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The contamination of soil and sand with helminth eggs in children's play areas in Lodz (Poland) was assessed over two seasons using the flotation method with saturated sodium nitrate solution. A total of 88 samples were examined from 7 children's playgrounds from various public parks, 6 sandpits situated in school or kindergarten areas and 9 school sports fields. The differences in the number of positive samples from these sites were significant (χ(2)=21.83, d.f.=2 and p<0.0001). The highest rate of contamination was found in the area around sports fields. (15.7%). There was a significant difference between the frequencies of positive samples from the surface and from the deeper layers of the examined sites (χ(2)=11.41, d.f.=1, and p=0.0007). The average density of geohelminth eggs in 100g of soil or sand was 1.1 from sports fields, 0.4 from playgrounds and 0.07 from fenced sandpits. Throughout the study, 4 genera of nematode eggs (Toxocara, Uncinaria/Ancylostoma, Ascaris, Trichuris) and 1 genus (Cystoisospora spp.) of oocysts were detected. A total of 62 eggs were recovered, and 43.5% were fully developed to embryonated egg stages. The contamination rate was different in autumn 2010 and spring 2011, but there was no significant difference in the number of positive findings between these seasons. The helminth eggs were found in 10.9% and 7.6% of samples collected in the spring and in the autumn, respectively. The most frequently seen eggs were from Toxocara sp., which were the most prevalent in both seasons., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nosocomial infections represent an increasing threat to public health. In most cases, they concern patients with risk factors such as taken radio- and chemotherapy, those whose immune system might be suppressed and those who might be HIV-positive. Most studies of the incidence of nosocomial infections ignore parasitic infestations. Based on data from 1,265 intensive care units in 75 countries, it was found that the proportion of parasites in nosocomial infections was 0.48% overall, and 0.25% in Western Europe. An analysis of the available literature indicates an increase in the number of hospital parasitoses.

The prevalence of fungi from the genus Candida in humans is increasing, but the mere fact of their detection does not allow, in general, to diagnose a disease. In fact the development of fungal infection depends on several factors of the host-pathogen relationship. The occurrence of symptoms and the course of the disease are associated, inter alia, with general and immunological conditions of an infected person as well as the properties of strains. Differences between the strains responsible for asymptomatic and symptomatic invasion have been shown. Thus the determination of their pathogenicity parameters is an important element leading to proper identification, both mycological and clinical, which allows for the implementation of therapeutic intervention. There are several virulence factors that are essential for surviving in host's organism and play important role in each phase of fungal infection. This review provides an update on selected pathogenicity features: formation of hyphae and/or pseudohyphae, phenotypic switching, tropic reactions and biofilm production.

One of the most common malformations of the tongue is fissured tongue, very often, is accompanied by geographic tongue; the etiopathogenesis of them is not known. The aim of study was to evaluate the prevalence of fungi in cases of fissured and geographic tongue, and to determine their species and susceptibility to selected antifungal drugs. The study included 104 patients with fissured and/or geographical tongue. To determine fungi present in the tongue, the material was collected with a sterile swab for mycological examination. The procedure was conducted according to that used at our Department. The in vitro susceptibility of the strains to nystatin and miconazole was evaluated. In 45 (43%) cases fissured tongue, in 28 (27%) geographic tongue, and in 31 (30%) both conditions were diagnosed. Mycological examination revealed fungi on the tongue in 73 (70%) patients, including 31 patients (69%) with fissured tongue, 19 (68%) with geographic tongue, and 23 (74%) with concomitant changes. The most frequently detected was Candida albicans (detected in 48-66% of cases); in individual cases, other species of Candida species were found. The strains demonstrated greater sensitivity to nystatin than to miconazole. An analysis of reported symptoms based on the presence or absence of fungi on the tongue revealed that idiopathic pain and burning were significantly more frequently reported by patients with fungi on the tongue (p = 0.034174). Statistically significant differences exist between the presence and absence of fungi with regard to the signs, symptoms of changes on the tongue (p = 0.026015). Also, statistically significant differences (p = 0.00000) exist regarding the presence of fungi with regard to brushing a fissured tongue, or a fissured and geographic tongue; fungi are frequently present when brushing is absent. The prevalence of fungi is greatest in patients with geographic tongue, especially those who do not brush the surface of the tongue.

One method of treatment used in cancer therapy is radiotherapy which can injure the oral, pharynx or larynx mucosa and predisposes tissue to the development of fungal infections. The aim of the study paper was the mycological examinations of swabs from the oral cavity and pharynx of patients obtained prior to, in week 3, on the last day of and 3 weeks after radiotherapy, as well as isolation of fungi and identification of the selected parameter of strains pathogenecity, i.e. hydrolytic enzyme release. Forty-three patients with oral cavity, pharynx or larynx carcinoma were examined at four points during a course of radiotherapy: before treatment, in week 3 of treatment, on the last day of treatment and 3 weeks afterwards. The mycological examination was conducted based on a procedure introduced in the Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Medical University of Lodz. The activity of the hydrolytic enzymes was evaluated with a bioMerieux API ZYM test kit. More than 2/3 of the patients (68.2%) were found to have a fungal infection in the first examination, 4/5 (80%) in the second, about 3/5 (57.1%) in the third and all (100%) in the last examination. The release of enzymes varied, and on different stages show different inactive enzymes: at the start, alpha-chymotrypsin and alpha-mannosidase; at 3 weeks, beta-glucuronidase and alpha-mannosidase; at the end, alpha-chymotrypsin; at 3 weeks after the end, trypsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, alpha-galaktosidase and alpha-fucosidase. The most frequent species isolated from the patients treated by radiotherapy is Candida albicans and C. glabrata. The latter is characterized by resistance to the majority of antimycotic medications. The isolated strains are characterized by the highest activity of leucine arylamidase, acid phosphatase and naphthol--AS-BI-phosphohydrolase. Considering the enzymes produced, most of the strains can be included to biotypes D3, C6 and A.

The aims of the study were: 1. to compare morphometric features of eggs of selected alimentary tract parasites and common garden plants pollen, which may accidentally contaminate a feces undergoing parasitological examination; 2. to make laboratory diagnosticians aware of a possibility of an error at coproscopic examination as well as in helminthologic evaluation of the environmental samples (soil, water). Eggs of 7 species of alimentary tract parasites and 52 common garden plants pollens were examined and compared; using of MultiScanBase v.8.08 computer program the perimeter, length and width of the given objects/images were measured and statistical calculations were made in Statistica 9.1 program. The following conclusions can be drawn: 1. The computer image comparative analysis of parasite eggs and plant pollen proved the existence of statistically significant differences between the particular morphometric features; 2. A routine direct microscopic observation of feces is performed with the naked eye which is not able to notice slight differences (up to a few μm in size), and therefore, despite lack of statistically significant differences, it is easy to make an error; 3. During a routine microscopic observation it should be remembered that the structure, shape or exine of many commonly occurring pollen grains are extremely similar to eggs of some parasites; 4. Both in the analysis of feces specimens and the evaluation of environmental samplings characteristic morphological features of eggs should be considered to facilitate differentiation between eggs and pollen grains; 5. Following the precautionary measures to avoid contamination of feces simples with plants pollens, quality control as well as reliability and awareness of risk eliminates danger of obtaining false positive results.

Cases of fungal infections are being encountered more often in clinical practice. The factors associated with a high risk of mycoses include, among others, corticosteroidotherapy, the administration antibiotics with wide spectrum of antibacterial properties, neutropenia, neoplasms. Fungi may play a role in cancer formation, may act as a complication in the course of treatment, and may mimic a neoplastic process by giving a similar clinical picture. In the case of fungal throat infection, patients complain of increased body temperature, a general feeling of weakness, malaise, headache, spontaneous pain intensifying during swallowing, a feeling of an obstacle in the throat or a cough. A physical examination may reveal congestion of the mucosa followed by a unilateral crater ulceration often covered with fat, as well as a thick coating, which is accompanied by foetor ex ore. The submandibular and neck lymph nodes are often greatly enlarged and painful. These symptoms may resemble those associated with the neoplastic process and changes in the course of systemic diseases (agranulocytosis). A correct diagnosis in these cases is necessary for adequate therapy. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia among adults in Europe and North America. It is estimated that in Poland, CLL affects approximately 1,400 people per year. In this paper, a case of 62-years old patient with CLL with fungal infection of oral cavity and throat is presented.

Myiasis is a rare, worldwide, human disease with seasonal variation, caused by developing larvae of a variety of fly species. It can be dangerous when infestations penetrate into the brain. In the available literature, we have found only a few papers concerning ear myiasis caused by Lucilia sericata. Here, we report 2 cases of aural myiasis. Early intervention (surgical removal, occlusion) in these cases should prevent complications. Larvae, for further examination, should be killed by immersion in very hot water, then preserved in an ethanol.

Introduction: Patients who underwent laryngectomy due to larynx cancer have a possibility to regain ability to speak with the use of silicone voice prosthesis. However, the lifetime of the device is limited, and last for approximately 3-6 months, mainly due to bacterial and fungal biofilm formation, that subsequently causes deterioration of the prosthesis and malfunction of the valve mechanisms. Moreover, the biofilm can be reservoir for chronic and systemic infections., Aim: The aim of the following study was to investigate Candida biofilm formation on silicone voice prosthesis., Material and Methods: Experiments were performed using C. albicans and C. krusei fungal strains with Provox 2 and Provox Acti Valve voice prosthesis. Fungal biofilms were examined under various magnifications using SEM technique., Results: Scanning electron microscopy revealed that Candida biofilms formed on voice prosthesis had highly heterogeneous structure and were composed of blastospores, pseudohyphae, hyphae and ,,germ tubes" encased in an extracellular material. Noticeable differences in biofilms structure depended on Candida species and type of voice prosthesis., Conclusions: Presented data throws light on problems concerned fungal colonization on indwelled medical devices.

Background: Atherosclerosis is currently being investigated as a chronic inflammatory process and the role of infectious agents is unclear. The presence of mycotic DNA in the wall of the non-atherosclerotic aorta of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its association with levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1 expression was examined in the present study., Methods and Results: In 40 patients with CAD and a comparative group of 20 patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) without CAD, specimens of the aortic wall were obtained during cardiac surgery. Mycotic DNA was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a fungus-specific universal primer pair, ITS3 and ITS4, to amplify a portion of the 5.8S rDNA region, the entire ITS2 region and a portion of the 28S rDNA region, and using a species-specific primer pair, CALB1 and CALB2, to specifically amplify Candida (C.) albicans. The nested PCR method was performed to amplify the intergenic transcribed spacer regions of the rRNAs of Candida species. Before surgery the serum level of sICAM-1 was estimated. Mycotic DNA was detected in 48% of the CAD patients and in 40% of the AS patients, with C. albicans DNA in 58% and 100%, respectively (P>0.05). In CAD patients with a high level of sICAM-1, C. albicans DNA was found more frequently than in patients without elevated levels of sICAM-1 (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Mycotic DNA was found in the non-atherosclerotic aortic wall of CAD patients as well as in patients with AS. In the CAD patients C. albicans DNA was related to sICAM-1 expression.

In mycoses congenital--nonspecific innate as well as acquired immunity (involving neutrophiles, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and lymphocytes) both play important roles in host defence. Th1 lymphocytes release cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, IFN gamma) and stimulate cytotoxic cells and neutrophiles to destroy fungal cells. Th2 lymphocytes, on the other hand, suppress cellular immunity by releasing the cytokines IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 which counter regulate the secretion of IL-2, IL-12, IFN gamma and depress the activity of macrophages. Cellular mechanisms play essential roles in host responses to fungal infections. Dysfunction of T lymphocytes and a reduction in their number are typically observed in patients with mycotic diseases. There occurs a reduction of both T lymphocyte populations and the T-helper to T-suppressor cell number ratio, and these are of critical importance in explaining the diminished IgA production and enhanced adhesion of fungal cells to the surface of host cells as well as in facilitating the intrusion of fungi throughout the skin and mucous membranes. The specific immunological reaction, associated with the synthesis of antibodies against fungal cell wall or cytoplasmic antigens, is of little significance in protective immunity, but nevertheless has a rather important role to play in diagnosis as well as in supporting phagocytosis by inhibition of fungal cell adherence. In patients with mycoses, typically low blood serum level of the immunoglobulin class G and A and low sIgA in saliva are observed. A detailed understanding the nature and function of the immune system in mycoses is necessary to enable improvements in pharmacotherapy with antifungal antibiotics and chemotherapeutics, as well as to treatments based on immunotherapy and vaccination.

Formation of fungal biofilms in patients with implanted biomedical prosthesis constitutes very serious clinical problems. The biofilm can lead to dysfunction of implanted material and can be a reservoir for chronic and systemic infections. Numerous investigations demonstrated differences in quantity and structure of biofilms that had been formed by various species of fungi belonged to Candida genus. Stages of biofilm formations had been examined carefully in in vitro conditions. Biofilm formation begin with adhesion of fungi to the surface, microcolonies are formed subsequently. At the end of the process, extracellular material is excreted, and its formula, that is various in different fungi Candida species, contribute to its resistance to antifungal drugs. Farnesol and tyrosol are two quorum-sensing molecules. They are acting inversely, regulating formation of "germ tubes" and influencing morphogenetic conversion between yeast and filamentous forms, which plays a very important role in pathogenicity and formation of biofilm. Drug resistance of fungi from Candida has been shown to create a very important clinical problem. Many experiments in vitro confirm significantly lower activity of antifungal drugs toward Candida biofilm than toward Candida, in the form of planctonic cells. Surprisingly, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can inhibit biofilm formation.

Objective: To investigate a relationship between the etiological factor of external otitis and occurrence of particular signs/symptoms., Design: A special questionnaire was designed and completed by all patients covering personal details, medical history, results of otolaryngological examination and bacteriological and mycological investigations., Subjects: 249 patients of the Outpatient Department of Laryngology at the Regional Hospital in Bełchatów with symptoms of external otitis. For analysis of relationships between particular signs/symptoms and species/genera of microorganisms, statistical tests were used: chi2 test, chi2 test with Yate's modification, C-Pearson index, and Fisher exact test for very small samples., Results: There is a statistical dependence between discharge, hearing loss, swelling of skin, scant, dried discharge with fetid odour and bacteria isolated from the external ear canal. Similar dependence exists between pain, hearing loss, no smelly discharge or wet, black plug of fetid odour and fungi. Also there is a statistical dependence between pruritus, red skin and grey, fetid discharge and mixed flora., Conclusions: Some of symptoms and signs are connected with definite etiological factors which is important not only for correct diagnosis but also for institution of appropriate and effective treatment. On the basis of some characteristic symptoms and signs it is possible to make a tentative diagnosis as to the etiological pathogen responsible for external otitis.

The systemic fungal invasions are recognized with increasing frequency and constitute a primary cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis improves prognosis, but remains a problem because there is lack of sensitive tests to aid in the diagnosis of systemic mycoses on the one hand, and on the other the patients only present unspecific signs and symptoms, thus delaying early diagnosis. The diagnosis depends upon a combination of clinical observation and laboratory investigation. The successful laboratory diagnosis of fungal infection depends in major part on the collection of appropriate clinical specimens for investigations and on the selection of appropriate microbiological test procedures. So these problems (collection of specimens, direct techniques, staining methods, cultures on different media and non-culture-based methods) are presented in article.

Fungi, in comparison with other pathogenic factors, have high pathogenicity. The number of fungal species which are able to infect people is over 500. The upper respiratory tract and ear have permanent contact with external environment which makes their ontocenoses open to continuous exchange of microorganisms of which they consist. In etiology of inflammatory processes 21 species which belonging to 3 genera (Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota) of fungi play important role. Administration of antifungal drugs can be: prophylactic, empiric preemptive and therapeutic. Physicians may prescribe antibiotics (mainly pollens: amphotericin B, natamycin and nystatin) and chemiotherapeutics (mainly azoles and fluorpirymidins, pigments, chlorhexidine and chlorquinaldol). In ENT practice topical and systemic drugs can be administrated. Topical lozenges include amphotericin B, clotrimazole, chlorhexidine or chlorquinaldol and oral gels: nystatin and miconazole. Some of drugs are in the form of suspension/solution, which can be used for inhalation, into the sinus, for swabbing or for lavage: amphotericin B, natamycin, nystatin, clotrimazol, flucytosine, miconazole, fluconazole, vorykonazole, caspofungin. It should be underlined that only a few of dugs can be absorbed from the digestive tract: flucytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, vorykonazole.

The occurrence of potentially pathogenic fungal strains in the Charzykowskie Lake and runnels flowing into and out of it was investigated. The study material was obtained in 2005 and in 2006, in the periods of spring intermix and summer stagnation, and in 2005 in the period of autumn intermix. The fungi found in the Charzykowski Lake belonged to 5 genera: Rhodotorula (R. minuta, R. rubra and R. glutinis), Cryptoccocus (C. neoformans, C. laurentii, C. terreus and C. laurentii), Candida (C. inconspicua, C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis, C. pelliculosa, C. kefir, C. glabrata, C. inconspicua, C. parapsilosis, C. ciferrii and C. colliculosa), Trichosporon (T. cutaneum) and Klockera (K. apiculata). The fungi found in runnels flowing into and out of the Charzykowskie Lake belonged to 4 genera: Rhodotorula (R. rubra and R. glutinis), Cryptoccocus (C. laurentii, C. neoformans, C. albidus and C. terreus), Candida (C. colliculosa, C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis, C. pelliculosa, C. cifferii, C. glabrata) and Trichosporon (T. cutaneum).

Objective: Sleep apnea is one of the most deleterious disorders in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy because it can induce hypoxemia of brain. Sleep apnea may lead to failure to thrive or to physical and mental delay in development, including cognitive disturbances. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, causing obstructive sleep apnea on neurocognitive abnormalities. We were interested in sensorimotor coordination, perception, memory, learning ability, concentration, focused attention and language reception., Materials and Methods: We examined 221 children. One-hundred and seventeen children had sleep apnea caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy: 87 children aged 6-9 years and 34 children aged 10-13 years. The control group, without adenotonsillar hypertrophy, consisted of 104 healthy children. Both groups of children with and without apnea were examined psychologically to determine abilities and minor neurocognitive deficit. The token test (TT), diagnosis test of brain dysfunction (DCS-test), Luria auditory verbal learning test (LAVLT) and Rey complex figure test (RCFT) were applied to both groups. The tests: TT, DCS-test, RCFT were used to investigate the level of sensorimotor integration and perception processes. Memory and learning abilities were measured using LAVLT. The TT assessed language dysfunction in children., Results: This study shows that adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children aged 6-9 years is associated with neurocognitive abnormalities such as: memory problems, concentration of attention deficits, learning disability, language dysfunction, lower sensorimotor integration and perception. The older children (aged 10-13 years) with adenotonsillar hypertrophy had memory problems and learning disabilities. They are likely to be caused by of concentration of attention deficits. The older children were found to have more severe language dysfunction., Conclusions: Our study shows that sleep apnea may lead to neurocognitive deficits. The results may be helpful in the process of making decision for or against surgery in doubtful cases. It is important to know the problems connected with apnea in order to recognize them and help the child develop by providing adequate treatment and cognitive stimulation.

Introduction: Over the last years, systemic fungal infections have dramatically increased in hospitalized patients. The Candida is the main pathogen caused nosocomial fungal infections., The Aim of the Study: The aim was to analyze frequency of occurrence of the yeast-like fungi in different biological materials isolated from the patients of an Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital of Lodz in the period of 2000-2003., Material and Methods: 123 strains of fungi were analyzed with the use of API 20 C AUX test (bioMarieux)., Results: Among all the investigated Candida strains C. albicans accounted for 52.0%. Samples from respiratory system and urine most often contained the strains of C. albicans (56.3 and 60.5%, respectively); blood samples contained C. parapsilosis (44.8%). In patients who were untreated by bacterial antibiotics C. albicans was the most frequent species, whereas in patients who were ordered bacterial antibiotics it was C. parapsilosis that dominated., Conclusions: (1) Candida is the most frequent cause of fungal infections in patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit. (2) C. parapsilosis is the main pathogen caused bloodstream infections. This species is also more frequent in patients who were ordered antibacterial antibiotics over five days. (3). Species other than C. albicans become more and more frequent and dangerous.

For the past twenty years, invasive fungal infections have dramatically increased resulting in the high morbidity and mortality. The main reason of these infections is the development of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Immunosuppression, neutropenia, broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, central intravascular catheter, total parenteral nutrition are the major risk factors of the invasive fungal infections. Most of these factors are very common for hospitalized patients. For example, patients with fungemia are more likely to die during hospitalization then those with bloodstream infection caused by nonfungal pathogens. Unfortunately, diagnosis and diagnostic methods of fungal infection are still difficult.

Some aspects of multifocal and disseminated mycosis are discussed. Special attention is devoted to factors, which play a significant role in the development of fungal infections. Host criteria and microbiological as well as a clinical criteria are discussed. A special attention is given to nosocomial invasions and post-transplantation mycosis.

The hydrolytic activity of Rhodotorula and Trichosporon strains isolated from Sulej6w Reservoir water and sediments were studied. Also tolerance of high concentrations of natrium chloride and biogenic compounds was evaluated. Fungi from genera Rhodotorula and Trichosporon showed the activity of 12 and 10 from 19 hydrolases of API Zym test, respectively. Tolerance tests showed high resistance of Rhodotorula glutinis to hypertonic saline solutions and very high resistance of both Rhodotorula and Trichosporon strains to nitrate, ammonium and phosphate compounds. These properties of fungi may influence the distribution and the quantity of fungi in aquatic reservoirs.

The investigations concerning the activity of antimycotic drugs on pathogenic fungi, revealed a decrease of sensitivity of fungi, especially of the Candida species. In other investigations we have stated that strains isolated from patients have other than standard enzymatic activity. So it seems to be interesting to have evaluated the model for analysis in vitro the influence of antimycotic drug for egzoenzyme of fungi. The aims of the study were: 1. estimation of the influence in vitro ketoconazole, which was added everyday for 3 weeks on curves of activity of the drug, on strains isolated from patients; 2. estimation of asparagine protease activity on strains before, during and after the added drug to the culture. During the study we evaluated the model in vitro to obtain strains with lower sensitivity for a antimycotic drug. Everyday during a 3 week period we added to the culture ketoconazole in the concentration of about 2, 4 and 6 times higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Before, 1, 2 and 3 weeks after we investigated the activity of asparaginee protease. We obtained the following results: 1. Ketoconazole added to the culture of Candida strains during 3 weeks had influenced the response curves, which was observed as statistical significant changes between MIC values. 2. Ketoconazole after 1 week of administration decreased and after 2 and 3 weeks increased of asparagine protease activity.

The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of occurrence of Trichomonas tenax in patients with periodontitis and also to check the relationship between the occurrence of the protozoan and the indices of oral hygiene, and to evaluate periodontal treatment needs. The study involved 91 individuals aged 23-79 years (52 women and 39 men). 34 of them were infected with Trichomonas tenax. The study revealed dependence between the frequency of occurrence of Trichomonas tenax and the state of periodontium and the hygiene of the oral cavity.

Increasing use of elctromagnetic fields (EF) in the treatment of various diseases may have potential impacts on fungi--possible aetiological factors of concomitant mycoses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EF on miconazole susceptibility among fungi of the genus Candida showing confirmed pathogenicity in humans. Fifteen Candida strains obtained from patients were used and their susceptibility to miconazole was determined by diffusion in agar gel. Antifungal activity of miconazole was assessed as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) which was calculated for Candida strains not exposed to EF (control) and EF-exposed (3 experiments). In the majority of cases the susceptibility of Candida species to miconazole decreased (higher MICs) after the first week of EF exposure, regardless of the EF's parameters. This was followed by an increase in susceptibility (lower MICs) after the second week of exposure to EF of 2 mT intensity and frequency 3 Hz (experiment I) and an EF of 9 mT intensity and 12.5 Hz frequency (experiment II) relative to control. An increase in susceptibility (lower MICs) was observed in the second week of exposure, whatever the parameters of the EF. The application of low intensity, low frequency EF for a period of at least two weeks may be beneficial in the treatment of mycoses caused by pathogenic fungi of Candida genus.

Progressive degradation of water ecosystems may contribute to the propagation of fungi pathogenic to humans and animals. The aim of this study was a quantitative evaluation and identification of species of potentially pathogenic fungi in the littoral zone of the Sulejów Reservoir used as recreation site. We studied samples of surface water and sediments collected from 6 sampling sites of the reservoir in the years 2000 and 2001. In 2000, fungi were isolated from 82.7% of samples, while in 2001 from as many as 95.4%. There were 28 species representing genera: Candida, Cryptococcus, Geotrichum, Kloeckera, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, and Trichosporon. The most common species were Rhodotorula glutinis and Candida guilliermondii. The density of the population of identified species depended on the season and sampling site and ranged from 80 to 328000 cells/dm3 (also uncountable growth). The waters of the Sulejów Reservoir may be a covenient place of anamorphic developmental forms, for the 15 cultured species which can also propagate in humans and other mammals.

We have investigated the hydrolytic activity of 21 species of yeast-like fungi from Candida genus and 1 species of yeast S. cerevisiae isolated from Sulej6w Reservoir water. The activity of hydrolytic enzymes of the studied fungi was different than that of standard strains and also of fungi isolated from patients. This difference demonstrates the capability of the studied fungi to adapt to various environmental conditions.

Candida glabrata is very important pathogen which is resistant to some imidazoles (fluconazole). The aim of study was to compare a susceptibility of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata - strains isolated from patietnts treated in Centre for Treatment of Parasitic Diseases and Mycoses - to miconazole using MIC. 96.5% of strains were sensitive to miconazole; values of MIC for C. albicans were lower than for C. glabrata.

We have evalueated the activity of acidous asparagine protease in 48 strains of Candida isolated from homogenates of palatine tonsils from 116 patients after tonsilectomy. Strains most frequently isolated were C. albicans (66.7 +/- 6.8%) and C. tropicalis (14.6 +/- 5.09%). The range of proteolysis zone for Candida strains was 4.6 to 12.5 mm. Over 60% of the studied strains showed high and very high proteolytic activity (>6.6 mm) and the remaining strains showed moderate activity (4.6-6.5). There were no strains with low medium activity (to 4.5 mm zone). The range of the number of rosettes E formed by lymphocytes obtained from the studied tonsils was 0-268.3. Lymphocytes isolated from 70 % of tonsils infected with Candida formed only 0-130 rosettes E; in the remaining cases the number ranged between 131 and 220. The number of lymphocytes T forming rosettes E isolated from palatine tonsils from patients not infected with fungi was 2.5 times higher. There was no correlation between the size of proteolysis zone and the number of rosettes E.

Background: The pharynx is one of the open spaces where fungi can settle easily. The purpose of the investigation was to estimate an overall prevalence of fungal colonization and some parameters of humoral and cell immunity., Methods: The study consisted of 167 patients, from whom swabs of the posterior and lateral part of the pharynx were taken for mycological examinations, during which tests based on morphological and biochemical (zymogram, auxanogram) characteristics were used. In all cases, the leukocyte count, overall protein level, and protein individual fractions were determined. Also determined were the levels of IgA, IgM and IgG immunoglobulin in blood serum, and IgA immunoglobulin (S-IgA) in saliva. At the same time, blastic transformation test and rosette tests: E (ER) to determine lymphocytes T count, as well as EA (EAR) and EAC (EACR) to detect lymphocytes B, were performed., Results: Fungal infection was found in 2/3 of patients. Fungi were classified as belonging to six species of Candida, which are considered to be important etiological factors of mycoses; the most common fungus was Candida albicans (in 86 cases). All cases of candidosis showed a decreased count of lymphocytes T, with their function deficient, and most of them a low S-IgA level in saliva (over three times lower than the norm) and high mean values for sedimentation rate., Conclusions: In patients in our study the IgA level in serum remained within normal limits, yet the ratio fo this fraction to other immunoglobulins deviated from that in healthy individuals.

All over the world an increase in the number of subjects addicted to various chemical substances has been observed. The studies of their toxic effect on the hearing have been so far most frequently limited to acute intoxication or direct effect: there are no data concerning distant and persistent effects. The aim of the study was to determine the type of hearing loss in drug addicts and individuals drinking non-consumable alcohols, examined during the period of abstinence. A group of 210 subjects addicted to various substances was examined using acumetry test and tuning forks, as well as threshold, suprathreshold and speech audiometry. Taking into consideration the threshold results for particular subjects, the percentage of hearing loss for both ears was calculated using CPT index. Most frequent complaints connected with the organ of hearing, such as tinnitus and hearing impairment were reported by alcoholics and opioid addicts. In the age adjusted threshold audiometry, perceptive hearing loss was diagnosed in nearly 50% of the subjects. The percentage of hearing loss calculated for both ears, using CPT index, demonstrated the highest values in the group of subjects drinking non-consumable alcohols and addicted to volatile organic substances.

Protozoa and fungi of the oral cavity, although frequently occuring and connected with considerable clinical adverse effects, are as yet insufficiently known. The aims of the study were to estimate the prevalence of common invasions of Trichomonas tenax and fungi, to associate the symptoms with the diagnosis of trichomonosis complicated by mycosis and to determine trichomonacidal properties of ornidazole, tinidazole and metronidazole. 936 dentist patients with different diagnoses were included into the study. The collected material consisted of rinsings, with simultaneous application of selective media, different for protozoa and for fungi 6ultures. Among the examined patients T. tenax was found in 90 cases including 85 cases where it occurred together with fungi (11 species), on the basis of which the diagnosis of trichomonosomycosis of the oral cavity was established. It was the most often in patients with leukoplakia and Lichen Wilsoni. We received a statistically significant association (0.001

Protozoa and fungi of the oral cavity, although frequently occurring and connected to considerable clinical adverse effects, are as yet insufficiently known. The aims of the study were (i) to estimate the prevalence of common invasions of Trichomonas tenax and fungi, (ii) to associate the symptoms with the diagnosis of trichomonosis complicated by mycosis, and (iii) to determine trichomonacidal properties of ornidazole, tinidazole and metronidazole. A sample of 936 dentist patients with different diagnoses were included in the study. The collected material consisted of rinsings, with simultaneous application of selective media, different for protozoa or fungi cultures. Using ornidazole, tinidazole and metronidazole, we examined in vitro their influence on 30 strains of T. tenax. Among the examined patients T. tenax was found in 90 cases including 85 cases where it occurred together with fungi, on the basis of which diagnosis of trichomonosis complicated by mycosis of the oral cavity was established. It was the most frequent in patients with leukoplakia and lichen Wilsoni. We recorded a statistically significant association for T. tenax with fungi and xerostomia, burning sensation, periodontal pockets and denuded teeth. T. tenax was never found in patients with caries and with aphtha recidivans. The curves of ornidazole activity were obtained within the solution range of 130-4350 micrograms/ml; the curves of tinidazole activity within the concentration range of 500-16870 micrograms/ml; metronidazole in the highest concentration killed from 5 to 100% of the population of all strains.

Every disease and especially neoplasmatic disease is a source of deep mental experiences. The aim of this study was the establishment of some psychological behavioural parameters in 55 patients who underwent radical neck dissection and in 32 patients operated for other, non-neoplasmatic laryngologic diseases. In order to evaluate psychological state of the patients the following of States and Personality Traits (TISCO), 2. Feeling of Safety Question Sheet (KPB), 3. Profile of Mood States (POMS), 4. Scale of Hopelessness (HS-8). It was stated, that patients after radical neck dissection have deviations concerning indexes of cognitive and emotional behaviour and that there are differences between patients operated as the reason of neoplastic processes and other patients. These differences appear also among persons examined in the period shorter than 1 year from their surgery as opposed to patients operated earlier than 1 year before examinations. The fact of laryngectomy did not appear to have significant influence upon most of the evaluated indexes of cognitive and emotional behaviours.

Based on 15 pictures the technique of radical neck dissection is presented with particular attention to the topography of the neck. Steps by steps the possibility of complications is considered. During the operation the mandible branches of the facial nerve, vagus nerve, hypoglossal nerve, phrenic nerve, accessory nerve, shoulder plexus, cervical plexus, sympathetic trunk can be injured as well as the jugular vein, carotid artery, occipital artery, thoracic duct. The critical moments for generation of these complications are indicated.

Neoplastic disease is the reason for limitation in life activity and functioning. The aim of study was assessment of adaptation to life after radical neck dissection. 87 subjects were followed up: 55 patients (group A) after radical neck dissection and 32 operated on for non-neoplastic ORL diseases. Patients from group A almost in all estimated indices showed statistical significant differences in comparison with group B. Only some differences were noted between patients examined in the period shorter and longer than one year after operation. There were no differences between patients after total laryngectomy and these who were cured in other procedures.

The study was carried out on 223 alcoholics, 96 drug addicts and 50 healthy persons as a control group. Clinical otolaryngological examination, ENG examination, and audiometry diagnosis were made. The results showed lesions of the central part of the vestibular system in alcohol and drug addicts which are much more evident on ENG examination than in clinical otolaryngological findings. We have observed that trauma capitis does not cause increased vestibular disturbances in addicted persons. Audiologic findings indicate significant hearing loss in both groups.

The results are reported of studies for the assessment of the efficiency of vestibular organ in 113 drug-dependent individuals at the time of abstinence, and in 50 healthy controls. In 82.3% of drug-dependent persons vestibular damage was found, with the character of the observed abnormalities suggesting their central origin in 3/4 cases.

There isn't data concerning changes which occur to vestibular system as a result of chronic addiction. The aim of this study was to determine if the changes are dependent on the time of addiction or the time of abstinence. 113 persons, who were treated in Monar houses were divided into 3 subgroups (U 1-3) according to the time of addiction and into 4 subgroups (A 1-4) according to the time of abstinence. Symptoms, results of otoneurological examinations and answers from vestibular organs after provocation and after kinetic and caloric stimulations were taken under consideration. It was proved that there exists the relevant correlation between the whole number of symptoms and the dependence lasting over a year and it was also noticed that the greatest number of important symptoms occurs during the first two months of abstinence.

Opioids, barbiturates and volatile organic substances are the most common drugs used in Poland by addicts. In the literature there are no data concerning efficiency of vestibular organs of addicted persons examined during abstinence period. 74 drug addicts and 50 healthy persons were subjected to ENG examinations (spontaneous nystagmus, positional ny gaze ny, eye-tracking test, optokinetic test, rotatory test and caloric test were evaluated). ENG showed abnormal records in all tests performed in the addicted persons. This study has revealed that addicts have insufficiency of vestibular organs, which is probably a result of central lesions.