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A simple, rapid and inexpensive screening method for the identification of Pythium insidiosum
Juliana Simoni Moraes Tondolo1, Erico Silva Loreto, Laura Bedin Denardi
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima no. 1000, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. jutondolo@yahoo.com.br
Abstract:
Growth of Pythium insidiosum mycelia around minocycline disks (30μg) did not occur within 7days of incubation at 35°C when the isolates were grown on Sabouraud, corn meal, Muller-Hinton or RPMI agar. This technique offers a simple and rapid method for the differentiation of P. insidiosum from true filamentous fungi.
Insights
Minocycline disks effectively differentiate Pythium insidiosum from true filamentous fungi. This rapid method shows no mycelial growth around the antibiotic disks within seven days.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Pythium insidiosum causes significant human and animal infections.
- Accurate and rapid differentiation of P. insidiosum from other fungi is crucial for effective treatment.
- Distinguishing P. insidiosum from true filamentous fungi can be challenging using conventional methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of minocycline disks in differentiating Pythium insidiosum from true filamentous fungi.
- To establish a simple and rapid diagnostic method for P. insidiosum.
Main Methods:
- Mycelial growth of Pythium insidiosum isolates was assessed around minocycline disks (30μg).
- Incubation was performed at 35°C for 7 days on various agar media (Sabouraud, corn meal, Muller-Hinton, RPMI).
Main Results:
- No significant growth of Pythium insidiosum mycelia was observed around the minocycline disks within the 7-day incubation period.
- This lack of growth indicates susceptibility or inhibitory effect of minocycline on P. insidiosum under tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- Minocycline disk diffusion is a simple, rapid, and effective method for differentiating Pythium insidiosum from true filamentous fungi.
- This technique can aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of Pythium insidiosum infections.
