Lesions Of Dermatophytosis Research Articles

In Situ Expression of TNF-α and IL-10 in Human Dermatophytosis Lesions due to Trichophyton rubrum.

Dermatophytosis is a very common superficial mycosis, but there are few studies about the human immune response to dermatophytes. We aim to analyze the in situ expression of TNF-α and IL-10 in human dermatophytosis. Expression of TNF-α and IL-10 were evaluated in skin samples from 10 patients with dermatophytosis and 12 healthy subjects using an immunohistochemistry assay. TNF-α and IL-10 were significantly elevated in lesions from patients with dermatophytosis compared to healthy controls. These data illustrate the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines suggesting Trichophyton rubrum infection could control the local immune response.

Incidence and Characteristics of Dermatophytosis Lesions in Cats (Felis catus) at Go Pet Care Animal Clinic (2020-2022)

Dermatophytosis, a dermatological condition caused by dermatophyte fungi, affects the superficial keratinized structures of the skin. The primary etiological agents include the genera Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. This study examines the incidence and characteristics of dermatophytosis lesions in domestic cats (Felis catus) at Go Pet Care Animal Clinic from 2020 to 2022. The research utilized secondary data from the clinic's medical records, which is a significant reference institution in Kabupaten Bandung Barat, to assess the prevalence and features of dermatophytosis within this population. The findings revealed a prevalence of 7.5% in 2020, 11.3% in 2021, and 3.7% in 2022. The incidence was highest in cats under 1 year of age, with a notable frequency in Persian breed cats and males. Common lesions identified included localized alopecia primarily in the ear region, alopecia in the back region, and crust formation also in the back area. This study provides critical insights into the epidemiology and clinical presentation of dermatophytosis in domestic cats, offering guidance for improved diagnosis and management of the condition.

Antimicrobial Effect of Cassia alataLeaf Extracts on Fungal Isolates from Tinea Infections

Dermatophytoses are caused by fungi in the genera Microsprum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. Africans use extracts of medicinal plants to treat dermatophytosis. This study aimed to determine the in vitro antifungal activity of crude leaf extract of Cassia alata on fungal isolates from dermatophytosis lesions. Subjects with suspected lesions of dermatophytosis were recruited for the study. Skin scrapings were obtained from lesions for microscopy and culture. Isolates were identified macroscopically and microscopically. Fresh Cassia alata leaves were plucked and authenticated by a Botanist. Aqueous and alcohol extraction was done using the Soxhlet extractor. Isolates were subjected to in vitro leave extracts antifungal testing using disc diffusion methods. A total of 50 subjects were recruited for the study comprising 28(56.0%) males and 22(44.0%) females with a male to female ratio of 2.5: 1. The prevalence of dermatophytes infection in the study was 14(28.0%). Trichophyton rubrum was the most encountered isolates (42.8%). Males 10(71.4%) were more infected than females 4(28.5%). The susceptibility rates of dermatophytes to anfungals range between 0 100% with 30(78.6%) susceptibility to Griseofulvin. The aqueous extract was more effective with susceptibility rates 33.3% - 83.3% than ethanolic extract 16.7% - 50.0%. The dermatophytes were more susceptible to the 50µg/mL aqueous extract with rates between 50% - 83.3% while the range for the 50µg/mL ethanolic extract was 25.0% - 50.0%. Trichophyton veruccosum and E. floccosum were resistant to extracts. Cassia alata leaf extracts had antifungal activities against dermatophytes.

Molecular study of feline dermatophytosis and Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 gene expression in their lesions.

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) as the recognition of pathogenic fungal structures induce the secretion of cytokines by immune systems. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 are the main PRRs that recognize fungal components. The present study aimed to assess the presence of dermatophyte species in symptomatic cats in a region of Iran and to investigate the expression of TLR-2 and 4 in cat lesions with dermatophytosis. A total of 105 cats suspected of dermatophytosis with skin lesions were examined. Samples were analysed by direct microscopy using potassium hydroxide (20%) and culture on Mycobiotic agar. Dermatophytes strains were confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and then sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer rDNA region. Also, for pathology and real-time PCR studies, skin biopsies were taken by sterile single-use biopsy punch from active ringworm lesions. Dermatophytes were found in 41 felines. Based on the sequencing of all strains, Microsporum canis (80.48%, p < 0.05), Microsporum gypseum (17.07%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2.43%) were the dermatophytes isolated from cultures. Cats under 1 year (78.04%) revealed a statistically significantly higher prevalence of infection (p < 0.05). Gene expression by real-time PCR revealed the increased TLR-2 and 4 mRNA levels in skin biopsies of cats with dermatophytosis. M. canis is the most prevalent dermatophyte species isolated from feline dermatophytosis lesions. Increased expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 mRNAs in cat skin biopsies suggests that these receptors are involved in the immune response by recognizing dermatophytosis.

Identification of subtilisin genes as a potential virulence factor in Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolated from human and bovine dermatophytosis lesions in Iran

Identification of subtilisin genes as a potential virulence factor in Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolated from human and bovine dermatophytosis lesions in Iran

Emerging Trends in Dermatophytosis among Pediatric Age Group - A View from the South

Abstract Background: Dermatophytosis is a common dermatological condition in children. Recent trends indicate increasing occurrence of dermatophytic infection in the paediatric age group and with growing anti-fungal resistance; however, more studies describing clinic-epidemiological and mycological pattern in paediatric population are needed. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess the clinical pattern and mycological isolates from the lesions of dermatophytosis involving the glabrous skin and to assess the association of fixed dose combinations creams with clinical and mycological pattern of cutaneous dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods: Paediatric patients (ages 1 -14) with suspected tinea infections presenting in the Department of Dermatology at a tertiary care medical college hospital in South India for a duration of four months, in 2020, were included in this study. Samples were collected and tested for potassium hydroxide (KOH) positivity. Additionally, the scales were also sent for fungal culture. Results: Out of 45 patients, 29 (64.4%) were male and 16 (35.6%) were female. The groin was the most common site affected in 89.65% patients. Around 57% of the study participants (21/45) have used corticosteroid-containing creams. Out of the 45 study participants, KOH mount was positive in 39(86.7%). Fungal Culture revealed Trichophyton mentagrophytes (55.6%) as the most common species isolated. Conclusion: Our study illustrates a major epidemiological shift of dermatophytosis causing species from Trichophyton rubrum to Trichophyton mentagrophytes among paediatric patients akin to that observed in adults. It is also observed that there is an increase in an atypical presentation owing to topical steroid use. The present study provides evidence that a high index of suspicion in needed to effectively curb the rising incidence of dermatophytosis in paediatric patients.

P121 Effect of corticosteroids on the host innate immune response and in vitro growth characters during dermatophyte infection.

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjectiveDuring the current epidemic of dermatophytosis, dermatologists in India are noticing atypical clinical presentations of dermatophytosis lesions. Though fixed drug combinations of topical application containing corticosteroid-antifungal-antibacterial drugs are attributed to this phenomenon, it is still not clear about its exact role. Corticosteroids alleviate itching but do not clear off dermatophyte infection from the skin surfaces, which may lead to a relapse of dermatophytosis. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of corticosteroids on host immune response and pathogen in vitro during dermatophyte infection.MethodologyPatients (n = 15) were recruited in three groups; proven cases of dermatophytosis with a history of corticosteroid usage for >30 days (Group A), dermatophytosis with no history of corticosteroid usage for >30 days (Group B), and patients without dermatophytosis and expected to have normal skin (Group C). Skin biopsies were collected and subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cytokine expression study. All in vitro experiments were performed with HaCaT Keratinocytes cell line co-cultured with Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex conidia isolated from dermatophytosis (n = 4) and standard strain (n = 1, ATCC 18748). Biopsies were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and dehydrated through (50%-100%) ethanol gradient. RT-PCR expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-1α, IFN-ϒ, TLR-2, and TLR-4) from skin biopsies and HaCaT cells were conducted using beta-actin as reference gene. The viability and Cell-cycle analysis of HaCaT cells in the presence and absence of clobetasol propionate (0.05% w/w) was performed by MTT assay and Propidium Iodide (PI) staining via flow cytometry, respectively. Growth kinetics of dermatophytes was performed for 96 h in presence and absence of corticosteroid. Expression of sulfite efflux pump gene (ssu1) and pH response gene (pacC), involved in virulence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex clinical isolates from classical and atypical lesions (n = 3 each) as well as standard ATCC 18748 was studied by RT-PCR. All results were statistically analyzed using GraphPad Prism 6 software.ResultsSEM results showed skin atrophy in skin biopsies from patients with steroid usage. Relative gene expression (2-Δct) of pro-inflammatory cytokines from skin biopsies was significantly reduced in IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-ϒ, TLR-2 (P-values = .001; .005; .004; .001) in steroid-modified tinea group. Similarly, a difference was observed in keratinocytes in vitro. According to in vitro analysis clobetasol propionate treatment significantly arrests HaCaT cells in the S/G2M phase (P-value = .04). Corticosteroid slows down the growth of dermatophytes in the presence of corticosteroid. A significant upregulation was observed in ssu1 during co-culture of dermatophytes with HaCaT cells as well when co-culture was treated with corticosteroid as compared to the culture alone whereas significant changes were not observed with pacC in similar conditions.ConclusionIncreased atrophy caused by corticosteroids allows dermatophytes to thrive on the intact keratin when steroid pressure is removed. Reduced cytokine response, viability, and S-phase arrest in host correlate with delayed clearance of dermatophyte infection from skin. Delayed growth of dermatophytes in the presence of corticosteroids and upregulation of ssu1 in dermatophytes when co-cultured with keratinocytes and corticosteroid correlates with recurrent infection. In addition, increased production of sulfite ions that degrade keratin may lead to the formation of widespread lesions.

An Open-Label, Randomized, Double-Arm Clinical Trial to Compare the Effectiveness and Safety of Super Bioavailable Itraconazole Capsules and Itraconazole Capsules in the Management of Dermatophytosis in India.

PurposeA new oral formulation of itraconazole, called super bioavailable itraconazole (SBITZ), has been launched in India, exhibiting greater bioavailability than conventional itraconazole (CITZ). No clinical studies on its effectiveness and safety in dermatophytosis in comparison with CITZ have been conducted in India. Hence, the aim of this clinical study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of SBITZ capsules and CITZ capsules in dermatophytosis.Patients and MethodsThis was an open-label, randomized, double-arm clinical study in which 70 patients (≥18 years of age) of either gender and diagnosed with tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and/or tinea faciei were included. The study was divided into two parts, the first part comprising a treatment period of 4 weeks and the second part an observation period for recurrence, comprised of another 4 weeks, thus making an entire study duration of 8 weeks.ResultsOf the 70 patients enrolled in this study, 59 (33 patients in the CITZ group and 26 patients in the SBITZ group) were included in the final analysis. In both groups, most patients were diagnosed with tinea cruris et corporis, with five or more lesions. At week 4, 11 patients (33.33%) and 17 patients (65.38%) had achieved complete cure (p<0.05), whereas 22 patients (66.67%) and 22 patients (84.61%) had achieved mycological cure (p=0.14), in the CITZ and SBITZ groups, respectively. During the observation period, recurrence was seen in 1/11 and 4/17 completely cured patients in the CITZ and SBITZ groups, respectively (p=0.15). A significant difference was noted in resolution of symptoms as well as lesions of dermatophytosis in the SBITZ group (p<0.05). Both treatments were found to be safe and well tolerated.ConclusionIn the light of real-world evidence on effectiveness and safety, SBITZ should be considered as a potent therapeutic choice to effectively control the current menace of dermatophytosis in India.

A study on the use of henna plant (Lawsonia inermis Linn) for the treatment of fungal disease (Trichophypton verrucosum) in calves

The aim of this study was to investigate the usability of henna plant (Lawsonia inermis Linn) in the treatment of dermatophytosis lesions (Trichophypton verrucosum) in cattle. The animal material of the trial consisted of 50 holstein calves between the ages of 4 and 6 months, who were found to have a dermatophytosis lesion on their face and neck in their clinical examination. The experiment was organized on a three-group repeated measurement trial plan. I. Group: Trichlorfon (Neguvon 75%, Bayer) ointment, II. Group: Henna applied, and III. Group: Control Group, no treatment, and 20 (10 females, 10 males), 20 (10 females, 10 males), and 10 (5 females, 5 males) totally 50 calves used, respectively. The research was continued for 14 days until the lesions were completely healed. I. and II. Groups were observed the best healing in the calves, respectively. In the III. Group without any treatment, there was no improvement and the lesions were enlarged. In addition, the effect of gender in the treatment process of dermatophytosis lesions was insignificant. As a result of this study, it is thought that henna plant can be used in the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Pattern Recognition using Morphologies of Anthropophilic and Zoophilic Dermatophytosis Lesions: Comparison between Final-Year Medical Students and Dermatology Residents

Objective: To compared pattern recognition abilities of final-year medical students and dermatology residents to distinguish and classify superficial fungal infections and resembling lesions.Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, in 2019. The participants had to make diagnosis from 78 images including typical and atypical lesions within 50 second. No history or any description was given. The answer sheets were reviewed.Results: Medical students (n = 18) and dermatology residents (n = 19) showed no significant differences in the means of overall accuracy scores. Residents demonstrated a statistically higher mean score than the medical students in diagnoses of anthropophilic infection with mostly presented with typical lesion. However, there were no significant differences in the mean scores for their diagnoses of zoophilic dermatophytosis as atypical lesions and other skin lesions.Conclusion: Pattern recognition was helpful for the diagnosis of cutaneous dermatophytosis, especially in cases of typical lesions. Nonetheless, pattern recognition alone is insufficient for the diagnosis of atypical dermatophytosis lesions: analytical diagnostic skills should also be enhanced to an increase in the accuracies of atypical-lesion diagnoses.

Prevalence and distribution of dermatophytosis lesions on cattle in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Background and Aim:Dermatophytosis is an infection of the superficial, keratinized structures of the skin, nails, and hair of man and animals caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes in the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. The prevalence of dermatophytosis among cattle in Nigeria and Plateau State, in particular, is yet to be fully determined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the distribution of dermatophytosis lesions on cattle in Plateau State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:Four hundred and thirty-seven cattle showing visible skin lesions suggestive of dermatophytosis were drawn from nine local government areas (three each) from the three senatorial districts of Plateau State, Nigeria. Skin scrapings were aseptically collected using a cross-sectional study, in which sampling units were selected using purposive sampling method. Samples were processed for both direct microscopic examination and isolation of dermatophytes in culture. The isolates were stained with lactophenol cotton blue and identified microscopically based on the size, shape, and arrangement of macro- and micro-conidia. The dermatophytes were further identified by determining the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions of their ribosomal DNA. Data were analyzed and presented as percentages, bar graph, and Chi-square test of association. p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The overall prevalence rate of bovine dermatophytosis in Plateau State was found to be 11.0%. Trichophyton verrucosum was more frequently isolated (54.2%) than Trichophyton mentagrophytes (45.8%). Age, breed, management practice, and season were significantly associated with the occurrence of the disease (p<0.05).Conclusion:Dermatophytosis among cattle may be of public health significance in Plateau State, Nigeria. This is the first report on the prevalence and distribution of dermatophytosis lesions on cattle from Plateau State, Nigeria.

Comparative study of efficacy of topical amorolfine, luliconazole, sertaconazole, terbinafine in tinea corporis and tinea cruris

Introduction: Dermatophytosis is the superficial fungal infection of keratinized tissue. Topical antifungals are exclusively used for localized lesions of dermatophytosis among which amorolfine, luliconazole, sertaconazole and terbinafine are relatively newer molecules. Aim of the study: To study the therapeutic efficacy and safety of amorolfine, luliconazole, sertaconazole, terbinafine in patients with tinea corporis or cruris. Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study of the patients who have been clinically diagnosed to have localized tinea corporis or cruris was carried out. A total of 80 patients were included with 20 patients each were prescribed topical amorolfine, luliconazole, sertaconazole and terbinafine in a serial order. Objective evaluation of improvement based on pruritus, erythema and scaling was performed. Amorolfine and luliconazole was advised to apply once daily while sertaconazole and terbinafine to be applied twice daily. Results: Out of 20 patients each, 18 patients in Amorolfine group, 19 in Luliconazole group, 15 patients each in Sertaconazole group and Terbinafine group followed up at the end of 3 weeks. Mean age was found to be 34 years with slight male preponderance. Luliconazole showed best improvement of pruritus, erythema and scaling. Terbinafine showed the least improvement. More number of patients on luliconazole (12 out of 19) showed good improvement of clinical parameters and this finding was also statistically significant (P value- 0.018). Conclusion: Luliconazole may act like a fungicidal antifungal and scores over other 3 topical antifungals, however studies involving larger number is required to confirm these findings. Keywords: Tinea corporis, Tinea cruris, Topical antifungal.

In-Vitro Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Terbinafine and Terbinafine Nano-Drug Against Clinical Isolates of Dermatophytes

Background: Due to long-term treatment of dermatophytic lesions, such as tinea unguium and using antifungal drugs, which cause side effects, it is essential to investigate new antifungal drugs with greater absorption and fewer side effects, such as nano-drugs. Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis are important dermatophyte ‎species. To investigate new strategy treatment, researchers have tried to find a new drug with extensive therapeutic effects and short-duration treatment. In this context, nano-drugs have gained great interest in improving the efficacy of antifungal properties compared to commercial drugs. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of free terbinafine and nano-liposomal terbinafine on growth of clinical isolates of T. rubrum and M. canis. Methods: In this study, 120 isolates of T. rubrum and M. canis were separated from dermatophytosis lesions. Diagnosis of the strains was based on the morphological structure and molecular identification. Nano-liposomal terbinafine was prepared and analyzed. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by broth micro dilution CLSI M 38-A method to compare inhibitory growth effects of nano-liposomal characteristics of terbinafine and free terbinafine. Results: The results showed that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of terbinafine against T. rubrum and M. canis strains were 0.0625 to 1 μ/mL and 0.0313 to 0.5 μ/mL, respectively. Also, the MIC values of nano-liposomal terbinafine against T. rubrum and M. canis were 0.0156 to 0.25 μ/mL and 0.0078 to 0.125 μ/mL, respectively. Conclusions: Comparison of the antifungal effects of nano-liposomal terbinafine and free terbinafine against T. rubrum and M. canis isolates showed that the nanopartilces of terbinafine had a greater antifungal activity against the studied isolates and can be used as an alternative agent for dermatophytosis treatments.

Dermatophyte infection encircling vitiligo.

Dermatophyte infection encircling vitiligo.

Comparison of real-time PCR with conventional methods to detect dermatophytes in samples from patients with suspected dermatophytosis

A PCR detecting dermatophytes within a short turnaround time would significantly enhance the management of patients with suspected dermatophytosis. This study aimed at comparing the results of a real-time PCR assay with those of the conventional diagnostic (direct microscopy and culture) performed by a dermatologist working in a medical mycology laboratory for the detection of dermatophytes in nail and skin samples.A total of 112 specimens (54 nail and 58 skin) were collected from 52 patients with one to four suspected dermatophytosis lesions. The PCR diagnostic indices were calculated for either sample- or patient-based dermatophytosis diagnosis. The sample-based diagnostic efficacy yielded 79% sensitivity and 73% specificity. The patient-based diagnostic efficacy was higher with 100% sensitivity and 82% specificity. Interestingly, PCR yielded significantly (p<0.004) lesser false negative results and performed overall better (diagnostic odds ratio=24.0 vs. 5.5) in nail than in skin samples. In conclusion, this real-time PCR assay performance was consistent with those of the conventional methods in the hands of a skilled expert and particularly efficacious in diagnosing dermatophyte onychomycosis. This PCR is suited to high throughput batch processing; if used instead of direct microscopy, it could reduce hands-on time in the routine clinical laboratory workflow.

Sığır Dermatofitozisinin Tedavisinde %1’lik Tiokonazol’ün Lokal Kullanımının Etkinliği

Summary This study consisted of twenty-five dermatophytotic cattle, aged 1.5-11 months obtained from Kars province and its surrounding, diagnosed as dermatophytosis following clinical and microbiologically. All animals were divided into two groups; trial group (n=15) and control group (n=10). The skin lesions of the trial animals were treated using a pomade containing 1% tioconazole once daily for a period of 5 days. In 12 of the trial animals the amount of keratinized tissue found in the dermatophytosis lesions decreased significantly following the 3 rd application and had disappeared completely after the 5 th application. On the other hand, the remaining 3 animals in the trial group were applied the medicament seven times due to the persistence of keratinized tissue in the lesions. In all of the animals administered with tioconazole, new hair growth in the site of the lesions resumed in the 3 rd -4 th weeks and complete recovery occurred within 7-8 weeks. In conclusion, 1% tioconazole, used for the first time for the treatment of bovine dermatophytosis in this study was found to be rather effective owing to its ease of application and strong therapeutic effect.

Dermatophytes from skin lesions of domestic animals in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Dermatophytes are well-recognized cutaneous fungi with public health implications. In Nigeria, several studies have been carried out on dermatophytosis in humans; however, data on dermatophytes in animals are lacking. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and species of dermatophytes in skin lesions in domestic animals in Nsukka Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. Forty-six domestic animals (dogs, goats, sheep and pigs) presented for sale in the local markets in the study area and with suspected lesions of dermatophytosis were used for the study. Plucked hairs and epidermal scales from the skin lesions of affected animals were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar slants containing 0.05 mg/mL of chloramphenicol and 0.5 mg/mL of cycloheximide. Inoculated slants were incubated at room temperature (27°C) for up to 4 weeks and examined at 2-3 day intervals for fungal growth. Laboratory identification of the fungal isolates was based on their colonial, microscopic and biochemical characteristics. Of the 46 animals with suspected lesions of dermatophytosis, six (13.0%) were positive for a dermatophyte, and the following dermatophytes were identified: Microsporum gypseum, two of 12 sheep; Microsporum audouinii, one of 16 dogs; Trichophyton mentagrophytes, one of 16 dogs and one of 12 sheep; and Trichophyton schoenleinii, one of 13 goats. Anthropophilic dermatophytes are among the fungal agents associated with dermatophytosis in animals in Nsukka Agricultural Zone. These dermatophytes could constitute health risks to humans in contact with the animals.

Wolf's isotopic response: large annular polycyclic lichen planus occurring on healed lesions of dermatophytosis

Wolf's isotopic response: large annular polycyclic lichen planus occurring on healed lesions of dermatophytosis

Immune response in dermatophytosis

A delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to a dermatophyte antigen is one of the host defense mechanisms. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with dermatophytosis produce a high level of IFN-gamma in response to stimulation with trichophytin. The presence of IFN-gamma mRNA in skin lesions of dermatophytosis was detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. IFN-gamma-positive cells were observed immunohistochemically in the upper dermis of the skin lesions. These findings support the hypothesis that the skin lesions of dermatophytosis are associated with a Th1 response. The Th1 response, which is characterized by IFN-gamma release, is thought to be involved in the host defense against dermatophytes and to reflect cutaneous reaction in dermatophytosis. The stimulation of trichophytin significantly enhanced the release of IL-8 from keratinocytes. These findings account for the accumulation of neutrophils beneath the stratum corneum. The capacity of trichophytin-stimulated keratinocytes to release an enhanced level of IL-8 thus suggests that these cells can indeed help to induce the acute inflammatory response seen in dermatophyte infection. It therefore appears that keratinocytes not only play an important structural role in the formation of a physical barrier to dermatophytes but may also play an important functional role in initiating cutaneous inflammatory reactions, which might be involved in the host defense against dermatophytes. The production of IFN-gamma by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with tinea unguium in response to stimulation with trichophytin was not impaired in contrast to that from patients without tinea unguium. Comparable lymphocyte proliferation with trichophytin was observed in both groups. No deficiency in Th1 response to dermatophyte antigen was shown in patients with tinea unguium by measuring the release of IFN-gamma, which plays a role in the effector phase of the DTH reaction. A deficiency of Th1 response to dermatophyte antigen, therefore, does not appear to play an important role in the establishment of tinea unguium.

Effectiveness of terbinafine in the eradication ofMicrosporum canisfrom laboratory cats

In this study, the coats of 20 cats with no dermatophytosis lesions were sampled for colonization by Microsporum canis, which was isolated in 45% of cases. All cats were treated with oral terbinafine for 3 weeks. The drug was administered orally at a daily dosage 8.25 mg kg-1. Mycologic status was assessed at the end of the treatment; and after follow-up at 2 days, and 4 and 9 weeks. The final evaluation revealed a complete mycologic cure of all cats by obtaining negative cultures, thereby demonstrating that terbinafine is an effective method of eradication of dermatophyte colonization.