Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K Gründer.
The present state of epidemiology and the microbiology of beta-lactamase-producing N. gonorrhoeae are reviewed. Methods of identification of such strains and therapeutic consequences are discussed.
Three cases of dermatomcycosis are reported, caused by Trichosporon capitatum, a yeast-like organism, belonging to genus Trichosporon of the Cryptococcaceae, which till now was isolated out of dermatological material only in a few cases. One of the lesions, characterized as "leuconychia mycotica", is a problematic task with regard to the treatment, for it is a professional infection in an offset-printer. A glycerol containing fluid for wiping his printing machine was detected as reservoir of yeastlike agents and continuously scattering infection cause. The pathogenic role of Trichosporon capitatum is discussed with regard to the present literature and to the three reported cases.
After duty in the open field a group of 58 soldiers were simultaneously affected by photodermatitis bullosa striata pratensis Oppenheim. Among others Heracleum sphondylium was found in the botanical inventory of the lower vegetation of the terrain in question. This plant is in our latitudes the most important trigger of phototoxic reactions of the skin.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A 63-year-old patient, known to have suffered from lymphogranulomatosis X for 4 years is reported, in whom a cutaneous cryptococcosis appeared as first sign of a disseminated cryptococcosis. Despite systemic therapy with amphotericin B, the patient died after a period of 2 months. Differential diagnosis of skin tumours of immunosuppressed patients includes rare skin mycoses, and both histological and mycological examinations should be performed.
In vitro antifungal properties of polidocanol (Thesi), a hydroxypolyethoxydecan, were investigated against various yeasts at concentrations of 0.05-10% (w/w) by means of the agar diffusion test; in the case of lipophilic Malassezia furfur, polidocanol-containing olive oil was used additionally for sensitivity study. Six strains of M. furfur of different clinical origin were tested as well as strains of C. albicans (3), C. krusei (3), C. parapsilosis (2), C. robusta (2), Tr. cutaneum (2) and one strain each of C. guilliermondii, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and M. pachydermatis. Both test systems revealed predominantly fungistatic activity against M. furfur, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1% polidocanol (w/w), while yeasts of other genera (Candida species, Trichosporum species) showed no or only transitory (C. krusei) inhibition of growth. M. pachydermatis was also found to be sensitive with a MIC of 0.1%; this suggests a specific inhibitory effect against the genus Malassezia. Polidocanol, which has been used for decades as an antipruritic and analgesic in various topical preparations at concentrations between 3% and 5%, might therefore be suitable for prophylaxis of recurrent pityriasis versicolor or in veterinary medicine.
The tea fungus 'Kombucha' is a symbiosis of Acetobacter, including Acetobacter xylinum as a characteristic species, and various yeasts. A characteristic yeast species or genus has not yet been identified. Kombucha is mainly cultivated in sugared black tea to produce a slightly acidulous effervescent beverage that is said to have several curative effects. In addition to sugar, the beverage contains small amounts of alcohol and various acids, including acetic acid, gluconic acid and lactic acid, as well as some antibiotic substances. To characterize the yeast spectrum with special consideration given to facultatively pathogenic yeasts, two commercially available specimens of tea fungus and 32 from private households in Germany were analysed by micromorphological and biochemical methods. Yeasts of the genera Brettanomyces, Zygosaccharomyces and Saccharomyces were identified in 56%, 29% and 26% respectively. The species Saccharomycodes ludwigii and Candida kefyr were only demonstrated in isolated cases. Furthermore, the tests revealed pellicle-forming yeasts such as Candida krusei or Issatchenkia orientalis/occidentalis as well as species of the apiculatus yeasts (Kloeckera, Hanseniaspora). Thus, the genus Brettanomyces may be a typical group of yeasts that are especially adapted to the environment of the tea fungus. However, to investigate further the beneficial effects of tea fungus, a spectrum of the other typical genera must be defined. Only three specimens showed definite contaminations. In one case, no yeasts could be isolated because of massive contamination with Penicillium spp. In the remaining two samples (from one household), Candida albicans was demonstrated. The low rate of contamination might be explained by protective mechanisms, such as formation of organic acids and antibiotic substances. Thus, subjects with a healthy metabolism do not need to be advised against cultivating Kombucha. However, those suffering from immunosuppression should preferably consume controlled commercial Kombucha beverages.
Apart from pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia furfur is thought to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of seborrhoic eczema and Malassezia folliculitis. However, it has not been clarified whether in addition to host factors (e.g. immune status, greasy skin), yeast-dependent activities are responsible for manifestation of the disease. In this context interstrain variability of hydrolase activity of Malassezia isolates might be significant. For determination of hydrolase activity, washed yeast suspension was applied to selective agar for pathogenic fungi containing 8% (v/v) Tween 80 or Tween 60 and was incubated at 37 degrees C for 10 days. Growth was accompanied by formation of a dense white zone around the colony, in which free fatty acids corresponding to Tween 80 (C18:1) or Tween 60 (16:0, 18:0) were demonstrated by means of thin layer and gas chromatography. Thus, this phenomenon is a parameter for yeast-dependent hydrolysis of Tween 80 and Tween 60. Considering different growth behaviour, a "hydrolase zone' (H2) was determined using the quotient colony diameter/(ring+colony) diameter in each of the 150 strains tested. Although no significant H2 variations were observed in strains of different clinical origin, the present study revealed that in addition to a known enzyme, which is located within the cell wall and/or membrane systems, these Malassezia isolates produce a very active hydrolase diffusing into the medium.