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Algaemia
Algaemia is a secondary term that refers to the emerging condition in which green algae enter the bloodstream. Members of the genus ''Prototheca'' are the most common algae that leads to algaemia. ''Prototheca'' and Chlorella, which is extremely rare, are the only two known algae genera capable of inflicting disease on mammals, including humans, through invasion of host tissue. The majority of cases are observed in dairy cattle as a cause of bovine mastitis as well as other domesticated animals. Cases of algaemia have been observed in dogs and cats as well. Few cases have been observed in humans. Human cases of algaemia or, protothecosis, are examined on a case-by-case basis due to the particularity of each case. Protothecosis infection is classified based on the symptoms: (i) cutaneous lesions, (ii) olecranon bursitis, and (iii) disseminated or systemic type infections. Symptoms and signs Protothecosis can affect anyone but is most commonly seen with more severe symptoms in tho ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Protothecosis
Protothecosis, otherwise known as Algaemia, is a disease found in dogs, cats, cattle, and humans caused by a type of green alga known as ''Prototheca'' that lacks chlorophyll and enters the human or animal bloodstream. It and its close relative '' Helicosporidium'' are unusual in that they are actually green algae that have become parasites. The two most common species are ''Prototheca wickerhamii'' and '' Prototheca zopfii''. Both are known to cause disease in dogs, while most human cases are caused by ''P. wickerhami''. ''Prototheca'' is found worldwide in sewage and soil. Infection is rare despite high exposure, and can be related to a defective immune system. In dogs, females and Collies are most commonly affected. The first human case was identified in 1964 in Sierra Leone. Cause ''Prototheca'' has been thought to be a mutant of ''Chlorella'', a type of single-celled green alga. However, while ''Chlorella'' contains galactose and galactosamine in the cell wall, ''Prototh ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Prototheca
''Prototheca'' is a genus of algae in the family Chlorellaceae. All the species within this genus, even though classified as green algae, have forfeited their photosynthetic ability and have switched to parasitism. Some species can cause the disease protothecosis, otherwise known as Algaemia. Symptoms include: Cutaneous lesions, Olecranon bursitis. Etymology From the Greek ''proto''- (first) + ''thēkē'' (sheath), ''Prototheca'' is a genus of variably shaped spherical cells of achloric algae in the family Chlorellaceae. Wilhelm Krüger, a German expert in plant physiology and sugar production, reported ''Prototheca'' microorganisms in 1894, shortly after spending 7 years in Java studying sugarcane. He isolated ''Prototheca'' species from the sap of 3 tree species. Krüger named these organisms as ''P. moriformis'' and ''P. zopfii'', the second name as a tribute to Friedrich Wilhelm Zopf Friedrich (or Friederich) Wilhelm Zopf (12 December 1846 – 24 June 1909) was a well-kno ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Green Algae
The green algae (singular: green alga) are a group consisting of the Prasinodermophyta and its unnamed sister which contains the Chlorophyta and Charophyta/Streptophyta. The land plants (Embryophytes) have emerged deep in the Charophyte alga as sister of the Zygnematophyceae. Since the realization that the Embryophytes emerged within the green algae, some authors are starting to properly include them. The completed clade that includes both green algae and embryophytes is monophyletic and is referred to as the clade Viridiplantae and as the kingdom Plantae. The green algae include unicellular and colonial flagellates, most with two flagella per cell, as well as various colonial, coccoid and filamentous forms, and macroscopic, multicellular seaweeds. There are about 22,000 species of green algae. Many species live most of their lives as single cells, while other species form coenobia (colonies), long filaments, or highly differentiated macroscopic seaweeds. A few other organi ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that, through cellular respiration, can later be released to fuel the organism's activities. Some of this chemical energy is stored in carbohydrate molecules, such as sugars and starches, which are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water – hence the name ''photosynthesis'', from the Greek ''phōs'' (), "light", and ''synthesis'' (), "putting together". Most plants, algae, and cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis; such organisms are called photoautotrophs. Photosynthesis is largely responsible for producing and maintaining the oxygen content of the Earth's atmosphere, and supplies most of the energy necessary for life on Earth. Although photosynthesis is performed differently by different species, the process always begins when energy from light is absorbed by proteins called reaction centers that contain green chlorophyll (and other colored) pigments/chromoph ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used for serious fungal infections and leishmaniasis. The fungal infections it is used to treat include mucormycosis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis. For certain infections it is given with flucytosine. It is typically given intravenously (injection into a vein). Common side effects include a reaction with fever, chills, and headaches soon after the medication is given, as well as kidney problems. Allergic symptoms including anaphylaxis may occur. Other serious side effects include low blood potassium and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart). It appears to be relatively safe in pregnancy. There is a lipid formulation that has a lower risk of side effects. It is in the polyene class of medications and works in part by interfering with the cell membrane of the fungus. Amphotericin B was isolated from '' Streptomyces nodosus'' in 1955 at the Squibb For Medical Research Institute from c ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Itraconazole
Itraconazole, sometimes abbreviated ITZ, is an antifungal medication used to treat a number of fungal infections. This includes aspergillosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis. It may be given by mouth or intravenously. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, and headache. Severe side effects may include liver problems, heart failure, Stevens–Johnson syndrome and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. It is unclear if use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is safe. It is in the triazole family of medications. It stops fungal growth by affecting the cell membrane or affecting their metabolism. Itraconazole was patented in 1978 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1992. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Recent research works suggest itraconazole (ITZ) could also be used in the treatment of cancer by inhibiting the hedgehog pathway in a similar way to ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole, sold under the brand name Nizoral among others, is an antiandrogen and antifungal medication used to treat a number of fungal infections. Applied to the skin it is used for fungal skin infections such as tinea, cutaneous candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis. Taken by mouth it is a less preferred option and only recommended for severe infections when other agents cannot be used. Other uses include treatment of excessive male-patterned hair growth in women and Cushing's syndrome. Common side effects when applied to the skin include redness. Common side effects when taken by mouth include nausea, headache, and liver problems. Liver problems may result in death or the need for a liver transplantation. Other severe side effects when taken by mouth include QT prolongation, adrenocortical insufficiency, and anaphylaxis. It is an imidazole and works by hindering the production of ergosterol required for the fungal cell membrane, the ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Antifungal
An antifungal medication, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis (thrush), serious systemic infections such as cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Such drugs are usually yes obtained by a doctor's prescription, but a few are available over the counter (OTC). Types of antifungal There are two types of antifungals: local and systemic. Local antifungals are usually administered topically or vaginally, depending on the condition being treated. Systemic antifungals are administered orally or intravenously. Of the clinically employed azole antifungals, only a handful are used systemically. These include ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, fosfluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and isavuconazole. Examples of non-azole systemic antifungals include griseofulvin and terbinafine. Classes Polyenes A polyene is a molecule with multiple conjugated do ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Prototheca Zopfii
''Prototheca zopfii'' is aerobic, unicellular, yeast-like, achlorophyllic (without chlorophyll) microalga. Distribution ''Prototheca zopfii'' is opportunistic, environmental pathogen and ubiquitous in nature. This alga is mainly associated with wet areas and places with high organic contents. It can be found in tanks, well water, teat-dip containers, and milking machines. Genome The genome of this organism's mitochondrion and plastid were first sequenced in 2018.Severgnini M, Lazzari B, Capra E, Chessa S, Luini M, Bordoni R, Castiglioni B, Ricchi M, Cremonesi P (2018) Genome sequencing of Prototheca zopfii genotypes 1 and 2 provides evidence of a severe reduction in organellar genomes. Sci Rep 8(1):14637. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-32992-0. Reproduction ''Prototheca zopfii'' reproduce asexually by endosporulation. Culture media Sabouraud agar is used as a cultural medium.Antimicrobial susceptibility of'' Prototheca zopfii'' isolated from bovine mastitis., Władysław Waw ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Skin Condition
A skin condition, also known as cutaneous condition, is any medical condition that affects the integumentary system—the organ system that encloses the body and includes skin, nails, and related muscle and glands. The major function of this system is as a barrier against the external environment. Conditions of the human integumentary system constitute a broad spectrum of diseases, also known as dermatoses, as well as many nonpathologic states (like, in certain circumstances, melanonychia and racquet nails). While only a small number of skin diseases account for most visits to the physician, thousands of skin conditions have been described. Classification of these conditions often presents many nosological challenges, since underlying causes and pathogenetics are often not known. Therefore, most current textbooks present a classification based on location (for example, conditions of the mucous membrane), morphology ( chronic blistering conditions), cause (skin conditions result ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Prototheca Wickerhamii
''Prototheca wickerhamii'' is a ubiquitous green alga that does not have chlorophyll. It is widely present in the environment but is a rare cause of infection in humans (protothecosis) and most commonly presents as nodules of the skin. Most cases reported have a suppressed immune system (from drugs or disease). Infection usually results by direct traumatic inoculation. Identification Diagnosis can be made through culture of diseased tissue in Sabouraud dextrose agar or by visualization of sporangia containing sporangiospores on tissue biopsy (using hematoxylin/eosin, GMS, or PAS histochemical stains). The organism incites a chronic granulomatous inflammation with infiltrate of histiocytes, lymphocytes, giant cells and occasional eosinophils. The organism has thick wall, internal septations, measures 3–11 µm in diameter. The sporangia have very small wedge-shaped endospores arranged radially and moulded (morula-like form). Differential diagnosis: Protothecal sporangi ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Skin Infection
A skin infection is an infection of the skin in humans and other animals, that can also affect the associated soft tissues such as loose connective tissue and mucous membranes. They comprise a category of infections termed skin and skin structure infections (SSSIs), or skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), and acute bacterial SSSIs (ABSSSIs). They are distinguished from dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), although skin infections can result in skin inflammation. Causes Bacterial Bacterial skin infections affected about 155 million people and cellulitis occurred in about 600 million people in 2013. Bacterial skin infections include: * Cellulitis, a diffuse inflammation of connective tissue with severe inflammation of dermal and subcutaneous tissue, subcutaneous layers of the skin. Further, cellulitis can be classified based into purulent and non-purulent cellulitis, based on the most likely causative agent and the symptoms presentation. Purulent cellulitis is often cause ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
