In October 2011, the Department Peptide 17 clinical trial of Health for England commissioned the New Medicine Service (NMS), a community pharmacy Advanced Service offering additional support to patients starting a new medicine for asthma/COPD, hypertension, type 2 diabetes or anticoagulant/antiplatelet treatments. It is known that not all patients take their medicines as prescribed and the rationale behind the NMS is to

improve patient adherence to medicines. The service is structured for the patient to have a consultation with the pharmacist seven to 14 days after their new medicine has been initiated with a follow-up consultation 14 to 21 days after that. This study was undertaken to evaluate both the effectiveness and the cost effectiveness of the NMS. The effectiveness data at week 10 is reported FXR agonist here. 504 patients eligible to receive the NMS were randomly assigned to receive either the New Medicine Service

or Current Practice stratified by disease and recruiting pharmacy. Adherence to the new medicine was assessed through telephone interviews and self-completed postal questionnaires at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 26 weeks post recruitment. Telephone interviews captured patient adherence using the NMS questions ‘Since we last spoke have you missed any doses of your new medicine, or change when you take it (prompt: when did you last miss a dose)?’ Postal questionnaires deployed the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale1 (MMAS-8, with permission). Successful outcome used a composite adherence measure developed for the study and included patients adherent to the new medicine, or patients for which the new medicine was changed or stopped by the prescriber. Patient initiated changes or stoppages were classed as non-adherent. Intention to treat analysis, with outcome adjusted for pharmacy clustering, NMS disease category, age, sex and medication count, was employed. This study had ethical approval. At 10 weeks (26 week data not fully collected at time of submission), 60%

of questionnaires were returned (n = 284), 85% of patients were successfully contacted by telephone (n = 387), and 52 patients had withdrawn from the study. Adherence assessed using the NMS questions (n = 443), yielded an odds ratio Selleckchem Ponatinib (95% CI) of 1.68 (1.09, 2.58, p = 0.02), and adherence probabilities of 0.67 (0.60, 0.74) vs. 0.78 (0.72, 0.84) in favour of the NMS arm. Adherence assessed using the MMAS-8 tool (n = 321) yielded an odds ratio of 1.78 (1.06, 3.00, p = 0.03), with adherence probabilities of 0.69 (0.61, 0.77) vs. 0.80 (0.73, 0.87) in favour of the NMS arm. This suggests a significant effect of NMS on patient adherence; a patient is 11 pp more likely to be adherent to their medicine having received the New Medicine Service compared to current practice.

This vulnerability is reflected in high rates of HIV infection in many western African settings [1–5]. Several interventions have been carried out in this population, particularly in low- and middle-income

CH5424802 countries, to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV infection. These interventions include free condoms distribution, communication for behavioural change, free and regular STI screening and treatment and, more recently, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) [6]. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) roll-out has been a driving force for the expansion of programmes such as VCT, which is seen as more ethically acceptable in view of the increased availability of treatment. VCT constitutes an opportunity for both check details primary prevention (i.e. preventing HIV-negative

people from contracting the infection) and secondary prevention (i.e. avoiding the progression of the disease in infected people by providing early health care and psychosocial support), as it encompasses counselling before and after HIV testing. Several studies conducted in resource-limited settings have demonstrated that VCT may be effective at preventing HIV infection and other STIs in some populations, including FSWs, serodiscordant couples and pregnant women [7–13]. Moreover, in a predominantly heterosexual transmission context, a VCT programme targeting high-prevalence groups with high numbers of partners such as FSWs can be very efficient in reducing the spread of HIV to the general population displaying a lower prevalence [14]. However, despite the widespread availability of VCT and the fact that it is free of charge in many low- and middle-income countries, low uptake of the intervention has been reported [15,16]. In 2000, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) emphasized the need to increase understanding of the requirements, acceptability and consequences of VCT, particularly in vulnerable populations [17]. The PLEKHB2 concept of acceptability of VCT encompasses not only acceptance of the HIV test, but also the interest that it generates

by way of returning for test results and disclosure of serostatus [18]. Determinants of VCT acceptability that have been reported include knowledge about the disease, perceived risk of infection, availability of treatment, and fear of violence and stigma [19–22]. Some studies have shown that testing among women can result in stigma and sexual and physical violence even if positive life events related to VCT in this population are more prevalent [22–24]. Few studies have described the acceptability of VCT among FSWs, particularly in a sub-Saharan African context of poverty and potential gender-based violence [25–27]. We present here a study of an intervention aimed at FSWs in Conakry, the capital of Guinea. While procuring and soliciting are illegal in Guinea, sex work itself is neither forbidden nor permitted from a legal point of view.

This vulnerability is reflected in high rates of HIV infection in many western African settings [1–5]. Several interventions have been carried out in this population, particularly in low- and middle-income

MK0683 solubility dmso countries, to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV infection. These interventions include free condoms distribution, communication for behavioural change, free and regular STI screening and treatment and, more recently, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) [6]. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) roll-out has been a driving force for the expansion of programmes such as VCT, which is seen as more ethically acceptable in view of the increased availability of treatment. VCT constitutes an opportunity for both Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor primary prevention (i.e. preventing HIV-negative

people from contracting the infection) and secondary prevention (i.e. avoiding the progression of the disease in infected people by providing early health care and psychosocial support), as it encompasses counselling before and after HIV testing. Several studies conducted in resource-limited settings have demonstrated that VCT may be effective at preventing HIV infection and other STIs in some populations, including FSWs, serodiscordant couples and pregnant women [7–13]. Moreover, in a predominantly heterosexual transmission context, a VCT programme targeting high-prevalence groups with high numbers of partners such as FSWs can be very efficient in reducing the spread of HIV to the general population displaying a lower prevalence [14]. However, despite the widespread availability of VCT and the fact that it is free of charge in many low- and middle-income countries, low uptake of the intervention has been reported [15,16]. In 2000, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) emphasized the need to increase understanding of the requirements, acceptability and consequences of VCT, particularly in vulnerable populations [17]. The triclocarban concept of acceptability of VCT encompasses not only acceptance of the HIV test, but also the interest that it generates

by way of returning for test results and disclosure of serostatus [18]. Determinants of VCT acceptability that have been reported include knowledge about the disease, perceived risk of infection, availability of treatment, and fear of violence and stigma [19–22]. Some studies have shown that testing among women can result in stigma and sexual and physical violence even if positive life events related to VCT in this population are more prevalent [22–24]. Few studies have described the acceptability of VCT among FSWs, particularly in a sub-Saharan African context of poverty and potential gender-based violence [25–27]. We present here a study of an intervention aimed at FSWs in Conakry, the capital of Guinea. While procuring and soliciting are illegal in Guinea, sex work itself is neither forbidden nor permitted from a legal point of view.

These phage proteins assemble stable, nonspecific pores in the bacterial envelope, allowing phage-encoded lysins (endolysins) to access their substrate (peptidoglycan) (Young & Bläsi, 1995; Wang et al., 2000). Several holin-like proteins are encoded in bacterial genomes including Gram-positive such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp. (Loessner et al., 1999; Real et al.,

2005; Anthony et al., 2010), which display a regulatory role in the activity of murein hydrolases, autolysis and spore morphogenesis (Rice & Bayles, 2003). In the Gram-negative bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, BlyA exhibits a holin-like function promoting the endolysin-dependent lysis and enhancing haemolytic phenotype in animal erythrocytes (Guina & Oliver, 1997; Damman et al., 2000). In addition, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. genomes contain AZD6738 ic50 holin-like genes, but little is known about their function.

Enzalutamide datasheet In this work, we performed a combination of bioinformatic, genetic and biochemical experiments in order to characterize the STY1365 small ORF of S. Typhi. Bacterial strains and plasmids used in this study are listed in Table 1. Cells were routinely grown in 2 mL Luria–Bertani (LB) broth at 37 °C with shaking. When required, media were supplemented with ampicillin (100 μg mL−1), chloramphenicol (20 μg mL−1), kanamycin (50 μg mL−1) and l-arabinose (2 μg μL−1). Solid media were prepared by addition of 1.5 g w/v agar. The nucleotide sequence from S. Typhi CT18 genome (AL513382) was accessed via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Genome database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=genome) ever and was used to compare STY1365 and both flanking regions with S. Typhimurium DT104

prophage-like element (AB104436, Saitoh et al., 2005). The STY1365 coding sequence of S. Typhi STH2370 strain was sequenced previously and it was shown to be identical to the corresponding genomic region of S. Typhi CT18 (Rodas et al., 2010). Transmembrane domains of STY1365 were analyzed using tmhmm server v2.0 program (http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/TMHMM-2.0/). Analysis of STY1365 predicted amino acid sequence (NC_003198.1) was performed using psi-blast program (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/). Multiple sequence alignments of STY1365 amino acid sequences and EcolTa2 holin of E. coli TA271 (ZP_07522128.1), ESCE_1669 holin of E. coli SE11 (YP_002292944.1), ECDG_01257 holin of E. coli B185 (ZP_06657343.1) and holin 1 of phage ΦP27 (NP_543080.1) were constructed using vector nt suite v.8 software (Invitrogen). For the chromosomal deletion of STY1365, the ‘one step inactivation’ method described by Datsenko & Wanner (2000) was used. Following mutagenesis, the aph resistance cassette was removed by FLP-mediated recombination. The FRT site generated by excision of antibiotic resistance cassette was used to integrate plasmid pCE36, generating a transcriptional lacZY fusion (Ellermeier et al., 2002).

Our study focused primarily on the suitability of single active ingredient analgesics; however, a number of fixed-dose combination Selleckchem Tigecycline analgesics are available in the OTC setting. From a suitability perspective their

use requires even more care, making it important to ensure that consumers are aware of the potential risks associated with both active ingredients when selecting these products. Our research found no significant public health issues associated with the OTC use of paracetamol, but it has shown that up to three in 10 regular users of OTC NSAIDs have current or prior medical conditions that warrant discussion with a healthcare professional prior to their use. It is important to note that

some of these consumers may already be acting upon such advice, reducing the potential risk. However, with a large proportion of regular users of OTC NSAIDs purchasing these products outside the pharmacy setting, the quality use of OTC NSAIDs is becoming increasing reliant on product labelling and the ability of consumers to understand and self-assess their own level of risk. A key theme emanating from our data and from other recent changes in the analgesics landscape both locally and globally is the continued need to ensure a high level of consumer education RXDX-106 regarding the appropriate choice and use of analgesics. For the vast majority of consumers who have used these medications in the past the potential risks are minimal. However, consumers need to be aware that if their health status changes then this warrants a discussion with a healthcare professional to confirm the continued appropriateness of their OTC analgesic medication. Rather than placing the onus solely on the consumer to actively seek advice and hoping that this is undertaken a more practical approach would be to also reinforce with healthcare professionals

the need to proactively probe patients about the use of OTC analgesics and offer advice as to any changes that need be undertaken when they present with a new condition that puts them into an at-risk population. The safe and Mirabegron effective use of any OTC medication requires active participation and open communication between the user and healthcare professionals. Our study demonstrates that since ibuprofen has become available outside the pharmacy setting in Australia fewer people are using NSAIDs appropriately according to the label; compared to 2001, in 2009 10.2% more regular OTC analgesic users were using ibuprofen despite having contraindications, warnings, precautions or potential drug-interactions. The increasing use and wider availability of OTC NSAIDs may have led to a more relaxed attitude regarding the use of these medicines.

[1, 2] The isolate was identified as Histoplasma capsulatum. The patient was diagnosed Cabozantinib as having progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH), and was treated with oral itraconazole

according to current guidelines.[3] Within 3 weeks all signs and symptoms resolved. On follow up visit, 5 months after treatment was initiated, the patient felt well and had resumed all regular activities. Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus with a wide geographic distribution. It is most prevalent in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys in the United States and in Central and South America. Histoplasmosis also occurs, albeit less commonly, in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia,

China, and Australia. In Africa, H capsulatum var. duboisii coexists with the H capsulatum var. capsulatum. Histoplasmosis is acquired through inhalation of the fungus, usually from contaminated soil. The presence of H capsulatum in the soil is strongly linked to the presence of bird and bat guano.[4] There are three clinical FK506 concentration syndromes of histoplasmosis: acute pulmonary histoplasmosis, cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis, and PDH. The patient described in this case had a disseminated disease, but also pulmonary nodules. We have noted in the past that the distinction between disseminated disease and pulmonary disease is not always clear in returning travelers. Some studies suggest that histoplasmosis occurs predominantly in males.[4] The incidence, however, may be skewed because of association between histoplasmosis and travel, cave exploration, construction, and smoking, all of which were male-dominated activities in the past. Histoplasmosis in the patient was probably acquired in South 3-oxoacyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase America. The most

prominent risk factors for PDH are old age and immunosuppression. Unlike other forms of histoplasmosis, PDH is a multisystem disease characterized by constitutional symptoms and involvement of various organ systems.[5] Skin manifestations associated with histoplasmosis are maculopapular eruptions, petechiae, ecchymosis, erythema multiforme, and erythema nodosum.[6, 7] Such skin manifestations are more common with the South American H capsulatum variants. A study from Brazil suggests this is due to two specific H capsulatum strains typical to Latin America.[8, 9] African histoplasmosis, caused by H capsulatum var. duboisii, is different from “classic” histoplasmosis, and is characterized most commonly by skin and skeletal involvement.[4] The patient had developed splinter hemorrhages during the course of his disease. Splinter hemorrhages are associated with vasculitis, which can be related to infectious and non-infectious diseases, and with certain drugs, trauma, high altitude, and old age.

Demographic and clinical characteristics, sexual behaviours, CD4 cell count and plasma HIV-1 RNA loads were measured at enrolment and longitudinally over 12 months of follow-up. The study included 70 cases who seroconverted during study follow-up and 167 matched controls who remained persistently serodiscordant. The incidence of HIV infection among the initially seronegative partners was 6.52 per 100 person-years. Persistently discordant patients were more likely to have initiated highly active

antiretroviral therapy (HAART) than patients in seroconverting relationships (62.9%vs. 42.9%) (P=0.001). Patients in seroconverting relationships had significantly higher plasma viral loads (PVLs) than patients in discordant relationships

this website at enrolment, at 6 months and at 12 months (P<0.05). Patients in seroconverting relationships were less likely to use condoms with their primary partners than patients in discordant relationships (P<0.05). Patients in relationships that seroconverted between 6 and 12 months were diagnosed more often with genital Herpes simplex than patients in discordant EPZ-6438 mouse relationships (P=0.001). In the univariate and multivariate logistic regression, the following variables were associated with seroconversion: PVL >100 000 [odds ratio (OR): 1.82; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–2.8], non-disclosure of HIV status (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 4.3–6.2) and not using condoms (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 2.4–3.6). Couples-based intervention models are crucial in Metformin preventing HIV transmission to seronegative spouses. Providing early treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HAART and enhancing condom use and disclosure could potentially decrease the risk of HIV transmission within Indian married couples. An increasing focus of HIV preventive strategies has been to move away from solely reducing the risk-taking behaviours of HIV-uninfected individuals to focusing on HIV-infected individuals who may continue to practice HIV risk-taking

behaviours [1]. Studies from the developed and developing world have documented that a sizeable number of HIV-infected individuals continue to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse with HIV-serodiscordant partners [2–6]. Unprotected intercourse may be more common among HIV-infected individuals in steady or regular relationships than in casual or non-regular sexual encounters [7]. Additionally, high plasma HIV-1 RNA levels and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may put the HIV-uninfected partner at continued risk of infection [8–16]. These findings suggest that there are multiple biological and behavioural risk factors for HIV transmission among individuals in serodiscordant relationships where the HIV status of the partner is known. In traditional societies, the use of preventive measures by HIV-uninfected partners may be further hampered by social stigma, reproductive issues and gender inequality [17]. In India, it is estimated that 2.

In our HIV-positive cohort, who were essentially successfully treated, this viral load increase was modest and transient – although it lasted for several weeks. No patient had to be switched to a different treatment regimen following immunization. Thus, our observations should not lead to concerns or discourage immunization of HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy, as currently recommended for their protection. However,

this effect requires to be further evaluated before the AS03 adjuvant can be considered safe in HIV-1-infected patients, especially in areas of the world where access to effective antiretroviral therapy monitoring has not yet been secured. This work was supported by an Institutional grant from BAY 80-6946 the Centre de Recherche Clinique of the University Hospitals selleck chemical of Geneva and Medical Faculty of Geneva, by the Louis Jeantet Foundation and by the Centre of Vaccinology. MB was supported by the Swiss Federal Office

of Public Health. We would like to thank Dr Baljit Phull for his careful reading of the manuscript and his useful modifications. The members of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) are: J. Barth, M. Battegay, E. Bernasconi, J. Böni, H. C. Bucher, C. Burton-Jeangros, A. Calmy, M. Cavassini, C. Cellerai, M. Egger, L. Elzi, J. Fehr, J. Fellay, M. Flepp, P. Francioli (President of the SHCS), H. Furrer (Chairman of the Clinical and Laboratory Committee), C. A. Fux, M. Gorgievski, H. Günthard (Chairman of the Scientific Board), D. Haerry (deputy of ‘Positive Council’), B. Hasse, H. H. Hirsch, B. Hirschel, I. Hösli, C. Kahlert, L. Kaiser, O. Keiser, C. Kind, T. Klimkait, H. Kovari, B. Ledergerber, G. Martinetti, B. Martinez de Tejada, K. Metzner, N. Müller, D. Nadal, G. Pantaleo, A. Rauch, S. Regenass,

M. Rickenbach Miconazole (Head of Data Center), C. Rudin (Chairman of the Mother & Child Substudy), P. Schmid, D. Schultze, F. Schöni-Affolter, J. Schüpbach, R. Speck, P. Taffé, P. Tarr, A. Telenti, A. Trkola, P. Vernazza, R. Weber and S. Yerly. Author contributions: AC, CC, SY, LK, BH and CAS contributed to study design and data interpretation. AC, MB, AN, CD, SM and SY contributed to data acquisition. Statistical analyses were performed by CC and CD. AC and CAS wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript and agreed to its submission. Funding: This work was supported by the Center for Clinical Research and the Center for Vaccinology (Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School), the Louis Jeantet Foundation and, in the framework of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant # 33CS30_134277). MB was supported by a grant from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. The H1N1 Study Group of the Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland is as follows: C. A. Siegrist, K. Posfay-Barbe, S. Meier, M. Bel, S. Grillet and G. Sealy (Centre for Vaccinology); J. Demeules, S. Charvat, M. Verdon and C. Combescure (Clinical Research Centre); B. Hirschel, A. Calmy, A. Nguyen and C.

In our HIV-positive cohort, who were essentially successfully treated, this viral load increase was modest and transient – although it lasted for several weeks. No patient had to be switched to a different treatment regimen following immunization. Thus, our observations should not lead to concerns or discourage immunization of HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy, as currently recommended for their protection. However,

this effect requires to be further evaluated before the AS03 adjuvant can be considered safe in HIV-1-infected patients, especially in areas of the world where access to effective antiretroviral therapy monitoring has not yet been secured. This work was supported by an Institutional grant from ABT 199 the Centre de Recherche Clinique of the University Hospitals selleck chemical of Geneva and Medical Faculty of Geneva, by the Louis Jeantet Foundation and by the Centre of Vaccinology. MB was supported by the Swiss Federal Office

of Public Health. We would like to thank Dr Baljit Phull for his careful reading of the manuscript and his useful modifications. The members of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) are: J. Barth, M. Battegay, E. Bernasconi, J. Böni, H. C. Bucher, C. Burton-Jeangros, A. Calmy, M. Cavassini, C. Cellerai, M. Egger, L. Elzi, J. Fehr, J. Fellay, M. Flepp, P. Francioli (President of the SHCS), H. Furrer (Chairman of the Clinical and Laboratory Committee), C. A. Fux, M. Gorgievski, H. Günthard (Chairman of the Scientific Board), D. Haerry (deputy of ‘Positive Council’), B. Hasse, H. H. Hirsch, B. Hirschel, I. Hösli, C. Kahlert, L. Kaiser, O. Keiser, C. Kind, T. Klimkait, H. Kovari, B. Ledergerber, G. Martinetti, B. Martinez de Tejada, K. Metzner, N. Müller, D. Nadal, G. Pantaleo, A. Rauch, S. Regenass,

M. Rickenbach Aspartate (Head of Data Center), C. Rudin (Chairman of the Mother & Child Substudy), P. Schmid, D. Schultze, F. Schöni-Affolter, J. Schüpbach, R. Speck, P. Taffé, P. Tarr, A. Telenti, A. Trkola, P. Vernazza, R. Weber and S. Yerly. Author contributions: AC, CC, SY, LK, BH and CAS contributed to study design and data interpretation. AC, MB, AN, CD, SM and SY contributed to data acquisition. Statistical analyses were performed by CC and CD. AC and CAS wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript and agreed to its submission. Funding: This work was supported by the Center for Clinical Research and the Center for Vaccinology (Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School), the Louis Jeantet Foundation and, in the framework of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant # 33CS30_134277). MB was supported by a grant from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. The H1N1 Study Group of the Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland is as follows: C. A. Siegrist, K. Posfay-Barbe, S. Meier, M. Bel, S. Grillet and G. Sealy (Centre for Vaccinology); J. Demeules, S. Charvat, M. Verdon and C. Combescure (Clinical Research Centre); B. Hirschel, A. Calmy, A. Nguyen and C.

atroviride and Phomopsis sp., and the other in which R. solani growth is

weakly inhibited (A. longipes, E. nigrum). In this study, T. atroviride and Phomopsis sp. were found to be the best antagonists against R. solani. Confocal microscopy observations of all the fungal BCAs used in this study confirmed that they act differently against R. solani. The active antagonists limit themselves to the pathogens and block their development by winding around the hyphae. However, T. atroviride showed evidence of penetration into pathogen hyphae. This mechanism has been reported (Benhamou & Chet, 1996) using electron microscopy. Whipps (2001) showed that Trichoderma spp. includes Ulixertinib mw several species that produce antibiotics against different plant pathogens and, indeed, many were studied and some have been used as commercial BCAs. Whipps (2001) also mentioned that competition for nutrients and space is selleck chemicals another possible mechanism by which BCAs suppress or reduce pathogen infections. For example, T. atroviride can parasitize many soilborne pathogens, such as R. solani, Sclerotium rolfstii, Fusarium sp., Phytophthora sp., and Pythium sp. Trichoderma has been reported to form specialized structures upon contact with its target, in particular, the mycoparasite coils around the host hyphae (Herrera-Estrella & Chet, 1999). There are several studies showing the implication of the genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes and the

secretion of these enzymes in the mycoparasitism interactions (Kim et al., 2002). On the other hand, E. nigrum limits pathogen development by growing along R. solani hyphae and inducing their lysis. Epicoccum nigrum, also known in the literature as Epicoccum purpurascens Ehrenb, ex Schlecht., is an anamorphic fungus that produces darkly pigmented (Fig. 1e) muriform conidia on short conidiophores borne on the surface of a sporodochium, a superficial, cushion-like mass of pseudoparenchyma-like hyphal cells. It has been used as a BCA for certain fungal diseases of plants, apple brown rot (Monilia laxa) and damping-off (Hashem & Ali, 2004). However, its efficacy has never been evaluated

against Rhizoctonia diseases. Consequently, our work is the first investigation showing the role of this fungus in controlling R. solani diseases on potato. The results obtained for the production of volatile substances showed that all antagonist N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate transferase isolates produce volatile substances acting against this pathogenic fungus. However, the inhibition of radial pathogenic fungus growth remains inferior to that observed in the dual culture assay. It has been shown that Trichoderma species are highly effective BCAs of soilborne plant pathogens and can produce volatile and nonvolatile antibiotics that inhibit the growth of other pathogens (R. solani, Heterobasidium annosum, and Fusarium oxysporum) (Haran et al., 1996). Our work is the first investigation to test both fungal genera Phomopsis and Alternaria for a role in controlling R. solani diseases.