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European journal of epidemiology1992; 8(3); 391-396; doi: 10.1007/BF00158574

Entomophthoromycosis due to Conidiobolus.

Abstract: Entomophthoromycosis due to Conidiobolus coronatus is a granulomatous infection characterized by lesions that originate in the inferior turbinate, spread through ostia and foramina to involve the facial and subcutaneous tissues and paranasal sinuses. The majority of the cases have been described from areas of tropical rainforest in West Africa, agricultural and outdoor workers (aged 20-60 years) being the ones most frequently affected. The fungus is common in soil and decaying vegetation. Infection probably occurs by implantation of the spores of the fungus in nasal mucosa. C. incongruus is a rare agent of the disease, so far known only from two cases with lesions involving the pericardium, mediastinum, lungs, liver, oesophagus and jejunum. C. coronatus is known to cause a clinically similar disease in horses, mules, a dolphin and a chimpanzee. A characteristic histological feature is the presence of thin-walled, broad, often septate hyphae or hyphal fragments with a thick eosinophilic sheath, frequently phagocytosed within giant cells. The fungus is known to produce in vitro several enzymes, e.g., elastase, esterase, collagenase and lipase, which have a possible role in pathogenicity. A concentrated brain heart infusion culture filtrate antigen is useful for immunodiagnosis. Several drugs e.g., potassium iodide, cotrimoxazole, amphotericin B, ketoconazole and itraconazole have been tried with varying success. Investigations on the immunology of disease and the role of proteases and lipases in the pathogenesis of infection is an important area of further research.
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Publication Date: 1992-05-01 PubMed ID: 1397203DOI: 10.1007/BF00158574Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study presents a detailed analysis of the fungus Conidiobolus coronatus, the cause of a type of infectious disease named entomophthoromycosis. The disease primarily affects agricultural and outdoor workers in West African tropical rainforests and is characterized by the development of granulomatous lesions that originate in certain regions of the nose and spread to facial tissues and sinuses. The research also discusses potential methods of diagnosis, treatment, and areas for future investigation.

Understanding Entomophthoromycosis

  • Entomophthoromycosis due to Conidiobolus coronatus is an infection characterized by lesions that begin in the inferior turbinate, a structure in the nose, and gradually spread through openings and channels to involve facial and subcutaneous tissues and paranasal sinuses. This makes understanding of this disease very crucial in order to prevent its spread and treat it effectively.
  • The disease is most commonly seen in people between 20-60 years old who work outdoors or in agricultural fields, especially in areas of tropical rainforest in West Africa. This suggests the disease is environment and occupation-specific.

The Causative Agent: Fungus Conidiobolus coronatus

  • The fungus Conidiobolus coronatus, which is commonly found in soil and decaying vegetation, is identified as the cause of this infection. The mode of transmission is likely through the implantation of fungal spores in the nasal mucosa.
  • C. coronatus is also noted to cause a clinically similar disease in various animals, including horses, mules, a dolphin, and a chimpanzee, showcasing its broad host range.
  • About the fungus, a unique histological feature is the presence of thin-walled, broad, often septate hyphae or hyphal fragments with a thick eosinophilic sheath, frequently found inside giant cells.
  • The fungus produces several enzymes including elastase, esterase, collagenase, and lipase, which are thought to potentially contribute to its pathogenicity. This implies that the fungus possesses mechanisms that allow it to cause disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • For the diagnosis of the disease, a concentrated brain heart infusion culture filtrate antigen is found to be useful. This is a specific diagnostic method employed to confirm the infection.
  • Different types of drugs such as potassium iodide, cotrimoxazole, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, and itraconazole have been tried with varying levels of success. This emphasizes the difficulty in treating the disease and the need for more effective therapeutic options.

Future Research Directions

  • The study underlines that understanding the immune response to this disease, and the role of protease and lipase enzymes in its pathogenesis, are important areas for further research. Such research could potentially lead to the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Gugnani HC. (1992). Entomophthoromycosis due to Conidiobolus. Eur J Epidemiol, 8(3), 391-396. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00158574

Publication

European journal of epidemiology
ISSN: 0393-2990
NlmUniqueID: 8508062
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 8
Issue: 3
Pages: 391-396

Researcher Affiliations

Gugnani, H C
  • Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Diseases / epidemiology
  • Animals
  • Entomophthora
  • Humans
  • Mycoses / epidemiology
  • Mycoses / veterinary
  • Nigeria / epidemiology

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Citations

This article has been cited 15 times.
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