treatment stratification of systemic antifungal (AF) therapy in patients with clinical suspected invasive fungal infections (IFI) at intensive care units (ICU), and the impact of surgical procedures. A total of 66 ICU patients with clinical suspected IFI were included in this retrospective analysis. Serum BDG testing was performed prior to initiation of AF treatment and in addition to routine diagnostic measures. Based on the BDG results the initial clinical decision whether or not to start systemic AF therapy was re-evaluated.