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Background and objective: The constant increase of Candida infection and unstopping emergence of drug resistant Candida species is a major concern. Natural medicinal products particularly those of edible plant could be a safe and effective alternative to synthetic substances. Considering their anti-microbial contents, the leave extracts of Anethemgraveolens and Apiumgraveolens have been investigated for their effects against Candida species. Methods: Fresh leaves of Anethem and Apium were collected from Erbil province in Iraq. The leaves were dried then after grinding the ethanol extract was prepared. The radical scavenging activity of extracts was measured via DPPH inhibition activity method. Anti-Candida effect was assessed against C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, C. tamatta, C. parapsiosis, and C. guilliermondii. Standard antifungal drugs were used as control including Nystatin, Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, and Miconazole. Results: The highest radical scavenging activity of both extracts was found at 0.2 mg/mL. Both extracts did not affect the growth inhibition of C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. tamatta. However, they were significantly effective to the extent of other antifungal drugs against the growth of other Candida species including C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. guillermondii, and C. parapsiosis. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that both Apium and Anethem which are widespread vegetable and could have similar anti-Candia effects which can be a great alternative to the commonly used antifungal drugs.

A 57-year-old male who had been treated for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) presented with cough and back pain that had persisted for three days. Mild infiltration shadows and nodules were found on computed tomography images at that time. Increase of GPA lesions and/or bacterial pneumonia was initially suspected. However, serum Cryptococcus neoformans antigen was positive and the chest X-ray findings had worsened by the following day despite of appropriate antibiotic treatment. Thus, pneumonia due to C. neoformans was diagnosed because C. neoformans was also isolated blood and lung tissues, and he was treated with antifungal agents: L-AMB and 5-FC, and followed up by chest radiography on a daily basis.