RESUMEN

Transmission of fungi in the air and its impact on health are regarded as important public health issues. Bioaerosols play an important role in causing or exacerbating infectious diseases, acute toxic effects, allergies, and cardiopulmonary symptoms. As many people use the public transportation system daily, it is necessary to determine the type and manner of dispersal and abundance of airborne fungi in public transport places. Three public transportation systems including a bus station, a train station, and an airport in Ahvaz city (Iran) were examined. At each of these stations, the air samples were taken from inside and outside the hall stations, and in-vehicle. A bio-stage Anderson sampler was used by suctioning air and passing it over a Petri dish containing culture medium Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Relative humidity (RH, %), temperature (T, ◦C), and mass concentration of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, µg/m3) at the sampling points were measured. The highest concentration of airborne fungi was observed in the airport. The concentration of fungi in the ambient air was higher than that in the indoor air of halls and in-vehicle. In all sampling points, the ambient predominant airborne fungi were Cladosporium and Alternaria, while the indoor predominant airborne fungi were Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. The indoor to outdoor ratio showed that the fungi were of an external origin. Due to the influence of the ambient air on indoor air, it is recommended to use proper ventilation and enhance the hygiene level of vehicles in public transportation systems to reduce exposure to environmentally pathogenic bioaerosols.

Asunto(s)

Microbiología del Aire , Hongos , Material Particulado , Hongos/aislamiento & purificación , Material Particulado/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Transportes , Irán , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis

RESUMEN

Objective: Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection in the oral cavity caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, especially Candida albicans. Various herbal agents have been designed to target Candida albicans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of Jaftex mouthwash and nystatin suspension on the growth of Candida albicans. Materials and methods:In the present in vitro study, a standard strain of Candida albicans was prepared in the form of lyophilized ampoules. Jaftex mouthwash was prepared with an active ingredient (10 g per 100 cc) of aqueous extract of oak fruit hull (Jaft), Zataria multiflora and Satureja bachtiarica. Nystatin oral suspension (100,000 IU/mL) was also prepared. Both mouthwashes were serially diluted using the two-fold serial dilution method (Jaftex: eight-fold dilutions; nystatin suspension: nine-fold dilutions). A volume of 10 ìL of each dilution of Jaftex mouthwash and nystatin suspension was placed on the discs that were linearly inoculated on culture medium and stored in an incubator for 24 hours at 37 °C. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the two antifungal agents was determined using the modified E-test. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:The mean MIC values of Jaftex mouthwash and nystatin suspension were 0.0625 (mg/mL) and 0.0015 (mg/mL), respectively. There was a significant difference between the antifungal effect of Jaftex mouthwash and nystatin suspension on the growth of Candida albicans. Nystatin showed the lowest MIC and greater antifungal activity compared with Jaftex mouthwash. Conclusion:Nystatin increasingly suppressed the growth of Candida albicans. Jaftex mouthwash inhibited the growth of Candida albicans. Since nystatin may show allergic reactions, Jaftex mouthwash can be used as an alternative to nystatin. Due to the synergistic effect of nystatin with thymol, Jaftex mouthwash can be prescribed with nystatin.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Increased resistance of Candida albicans to standard antifungal agents has caused special attention to medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Jaftex mouthwash on the growth of C. albicans and Candida tropicalis. METHODS AND MATERIAL: In this in vitro study, standard strains of C. albicans and C. tropicalis were used. Jaftex mouthwash was prepared with the active ingredient (10g/100cc) of aqueous extract of oak fruit hull (Jaft), Zataria multiflora, and Satureja bachtiarica. The mouthwash was diluted in half, 8 different concentrations were obtained. 10 µl volume of each dilution was poured on discs mounted linearly on the culture medium inoculated with the target fungus. After 24 h, due to the slow growth rate of these fungi, the Petri dishes were incubated at 37°C and the mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for each fungus. The modified E. test method was used to measure the MIC of Jaftex mouthwash for the two fungi. The experiment was repeated three times for each fungus and the mean value was measured. RESULTS: The mean value of MIC for C. albicans and C. tropicalis was 0.0625 (mg/mL) and 0.0833 (mg/mL), respectively. Candida albicans appeared to be more sensitive to Jaftex, but no statistically significant difference was observed. CONCLUSION: Jaftex mouthwash inhibits the growth of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. The use of this mouthwash is recommended for treatment of oral candidiasis.

RESUMEN

Peganum harmala L., known as Harmal or African, Syrian Rue, Espand (in Iranian culture), and Ozallaik (in Turkey), is a perennial herbaceous glabrous plant, which offers many antimicrobial activities in indoor air. In this regard, in the present study, we aimed at evaluating the disinfectant effects of Peganum harmala L. (PHL) seed smoke on microbial load in air. For this reason, the effects of four doses of PHL seeds (5, 10, 15, and 20 g) and various sampling times in the range of 0-30 min were examined on its antibacterial and antifungal effects. The experiments were conducted at two different areas including a classroom located at the health faculty of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences and a residential area with a similar volume of 60 m3. Tryptic soy agar (TSA) was applied as a specific bacterial culture medium, and sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) was used as a specific fungal culture medium. The concentration of bacteria and fungi in the indoor air of the residential area decreased by 71.4 and 94.7%, respectively. In the educational area, the concentration of bacteria and fungi decreased by 92.8 and 88.9%, respectively. In conclusion, the PHL smoke showed antibacterial and antifungal effects, which may be due to its alkaloids harmine properties, while it causes an increase in the concentration of particles in the air of indoor environments. Therefore, it can be used as an indoor air disinfectant for decreasing the load of bacteria and viruses in a closed space.

Asunto(s)

Peganum , Antibacterianos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Irán , Humo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Herbal toothpastes are more secure and efficacious and less poisonous due to containing natural chemicals as compared with the synthetic toothpastes. The present study aimed to formulate a polyherbal toothpaste using accessible medicinal plants in Iran and evaluate its efficiency in the protection of oral hygiene and prevention of dental caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The developed toothpaste was made of the leaf extracts of Artemisia dracunculus, Satureja khuzestanica (Jamzad), and Myrtus communis (Linn), combined at four different dilutions, namely 1:4 (25%), 1:1 (50%), 3:4 (75%), and (100%), with sterile distilled water. The product was tested against five microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans, Lactobaccilus caseie, S. sanguis, S. salivarius, and Candida albicans, using agar well diffusion method. RESULTS: After 24 h of incubation, the maximum mean diameters of inhibition zone against L. caseie and C. albicans were obtained as 17-30 and 10-25 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the minimum mean diameter of inhibition zone against S. salivarious was estimated as 15-20 mm. CONCLUSION: The formulated toothpaste showed potent inhibitory activities against Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans. Therefore, more studies are required to accurately investigate the efficacy of the formulated toothpaste.

RESUMEN

Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug and is available as oral dosage forms. Development of topical treatment could be advantageous for superficial fungal infections of the skin. In this study, films prepared from the incorporation of griseofulvin-loaded liposomes in chitosan film for topical drug delivery in superficial fungal infections. The properties of the films were characterized regarding mechanical properties, swelling, ability to transmit vapor, drug release, thermal behavior, and antifungal efficacy against Microsporum gypseum and Epidermophyton floccosum. The presence of liposomes led to decreased mechanical properties but lower swelling ratio. Higher amount of drug permeation and rate of flux were obtained by liposomes incorporated in films compared to liposomal formulations. Antifungal efficacy of formulations was confirmed against two species of dermatophytes in vitro. Therefore, two concepts of using vesicular carrier systems and biopolymeric films have been combined and this topical novel composite film has the potential for griseofulvin delivery to superficial fungal infections.

RESUMEN

Dermatophytosis is among the most common superficial mycoses in Iran. The purpose of this report was to update the clinical and mycological features of human dermatophytosis in the Khuzestan, southwestern Iran. In the framework of a one-year survey, a total of 4120 skin, hair and nail samples obtained from the outpatients with symptoms suggestive of tinea were analyzed by using direct microscopy, culture and molecular identification methods. Strains isolated from cultures were subjected to amplification of the nuclear rDNA ITS regions in a PCR assay followed by an early established RFLP analysis. For confirmation of species identification, 100 isolates as representatives of all presumable species were subjected to ITS sequencing. Infection was confirmed in 1123 individuals (27.25 %) in the age range of 1-89 years by direct microscopy and/or culture including 603 males versus 520 females. Frequencies of infections were the highest and the lowest in age groups of 21-30 and 11-20 years, respectively. Tinea corporis was the most prevalent clinical manifestation followed by tinea cruris, tinea capitis, tinea manuum, tinea pedis, tinea unguium, tinea faciei and tinea barbae. Trichophyton interdigitale (58.7 %) was the most dominant isolate followed by Epidermophyton floccosum (35.4 %), Microsporum canis (3 %), T. rubrum (1.5 %), T. species of Arthroderma benhamiae (0.5 %), T. tonsurans (0.3 %) and T. violaceum (0.3 %). Other species included M. gypseum, M. fulvum and T. verrucosum (each one 0.1 %). Such a high occurrence of infection with T. interdigitale, which has not been reported from Iran, is due to the use of accurate molecular methods based on new species concept in dermatophytes. The prevalence of dermatophytoses caused by zoophilic species remarkably increased and Trichophyton species of A. benhamiae has emerged as a new agent of dermatophytosis in southwestern Iran, while infections due to anthropophilic species, except E. floccosum, took a decreasing trend.

Asunto(s)

Arthrodermataceae/clasificación , Arthrodermataceae/aislamiento & purificación , Tiña/epidemiología , Tiña/microbiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Arthrodermataceae/genética , Niño , Preescolar , Análisis por Conglomerados , ADN de Hongos/química , ADN de Hongos/genética , ADN Espaciador Ribosómico/química , ADN Espaciador Ribosómico/genética , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Irán/epidemiología , Masculino , Técnicas Microbiológicas , Microscopía , Persona de Mediana Edad , Filogenia , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Polimorfismo de Longitud del Fragmento de Restricción , Estudios Prospectivos , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Nowadays Candida albicans has become resistant to the toxic and expensive commercial anti-Candida drugs. Therefore, investigation for new anti-fungal agents is necessary. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this survey was to investigate the in vitro anti-Candida activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Heracleum persicum fruit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The plant ingredients were extracted using 80% ethanol and the extract was screened against 46 isolated pathogenic Candida species such as C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis by agar well diffusion method. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values at 24 and 48 hours were 0.625 - 20 µg/µL for C. albicans, 0.625 - 40 µg/µL for C. glabrata, and 5.0 - 20 µg/µL for C. tropicalis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey confirmed that tested plant extract had a potential anti-Candida activity. Hence, it is suggested to isolate and identify its active compounds in future.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a major worldwide public health problem with about two to three million humans threatened by this disease annually. Allium cepa (onion) is an important dietary vegetable and was used as a herbal medicine for centuries. The root of Ixora brachiata is medicinally important. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-Leishmania effect of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Ixora brachiata root and aqueous onion extracts on Leishmania major promastigotes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The parasites isolated from cutaneous leishmaniasis were exposed with different concentrations of selected plant extracts and their inhibitory effects on the promastigotes were evaluated after 24 and 48 hours. RESULTS: Among tested plant extracts, Ixora brachiata root extracts revealed the best activity against Leishmania major promastigotes with IC100 value of 2.5 mg/mL and IC50 value of 0.078 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that aqueous Allium cepa and Ixora brachiata root extracts as natural products could be used as alternative drugs in treatment of leishmaniasis.

RESUMEN

In the developing countries of tropical regions, mycotic infections are common cause of skin diseases.The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of skin diseases including mycotic infections is an age-old practice in many parts of the world. The drugs used against dermatophytosis have several side effects, but limited efficacy. There is therefore a distinct need for discovery of new, safer and more effective antifungal agents. Medicinal plants used in traditional folk medicine may help us to overcome the growing problem of resistance to antifungal drugs and also their relative toxicity. In this study, in vitro antifungal activity of Pogostemon parviflorus leaf extracts were evaluated against three different genera of dermatophytes including Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton, using the agar dilution method. Pogostemon parviflorus Benth. belongs to Labiatae family. The ethanolic extract of Pogostemon parviflorus leaf inhibited the growth of tested dermatophytes at different concentrations. The ethanolic extract of Pogostemon parviflorus leaf completely prevented the growth of tested dermatophytic species, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 2.5-10 mg/mL. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of this plant were also in the range of 2.5-10 mg/mL. Results of phytochemical screening tests indicated that the leaf of Pogostemon parviflorus contained saponins, reducing sugars, tannins, phenols and proteins, but it did not have any glycosides, anthraquinones, alkaloids or flavonoids. Results of High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) studies indicated that the ethyl acetate extract of Pogostemon parviflorus leaves included triterpenes, as 10 and 14 peaks of ultra violet (UV) absorption were observed in 254 nm and 366 nm, respectively. Hence, triterpenes may be responsible for antidermatophytic activity of this plant.