The atlas compiled by these editors is a commendable effort and welcome addition to the mycology textbook sector. Up until now, the publication of medical mycology textbooks has been sparse and those that have been published are either too detailed for a resident in training or practicing physician or do not provide sufficient photographs or illustrations of the main features of the mycotic organisms. As a lecturer in mycology for the dermatology residents at my local teaching hospital and program, there are 3 key objectives of my mycology lectures: (1) to provide some type of organizational approach to mycotic organisms, (2) to provide a concise clinical history, and (3) to provide as many photographs and illustrations of mycotic organisms as possible. This atlas provides an exemplary addition to my book collection on medical mycology textbooks and sources for illustrations of mycotic organisms. The electron photomicrographs, photoplates, and line drawings of

Atlas of Clinical Fungi

Cutaneous mycoses are among the most common infections in humans and have become an important public health issue because they cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. During the infectious process, dermatophyte-host interactions trigger specific metabolic adaptations that allow the pathogen to adhere to and penetrate the host tissue, scavenge nutrients, and overcome the host defense mechanisms. This metabolic shift and the interplay between metabolism, morphogenesis and stress response are important factors that have been extensively studied in several pathogens. Host cells also respond to the pathogen stimuli by activating intracellular signaling pathways that trigger the immune response against the infectious agent. The comprehension of the molecular aspects of these responses may help to establish new therapeutical strategies. In this review, different aspects of the biology of dermatophytes are addressed, with emphasis on the dermatophyte-host interaction and the mechanisms of antifungal resistance.

http://www.scielo.br/pdf/abd/v85n5/v85n05a09.pdf

Dermatophytes: host-pathogen interaction and antifungal resistance

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 4

History and taxonomy of the genus Malassezia 5

Biological characteristics of Malassezia organisms 5

Structure 5

Reproduction 6

Biochemistry 6

Distribution of Malassezia organisms on the host 6

Immunological and epidermal responses to Malassezia organisms 7

The immune response to Malassezia organisms 7

Antigen release, penetration and presentation 8

Cell-mediated immune responses 8

IgG, IgM and IgA responses to Malassezia organisms 9

IgE responses to Malassezia organisms 10

Mast cell responses 11

Epidermal responses associated with Malassezia dermatitis 12

Malassezia organisms as pathogens in humans and animals 13

Diseases associated with Malassezia spp. in humans 13

Pityriasis versicolor 13

Malassezia folliculitis 13

Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff 14

Atopic dermatitis 14

Malassezia fungaemia 14

Diseases associated with Malassezia spp. in animals 15

Malassezia dermatitis in dogs 15

Predisposing factors for overgrowth of Malassezia pachydermatis 15

Pathogenesis 16

Clinical features 16

Diagnosis 17

Treatment 18

Conclusions 19

References 19

The biology of Malassezia organisms and their ability to induce immune responses and skin disease.

Isolation and Expression of a Malassezia globosa Lipase Gene, LIP1

Antimicrobial and anti-lipase activity of quercetin and its C2-C16 3-O-acyl-esters.

A total of 123 isolates of 14 species of dermatophytes and yeasts were screened for the activity of five extracellular enzymes including elastase, keratinase, protease (gelatinase), lipase and phospholipase, by using solid media. The optimal production and activity of each enzyme was determined with regard to different pH and temperatures. Keratinase activity was high with all the tested fungi with exception of Malassezia furfur. Protease (gelatinase) was produced only by dermatophytes. Elastase was secreted by three dermatophytes viz. Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum, whereas lipase and phospholipase were detected in all the species except T. violaceum.

A. H. Aubaid

Papers

Extracellular enzyme activities of dermatophytes and yeast isolates on solid media