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In Mexico, cacao production is endangered by pathogenic fungi, such as Phytophthora spp. and Moniliophthora rorei, that cause black pod rot and moniliasis, respectively. In this study the biocontrol agent Paenibacillus sp. NMA1017 was tested in cacao fields against the previous diseases. The treatments applied were shade management, inoculation of the bacterial strain with or without an adherent, and use of chemical control. The statistical analysis showed that the incidence of black pod rot in tagged cacao trees diminished when the bacterium was applied (reduction of 44.24 to 19.11%). The same result was observed with moniliasis when the pods were tagged (reduction of 66.6 to 27%). The use of Paenibacillus sp. NMA1017 with an integrated management might be a solution to cacao diseases and to having a sustainable production of cacao in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STAT1 is a cytoplasmic transcription factor associated with cell growth regulation, differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. IFN-mediated JAK/STAT signaling pathway is involved in eliminating intracellular pathogens and viruses. However, pathogenic variants in STAT1 can result in impaired or increased function. Increased activity or function in STAT1 was described in 2011 and is characterized by excessive phosphorylation of the transcription factor. Carriers can develop autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and are susceptible to fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. The early and common manifestation is chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. Here, we report a clinical case of a patient with increased STAT1 activity or gain of function, which started in the first year of his life. He is currently 27 years old and has presented bacillus Calmette-Guérin and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, tinea capitis, and facial and ocular rosacea. HIV infection was ruled out. Given the clinical manifestations, an inborn error of immunity was suspected, specifically STAT1 with gain of function. The diagnosis was corroborated by the sequencing of multiple genes associated with inborn errors of immunity. The pathogenic variant c.961A>G (p.Arg321Gly) in the STAT1 gene, previously reported as a gain of function mutation, was found in the patient. Finally, this case illustrates that mutations in immune-associated genes can contribute to producing severe and recurrent infections, even in adult patients. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis should raise suspicion of gain of function in STAT1.

Infections caused by micro-organisms of the genus Candida are becoming a growing health problem worldwide. These fungi are opportunistic commensals that can produce infections—clinically known as candidiasis—in immunocompromised individuals. The indiscriminate use of different anti-fungal treatments has triggered the resistance of Candida species to currently used therapies. In this sense, propolis has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties and thus can be used as an approach for the inhibition of Candida species. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the anti-Candida effects of a propolis extract obtained from the north of Mexico on clinical isolates of Candida species. Candida species were specifically identified from oral lesions, and both the qualitative and quantitative anti-Candida effects of the Mexican propolis were evaluated, as well as its inhibitory effect on C. albicans isolate's germ tube growth and chemical composition. Three Candida species were identified, and our results indicated that the inhibition halos of the propolis ranged from 7.6 to 21.43 mm, while that of the MFC and FC50 ranged from 0.312 to 1.25 and 0.014 to 0.244 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the propolis was found to inhibit germ tube formation (IC50 ranging from 0.030 to 1.291 mg/mL). Chemical composition analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, including pinocembrin, baicalein, pinobanksin chalcone, rhamnetin, and biochanin A, in the Mexican propolis extract. In summary, our work shows that Mexican propolis presents significant anti-Candida effects related to its chemical composition, and also inhibits germ tube growth. Other Candida species virulence factors should be investigated in future research in order to determine the mechanisms associated with antifungal effects against them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El objetivo del presente estudio es reportar las características morfológicas, de rendimiento y calidad del híbrido Olmeca. Este genotipo es producto del cruce de los progenitores RIM 76A X EET 400. El genotipo RIM 76 A es una selección clonal de un genotipo de cacao criollo de México y el genotipo EET 400 es una selección comercial clonal procedente del Ecuador. Sus frutos del clon Olmeca de hasta 20 cm con forma elíptica, ápice obtuso y de constricción basal débil. Cada fruto contiene un promedio de 40 semillas y la tonalidad de los cotiledones es púrpura obscura. Las evaluaciones del rendimiento del clon Olmeca después de 11 años de establecidas en las fincas el Morralero en el municipio de Comalcalco, los Pinos en el municipio de Cunduacán y en la Ostitán del municipio de Huimanguillo del estado de Tabasco, han mostrado promedios de 46 frutos por árbol libres de enfermedades y un promedio de índice de fruto de 16 en los años 2013 a 2016, esto indica que con este número de frutos se puede producir un kg de cacao seco. La resistencia a la moniliasis en campo es del orden de 86%. La cata de grano de cacao seco fermentado y pasta de cacao ha presentado notas a cocoa, fruto fresco, nueces, afrutado, dulce caramelo de malta y frutos secos. Estos atributos son en interés comercial para la explotación para la elaboración de chocolates de origen de la variedad, características que aún no son aprovechadas en México. Este híbrido ha sido registrado en el Catálogo Nacional de Variedades Vegetales del Servicio Nacional de Inspección y Certificación de Semillas con el número CAO-008-230218 y título de obtentor número 2270. La multiplicación de esta variedad es a través de la vía asexual por injerto, misma que está a disposición de los productores del sur de México en el CAEHUI-INIFAP, en Huimanguillo, Tabasco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agro Productividad is the property of Colegio de Postgraduados and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Candida glabrata complex includes three species identified through molecular biology methods: C. glabrata sensu stricto, C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis. In Mexico, the phenotypic methods are still used in the diagnosis; therefore, the presence of C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis among clinical isolates is still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a multiplex PCR for the identification of the C. glabrata species complex. DNA samples from 92 clinical isolates that were previously identified through phenotypic characteristics as C. glabrata were amplified by four oligonucleotides (UNI-5.8S, GLA-f, BRA-f, and NIV-f) that generate amplicons of 397, 293 and 223-bp corresponding to C. glabrata sensu stricto, C. nivariensis, and C. bracarensis, respectively. The amplicon sequences were used to perform a phylogenetic analysis through the Maximum Likelihood method (MEGA6), including strains and reference sequences of species belonging to C. glabrata complex. In addition, recombination and linkage disequilibrium were estimated (DnaSP version 5.0) for C. glabrata sensu stricto isolates. Eighty-eight isolates generated a 397-bp fragment and only in one isolate a 223-bp amplicon was observed. In the phylogenetic tree, the sequences of 397-bp were grouped with C. glabrata reference sequences, and the sequence of 223-bp was grouped with C. bracarensis reference sequences, corroborating the PCR identification. The number of recombination events for the isolates of C. glabrata sensu stricto was zero, suggesting a clonal population structure. Three isolates that did not amplify any of the expected fragments were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae through the sequencing of the D1/D2 domain region within the 28S rDNA gene. The multiplex PCR is a fast, cost-effective and reliable tool that can be used in clinical laboratories to identify C. glabrata complex species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess changes in the salivary expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and TNF in acute leukemia ( AL) patients before and during chemotherapy, and its association with HSV infection, oral candidiasis ( OC), and oral mucositis ( OM) onset. Methods Cohort study in AL patients >15 years starting induction chemotherapy at a Mexican oncological center (2013-2014). Onset of oral lesions ( OLs) was assessed during follow-up, and saliva was obtained at baseline, at visit 2 (days 4-12), and at visit 3 (days 13-21) after chemotherapy, treated with a protease inhibitor and stored at −70°C. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed. Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed to estimate hazard ratios and its 95% CI ( HR, 95% CI) for OL development. Results Forty-one patients were followed up, and 17 (41.5%) developed OLs. OL patients had higher baseline salivary IL-1α than those without lesions ( p = 0.040). During visit 2, OL patients had higher levels of IL-1α ( p = 0.033), IL-1β ( p = 0.016), IL-6 ( p = 0.035), and TNF ( p = 0.019) than those who did not develop OLs. Patients with HSV infection, OC, and OM showed higher salivary TNF levels during follow-up ( HR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.35-9.14, p = 0.010). Conclusion AL patients undergoing chemotherapy with high salivary TNF levels were more likely to develop HSV infection, OC, and OM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nosocomial neonatal candidiasis is a major problem in infants, which require intensive therapy. The subjects of the present study were three preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the General Hospital "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez". The infants developed Candida parapsilosis infection on the mean age of 13.6 day of life. Prior to fungemia, infants had received assisted ventilation and hyperalimentation through central venous catheter. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer gene ruled out other Candida species and revealed that the eight isolates were C. parapsilosis. The isolates were examined based on their molecular relation by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. The profiles allowed the identification of two main genotypes of C. parapsilosis as the outbreak cause and as a result of the cross-infection with health care workers' hands. We conclude that C. parapsilosis commonly colonize through horizontal transmission due to the staff's noncompliance of hand hygiene procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medicina Oral (16656024) is the property of Colegio Nacional de Cirujanos Dentistas Militares A.C. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. A dramatic increase in the incidence of fungal infections has been reported in recent years. This is especially true with regards to infections due to Candida non albicans. The main risk factors associated with mortality include: age, invasive procedures and previous use of antibiotics. Material and methods. A retrospective study of series of cases, in the Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez, including children less than 18 years of age, with a diagnosis of systemic fungal infection and the isolation of C. albicans from sterile sites, during the period from May 1999 to December 2004. The objective was to analyze the factors associated to death. We reviewed the microbiology archives to identify the isolation of yeast from sterile sites including: blood, urine, CSF, and biopsy specimens. The information was obtained from the Hospital mycology laboratory. The individual patient record was carefully reviewed in efforts to determine possible risk factors at the time of the positive cultures as well as the antecedent 30 days. Results. We observed an increase in the rates of infection per 1 000 discharges from 1999 to 2004. We observed 45 infectious events due to Candida sp., with a mortality of 35.5%. We did not identify the species in 18 patients, C. albicans in 16 events and other non albicans in 24%. In 12 patients the underlying diagnosis was cancer; gastrointestinal malformations in 6, congenital heart disease in 12 patients, malformations of digestive tube and sepsis in 6, congenital cardiopathy and renal failure in 3, hepatic diseases in 4 and others disease entities in 10 patients. In 88.8% the infections were of nosocomial origin. The age group with the highest mortality was newborns. The main factors associated with mortality were: the antecedent of thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, as well as being intubated at the moment of the infection. Conclusions. Fungal infections and particularly those due to Candida sp., represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The associated risk factors are those due to an immunocompromised state, protracted use of broad spectrum antibiotics and invasive procedures including endotracheal intubation. An increase in the isolation of non- albicans species was noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been proposed that HIV-related oral lesions (HIV-ROL) have a significant diagnostic and prognostic value for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adult patients. However, in HIV-infected children, the relation between HIV-ROL and immune and virologic status is not well established. The principal objective of this paper is to assess the prevalence of HIV-related oral lesions (HIV-ROL) in Mexican HIV-infected children in relation to their immunologic status, viral load, and gender. Forty-eight HIV-infected children from Immunodeficiency Clinic, Child's Hospital of México, México City, were examined for oral pathology. The data obtained from medical records were: name, gender, age, route of infection, CD4 lymphocytes cells count/mL, HIV-1-RNA level of copies/mL (viral load), and type and time of treatment. The prevalence of HIV-ROL was 29.2%. Oral candidosis was the most prevalent oral lesion (20.8%) followed by periodontal and gingival disease (4.2%), herpes simplex (2.1%), and parotid enlargement (2.1%). There was no association between the prevalence of HIV-ROL and gender, immunological status, or viral load. The most frequent clinical form of oral candidosis was erythematous candidosis (12.5%, N = 6). Our results do not suggest a direct relationship between prevalence of HIV-ROL, severe immunodepression, and/or viral load > 100000 copies in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonatal Candida spp. infections are serious events due to their morbidity and mortality, however, epidemiological information is insufficient in developing countries. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and factors associated with invasive infection by Candida spp. in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Mexico., Methods: Case-control study nested in a cohort and matched for birth weight. We estimated the incidence of invasive neonatal infection by Candida spp. For the bivariate analysis of the studied factors, McNemar's test was used to contrast hypotheses and multivariate analysis was made with logistic regression., Results: The incidence of infection was 2.27 events/1000 live newborns. The species identified were C. albicans 35.3% (n 30), C. parapsilosis 30.6% (n 26), C. glabrata 31.8% (n 27) and two events with C. lipolytica. The factors associated with a higher risk were mechanical ventilation (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.13-8.14), systemic antibiotics (OR 7.48, 95% CI 1.30-42.9), number of antimicrobial regimens (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.01-4.03), and days with total parenteral nutrition (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.25) or with venous catheter central (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.20). Fluconazole prophylaxis decreased the risk (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.84)., Conclusions: Invasive interventions (central catheter, mechanical ventilation, and parenteral nutrition) and the use of antimicrobials increase the risk of neonatal Candida spp. Infection, while prophylactic fluconazole is protective., (Copyright © 2021 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Esophageal candidiasis (EC) is the most common cause of infectious esophagitis. So far, its main risk factor has been HIV infection; in recent years, EC has been favoured by the increasing of diabetes mellitus, wide-spread use of acid-lowering agents, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and inhaled steroids. In Mexico EC has been poorly studied., Objectives: To determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of EC, and to identify its etiological agents as well as its antifungal susceptibility., Methods: Patients who revealed the presence of scattered white spots through an upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy, in a period of one year, in a tertiary care hospital, were included. Samples from patches were collected for microscopic examination, culture, and susceptibility tests., Results: Out of 1763 patients studied, 23 had scattered white spots, and most of them presented Kodsi grade I; 13 were men; half of the patients were between the ages 20 to 40; main comorbidity was liver cirrhosis; use of omeprazole was significant. 22 isolates were obtained from 17 patients. The most frequent species were C. albicans (14) and C. parapsilosis (3). In five cases we found a two-species association v. g. Candida famata with Trichosporon mucoides. Half of the isolates showed resistance to one or several antifungal drugs., Conclusions: EC frequency in this study was similar to other studies’ results. Obtained isolates showed high resistance to azolic compounds and to caspofungin, which is relevant information to take a therapeutic decision.

This study presents a systematic review of the literature on the etiology of superficial and invasive candidiasis in Mexico reported from 2005 to 2015. The data have shown that Candida albicans is the most prevalent species with an increasing tendency of the non-C. albicans Candida species, as reported in other countries. The use of phenotypical methods in the identification of the yeasts limits the identification at the species level, particularly in species that are part of complexes, this is important because the identification only at the genus level leads to inadequate treatment due to the different susceptibility to the antifungals among species. In addition, this finding reveals the need to implement in clinical laboratories the molecular methods for the correct identification of the species involved, and the antifungal susceptibility tests to prevent the etiological changes associated with a poor therapeutic management., (Copyright © 2017 Asociación Española de Micología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)