Journal of

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Background and Aim: The aim of the present study is rapid and precise identification of yeast species isolated from nail of patients with clinical features of onychomycosis using PCR-RFLP technique.

Methods: 50 patients with involvement of 29 fingernails and 21 toenails were enrolled in the study. Different yeast species were identified by conventional mycological. The PCR-RFLP was tested on yeast isolated and the PCR-RFLP products were separated by electrophoresis in 2% agarose gel, with DNA stain.

Results: The main causative agents were yeasts in 12 cases (24%). Candida albicans was the most commonly isolated yeast species followed by Candida parapsilosis (6%), and Candida glabrata (4 %).

Conclusion: PCR-RFLP method using ITS1-ITS4 primers and MspI restriction enzymes is a rapid, accurate and cost-effective method for specific diagnosis of the most prevalent candida spp. Its ability to detect low amounts of fungal DNA in patient samples in 6-8 hours could be useful for clinical laboratories for optimal management of these infections.

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Background and Aim: Onychomycosis is an infection caused by yeast, filamentous and non-filamentous fungi, due to diverse conditions. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of azole susceptibility of candidate species isolated from Iranian patients in Tehran.

Methods: After sampling from patients, identification of the isolated strains were performed with Candida chrom agar medium and PCR-sequencing test. Drug Susceptibility pattern of the species to fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole were determined by CLSI-M27-A3/S4 standard method.

Results: In this study, 34 candidate isolates were identified, of which 26 isolates (76.5%) were Candida albicans and 8 isolates (23.5%) were Candida glabrata. In fluconazole, 4 (11%) of the isolates were dose-dependent sensitive and the others were sensitive. In itraconazole, 21 (61%) dose-dependent isolates and 2 (5%) resistant isolates were identified, and in ketoconazole, all isolates were sensitive. The geometric mean (GM) of the minimum inhibitory concentration for fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole was 0.32, 0.21 and 0.15 μg/mL, respectively. In this study, the most frequently isolated species was C. albicans. According to the GM values, the most effective azoles was ketoconazole.

Conclusion: The prevalence and pattern of susceptibility of Candida species to azole may vary in different populations of patients. Therefore, it is recommended that the clinicians pay attention to the results of drug susceptibility tests and then treat patients by considering drug interactions and side effects.

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Background and Aim: Oral lichen planus is a chronic
muco-cutaneous immunopathological disorder that commonly affects the oral mucosa. Candida albicans is the most common pathogen associated with oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 810 nm low power laser wavelength as an adjuvant in the treatment of
nystatin-resistant C.albicans in patients with oral lichen planus.
 

Methods: In this experimental study, 5 nystatin-resistant C.albicans were isolated from the oral cavity of patients with ulcerative lichen planus. Drug susceptibility testing was performed based on CLSI-M27-A3 and showed that these isolates were resistant to nystatin. The fungal suspension with a dilution of 0.5 McFarland was exposed to a diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm and a density energy of 20.38 j / cm2 with a time of 20 seconds. Then the results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were recorded for each group.
 

Results: 810 nm laser caused a significant reduction in nystatin-resistant C.albicans colonies (P<0.001). The MIC did not decrease significantly after the exposure.
 

Conclusion: Laser irradiation reduces the number of nystatin-resistant C.albicans colonies. But this effect does not necessarily change the MIC. Dentists should be aware that in cases of resistant Candida strains, a low-power diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm can play a role in reducing colonies and responding better to standard treatment.

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Background and Aim: Side effects associated with antimicrobial drugs, as well as their high cost, have stimulated the search for inexpensive herbal medicinals with fewer side effects. These substances can be used as a medicinal supplement or to increase the antimicrobial and antifungal effects of drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of oleuropein on fungal and bacterial pathogens isolated from nail infection in laboratory condition.
 

Methods: Antifungal and antibacterial properties of oleuropein by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of this substance on yeasts Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Escherichia coli by microbroth dilution method using CLSI protocols were evaluated.
 

Results: The results showed that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against all three studied microorganisms was equal to 65 mg/ml and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of oleuropein was equal to 130 mg/ml.
 

Conclusion: due to the high antifungal and antibacterial activity of oleuropein, the present study introduces oleuropein as a natural antimicrobial drug. This substance can also be used to increase the antimicrobial power of existing antibiotics.