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Background and Objective: The Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungi that can be pathogenic in patients suffering from diabetes and AIDS. This organism can cause various infections such as superficial of the skin and mucosa to deep tissue infections. In this study the antifungal effects of ZnO and SDS on Candida albicans in comparison with Fluconazole were investigated. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study which evaluated the antifungal effects of biocide SDS and ZnO on Candida albicans by microbroth dilution assay in broth and agar medium. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determinated for each inhibitor during colony count in comparison with control. Results: MIC of ZnO was 1.013-296 µg/ml and for SDS and Fluconazole were 0.001-0.56 and 0.062-128 µg/ml respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated antifungal activity of ZnO can be a candidates for the elimination of candida in medicine particular in medical instruments.

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Background and Objective: Fungi are widely distributed in nature and they are usually present in attomospher but other sources such as water play an important role in their ecology. This study was done to evaluate mycoflora assessment in drinking tap water in Sari, North of Iran. The tap water collected form Sari water distribution system for fungi. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, a volume of 100 ml of tap drinking water samples (n=60) were collected in sterile bottles. All water samples passed through sterile 0.45 micrometer filters. The filters were placed directly on Malt extract agar and incubated at 27°C for 3-7 days. Routine mycological techniques were applied to identify the grown fungi. Results: Out of 468 grown fungal colonies, eight different fungal genera were identified. The total mean cfu per 100 ml for the positive samples were 8.4. Aspergillus (37.4%) and Penicillium (27.3%) were the most common isolated fungi. Rhizopus (0.6%) had the lowest frequency. Among Aspergillus species, A. flavus had the highest frequency. Conclusion: Our result showed that various fungi were present in the tap drinking water. We propose fungi should be considered as part of the microbiological analysis parameters in drinking tap water.

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Background and Objective: Incidence of fungal infections particularly fungal sinusitis is increasing in Iran and identification of causative agents is essential for its control and treatment. This study was carried out to determine the fungus paranasal sinusitis in non- immunocompromised patients in Tehran, Iran.

Materials and Methods: This cross – sectional study was done on 108 patients (73 males, 35 females) with chronic sinusitis ranged from 9 to 68 years, admitted to Amir Alam and Emam Khomeini hospitals in Tehran, Iran during 2006-07. Sinusitis in patients confirmed by radiologic images. Complementry information were obtained using questionnaires which including gender, job, presence of disposing disease diabetes and consumption immunocompromised drugs. Sinus samples were collected by washing and biopsy were carried out by two methods of fenestration and Cald-wel luc operations. Subsequently they were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), SDA+chloramphenicol and blood agar (BA) media at 30°C and 37°C. Direct examination and fixative sample for histhologic evaluation was done and for colonies confirmation the slide culture method also was used.

Results: 8 cases (7.4 %) were positive for fungal sinusitis with following sub type: 6 cases (Alternaria Spp), 1 case (Paecilomyces) and 1 case (Aspergillus flavus). The most fungal sinusitis (5 cases) were observed in 30-39 years patients.

Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of 7.4 % fungal sinusitis and isolation of paecilomyces which is a rare subtype complematry investigation is recommended, in the field of research.

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Background and Objective: Nanosilver particles are one of functional nanotechnology filed. These nanoparticles have antibacterial and antifungal characteritic. Combination therapy is one of new and specific method for therapy of diseases in medicine and pharmacology. Some plants are useful in growth inhibition of Aspergilus Niger. This study was done to evaluate the synergic effect of alcoholic eucalyptus and nanosilver on colony count of Aspergilus Niger. Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study PAN were cultured in PDA medium. Five experimental and one control group were designed for the comparison of synergic effect of alcoholic eucalyptus and nanosilver, nanosilver 50ppm, nanosilver 12.5ppm, eucalyptus ethanolic extract 100%, eucalyptus ethanolic extract 100% mixed with nanosilver 12.5ppm, eucalyptus ethanolic extract mixed with 50ppm, and double distilled water were given to group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and control group respectively. Morphological, diameter, and colony numbers in various culture media were compared subsequently. The repeated number of Aspergilus Niger were 24, and they were chosen randomly. Data were analyzed using SPSS-15 and ANOVA test. Results: The Aspergilus niger colony were reduced 8 days following treatment from 200 colony in control group to 90, 75, 55 and 43 in nanosilver group in 12.5 ppm, nanosilver group in 50 ppm, nanosilver group in 50 ppm mixed with eucalyptus ethanolic extract and finally eucalyptus ethanolic extract group, respectivley (P<0.05). The colony count 24 day following treatment were reduced from 200 colony in control group to 42, 14 and 2 in eucalyptus ethanolic extract group, nanosilver group in 12.5 ppm mixed with eucalyptus ethanolic extract and finally nanosilver group in 50 ppm mixed with eucalyptus ethanolic extract, respectivley (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that nanosilver with 50 ppm concentration mixed with eucalyptus ethanolic extract have synergic effect on reducing the Aspergilus niger growth rate.

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Background and Objective: Nosocomial infections are one of main causative agents of mortality among hospital patients. This study was done for the determination of efficacy of commercial disinfectants such as: formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, microten, the alcohol 70 and savlon–alcohol on isolated saprophytic fungi from hospital environments. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was done on 33 isolated fungi from teaching hospitals of Tehran during 2009-10. The identified samples were randomly chosen. Stock fungal suspensions were supplied from each fungus with cells ranging 0.5-5×10⁴ micro g/cfu in 1ml with spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 530 nm. For evaluation of antifungal activity of commercial disinfectants formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, microten, alcohol 70 and savlon–alcohol disinfectants, 0.25cc stock solutions were mixed with 3.75 cc disinfectants solutions and the new diluted samples held at 25c for 15, 30 and 60 min. The culture medium was checked for growth of fungi until 8 weeks. Results: Following specific period isolated fungi were including Aspergillus spp with 39.4%, Penicillium spp with 36.4%, Fusarium spp with 12.1%, Rhizopus with 6.1%, Alternaria and Circinella with 3 %. Formaldehyde 8% and glutaraldehyde 8% with activity against 63.6% and 39.3% were effective disinfectants at 15 min. Formaldehyde 8% with activity against 74.8% of fungi, was effective disinfectant at 30 min. Glutaraldehyde 8% and formaldehyde 8% with 100% prevention of growth were effective disinfectants at 60 min. Conclusion: According to this study formaldehyde 8% and glutaraldehyde 8% showed to have the highest antifungal activities. Synergetic fungicidal activity of comenercial disinfectants, dependent on time and concentration.

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Background and Objective: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a important disinfectant. Fungal infections with resistant isolates in patients culminate in recurrence of disease even with worse condition. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet radiation on drug susceptibility of Candida Spp. to itraconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B. Materials and Methods: This laboratory study was done on 12 Candida spp. isolated from patients according to NCCLS M27- A method. Samples were suspended with sterile saline and optical density was read by spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 530 nm. Serial dilutions (0.0313-16 µg/ml) and (0.0313-128 µg/ml) were supplied for itraconazole, amphotericin and fluconazole, respectively. MICs were determined after 48h incubation at 35°C. Following UV radiation for 1, 2, 5, 10, 60, 90 and 120 seconds MICs were determined, subsequently. Results: The highest MIC pre UV radiation was (>128 µg/ml) for fluconazole. After UV radiation, MICs were steadily decreased for all mentioned drugs while after 10 sec, MICs of itraconazole and amphotericin B were >0.0313 µg/ml. Secondary MICs significantly decreased with respect to MICs obtained in pre UV radiation (P<0.05). Conclusion: UV radiation reduces MICs of Candida spp. to itraconazole, fluconazole, amphotericin B.

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Background and Objective: Candida albicans is the most frequent etiological agent of oral candidiasis. This study was done to compare the anticandidal effect of Thymus vulgaris and Myrtus communis to nystatin on Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study thirty-two strains of Candida albicans isolated from patients with oral candidiasis. Yeast suspension of Candida yeast cells was provided, subsquntly a serial dilution from Thymus vulgaris and Myrtus communis and Nystatin in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium were prepared. Then a loop of Candida suspension was cultured on all of the solid media and was incubated at 25°C. The findings of fungus growing were recorded during 7 days. Results: MIC of Thymus vulgaris, Myrtus communis L, mix of these essences and Nystatin was 0.390µl/ml, 12.5 µl/ml, 0.78 µl/ml and 160 IU/ml, respectively. Conclusion: Thymus vulgaris contained antifungal activity against Candida albicans, but Myrtus communis demonstrated a very low activity against Candida albicans.

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Background and Objective: Aspergillosis is the most current causative agent of exogenous fungal nosocomial infection. This study was done to evaluate the drug susceptibility of Aspergillus flavus and A.fumigatus to itraconazole and amphotericin B. Materials and Methods: This Laboratory study was done on 25 Aspergillus fumigatus and 25 Aspergillus flavus species isolated from transplant's patients. Drug susceptibility test was done according to NCCLS M38-P document. Fungal suspensions of mentioned fungi were supplied with ranges 0.5–5×10⁴ by spectrophotometer at 530 nm. Serial dilutions of drugs were supplied from 0.03125 to 16 µg/ml and MICs determined following 48h incubation at 35°C. Results: Obtained MICs ranges for Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus were 1-4 µg/ml and 0.5–4 µg/ml for itraconazole, respectively while MICs ranges against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus were 0.5-2 µg/ml and 0.25-2 µg/ml for amphotericin B, respectively. Amphotericin B MICs were significantly lower than itraconazole (P<0.05). Conclusion: Aspergillus flavus and A.fumigatus were susceptible to amphotericin B and itraconazole.

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Background and Objective: Fusarium solani is the common etiological agent of fungemia and disseminated fusariosis, which is associated with high incidence of mortality in immune-compromised host. Due to high level of resistance of antifungals in Fusarium solani, rapid and specific identification of organism is essential. This study was done to evaluate the PCR method for rapid and specific diagnosis of Fusarium solani in serum samples of HIV positive patients. Methods: In this descriptive study, the PCR test based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene as the target gene with 330 bp product was optimized. PCR was applied on 45 serum samples of HIV positive patients after evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of the test. Results: In the optimized PCR test, the 330 bp product was amplified. The sensitivity of the test was a copy of Fusarium solani genome, and its specificity was 100%. Among 45 serum samples, 9 cases (20%) were positive for Fusarium solani. Conclusion: The PCR method has functional capabilities for direct, rapid and specific clinical diagnosis of Fusarium solani in HIV positive patients.

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Background and Objective: Nosocomial fungal infections have considerably increased due to incrasing of immunocompromised diseases. This study was done to evaluate the antifungal activity of Amphotericin B and Fluconazole on hospital wards fungi. Methods: In this descriptive - analytic study, 33 fungal samples isolated from Imam Khomini hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2013. Samples were identified using slide culture method. Serial dilution of drugs and fungal suspensions were supplied from 0.25-128 µg/ml and range 0.5–5×10⁵ cfu/ml, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined in accordance with NCCLS M38-p guideline. Results: The most frequent isolated fungus was Aspergillus spp. with 39.4% while the low frequent were Alternaria Spp. and Circinella with similar frequency (3%). MIC range for Fluconazole and Amphotericin B were 64-128 µg/ml and 16-64 µg/ml, respectively. Amphotericin B showed a MIC significant reduction in comparision with Fluconazole (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hospital wards fungi were resistant to Amphotericin B and Fluconazole.

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Background and Objective: Vulvovaginal candidiasis or Candida vaginitis is a common fungal infection among adult women during reproductive ages and it is the second most frequent infection of the female genital tract. This study was carried out to determine of the prevalancy and species of vulvovaginal candidiasis and related clinical findings. Methods: This descriptive - analytical study was carried out on 400 women whom reffered to gynological center in Chabahar city in South-East of Iran during 2013. Vaginal samples were examined with direct microscopy and cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar and corn meal agar. Germ tube test and sugar assimilation test were carried out to differentiate the Candida species. The clinical findings including burning and itching during intercourse, burning with urination, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, vaginal deliveries, pH of the vagina, cervix appearance, consistency and color of vaginal in patients with vaginal discharge were recorded. Results: The prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was 45.8%. Isolated candida species were candida albicans with 80.87% and Candida non-albicans with 19.13%. There was significant correlation between itching (85.52%) and burning during intercourse (67.87%), hypogastric pain (80.53%) with vulvovaginal candidiasis (P<0.05). 73 patients (39.9%) reported urinary burning. The most common affected by vulvovaginal candidiasis was with marriages age of 11-20 years old (P<0.05). Conclusion: The most common isolated species was candida albicans. The common clinical findings were burning, itching, smelly discharge, vaginal parity.

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Background and Objective: Candida albicans is the normal flora of the body as opportunistic fungi. It causes candidiasis in immunocompromised condition. This study was done to drug susceptibility testing of Candida albicans isolated from patients against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole.

Methods: In this descriptive – analytic study, drug susceptibility of 30 Candida albicans isolated from patients admitted to Tehran hospitals, Iran was tested against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole by micro dilution method in accordance with CLSI M27-A2 guideline and disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI M44-S2 guideline. Standard isolate Candida albicans PTCC (5027) and Candida krusei PTCC (5295) were used for quality control.

Results: The minimum and maximum MIC against Amphotrericin B was 0.0625 µg.ml^-1 and
4 µg.ml^-1, respectively. The minimum and maximum MIC against Ketoconazole was 0.5 µg/ml^-1 and 32 µg/ml^-1, respectively. The minimum and maximum zone diameter was 6 and 28 mm for both drugs. The results of drug susceptibility testing by two methods did not show significant differences. 25 isolates (83.3%) against ketoconazole and 2 isolates (6.7%) against Amphotericin B were resistant.

Conclusion: Amphotericin B administration seems better choice in candidiasis treatment in comparision with Ketoconazole.

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Background and Objective: Fungal diseases are increasing in immunocompromised patients. One of the important fungal disseases is Aspergillosis. Few studies have been conducted on the effects of melatonin on fungal diseases. This study was performed to determine the protective effect of melatonin and Amphotericin B in Aspergillosis in rat model.
Methods: This experimental study was done on 40 Wistar rat with weight ranging from 200 to 250 grams. Animals were allocted in five groups. The first group was positive control (immunocompromised condition with cyclophosphamide and inoclusion of Aspergillus spore). The second groupe was negative control (without drug and inoclusion of Aspergillus spore) and the third group was treated by melatonin (200 μg/kg). The forth group was treated by Amphotericin B and fifth group was treated by melatonin plus Amphotericin B, IL.6 and TNFα were measured in the first and ten^th days after contamination.
Results: The level of the IL.6 and TNFα in three interventional treated groups significantly reduced in compared to positive control group in first and ten^th days (P<0.05). The level of the IL.6 and TNFα in melatonin plus Amphotericin B group significantly reduced in comparison with Amphotericin B and melatonin treated groups in first and ten^th days (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Melatonin with Amphotericin B increases immune competent system in rats affected with Aspergillosis.
 

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Background and Objective: Dermatophytosis is a significant skin disease in humans and animals, with increasing resistance to conventional treatments. This study aimed to determine the antifungal activity of petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and hydroethanol extracts from the aerial parts of Artemisia khorassanica, Artemisia scoparia, and Artemisia vulgaris against common dermatophytic fungi, including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton verrucosum, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis.
Methods: This descriptive study examined the antifungal activity of various extracts from the aerial parts of Artemisia khorassanica, Artemisia scoparia, and Artemisia vulgaris against fungal isolates of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton verrucosum, Microsporum canis, and Epidermophyton floccosum. The aerial parts of the three Artemisia species were extracted using five solvents: petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and 50% hydroethanol. The extracts were screened for antidermatophytic effects against the fungi mentioned above, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the agar dilution method. The most active extracts underwent preliminary phytochemical testing.
Results: In the initial screening, Microsporum canis and Trichophyton verrucosum showed the highest sensitivity (86.66%) and resistance (100%) to the tested extracts, respectively. Extracts from Artemisia scoparia exhibited the broadest range of activity. The most effective extracts, with an MIC of 78.12 µg/ml, were also from this plant. Hydroethanol extracts from all plant species demonstrated the least antidermatophytic activity. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of terpenoids in all petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of the plant species.
Conclusion: Some lipophilic compounds, particularly in the petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of Artemisia scoparia, exhibit significant in vitro antidermatophytic activity.