Optimizar un medio de cultivo para un linaje nativo Aspergillus niger Para-3 para demostrar la actividad β-fructofuranosidasa. Métodos: Investigación exploratoria- correlativa, de tipo básica y de diseño experimental de post prueba y factorial simple. El método específico estuvo basado en el análisis observacional. Se analizaron 167 especies nativas Aspergillus spp. la recolección de datos fue a partir de la colectas de especies en muestras de suelo por la técnica de aislamiento, identificación morfológica y aplicando protocolos de microbiología. Resultados: La identificación de dos cepas Aspergillus niger y phoenicis que demostraron tener actividad β-fructofuranosidasa intracelularmente con un aproximado de 613,31 y 390,16 U/g respectivamente. Mejorando la concentración de la sacarosa inicial y las condiciones para la activación de la enzima del linaje que mostró el mayor rendimiento entres las especies nativas Aspergillus spp. se obtuvo una actividad β-fructofuranosidasa de 1146,76 U/g. Conclusiones: Se identificó que la cepa nativa Aspergillus niger Para-3 es un potencial productor β-fructofuranosidasa y por ende de síntesis de fructooligosacáridos, así mismo que la activación de esta enzima se ve relacionada directamente al pH, temperatura e inducción de su fuente de carbono / Tesis

Microbial infections are a major threat to public health particularly in developing countries due to the relative unavailability of medicine and the emergence of widespread drug resistance. Serious invasive fungal infections caused by Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus spp. represents an increasing threat to human health. They have increased significantly during the past decade, especially in immunocompromised individuals, due to the increased occurrence of HIV infections and resistance development. The toxicity of available antifungal drugs/agents has contributed greatly to the need for new antifungal drugs. Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast organism that causes cryptococcosis in both humans and animals. This disease develops following inhalation and dissemination of the organism from the lungs to the central nervous system. Infection with C. neoformans often produces pneumonia and cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected patients. The problem with this fungus is that AIDS patients respond poorly to treatment and need lifelong therapy to suppress the infection and the drug treatment may be expensive in developing countries. This indicates an urgent need to develop new specific fungicidal antimicrobial agents for the treatment of cryptococcosis. Plants synthesize a large number of secondary metabolites for protecting themselves against microbe infections caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses. These substances may be useful in the treatment of microbial infections in humans and animals. Plants can be considered as potential sources of therapeutic extracts or active pure chemical compounds for the development of medicines. During this project, ten plant species (Zanthoxylum capenses, Morus mesozygia, Calodendron capenses, Catha transvaalensis, Cussonia zuluensis, Ochna natalitia, Croton sylvaticus, Maytenus undata, Celtis africana and Cassine aethiopica) were screened for activity against C. neoformans using both bioautography and the microdilution assay. The most active plant species was selected for the isolation of active metabolites. The selection of plant species was based on the lowest MIC value, presence of clear zones on bioautograms indicating antifungal activity, and high total activity against C. neoformans. M. undata indicated the presence of clear zones on bioautograms, a low average MIC value of 0.09 mg/ml and high total activity. C. sylvaticus and C. transvaalensis had lower or equal average MIC values to M. undata of 0.07 mg/ml and 0.09 mg/ml respectively. However a lack of clear bands to identify the position of active compounds on bioautography plates disqualified them for further analysis in this study. The leaves of M. undatawere exhaustively extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, acetone and methanol respectively. The hexane extract indicated the lowest MIC value of 0.02 mg/ml and was used for isolation of the active constituents. Column chromatography and bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of six triterpene-like compounds.The structure of the isolated compounds was elucidated using the NMR and MS techniques and the compounds were identified as friedelin (1), epifriedelanol (2), taraxerol (3), 3-oxo-11á-methoxyolean-12-ene-30-oic acid (4), 3-oxo-11á-hydroxyolean-12-ene-30-oic acid (5)&3,11-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-30-oic acid (6). Friedelin (1) and epifriedelanol (2) belong to the friedelane group of triterpenoids, taraxerol (3) belongs to the taraxerane group and 3-oxo-11á-methoxyolean-12-ene-30-oic acid (4), 3-oxo-11á-hydroxyolean-12-ene-30-oic acid (5)&3,11-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-30-oic acid (6) belong to the 12-oleanene group. These groups have been isolated previously from plants that belong to the Celastraceae family. Four of the six isolated compounds 1,3,5 and 6 were isolated in sufficient quantity to be assayed against two fungal species (Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans), two Gram-positive bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 29213 and Enterococcus faecalis, ATCC 29212) and two Gram-negative bacterial species (Escherichia coli, ATCC 27853 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, ATCC 25922).Two of the compounds, 3-oxo-11á-hydroxyolean-12-ene-30-oic acid (5)&3,11-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-30-oic acid (6), showed clear bands against all the tested organisms on bioautograms indicating microbial growth inhibition. MIC values ranged from 24 µg/ml to 63 µg/ml except for S. a ureus which was resistant. All the tested microorganisms showed resistance against friedelin (1) and taraxerol (3) with MIC values of >250 µg/ml, except for E. faecalis with an MIC value of 130 µg/ml for taraxerol. The cytotoxicity of the hexane extract and the isolated compounds were investigated using the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT) using Vero monkey kidney cells and the hemagglutination assay using formaldehyde-fixed erythrocytes (RBCs). The hexane plant extract indicated toxicity towards the Vero monkey cells with an LC50 of 0.076 mg/ml. Compounds 1 and 3 indicated no toxicity against the cells with an LC50 greater than 200 µg/ml. However compounds 5 and 6 indicated toxicity with an LC50 of 6.16 µg/ml and 3.36 /ml, respectively. Also the hemagglutination assay indicates that hexane extract is toxic towards the RBCs with a HA titer value of 1.6. Both compounds 1 and 3 indicated no agglutination and compounds 5 and 6 indicated HA titer values of 1.33 and 0.67, respectively. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted

Šio darbo tiksas - nustatyti ochratoksino A kiekius žaliose ir skrudintose kavos pupelėse. Mėginiai tyrimams buvo paimti iš dviejų Lietuvos kavos skrudinimo įmonių. Kavos pupelių mėginiai buvo iš Amerikos, Afrikos ir Azijos. Žalių kavos pupelių užterštumas ochratoksinu A buvo 1,0 – 3,5 µg/kg, o po skrudinimo jis padidėjo 14,12 – 63,64%. Taip pat buvo identifikuojami ochratoksiną A gaminantys grybai ir skaičiuojami jų kolonijas sudarantys vienetai. Nustatyta, kad kavos pupelės buvo užterštos A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, A. sydowii ir A. flavus. / The experiments was done in LUHS VA in the Animal Welfare Reaserch Laboratory. The aim of this study were to determinate ochratoxin A amounts in green and roasted coffee beans. Samples were taken from two coffee roasters companies in Lithuania. Coffee samples were from America, Asia and Africa. The determination of OTA in green coffee samples was 1,0 – 3,5 µg/kg, but after roasting it increase to 14,12 – 63,64%. Also were identified OTA-producing species of fungi and their colony formed quantities. It was found that determination of fungi were 50% of A. niger colonies, other 50% were of A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, A. sydowii and A. flavus.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:38:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_antonella_mattei.pdf: 1371688 bytes, checksum: c8fe587e0a5f75bd8d1e4ecfd0745d85 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-02-23 / The aim of this study was isolate filamentous fungi and yeast from veterinary clinics, pet shop and veterinary hospital in Pelotas city/RS and do in vitro test of disinfectants/antiseptics used for clean these places. Surfaces samples were collected from the veterinary hospital before and after the disinfection of the doctor s room, surgery room, internation room and UTI. Samples were collect using contact plates containing agar Sabouraud dextrose added of chloramphenicol, which were incubate at 32ºC during five days. After that, the in vitro susceptibility test against sodium hipoclorite, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine-cetrimide and chlorine-phenol derivate was done. Samples from the pet shop, veterinary room and clinics were collected with brush and blade of shearing machine with swabs and cultured in plates containing Sabouraud dextrose agar added of chloramphenicol and olive-oil and Mycosel® agar, incubated at 25º and 32ºC, for 15 days. In the hospital environment, the filamentous and yeast colonies (CFU/ cm2) was higher in the internation room, showing fungal contamination before disinfection, while the surgical room was the less contaminated. The surfaces studied showed that the stall was the most contaminated before the disinfection, while the trough had a lower contamination. Filamentous fungi grew in 88.9% (192/216) of samples before disinfection, within Aspergillus spp identified in 29.2% (56/192). While, yeasts were recovered in 11.1% (24/216) of samples; corresponding to Candida, Malassezia, Rhodotorula and Cryptococcus genus. After a disinfection, filamentous fungi growth occurred in 73.3%(143/195) of samples, within Aspergillus genus corresponded to 28.7%(41/143). The yeast fungi growth was found in 26.2%(51/195) of samples, and belong to Candida, Malassezia, Rhodotorula and Cryptococcus genus and 0.5% of dimorphic fungi, Sporothrix schenckii. Of these 150 samples through shearing instruments, the fungi growth was observed in 58 samples, within 58.6% (34/58) at blade of shearing machine and 41.4% (24/58) from brush. There, Candida (34.7%), Malassezia (47.5%), Trichosporon (2.5%) e Rhodotorula (15.3%) were the genus identified, noone dermatophytes was obtain. The range of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) of disinfectants/antiseptics against Aspergillus spp isolates were ≤ 1.25 to > 160 μl/mL and ≤ 1.25 to 80 μl/mL, respectively. Whereas, range of MIC and MFC of disinfectants/antiseptics against Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichosporon and Rhodotorula genus isolates were ≤ 1.25 to 40 μl/mL. In the veterinary hospital environment filamentous fungi and yeast are present. After disinfection a decrease in the fungal contamination occurs, but without statistically significant. About shearing instruments, the blade of shearing machine was the most contaminated part, with a predominance of Malassezia genus. The benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine-cetrimide and chlorine-phenol derivated were effective in the use concentration recommended by the manufacturer, while the sodium hypochlorite use concentration did not inhibit fungal growth of 56.1% of isolates tested. / O presente estudo teve como objetivo isolar fungos filamentosos e leveduriformes de clínicas e consultórios veterinários, pet shops e hospital veterinário da cidade de Pelotas/RS, bem como avaliar a eficácia in vitro dos desinfetantes/antissépticos utilizados na limpeza dos locais estudados. Foram realizadas coletas de superfície do hospital veterinário antes e após a desinfecção da sala do consultório, sala cirúrgica, internação e UTI, através de placas de contato contendo ágar Sabouraud acrescido de cloranfenicol, incubadas a 32ºC por cinco dias, para obtenção de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC). Posteriormente, foi realizado o teste de suscetibilidade in vitro dos isolados fúngicos frente ao hipoclorito de sódio, cloreto de benzalcônio, clorexidina-cetrimida e derivado cloro-fenol. Em pet shops, consultórios e clínicas veterinárias também foram coletadas amostras de rascadeiras e lâminas da máquina de tosa através de swabs estéreis e impressão em placas contendo ágar Sabouraud acrescido de cloranfenicol e azeite de oliva e ágar Mycosel®, incubadas a 25º e 32ºC, por até 15 dias. No ambiente hospitalar, a contagem das UFC/cm2 filamentosas e leveduriformes foi maior na sala de internação antes da desinfecção, enquanto que, a sala cirúrgica foi a menos contaminada. A análise das superfícies demonstrou que a baia era a mais contaminada antes da desinfecção, enquanto que a calha apresentava menor contaminação. O crescimento de fungos filamentosos ocorreu em 88,9%(192/216) das amostras antes da desinfecção, identificado Aspergillus spp em 29,2%(56/192). Já o crescimento de fungos leveduriformes ocorreu em 11,1%(24/216) das amostras, com os gêneros Candida, Malassezia, Rhodotorula e Cryptococcus. Após a desinfecção houve crescimento de fungos filamentosos em 73,3%(143/195) das amostras, sendo identificado o gênero Aspergillus em 28,7%(41/143). O crescimento de fungos leveduriformes ocorreu em 26,2%(51/195) das amostras, pertencentes aos gêneros Candida, Malassezia, Rhodotorula e Cryptococcus e 0,5% foi o percentual de isolamento de fungo dimórfico, Sporothrix schenckii. Das 150 amostras obtidas dos instrumentos de tosa, o crescimento fúngico ocorreu em 58 amostras, sendo 58,6% (34/58) referentes à lâmina da máquina de tosa e 41,4% (24/58) a rascadeira. Foram identificados os gêneros Candida (34,7%), Malassezia (47,5%), Trichosporon (2,5%) e Rhodotorula (15,3%), porém não foram isolados dermatófitos. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração fungicida mínima (CFM) dos isolados de Aspergillus spp frente aos quatro desinfetantes/antissépticos variaram de ≤ 1,25 a > 160 μl/mL e ≤ 1,25 a 80 μl/mL, respectivamente. Enquanto que, tanto a CIM e CFM dos isolados dos gêneros Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichosporon e Rhodotorula frente aos quatro desinfetantes/antissépticos, variaram de ≤ 1,25 a 40 μl/mL. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que, no ambiente hospitalar veterinário estão presentes fungos filamentosos e leveduriformes e após a desinfecção houve redução da contaminação fúngica, porém não apresentando diferença estatística significativa; considerando os instrumentos de tosa, a lâmina da máquina de tosa foi a mais contaminada, com predominância do gênero Malassezia; a clorexidina-cetrimida, cloreto de benzalcônio e derivado de cloro-fenol foram eficazes na concentração de uso indicada pelo fabricante, enquanto que o hipoclorito de sódio na concentração de uso não inibiu o crescimento fúngico de 56,1% dos isolados testados.

No description available.

Seedling blight of maize has significantly influenced field crop stands and seedling vigour over various localities and seasons. The extent of the problem is influenced by a number of factors which includes soil temperature (generally below 13 °C), waterlogged soils, inadequate fertilization, herbicide damage and fungal pathogens. The fungi generally causing seedling damping off are often involved in a complex and succession over time varying in importance depending on the field circumstances at a given time. These generally include the Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp. and various Fusarium spp. These have been recorded in a number of studies conducted by local researchers in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s on sorghum but to a lesser degree on maize. Uncertainty regarding the status of the etiology of maize seedling blights as maize production practices have changed dramatically in the last 10 years with increased plant populations, reduced tillage, increased crop rotation options and new short season maize hybrids. It is therefore essential to determine the present status of seedling blights in South Africa to confirm the necessity of fungicide seed treatments to ensure adequate plant densities and seedling vigour. Cob and tassel smut caused by Sphacelotheca reiliana is a disease of maize that was a problem in the 1970’s. Due to improved fertilisation, fungicide seed treatments and hybrid resistance this disease was reduced to such levels that the disease was only found to occur on research farms where seedlings were inoculated. Since 2007, the disease was reported to reach epidemic proportions on the heavy clay soils in the Standerton area. This disease has since spread over the last seven seasons to a range including northern KwaZulu/Natal, namely as far as Underberg/Swartberg, the Witbank, Ermelo, Middelburg and Delmas area in Mpumalanga and to Harrismith in the eastern Free State maize production area. This may be due to susceptible hybrids coming onto the local market or the inability of traditional fungicide seed treatments to contain infection. New and unregistered seed treatments available will be tested for their ability to control cob and tassel smut in two fields over two seasons. The aims of this dissertation were to determine the extent of the seedling blight problem in commercial fields throughout the maize industry. To determine the efficacy of fungicide seed treatments for the control of maize seedling blights using both field and greenhouse studies, and to determine the efficacy of fungicide seed treatments for the control of cob and tassel smut of maize in field trials. A total of 101 localities were sampled throughout the maize producing region of South Africa with root discolouration varying from 0 to 90 % root discolouration. Seventy different fungal species were isolated from the maize seedlings roots which include species such as Aspergillus, Clonostachus, Fusarium, Trichoderma and Penicillium. The most commonly isolated fungi which included Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium oxysporum were evaluated in glasshouse studies to determine their pathogenicity. Pathogenicity differed between isolates of the same fungal species, which were collected from different geographical regions, in the glasshouse studies. Field trials for seedling blight disease showed significant differences between the localities (P < 0.001) the trials were planted at, and between seed treatments. Significant season (P < 0.001) and locality (P < 0.05) differences were also found for cob and tassel smut trials planted at Potchefstroom, North-West province and Greytown, KwaZulu/Natal Province respectively. Fungicide seed treatments also showed significant differences for cob and tassel smut regarding plants infected (P < 0.001) and yield loss (P < 0.05). Overall seed treatments can be seen as an effective controlling agent for the control of seed- and soil-borne fungi on maize. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Seedling blight of maize has significantly influenced field crop stands and seedling vigour over various localities and seasons. The extent of the problem is influenced by a number of factors which includes soil temperature (generally below 13 °C), waterlogged soils, inadequate fertilization, herbicide damage and fungal pathogens. The fungi generally causing seedling damping off are often involved in a complex and succession over time varying in importance depending on the field circumstances at a given time. These generally include the Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp. and various Fusarium spp. These have been recorded in a number of studies conducted by local researchers in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s on sorghum but to a lesser degree on maize. Uncertainty regarding the status of the etiology of maize seedling blights as maize production practices have changed dramatically in the last 10 years with increased plant populations, reduced tillage, increased crop rotation options and new short season maize hybrids. It is therefore essential to determine the present status of seedling blights in South Africa to confirm the necessity of fungicide seed treatments to ensure adequate plant densities and seedling vigour. Cob and tassel smut caused by Sphacelotheca reiliana is a disease of maize that was a problem in the 1970’s. Due to improved fertilisation, fungicide seed treatments and hybrid resistance this disease was reduced to such levels that the disease was only found to occur on research farms where seedlings were inoculated. Since 2007, the disease was reported to reach epidemic proportions on the heavy clay soils in the Standerton area. This disease has since spread over the last seven seasons to a range including northern KwaZulu/Natal, namely as far as Underberg/Swartberg, the Witbank, Ermelo, Middelburg and Delmas area in Mpumalanga and to Harrismith in the eastern Free State maize production area. This may be due to susceptible hybrids coming onto the local market or the inability of traditional fungicide seed treatments to contain infection. New and unregistered seed treatments available will be tested for their ability to control cob and tassel smut in two fields over two seasons. The aims of this dissertation were to determine the extent of the seedling blight problem in commercial fields throughout the maize industry. To determine the efficacy of fungicide seed treatments for the control of maize seedling blights using both field and greenhouse studies, and to determine the efficacy of fungicide seed treatments for the control of cob and tassel smut of maize in field trials. A total of 101 localities were sampled throughout the maize producing region of South Africa with root discolouration varying from 0 to 90 % root discolouration. Seventy different fungal species were isolated from the maize seedlings roots which include species such as Aspergillus, Clonostachus, Fusarium, Trichoderma and Penicillium. The most commonly isolated fungi which included Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium oxysporum were evaluated in glasshouse studies to determine their pathogenicity. Pathogenicity differed between isolates of the same fungal species, which were collected from different geographical regions, in the glasshouse studies. Field trials for seedling blight disease showed significant differences between the localities (P < 0.001) the trials were planted at, and between seed treatments. Significant season (P < 0.001) and locality (P < 0.05) differences were also found for cob and tassel smut trials planted at Potchefstroom, North-West province and Greytown, KwaZulu/Natal Province respectively. Fungicide seed treatments also showed significant differences for cob and tassel smut regarding plants infected (P < 0.001) and yield loss (P < 0.05). Overall seed treatments can be seen as an effective controlling agent for the control of seed- and soil-borne fungi on maize. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

A ceratite fúngica (CF) é uma micose ocular oportunística, que tem como sítio de infecção a córnea. Não é uma enfermidade de risco de vida, mas de extremo comprometimento visual e dificuldade terapêutica e, em casos graves, podendo levar à cegueira total ou mesmo a perda do globo ocular. O trabalho objetivou identificar os agentes etiológicos causadores da CF, e descrever os critérios terapêuticos empregados. No período de 1998 a 2011 foram estudados 23 casos de CF diagnosticados no Laboratório de Micologia da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre / RS. Foram analisados os aspectos demográficos, as doenças de base e os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento da doença, assim como os critérios terapêuticos. No presente estudo, a mediana de idade foi 45 anos, com variação entre 15 e 76 anos, com predomínio do gênero masculino. Os fungos filamentosos figuraram em 78% (18/23) dos casos analisados, sendo o gênero Fusarium spp. o agente etiológico de maior frequência. Concluiu-se que uma compreensão epidemiológica local e a identificação dos fatores de risco, agregados ao diagnóstico micológico precoce e eficaz, são fundamentais na prevenção e correta conduta terapêutica da CF no Rio Grande do Sul, sendo que estas práticas evitarão complicações de perda do globo ocular, melhorando o prognóstico oftalmológico do paciente. / The fungal keratitis is an ocular opportunistic mycosis, which has the cornea as site of infection. Isn’t a life-threatening disease, but with extreme visual impairment and therapeutic difficulty, which can lead to total blindness or even loss of the eyeball, in severe cases. The study aimed to identify the etiologic agents causing fungal keratitis, and describe the therapeutic criteria used. In the period 1998 to 2011 were retrospectively studied 23 cases of fungal keratitis diagnosed at the Mycology Laboratory of Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital of Porto Alegre / RS. We analyzed the demographics, underlying diseases and the factors associated with disease development, as well as therapeutic criteria. In this study, the median age was 45 years old, ranging between 15 to 76 years old, predominantly male. The filamentous fungus corresponded to 78% (18/23) of the cases analyzed, and Fusarium spp. has been the etiologic agent of highest frequency. It was concluded that an understanding of local epidemiological and identification of risk factors, added to the early and effective mycological diagnosis are essential to prevent and correct therapeutic approach for fungal keratitis in Rio Grande do Sul. These practices will prevent complications of loss of the eyeball, improving the ophthalmological prognosis of the patient.

A ceratite fúngica (CF) é uma micose ocular oportunística, que tem como sítio de infecção a córnea. Não é uma enfermidade de risco de vida, mas de extremo comprometimento visual e dificuldade terapêutica e, em casos graves, podendo levar à cegueira total ou mesmo a perda do globo ocular. O trabalho objetivou identificar os agentes etiológicos causadores da CF, e descrever os critérios terapêuticos empregados. No período de 1998 a 2011 foram estudados 23 casos de CF diagnosticados no Laboratório de Micologia da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre / RS. Foram analisados os aspectos demográficos, as doenças de base e os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento da doença, assim como os critérios terapêuticos. No presente estudo, a mediana de idade foi 45 anos, com variação entre 15 e 76 anos, com predomínio do gênero masculino. Os fungos filamentosos figuraram em 78% (18/23) dos casos analisados, sendo o gênero Fusarium spp. o agente etiológico de maior frequência. Concluiu-se que uma compreensão epidemiológica local e a identificação dos fatores de risco, agregados ao diagnóstico micológico precoce e eficaz, são fundamentais na prevenção e correta conduta terapêutica da CF no Rio Grande do Sul, sendo que estas práticas evitarão complicações de perda do globo ocular, melhorando o prognóstico oftalmológico do paciente. / The fungal keratitis is an ocular opportunistic mycosis, which has the cornea as site of infection. Isn’t a life-threatening disease, but with extreme visual impairment and therapeutic difficulty, which can lead to total blindness or even loss of the eyeball, in severe cases. The study aimed to identify the etiologic agents causing fungal keratitis, and describe the therapeutic criteria used. In the period 1998 to 2011 were retrospectively studied 23 cases of fungal keratitis diagnosed at the Mycology Laboratory of Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital of Porto Alegre / RS. We analyzed the demographics, underlying diseases and the factors associated with disease development, as well as therapeutic criteria. In this study, the median age was 45 years old, ranging between 15 to 76 years old, predominantly male. The filamentous fungus corresponded to 78% (18/23) of the cases analyzed, and Fusarium spp. has been the etiologic agent of highest frequency. It was concluded that an understanding of local epidemiological and identification of risk factors, added to the early and effective mycological diagnosis are essential to prevent and correct therapeutic approach for fungal keratitis in Rio Grande do Sul. These practices will prevent complications of loss of the eyeball, improving the ophthalmological prognosis of the patient.

A ceratite fúngica (CF) é uma micose ocular oportunística, que tem como sítio de infecção a córnea. Não é uma enfermidade de risco de vida, mas de extremo comprometimento visual e dificuldade terapêutica e, em casos graves, podendo levar à cegueira total ou mesmo a perda do globo ocular. O trabalho objetivou identificar os agentes etiológicos causadores da CF, e descrever os critérios terapêuticos empregados. No período de 1998 a 2011 foram estudados 23 casos de CF diagnosticados no Laboratório de Micologia da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre / RS. Foram analisados os aspectos demográficos, as doenças de base e os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento da doença, assim como os critérios terapêuticos. No presente estudo, a mediana de idade foi 45 anos, com variação entre 15 e 76 anos, com predomínio do gênero masculino. Os fungos filamentosos figuraram em 78% (18/23) dos casos analisados, sendo o gênero Fusarium spp. o agente etiológico de maior frequência. Concluiu-se que uma compreensão epidemiológica local e a identificação dos fatores de risco, agregados ao diagnóstico micológico precoce e eficaz, são fundamentais na prevenção e correta conduta terapêutica da CF no Rio Grande do Sul, sendo que estas práticas evitarão complicações de perda do globo ocular, melhorando o prognóstico oftalmológico do paciente. / The fungal keratitis is an ocular opportunistic mycosis, which has the cornea as site of infection. Isn’t a life-threatening disease, but with extreme visual impairment and therapeutic difficulty, which can lead to total blindness or even loss of the eyeball, in severe cases. The study aimed to identify the etiologic agents causing fungal keratitis, and describe the therapeutic criteria used. In the period 1998 to 2011 were retrospectively studied 23 cases of fungal keratitis diagnosed at the Mycology Laboratory of Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital of Porto Alegre / RS. We analyzed the demographics, underlying diseases and the factors associated with disease development, as well as therapeutic criteria. In this study, the median age was 45 years old, ranging between 15 to 76 years old, predominantly male. The filamentous fungus corresponded to 78% (18/23) of the cases analyzed, and Fusarium spp. has been the etiologic agent of highest frequency. It was concluded that an understanding of local epidemiological and identification of risk factors, added to the early and effective mycological diagnosis are essential to prevent and correct therapeutic approach for fungal keratitis in Rio Grande do Sul. These practices will prevent complications of loss of the eyeball, improving the ophthalmological prognosis of the patient.