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Introduction: Candidiasis infection is caused by different species of Candida, which are characterized by host immunologic weakness. Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) have shown an inhibitory effect against Candida albicans. In this work, the inhibitory effect of standardized extract and different fractions of Nigella sativa seeds has been evaluated on both nystatin-susceptible and resistant strain of C. albicans. Materials and Method: Canadida albicans (NSCA) with ATCC 76645 and nystatin-resistant Candida albicans (NRCA) were prepared from oral samples of HIV individuals. Total extract and different fractions of N. sativa were prepared using maceration and sonication methods. Thymoquinone (TQ) content of the plant was determined by spectrophotometric method. Total extract (TTE) and the fractions along with TQ were evaluated on NSCA and NRCA by the microdilution method. Results: TQ content of the plant was 0.92 ± 0.37g/100g dried extract. The least MIC and MFC (62.5 and 125 μg/ml, respectively) were due to petroleum ether fraction (PEF) against both NSCA and NRCA, followed by chloroform fraction (CHF) with MIC and MFC of 125 and 250 μg/ml, respectively. TQ exhibited MIC of 0.78 and 3.12 μg/ml against NSCA and NRCA, stronger than nystatin (MIC of 2 and 16 μg/ml, respectively). Thymoquinone was detected in the PEF and CHF. Conclusion: Considering more inhibitory effects of PEF and CHF than TTE, we can conclude that active components of the plant belong to non-polar compounds. PEF showed identical inhibitory effects on NRCA and NSCA, which is a valuable result for finding novel medicaments against NRCA infections.

Background and Purpose: Aromatic waters (AWs) are therapeutic distillates, which harbor both essential oil and water-soluble components of a plant. Due to the dispersion of the light amount of essence through the AWs, they have their specific pleasant smell, taste, and medicinal properties. In Iranian traditional medicine, Trachyspermum ammi AW is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. The present study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from T. ammi AW and its antifungal activities against Candida species. Materials and Methods: The composition of the essential oil extracted from T. ammi AW was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition, the evaluation of the antifungal activity of AW against Candida species was performed using broth microdilution methods as recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. Moreover, the biofilm formation inhibition, antioxidant properties, and experimental activity of AW were determined in an animal model. Results: According to the results, thymol (78.08%) was the major compound of EO, followed by carvacrol (8.20%) and carvotanacetone (6.50%). Furthermore, T. ammi AW exhibited antifungal activities against the examined fungi and inhibited the biofilm formation of C. albicans at a concentration of up to 0.25 V/V. Histopathological analyses revealed that Candida colonization declined in the mice following the administration of T. ammi AW in a therapeutic trial. Conclusion: It seems that the presence of phenolic monoterpenes in AW has resulted in antifungal effects. Pleasant odor and antioxidant properties are extra bonuses to the antimicrobial effects of this plant. Based on the findings, AW might have the potential to be used in the management of alimentary candidiasis or oral hygienic products.

Tissue conditioners are suitable places for colonization of microorganisms. A combination of tissue conditioners with antibacterial and antifungal materials inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Here, we aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal effects of silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and chitosan nanoparticles on tissue conditioners in complete dentures. The growth of four microorganisms in six different concentrations of Ag, ZnO, and chitosan nanoparticles was investigated after 24 and 48 h. Nanoparticles were synthesized using optical sequestration and approved by scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, and infrared (FT-IR) methods. Nanoparticles were combined at 0.5, 0.25, and 0.25 ratios (chitosan, Ag, and ZnO, respectively) with 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mass percentages. Tissue conditioners with nanoparticles were entered to test tubes containing microorganisms, and the growth rate was measured using the turbidity method by spectrophotometer after 24 and 48 h of incubation at 37 °C. Growth inhibition of Candida albicans occurred at 2.5% concentration. However, the growth inhibition of Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurred at 5% after both 24 and 48 h. Also, the optimum nanoparticle concentration for Candida albicans was found to be 1.25% for both timings. On the other hand, the optimum nanoparticle concentration for Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 2.5% for both time scales. The combination of Ag, ZnO, and chitosan nanoparticles inhibited the growth of fungi and bacteria in tissue conditioners. These nanoparticles inhibited the growth of fungi more effectively than bacteria.

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that can invade the keratinized tissues of humans and other animals, thereby causing dermatophytosis. The high cost of treatment, side effects of drugs, and sometimes resistance of pathogens to synthetic drugs are some of the factors that have led to search attempts for new drugs. This study aimed to investigate the anti-dermatophytic effects of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Romex acetosella, Teucrium polium, and Glycyrrhiza glabra against dermatophytes of Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes and to determine the amount of phenol in these plants.In this descriptive comparative study, after collecting and identifying Rumex acetosella, Teucrium polium, and Glycyrrhiza glabra, they were washed and dried in the shade. Then, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of these plants were prepared using the Soxhlet apparatus. The antifungal activity of these extracts was investigated in vitro against Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes through diffusion and agar dilution method according to CLSI guideline. Further, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the extracts were determined in comparison with griseofulvin. In addition, the amount of phenol in these extracts was determined by an optical spectrophotometer.The highest inhibition zones of Trichophyton mentagrophytes PTCC 5054, Microsporum canis PTCC 5069, and Microsporum gypseum PTCC 5070 were related to the methanolic extract of Teucrium polium at 200 mg/ml and were 23.41, 23.45, and 25.30 mm, respectively. In agar dilution method, the highest growth rates of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum were observed in 2.5 mg/ml of Glycyrrhiza glabra ethanolic extract and were 19.07, 18.32, and 17.81 mm, respectively. The minimum growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum were observed in the plate containing 40 mg/ml of the methanolic extract of Teucrium polium with 5.62, 3.72, and 5.41 mm diameters, respectively. MIC was less than 6.25 mg/ml for methanolic extract of Teucrium polium. Tannic acid in the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Teucrium polium, Rumex acetosella and Glycyrrhiza glabra were 227.33 and 482.89 μg/ml, 94 and 475.48 μg/ml, and 27.33 and 60.67 μg/ml, respectively.Based on the results, methanolic extracts of the studied plants, specially Teucrium polium had a greater inhibitory effect than ethanolic extracts. Methanolic extracts of these plants after extensive testing for toxicity and in vivo studies can be a suitable treatment option as adjunctive drugs or alternatives to chemical drugs.

Candidiasis infection is caused by different species of Candida, which are characterized by host immunologic weakness. Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) have shown an inhibitory effect against Candida albicans. In this work, the inhibitory effect of standardized extract and different fractions of Nigella sativa seeds has been evaluated on both nystatin-susceptible and resistant strain of C. albicans.Canadida albicans (NSCA) with ATCC 76645 and nystatin-resistant Candida albicans (NRCA) were prepared from oral samples of HIV individuals. Total extract and different fractions of N. sativa were prepared using maceration and sonication methods. Thymoquinone (TQ) content of the plant was determined by spectrophotometric method. Total extract (TTE) and the fractions along with TQ were evaluated on NSCA and NRCA by the microdilution method.TQ content of the plant was 0.92 ± 0.37g/100g dried extract. The least MIC and MFC (62.5 and 125 μg/ml, respectively) were due to petroleum ether fraction (PEF) against both NSCA and NRCA, followed by chloroform fraction (CHF) with MIC and MFC of 125 and 250 μg/ml, respectively. TQ exhibited MIC of 0.78 and 3.12 μg/ml against NSCA and NRCA, stronger than nystatin (MIC of 2 and 16 μg/ml, respectively). Thymoquinone was detected in the PEF and CHF.Considering more inhibitory effects of PEF and CHF than TTE, we can conclude that active components of the plant belong to non-polar compounds. PEF showed identical inhibitory effects on NRCA and NSCA, which is a valuable result for finding novel medicaments against NRCA infections.

Background and Purpose: Aflatoxins (AFs) are a group of highly toxic mycotoxins present both in the environment and in foodstuffs. The food of infants should be safe and free of various pollutants, including breast milk mycotoxins. This study aimed to measure the mycotoxin of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in human milk samples obtained from lactating mothers living in Rafsanjan city, Iran. Materials and Methods: In the current cross-sectional study, breast milk samples were collected from 150 lactating mothers in Rafsanjan city from September 2015 to April 2016 using the structured food-frequency questionnaire. The AFM1 was measured by employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific kits. The statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 16). Results: The AFM1 was detected in 98 mothers (65%) with a mean concentration of 14.69±8.15 ng/kg, ranging from 5.02 to 41.25 ng/kg. The AFM1 concentration exceeded the tolerable and accepted limit promulgated by the European Union and the USA (25 ng/kg) in only 10 milk samples. Moreover, in 59 milk samples, the AFM1 concentration exceeded the limit recommended by Australia and Switzerland (10 ng/kg). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, lactating mothers and their infants are at risk of AFM1 exposure in southern Iran. Accordingly, the examination of AFM1 concentrations in lactating mothers, as a critical postnatal exposure marker of infants to this carcinogenic compound, requires further studies in various seasonal periods and different parts of Iran.

Whereas hospitals have been assumed as the sites for spreading infection at level of world health, therefore, the current descriptive study has been conducted on 248 inpatients and outpatients who were suspected to fungal infection or disease. Samples were collected from several wards along with radiographic and endoscopic analyses in three hospitals, including urine, blood, skin, nail, wound (burning, surgery, eye and injury), lung, phlegm, ascites, bronchoaveolar lavage, (cerebrospinal, abdominal, and knee) fluids, peritoneum, fistula, ear tests and biopsy and sent to reference mycological center. The fungal species were identified by studying their macroscopic and microscopic and using PCR-RFLP technique. Among total studied patients, 180 cases had fungal elements; among which, there were 53 (29%) nosocomial infection and 127 (71%) community-acquired infection cases out of which inpatients and outpatients suffered from fungal diseases. The highest incidence of nosocomial infection belongs to intensive care units (ICU) ward in 16% of patients. The most common isolated fungi were Candida spp. The statistical results of this study suggest nosocomial fungal infections as the most important problems in the course of treatment among hospitalized patients who are more likely to be infected.

Pathogenic fungi are associated with diseases ranging from simple dermatosis to life-threatening infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. During the past two decades, resistance to established antifungal drugs has increased dramatically and has made it crucial to identify novel antimicrobial compounds. Here, we selected 12 new compounds of 2-amino-4 H -benzochromene-3-carbonitrile drivetives ( C1-C12 ) for synthesis by using nano-TiCl 4 .SiO 2 as efficient and green catalyst, then nine of synthetic compounds were evaluated against different species of fungi, positive gram and negative gram of bacteria. Standard and clinical strains of antibiotics sensitive and resistant fungi and bacteria were cultured in appropriate media. Biological activity of the 2-amino-4 H -benzochromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives against fungi and bacteries were estimated by the broth micro-dilution method as recommended by clinical and laboratory standard institute (CLSI). In addition minimal fangicidal and bactericial concenteration of the compounds were also determined. Considering our results showed that compound 2-amino-4-(4-methyl benzoate)-4 H -benzo[ f ]chromen-3-carbonitrile ( C9 ) had the most antifungal activity against Aspergillus clavatus, Candida glabarata, Candida dubliniensis, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis at concentrations ranging from 8 to ≤128 μg/mL. Also compounds 2-amino-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4 H -benzo[ f ]chromen-3-carbonitrile ( C4 ) and 2-amino-4-(4-isopropylphenyl)-4 H -benzo[ f ]chromen-3-carbonitrile ( C3 ) had significant inhibitory activities against Epidermophyton floccosum following 2-amino-4-(4-methylbenzoate)-4 H -benzo[ f ]chromen-3-carbonitrile ( C9 ), respectively. Docking simulation was performed to insert compounds C3 , C4 and C9 in to CYP51 active site to determine the probable binding model.

Background and purpose Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been recognized as a risk factor for invasive aspergillosis. Airway colonization by Aspergillus species is a common feature of chronic pulmonary diseases. Nowadays, the incidence of COPD has increased in critically ill patients. The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify Aspergillus colonies in the respiratory tract of COPD patients. Materials and methods This study was performed on 50 COPD patients, who were aged above 18 years, and were in intensive care units of three hospitals in Sari, Iran, for at least six days. All the samples obtained from sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and tracheal aspirates were cultured for fungi each week. According to the conventional techniques, Aspergillus isolates were initially based on growth and standard morphological characteristics. To confirm the identification of grown Aspergillus, the partial beta-tubulin gene was sequenced using specific primers. Results A total of 50 patients, who met our inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the study during 2012-14. The results showed that 27 (54%) and 23 (46%) of the participants were male and female, respectively. The majority of the patients developed dyspnea followed by hemoptysis, chest pain, and high fever. Corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibacterial agents were administered to 75% and 80% of the patients, respectively. Based on the conventional and molecular approaches, A. fumigatus (seven cases; 43.7%), A. flavus (five cases; 31.2%), A. niger (one case; 6.2%), A. terreus (one case; 6.2%), A. orezea (one case; 6.2%), and A. tubingensis (one case; 6.2%) were recovered. Conclusion Recovery of Aspergillus species from the respiratory tract of COPD patients with pneumonia indicates two possibilities: either colonization or invasive aspergillosis.

Background and Purpose: TGF-β is a potent regulator and suppressor of the immune system and overproduction of this cytokine may contribute to immunosuppression in HIV-infected patients. Increasing population of immunosuppressed patients has resulted in increasingly frequent of fungal infections, including oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of TGF-β under in vivo conditions. Materials and Methods: Seventy- two samples were obtained from the oral cavities of HIV-positive Iranian patients and cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar and CHROMagar. Also blood samples were obtained to assess TGF-β levels using ELISA technique.. Results: Thirty-three out of 72 oral samples yielded candida isolates, Candida albicans in 14 and non-albicans candida in 19.Fungal infection decreased significantly more TGF-β level than non-fungal infection also HIV negative were significantly more TGF-β than HIV positive. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a significant interaction between fungal infection and HIV on expression of Transforming Growth Factor Beta.

Background Over the past decades, the incidence of opportunistic fungal infections due to Candida species dramatically increased. Rapid and accurate identification to the species level is a concern because these species susceptibility differences could affect therapeutic choices. Objectives The goal of this study was to identify the Candida isolates to the species level using conventional as well as molecular methods and to assess the in vitro susceptibility of C. albicans isolates. Methods A total of 80 clinical sample of immunocompromised patients were collected. Yeast isolates were identified to the species level using conventional as well as PCR-RFLP methods. Also, four primers were used for RAPD analysis of C. albicans strains. All C. albicans isolates were tested for in vitro susceptibility to the Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Amphotericin B and Nystatin according to the CLSI M27-A3 standard. Results Of the sixty-one Candida isolates, the most common species was C. albicans (34.42%), followed by C. glabrata (24.59%), C. parapsilosis complex (18.03%), C. krusei (14.75%), C. kefyr (3.27%), C. lusitaniae (3.27%) and C. dubliniensis (1.63%). RAPD-PCR results indicated C. albicans isolates allocate into three clusters (A, B, C) with higher than 80% homology level. The antifungal susceptibility results suggest that C.albicans isolates are the most susceptible to Amphotericin B (100%) followed by Itraconazole (90.47%). Conclusions Our funding indicated that identification to species level is important for choosing proper antifungal treatment mainly in immunocompromised patients. We also could observe that RAPD assay was able to identify genetic variability among C. albicans isolates.

Summary Fusarium species have been frequently reported as etiologic agents of opportunistic infections such as onychomycosis in humans. We report a case of a distal onychomycosis due to Fusarium spp. in the region of Kerman in Iran. The infection occurred in a man with finger squamous cell carcinoma. Nail specimen was examined by direct microscopy, culture and histopathology, and the isolated fungus was identified morphologically as Fusarium spp. The patient was treated with terbinafine for two months, but clinical cure was not completely observed and relapse of infection was occurred. Histopathological examination showed the presence of fungal organisms located near the nail bed epidermis. The final diagnosis was included squamous cells carcinoma (microinvasive) coincided with onychomycosis due to Fusarium spp. It is recommended that more attention should be given to the relevance of the predisposing factors such as cancer, which have result in development of infection and treatment failure.

Rapid identification of Candida species in clinical laboratory is becoming increasingly important since the incidence of Candidiasis continues to rise as the hospital surveys show. Molecular techniques utilizing amplification of target DNA provide quick and precise methods for diagnosis and identification of Candida species. In this study, using universal primers, the ITS1-ITS4 region was amplified. The restriction enzyme MspI digests this region and was used to identify of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. tropicalis and C. guilliermondii. Electrophoretically, ribosomal DNA of C. guilliermondii produced three bands whereas the other species gave two bands upon digestion. Accordingly these enzymes behave as valuable application tools in molecular diagnosis of Candida species in Candidiasis maladies and can be substituted with the classical diagnosis of the pathogen.

Background : Dermatophytosis is the common cutaneous infections in humans and animals, which is caused by the keratinophylic fungus called dermatophytes. In recent years , drug-resistance in pathogenic fungi, including dermatophytes to the current antifungal have been increased . The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of AgNPs against Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum. Materials and Methods: The antifungal susceptibility of nano-silver particles (AgNPs) compared with Griseofulvin (GR). Its efficacy was investigated against three strains of dermatophytes by both agar dilution and broth microdilution test (BMD). Results : The average minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Ag-NPs on M. canis, T. mentagrophytes and M. gypseum were 200, 180, and 170 μg/ml , respectively. Whereas these strains showed MIC of 25, 100 and 50 μg/ml for Griseofulvin (GR). Conclusions: Our finding indicated that the AgNPs was less active than Griseofulvin (GR) but it had anti-dermatophytic effect.

Background: Fungal infections affect various parts of the body and can be difficult to treat. Aspergillus infection causes a spectrum of diverse diseases particularly in lung according to host immunity. The two major entities are invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Candida infections can be superficial or invasive. Superficial infections often affect the skin or mucous membranes. However, invasive fungal infections are often life-threatening. Advances in nanotechnology have opened new horizons in nanomedicine, allowing the synthesis of nanoparticles that can be assembled into complex architectures. Novel studies and technologies are devoted to understanding the mechanisms of disease for the design of new drugs. Objectives: In the present study, the antifungal activity of biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans was investigated. Materials and Methods: Se-reducing bacteria previously identified as Bacillus sp. MSh-1 were used for the intracellular biosynthesis of elemental Se NPs. The shape, size, and purity of the extracted NPs were determined with various instrumental techniques. The nanoparticles antifungal characterization mainly derives from the following pathways: (i) to generate sustained flux of nano-ions from the compounds that deposited on special substrates or imbedded in colloidal or semisolid matrices. (ii) To transport active those ions to sensitive targets on plasma membrane of fungi. Results: The results of energy-dispersive X-ray demonstrated that the purified NPs consisted of only Se. In addition, transmission electron micrographs showed that 120- to 140-nm spherical Se NPs were the most common. An antifungal assay was performed with a standard Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements of the antifungal activity of the Se NPs against C. albicans (70 μg/mL) and A. fumigatus (100 μg/mL) showed that yeast cells were more sensitive than mold cells. Conclusions: The MICs against A. fumigatus (100 μg/mL) and C. albicans (70 μg/mL) showed that biogenic Se NPs are useful antifungal agents.

In the last decades, the number of people suffering from dermatophytoses has seriously increased, which may be due to the development of resistant strains to a range of antifungal drugs. The present study was aimed to evaluate the antidermatophytic properties of eight extracts from the selected spices and herbs, which were ethno-medicinally used in Iran against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton interdigitale, Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum (10 strain of each). The in vitro antifungal activities of the extracts from four spices and four plants were evaluated by the broth macro dilution method against four dermatophyte strains. In addition, the in vivo therapeutic effects of Myrtus communis L. and Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume extracts (the most active extracts) on dermatophytosis induced by M. canis and T. mentagrophytes in guinea pigs were evaluated. Results of in vitro antifungal assay revealed that all the tested extracts demonstrated both fungistatic and fungicidal activities with the geometric mean (GM) MIC ranging from 0.058 to 3.73 mg/ml and GM (MFC) ranging from 0.058 to 7.46 mg/ml, respectively. Two extracts (M. communis and C. zeylanicum) significantly inhibited the growth of all the tested dermatophytes, while other extracts demonstrated weak (MICs of >0.625 mg/ml) to moderate (MICs ranging from 100 to 0.625 mg/ml) activities. In vivo antidermatophytic assay demonstrated that clotrimazole cured T. mentagrophytes and M. canis infection on days 21 and 17, respectively, whereas M. communis and C. zeylanicum extracts significantly (p < 0.05) cured T. mentagrophytes and M. canis infection on days 9 and 13 as well as 9, 11, respectively. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and alkaloids in M. communis and alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins in C. zeylanicum. Findings of the present study also provided the scientific evidence that natural plants could be used in traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of dermatophytic infections.

No Abstract

Background: Otomycosis is a superficial fungal infection often involves the pinna and external auditory canal. It is a pathologic condition, with Candida and Aspergillus, the most common fungal species. It is common worldwide but more prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the etiologic agents and local epidemiologic pattern of otomycosis in northwest Iran. Patients and Methods: A series of 140 patients with clinically symptomatic otomycosis were studied in 21 cities, towns, and villages throughout northwest Iran between 2009 and 2011. Clinical samples were collected by swabs and then assessed by mycological investigation. Results: Otomycosis was diagnosed in 129 cases (92%, 76 male, 53 female) with the highest prevalence of cases occurring in males between 21 - 40 years of age. From an etiological point of view, 116 patients (90%, 21 - 40 years old) were infected by saprophytic mold and 9 patients (7%) were infected by yeast. Three cases (2%) involved dermatophytes, and in one case (1%) the subject was infected with Eurotium (the perfect stage of Aspergillus fumigatus). Aspergillus niger was the most common mold that was isolated, followed by A. flavus , A. fumigatus, Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Rhizopus spp. A total of 2 yeasts belonging to genus Candida, C. albicans and C. tropicalis, were isolated. Conclusions: Our study showed a high prevalence of otomycosis in the northwestern area of Iran. As such, proper diagnosis and treatment by aseptic techniques for this disease is urgently needed.

In this study, in vitro antidermatophytic activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum was studied by disk diffusion test and assessment of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using CLSI broth macrodilution method (M38-A2). Moreover, antileishmanial and cytotoxicity activity of B. vulgaris and berberine against promastigotes of Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica were evaluated by colorimetric MTT assay. The findings indicated that the various extracts of B. vulgaris particularly berberine showed high potential antidermatophytic against pathogenic dermatophytes tested with MIC values varying from 0.125 to >4 mg/mL. The results revealed that B. vulgaris extracts as well as berberine were effective in inhibiting L. major and L. tropica promastigotes growth in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values varying from 2.1 to 26.6 μg/mL. Moreover, it could be observed that berberine as compared with B. vulgaris exhibited more cytotoxicity against murine macrophages with CC50 (cytotoxicity concentration for 50% of cells) values varying from 27.3 to 362.6 μg/mL. Results of this investigation were the first step in the search for new antidermatophytic and antileishmanial drugs. However, further works are required to evaluate exact effect of these extracts in animal models as well as volunteer human subjects.

Background: Tinea versicolor is a superficial mycosis caused by Malassezia furfur, and is exclusively localized in the corneal layer of adults epidermis. Objectives: To evaluate the epidemiological features of tinea versicolor, including its incidence among different age groups, genders and other personal status. Materials and methods: The study was conducted between 2009 and 2011 on 1023 patients who presented skin disease suspected to tinea versicolor. Of all patients; 671 females (66%) and 352 males (34%) were studied for this mycosis and the fungal distribution from the view point of age and anatomical region of mycosis were analyzed. Results: The disease was more prevalent in 21-40 years old age group in both genders. The most infected anatomical regions were posterior surface, the body trunk (shoulder, supra scapula and lumbar region), anterior thorax and abdomen, respectively. The number of female cases was significantly more than males; this probably reflects the concern of females about their skin health. Conclusions: Patients who regularly use the local saunas had poor personal hygiene and greasy skin, and were more suspected to tinea versicolor infection.

Background: Myrtus communis L. is an evergreen perennial shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family that is spontaneously growing throughout the Mediterranean area. Myrtle has demonstrated important antimicrobial and antifungal activities to treat bacterial and fungal diseases. Objectives: This study was aimed to develop a new method to evaluate the anti-fungal activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Myrtle on dermatophytes by bioautography. Materials and Methods: The species used for this study were: Microsporum canis, M. gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The fungi were kept on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) slants at 4°C and subcultured monthly throughout this study. Various fractions were prepared from hydroalcoholic extracts based on polarity. The antifungal assay of different solvent extracts was performed by agar disc diffusion method. A thin layer chromatography (TLC) method was developed to carry out bioautography TLC, the same solvent system as that of bioautography was used. Results: Ethyl acetate and total methanolic extracts respectively had the best antifungal effects against three tested genera of dermatophytes. The ethyl acetate extract and methanolic extract that had the most inhibitory effect compared with any other fractions, were separated by solvent system (trifluroacetic acid, ethyl acetate, methanol, water: 0.1: 10: 0.04: 0.04) by TLC method. The best antifungal effects of the three fungi extracts was obtained in Rf: 0 - 0.3. Conclusions: The active compound may be a flavonoid. Existence of flavonoids in tested fractions could be the important medicinal properties of M. communis leaves. Further work is required to evaluate the exact effect of these biological compounds on animal model or human volunteers.

Summary Objective Plant extracts and plant-derived compounds are valuable sources as folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases including infectious diseases. In the present study, the antifungal activities of the essential oil and various extracts Nigella sativa and its active principle, thymoquinone against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum as pathogenic dermatophyte strains have been evaluated. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of N. sativa against murine macrophage cells were determined. Materials and methods In this study, the antifungal activity was studied by disk diffusion method and assessment of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of extracts using broth macrodilution method. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of N. sativa was evaluated by colorimetric assay (MTT). The components of the N. sativa essential oil were also identified by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis. Results The results showed that the essential oil and various extracts of N. sativa particularly thymoquinone have potent antifungal effects on T. mentagrophytes, M. canis and M. gypseum as pathogenic dermatophyte strains. In the assessment of the cytotoxicity activity, it could be observed that N. sativa had no significant cytotoxicity in the murine macrophages at low concentrations. While, thymoquinone in comparison with essential oil and various extracts of N. sativa showed higher cytotoxicity on murine macrophage cells. In the GC/MS analysis, thymoquinone (42.4%), p-cymene (14.1%), carvacrol (10.3%) and longifolene (6.1%) were found to be the major components of N. sativa essential oil. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest a first step in the search of new antidermatophytic drugs and aid the use of N. sativa seeds in the traditional medicine for dermatophytic infections.