Dermatophyte Strains Research Articles

Studies on the Efficacy of Various Antimycotic Drugs on Emerging and Reemerging, Superficial, Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Mycotic Infections

Introduction: The efficacy of five systemic and topical antifungal medications, Voriconazole, clotrimazol, beclometasone, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole, on dermatomycosis, which affects the superficial layers of the skin, nails, foot, and hair, was tested with 180 patients.
 Methods: Included were specimen collection, processing, microscopy, and culture, as well as antifungal susceptibility testing using the E-test method. The Candida species were confirmed and their susceptibility to Voriconazole and Fluconazole was tested using the automated Vitek 2.
 Results: The final strain identification indicated 41 dermatophytes (69.49%), 11 non-dermatophytic molds (NDM) (18.64%), and 7 yeasts (11.87%). (candida). Candida was the most prevalent nondermatophyte species found. Trichophyton rubrum was the most prevalent species isolated in Tinea corporis, T. cruris, T. capitis, and T. faciei. When tested with the E strips, all dermatophyte strains showed the greatest vulnerability to beclometasone and clotrimazole (MIC range of 0.04–0.64), but homogeneous resistance to Fluconazole (i.e. MIC 32 g/ml).
 Conclusion: Variation in species distribution was shown to be statistically significant (p = 0.001) in terms of clinical presentation.

In Vitro Enzymatic Virulence Factors of Dermatophytes Species Isolated From Clinical Specimens

Background: Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that affect the stratum corneum of the skin and keratinous structures. Violent factors play a vital role in the pathogenesis and antifungal resistance of dermatophytes. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the activity of extracellular enzymatic and biofilm formation as virulence factors of dermatophyte isolates. Methods: Fifty-eight dermatophyte isolates belonged to 27 Trichophyton. rubrum (46.6%), 19 T. mentagrophytes (32.8%), and 12 Microsporum. canis (20.7%) for evaluating the activity of phospholipase, hemolysin, proteinase, and biofilm formation were examined. The biofilm formed was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Findings: Evaluation of extracellular enzymes production revealed that 86.2%, 77.6 %, and 57% of dermatophyte strains were shown to be phospholipase, hemolysin, and proteinase producers, respectively. Furthermore, all isolates of T. rubrum and M. canis can produce phospholipase and hemolysin, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between phospholipase activity and dermatophyte strains (P<0.05). In addition, biofilm formation ability was observed in 41.5% of dermatophyte isolates. The highest level of biofilm production was found in 93% of dermatophytes isolated from nail chips. A significant difference between biofilm formation with dermatophyte isolates and different body sites was observed (P <0.05). Conclusion: The activity of hydrolytic enzymes and biofilm formation as important pathogenic factors may play a role in the persistence of dermatophytosis infections. Our results showed that dermatophyte isolates have enzymatic activity and biofilm production at different levels. Therefore, understanding the function of these factors is essential to controlling the spread of dermatophytosis infection.

GC-MS Characterization, In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Potential Antidermatophytic Activity of Citrullus lanatus Seed Oil

Background: Dermatophytes are well-known fungus having the capability to invade kerat-inized tissues of nails, skin, and hair, of humans and other animals, causing dermatophytosis. Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seed is a rich source of vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and minerals, bearing var-ious health benefits. Despite the presence of many useful components, the oil is not much explored. Accordingly, the study was planned to investigate the fatty acid profiling, in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential antidermatophytic activity of Citrullus lanatus seed oil against dermato-phytic strains. Methods: The C. lanatus oil was extracted from seeds, and fatty acid profiling was characterized by GC-MS. Further, the oil was subjected to DPPH scavenging activity, and the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated from Bovine serum albumin assay. The antidermatophytic screening against Microsporum canis, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was carried out by agar well diffusion, broth microdilution assay, and growth kinetics assay. Results: The C. lanatus seed oil exhibited good antioxidant activity close to ascorbic acid, i.e., IC50- 52.22 μg/ml, 35.72 μg/ml, respectively, and the oil exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory ac-tivity (315.2 μg/ml) as that of the standard drug diclofenac sodium (174.3μg/ml). The fatty acid profiling indicates the presence of eight main compounds, out of which ç-tocopherol, butylated hy-droxytoluene, and hexadecanoic acid are predominantly present. The C. lanatus seed oil showed promising activity against T. rubrum with a lower minimum inhibitory concentration value with re-spect to positive controls, Fluconazole and Ketoconazole. The oil also had a strong effect on time-dependent kinetic inhibition against T. rubrum. This was the first report of C. lanatus seed oil against any dermatophyte. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study supports the exploitation of C. lanatus seed oil and its main compounds as a source of natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and as a novel agent against dermatophytes for curing superficial fungal infections in the near future.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of polyfluoroalkyl-containing 4-arylhydrazinylidene-isoxazoles as antifungal agents with antioxidant activity

The regioselective cyclization of 2-arylhydrazinylidene-3-polyfluoroalkyl-3-oxo esters with hydroxylamine resulted in 4-arylhydrazinylidene-3-polyfluoroalkylisoxazol-5-ones, while the analogous reaction of 2-arylhydrazinylidene-3-polyfluoroalkyl-1,3-diketones led to 4-arylhydrazinylidene-5-polyfluoroalkyldihydroisoxazol-5-oles, which were dehydrated to 4-arylhydrazinylidene-5-polyfluoroalkylisoxazoles. To explain a regioselectivity of reactions, the quantum-chemical calculations were performed. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by IR, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and X-Ray diffraction analysis. Almost all isoxazolones and dihydroisoxazoles demonstrated an inhibitory action against the majority of investigated strains of dermatophytes Trichophyton family, E. floccosum, and M. canis, while isoxazoles were found to be inactive. The lead compounds were 4-tolylhydrazinylidene-3-trifluoromethylisoxazol-5-one, 3-methyl-5-pentafluoroethyl- and 3-phenyl-5-trifluoromethyl-4-tolylhydrazinylidenedihydroisoxazol-5-oles having the antifungal activity against all dermatophyte strains (MIC 0.78…25 μg/kg) and C. ablicans yeasts (MIC 25 μg/kg). Seven derivatives showed a moderate antibacterial activity against N. gonorrhoeae (MIC 31.2…62.5 μg/kg). In addition, dihydroisoxazololes demonstrated a high antioxidant activity in the ABTS (TEAC is up to 2.0) and FRAP (TE is up to 1.91) tests, which could be helpful for hepatotoxicity reducing. The results obtained show the absence of anticholinesterase activity in all the compounds and demonstrate a weak inhibition of CES by most of the compounds, that should be taken into consideration in the therapeutic use of the compounds in high doses.

Mise au point et activité biologique d’une crème à base d’huile essentielle de clou de girofle

Clove essential oil is isolated from the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum from which many biological activities have been reported. The aim of this work was to develop a cream for topical use containing clove essential oil (HE) as an active ingredient and to test its biological activity. Clove EO was extracted by hydrodistillation, its chemical composition was analysed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG-SM). The EO was then incorporated into a cream where its stability was studied. The antifungal activity was evaluated by disc-diffusion method. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of EO and the cream was assessed y by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Clove EO contains two major constituents: eugenol (69.14%) and β-Caryophyllene (18.8%). The cream had good organoleptic and physicochemical properties. Both EO and the cream showed growth inhibitory effects on the two studied dermatophytes strains. The incorporation of EO in the cream provided a good anti-inflammatory activity, similar to the reference drug. The developed creme was stable, had good anti-inflammatory properties and moderate antifungal activity. Long-term stability studies and in vivo tests would lead to the use of clove essential oil in the development of new pharmaceutical forms.

Investigation of powerful fungicidal activity of tetra-cationic platinum(II) and palladium(II) porphyrins by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy assays

This manuscript reports enhanced antimicrobial photoinactivation using tetra-cationic porphyrins with peripheral platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes against fungal dermatophyte strains. Six different positively charged porphyrins were used and applied in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy experiments (aPDT) against dermatophyte fungi colonies. The microbiological tests were conducted with an adequate concentration of photosensitizer (PS) under white-light irradiation for 120 min and the most effective PS meta isomer 3PtP significantly reduced the concentration of viable fungal colony. In this way, tetra-cationic porphyrins containing platinum(II)-bipyridyl complexes may be promising fungicidal aPDT agents with potential applications in future clinical cases.

European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus L.) as a Reservoir of Dermatophytes in Poland

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus Linnaeus) frequently colonises areas located close to human life in cities, as these are more suitable nest sites offering an abundance of food and allowing avoidance of predators. However, urbanisation has a significant impact on the epidemiology of infectious diseases, including dermatophytoses, the primary source of which are wild animals. In this study, we determined the spectrum of dermatophytes isolated from the European hedgehog and assessed their susceptibility profile to antifungal drugs. Symptomatic and asymptomatic dermatophyte infections were observed in 7.7% and 8% of the 182 examined free-living hedgehogs, respectively. In the pool of the isolated dermatophyte strains, Trichophyton erinacei was dominant (29.9%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (17.9%), Trichophyton benhamiae (13.4%), Nannizzia gypsea (11.9%), Microsporum canis (10.4%), Nannizzia nana (7.5%), Paraphyton cookei (6.0%), and Nannizzia fulva (3.0%). Susceptibility tests revealed the highest activity of luliconazole and the lowest of activity fluconazole among the azole drugs applied. Although terbinafine generally exhibited high efficacy, two Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolates showed resistance to this drug (MIC = 2 µg/ml) resulting from missense mutations in the SQLE gene corresponding to the amino acid substitution Leu393Phe. Summarising, our study has also revealed that such wildlife animals as hedgehogs can be a reservoir of pathogenic human dermatophytes, including harmful strains resistant to commonly used antifungal drugs.Graphical

State-of-the-Art Dermatophyte Infections: Epidemiology Aspects, Pathophysiology, and Resistance Mechanisms.

The burden of fungal infections is not widely appreciated. Although these infections are responsible for over one million deaths annually, it is estimated that one billion people are affected by severe fungal diseases. Mycoses of nails and skin, primarily caused by fungi known as dermatophytes, are the most common fungal infections. Trichophyton rubrum appears to be the most common causative agent of dermatophytosis, followed by Trichophyton interdigitale. An estimated 25% of the world’s population suffers from dermatomycosis. Although these infections are not lethal, they compromise the quality of life of infected patients. The outcome of antidermatophytic treatments is impaired by various conditions, such as resistance and tolerance of certain dermatophyte strains. The adage “know your enemy” must be the focus of fungal research. There is an urgent need to increase awareness about the significance of these infections with precise epidemiological data and to improve knowledge regarding fungal biology and pathogenesis, with an emphasis on adaptive mechanisms to tackle adverse conditions from host counteractions. This review outlines the current knowledge about dermatophyte infections, with a focus on signaling pathways required for fungal infection establishment and a broad perspective on cellular and molecular factors involved in antifungal resistance and tolerance.

A simple multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for rapid identification of the common pathogenic dermatophytes: Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton rubrum, and Epidermophyton floccosum.

Background and Purpose: The most common etiological agents of human dermatophytosis in various parts of the world are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, and Epidermophyton floccosum. The main aim of this study was to design and evaluate a simple and straightforward multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for reliable identification/differentiation of these species in clinical isolates.Materials and Methods: The reliable sequences of several molecular targets of dermatophytes species were used to design a multiplex PCR for the identification of common pathogenic dermatophytes. The isolates and clinical specimens examined in this study included seven standard strains of dermatophytes, 101 isolates of dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte molds/yeasts which had already been identified by sequencing or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and 155 clinical samples from patients suspected of cutaneous mycoses.Results: Species-specific primer pairs for T. rubrum and T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes were designed based on the sequence data of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene, and the primers for E. floccosum targeted the specific sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS). The multiplex PCR successfully detected T. rubrum, T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes, and E. floccosum strains that were identified by sequencing or PCR-RFLP. However, the primer pairs selected for T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes cross-reacted with Trichophyton tonsurans. In testing the PCR system directly for clinical samples, the proportion of positive multiplex PCR was higher than positive culture (68.1% vs. 55.4%, respectively). Conclusion: The multiplex assay could detect three common agents out of several causal agents of dermatophytosis, namely T. rubrum, T. interdigitale, and E. floccosum. Therefore, by adding pan-dermatophyte primers it can be used as a comprehensive detection/identification test.

Inhibitory Property of Poly (AN-co-VP) Copolymer on Some Dermatophyte Fungi and Yeasts that Cause Fungal Infections

In recent years, the high frequency of fungal infections originating from Candida and dermatophyte strains has accelerated treatment attempts. Antimicrobial susceptibility test for poly (AN-co-VP) / copolymer, which we think could be an ideal drug in treatment interventions was evaluated with disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitor concentration. In the antimicrobial measurement data, it was determined that the poly (AN-co-VP) / coolymer dissolved in pure water is an significant inhibitory property against the growth of yeast (on Candida spp. with 11.33 ± 0.3 mm barrier area) and dermatophyte fungi (on Epidermophyton sp. and Trichophyton sp. with 12.33 ± 0.3 mm barrier area) (p

In vitro antifungal susceptibility patterns of Trichophyton benhamiae complex isolates from diverse origin.

Species from the Trichophyton benhamiae complex are mostly zoophilic dermatophytes which cause inflammatory dermatophytosis in animals and humans worldwide. This study was purposed to (a) to identify 169 reference and clinical dermatophyte strains from the Tbenhamiae complex species by molecular method and adhering to the newest taxonomy in the complex (b) to evaluate the in vitro antifungal susceptibility profile of these strains against eight common and new antifungal agents that may be used for the treatment of dermatophytosis. All isolates, mainly originated from Europe but also from Iran, Japan and USA, were subjected to ITS-rDNA sequencing. The in vitro antifungal susceptibility profiles of eight common and new antifungal drugs against the isolates were determined by CLSI M38-A2 protocol and according to microdilution method. Based on the ITS-rDNA sequencing, Tbenhamiae was the dominant species (n=102), followed by Teuropaeum (n=29), Terinacei (n=23), Tjaponicum (n=10), Trichophyton sp (n=4) and Teriotrephon (n=1). MIC ranges across all isolates were as follows: luliconazole: 0.0002-0.002µg/ml, terbinafine: 0.008-0.125µg/ml, efinaconazole: 0.008-0.125µg/ml, ciclopirox olamine: 0.03-0.5µg/ml, itraconazole: 0.06-2µg/ml, griseofulvin: 0.25-4µg/ml, amorolfine hydrochloride: 0.125-4µg/ml and tavaborole: 1-16µg/ml. Luliconazole, efinaconazole and terbinafine were the most potent antifungals against Tbenhamiae complex isolates, regardless of the geographic locations where strains were isolated. These data might help dermatologists to develop effective therapies for successful treatment of infections due to Tbenhamiae complex species.

Pharmacological Potential and Chemical Characterization of Bridelia ferruginea Benth.-A Native Tropical African Medicinal Plant.

To avail the possible pharmacological actions of Bridelia ferruginea Benth., the present investigation was designed to quantitatively analyze the total flavonoid and phenolic contents and assess the various antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties of leaf and stem bark extracts (ethyl acetate, water and methanolic) of B. ferruginea. Anti-proliferative effect was also investigated against human colon cancer cells (HCT116) as well as the antimicrobial potential against multiple bacterial and fungal (yeasts and dermatophytes) strains. The methanolic and water extracts of the stem bark demonstrated the highest phenolic content (193.58 ± 0.98 and 187.84 ± 1.88 mg/g, respectively), while the leaf extracts showed comparatively higher flavonoid contents (24.37–42.31 mg/g). Overall, the methanolic extracts were found to possess the most significant antioxidant potency. Compared to the other extracts, methanolic extracts of the B. ferruginea were revealed to be most potent inhibitors of acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases, tyrosinase α-amylase, except α-glucosidase. Only the ethyl acetate extracts were found to inhibit glucosidase. Additionally, the stem bark methanolic extract also showed potent inhibitory activity against E. coli and gram-positive bacteria (MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration): 2.48–62.99 µg/mL), as well as all the tested fungi (MIC: 4.96–62.99 µg/mL). In conclusion, B. ferruginea can be regarded as a promising source of bioactive compounds displaying multifunctional pharmacological activities and thus is a potential candidate for further investigations in the endeavor to develop botanical formulations for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Antifungal and antioxidant effect of the lachnophyllum ester, isolated from the essential oil of Baccharis trinervis (Lam.) Pers., against dermatophytes fungi

ABSTRACT Dermatophytes are hyaline fungi that parasitize the keratinized tissue of humans and animals causing mycotic infections. Natural products are promising molecules for the development of new antifungal drugs, due to the phenomenon of resistance and toxicity. This study reports the isolation and identification of lachnophyllum ester and evaluates its antioxidant, antifungal and modulatory activities against dermatophytes fungi. Lachnophyllum ester was obtained using a silica gel column chromatography of the essential oil from the aerial parts of Baccharis trinervis and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method. The modulatory activity assays were performed by the checkerboard technique using lachnophyllum ester and ketoconazole as standard. The lachnophyllum ester exhibited good antioxidant activity as measured by a β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching system, with 71.43% ± 0.01% inhibition rate. In addition, it showed antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis strains. In the modulatory assay, interaction between lachnophyllum ester and ketoconazole was synergistic, reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the antifungal drug and modulating its antifungal action against dermatophyte strains. In conclusion, lachnophyllum ester has been shown to act as a natural antioxidant compound, as well as an antimicrobial alternative against dermatophyte fungi of the genus Trichophyton and Microsporum.

<i>In Vitro</i> Susceptibility of Dermatophytes to Anti-Fungal Drugs and Aqueous <i>Acacia nilotica</i> Leaf Extract in Lagos, Nigeria

Dermatophytes were earlier reported to respond well to anti-fungal agents; however, an upsurge in resistance with the high cost of these agents increased the use of medicinal plants for treatment. This study investigated the sensitivity pattern of dermatophytes to oral anti-fungal drugs and aqueous leaf extract of the plant, Acacia nilotica. The extract was tested against seven strains of dermatophytes Arthroderma otae, Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton mentagrophyte, Microsporum ferrugineum, Arthroderma vespertilii, Arthroderma quadrifidum, and Arthroderma multifidum, previously isolated from diabetic patients. The minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of the plant extracts and the standard antifungal agents were evaluated using modifications of the broth macro dilution method of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards M38-A2 protocol. There was a significant difference in the Minimum Inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the dermatophytes to the three antifungal drugs tested (p Acacia nilotica had an inhibitory effect on all the dermatophytes tested, and showed anti-fungal activity in a dose-dependent relationship between 0.625 - 1.25 mg/ml. Though the inhibitions of the dermatophytes were significantly higher with the standard anti-fungal drugs as compared to the plant extract (p Arthroderma quadrifidum, which was resistant to all the anti-fungal drugs, had the highest inhibition with A. nilotica. Some circulating dermatophyte strains in Nigeria are griseofulvin and/or itraconazole resistant which may influence the spread of infection and A. nilotica aqueous leaf extract showed a strong anti-dermatophytic activity.

Comparison of Broth Microdilution Method vs Disk Diffusion Method for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing in Dermatophytosis: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Dermatophytosis is frequently associated with relapses following the interruption of antifungal therapy. The incidence of fungal infections, including resistant infections, has increased during the last few years, may be due to inadequate use of drugs or increased incidence of immunodeficiency states. Aim: To compare disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods and to determine in vitro activity of antifungal agents which are most commonly used to treat the dermatophytic infection. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted from November 2016 to April 2018 on 50 dermatophytic strains isolated from skin, hair and nail specimen collected from Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD) of Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. All samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Sabouraud’s Cycloheximide, Chloramphenicol Agar (SCCA) medium and incubated at 25°C upto 21 days. Then antifungal susceptibility was done using disk diffusion and broth microdilution method. Result was analysed Statistical software namely Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 and graph pad were used to analyse the data. Results: Data analysis of drug susceptibility tests involved a standard 2×2 contingency table. The isolates belong to two genera and five species namely Trichophyton menatagrophytes (44%), Trichophyton rubrum (32%), Trichophyton violaceum (18%), Trichophyton verrucosum (4%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (2%). The kappa value for fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine and griseofulvin were 0.419, 0.464, 0.444 and 0.451 respectively for disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Conclusion: A good agreement was observed between disk diffusion and broth microdilution method.

Superficial fungal infections in a time of pandemi

Current challenges for healthcare systems worldwide should not overshadow global prevalence of contagious superficial fungal infections. Causative agents, patterns of their spread and clinical manifestations of cutaneous mycoses all change and so does our knowledge of fungal biology and genetics. Sooner or later, dermatologists would have to adapt or develop newer diagnostic and therapeutic modalities according to novelties im dermatophyte taxonomy and major epidemiologic shifts. Common management of tinea infections in most developed countries including Russia still relies on the same hundred years old mycological techniques and the same antifungals as decades ago. Emergence of resistant dermatophyte strains and reported series of recalcitrant tinea infections in some regions of the world raise awareness in Europe today and may be expected in Russia tomorrow. Learning from recent international experience and clinical trials, one may need reappraisal of different topical antifungals recommended in Russia.

Activity of Various Essential Oils Against Clinical Dermatophytes of Microsporum and Trichophyton.

Dermatophytoses account for nearly a quarter of all fungal infections worldwide. These difficult to treat infections of the skin, hair, and nails, are growing more resistant to conventional antifungal treatments, and when treatable, often require prolonged therapeutic regimens. For centuries, essential oils have been used to treat a variety of ailments. In this study, we evaluated the clinical effects in vitro of 65 essential oils and 21 essential oil blends against various clinical species/strains of dermatophytes from two primary genera, Microsporum and Trichophyton. Our aim: To determine the overall activity of a wide range of essential oils against a number of clinical strains of dermatophytes. For all assays, 16 clinically derived species/strains of dermatophytes were used. The activity of each essential oil was assessed using a modified disk-diffusion assay over a period of 21 days of incubation vs. standard antifungal drugs. Subsequently, we determined the minimum inhibitory dilution possible for the most potent essential oils and performed combination testing to determine if synergy could be demonstrated with sub-inhibitory concentrations. We also assessed the effect of repeated vs. single applications. Of all the essential oils tested, cassia, cilantro, cinnamon, thyme, and oregano were the most potent along with one blend, DDR Prime; all genera/species tested were completely inhibited for 21 days following a single application. Many of the other oils tested exhibited temporal differences in activity where significant inhibition was observed ≤10 days of incubation which declined by day 21. Synergistic combinations were achieved with oregano and cilantro, cassia, or cinnamon bark; rose and cassia were also synergistic. Repeat application maintained complete inhibition for citronella, lemon myrtle, and litsea out to 21 days, but not lemon grass or On Guard. More study is necessary to understand the ways essential oils inhibit the growth of dermatophytes. Comprehensive research aimed at understanding the mechanism of action of essential oils and their components may provide the basis for a natural alternative to topical antifungal drugs. Such research could be envisioned to target optimal combinations and determine the timing between applications to provide for maximum inhibition of recurrence or growth.

Belgian National Survey on Tinea Capitis: Epidemiological Considerations and Highlight of Terbinafine-Resistant T. mentagrophytes with a Mutation on SQLE Gene.

Background: In this last decade, a huge increase in African anthropophilic strains causing tinea capitis has been observed in Europe. The Belgian National Reference Center for Mycosis (NRC) conducted a surveillance study on tinea capitis in 2018 to learn the profile of circulating dermatophytes. Methods: Belgian laboratories were invited to send all dermatophyte strains isolated from the scalp with epidemiological information. Strain identification was confirmed by ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) sequencing. Mutation in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene was screened by PCR. Results: The main population affected by tinea capitis was children from 5–9 years. Males were more affected than females. The majority of the strains were collected in the Brussels area followed by the Liege area. Among known ethnic origins, African people were more affected by tinea capitis than European people. The major aetiological agent was Microsporum audouinii, followed by Trichophyton soudanense. One strain of Trichophyton mentagrophytes has been characterized to have a mutation on the squalene epoxidase gene and to be resistant to terbinafine. Conclusions: African anthropophilic dermatophytes are mainly responsible for tinea capitis in Belgium. People of African origin are most affected by tinea capitis. The monitoring of terbinafine resistance among dermatophytes seems necessary as we have demonstrated the emergence of resistance in T. mentagrophytes.

Tinea capitis at the University Hospital of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, and first isolation of Trichophyton tonsurans

Tinea capitis, which are fungal infections caused by some dermatophyte species, are common in developing countries, such as Algeria, where they represent a public health concern. In order to define the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic features of these infections, a prospective study was conducting from September 2018 to May 2019, at the University Hospital of Tizi-Ouzou (Algeria). PatientsAll patients addressed to the Laboratory of Parasitology–Mycology of the University Hospital of Tizi-Ouzou for a suspected Tinea capitis, were included in this study. Materials and methodsBefore sampling, contact with animals or soil, presence of similar lesions in the family circle, and previous antifungal or corticosteroid treatment were searched. Mycological examination included direct microscopic examination of the samples, and culture on Sabouraud agar slants at 27°C for up to 4weeks. ResultsOut of the 87 samples examined, 46 allowed us to confirm the diagnosis of Tinea capitis, representing a positivity rate of 52.9%. The sex ratio was 1.09 (52.2% males vs. 47.8% females among the infected patients), and the infection mainly involved children of 4–6years (43.3%). Thirty-four strains of dermatophytes were isolated. Microsporum canis was the most frequent species identified (44.1%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (38.2%). During this study, Trichophyton tonsurans, an unusual dermatophyte species in Algeria, was identified for the first time in our hospital. ConclusionTinea capitis are still common in Algeria, mainly affecting school-aged children and preschool children. Microsporum canis and T. mentagrophytes are the major causative agents, in agreement with previous studies showing a decrease in frequency of anthropophilic species, in favour of zoophilic species.

Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Profiles of Passiflora foetida L. Extracts: Novel Insights for Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals

In the present study, Passiflora foetida extracts characterized by different polarities were studied for their phytochemical profile, enzyme inhibitory, and antioxidant potentials. In silico, in vitro and ex vivo studies were also carried out on methanol and water extracts for predicting pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In this regard, neuronal HypoE22 cells, isolated mouse skin tissues, and pathogen dermatophytes strains were exposed to extracts. Emphasis was given to the preventing effects induced by the extracts on hydrogen peroxide-induced alterations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), l-dopa, and serotonin. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of similar compounds in infusion and methanolic extracts. The ex vivo studies also showed protective skin properties by P. foetida water and methanol extracts, as evidenced by the decrease of hydrogen peroxide-induced PGE2 level. Additionally, the blunting effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced l-dopa levels are consistent with the anti-tyrosinase effect exerted by both extracts. In silico studies demonstrated the affinity of extracts’ phytochemicals, namely apigenin, chrysoeriol, loliolide, luteolin, quercetin, and vitexin, towards cyclo-oxygenase-2 and tyrosinase. Finally, microbiological tests demonstrated the efficacy of P. foetida methanol and water extracts as anti-mycotic agents against Trichophyton and Arthroderma species, involved in skin inflammation. Hence, P. foetida L. extracts could represent potential sources of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.