Bacteroides fragilis colonizes dog guts both as a commensal and as an opportunistic pathogen. This study aims to evaluate virulence factors of 13 B. fragilis strains isolated from dog intestinal tracts and their ability for biofilm formation. Capsules were detected in all the evaluated strains. A total of 61.5% of all strains were biofilm producers. These attributes most likely play an important role in B. fragilis persistent colonization in the gut.
Aims: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of lectin obtained from Talisia esculenta (TEL) seeds as a tool to recognize and study Microsporum canis. For this purpose, we investigated the antifungal and marker action of this lectin and the relationship of these effects with the presence of carbohydrates on the structure of this fungus.
Methods and Results: The in vitro antifungal activity of TEL was analysed by broth microdilution assay. In addition, TEL was assessed against the arthroconidia present on hairs obtained from infected dogs and cats. The affinity of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labelled TEL for macroconidia and arthroconidia of M. canis was also tested. The effects of TEL on the growth of the M. canis strains began with 0·125 mg ml−1, and 100% inhibition was obtained with a concentration of 2 mg ml−1. The addition of carbohydrates, especially N‐acetyl‐glucosamine and d‐mannose, inhibited these antifungal effects. TEL was able to inhibit the growth of arthroconidial chitin‐rich forms of M. canis obtained from hairs of infected animals and strains cultured in Sabouraud agar. FITC‐labelled TEL efficiently marked macroconidial and arthroconidial forms of M. canis, as shown by fluorescent microscopy.
Conclusions: These results show that the inhibitory effects of TEL on M. canis growth may be related to the interaction of lectin with the carbohydrates present at the micro‐organism’s surface, mainly d‐mannose and N‐acetyl‐glucosamine.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Talisia esculenta can be used as an important tool in the biochemical study of M. canis or as a molecule to recognize this dermatophyte in infected tissue.
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