Skin Fungus Research Articles

Molecular Detection of Microsporum Canis Infection in Cats in Baghdad Governorate

Microsporum canis is a keratinized skin fungus that causes diseases in all animals, especially in cats. It is able to infected human causes Tinea corporis and Tinea capitis. In this study,the aim was toward detection and confirmation of Microsporum canis infection in cats in Baghdad governorate using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).The diagnosis depend on sequencing of the PCR products obtained by using a universal primer to amplification of the primer DppV which was 895 bp.A total of two hundred and eighty three hair and skin scraping samples were collected from infected cats with and without skin lesions. Preliminarily examined of samples with 10% KOH preparation, and cultured for fungal identification . For the culture; Saboruad dextrose agar was used . Culture results showed that four isolates were positive for M. canis , the best growth of these isolates was confirmed by PCR and DPPV gene then sequencing of this gene. PCR technique showed that one isolate from the total of 283 isolates were assured for the DPPV gene and yielded a band at 895 bp, this finding is regarded as distinctive for the genus Microsporum canis ,which was dumped in the GenBank nucleotide sequence database under accession number OR126262. Results sequencing of this gene in Iraq revealed compatibility with global results in USA and Belgium.

Isolation and Identification of Microsporum Canis from cats in Baghdad governorate

Microsporum canis is a keratinized skin fungus that causes diseases in animals, especially cats. It is able to infect human causes Tinea corporis and Tinea capitis . The aim of this study is to isolate and identify the dermatophyte fungi Microsporum canis from cats in Baghdad / Iraq .This research focused on the epidemiology of M. canis found in cats.A total of two hundred and eighty three hair and skin scraping samples were collected from infected cats .preliminarily examined with 10% KOH preparation, and cultured for fungal identification . For the culture; Saboruad dextrose agar was used . The results of this study showed that four samples were positive for M.canis . The pathogen was found both at the site of the lesion and at other sites in the body. The pathogen can be found in the hair of cats with and without skin lesions.

Water-filtered infrared A irradiation exerts antifungal effects on the skin fungus Malassezia

Many common skin diseases are associated with changes in the microbiota. This applies for the commensal yeast Malassezia, which is linked to a wide range of skin disorders ranging from mild dandruff to severe seborrheic and atopic dermatitis, all of which have a detrimental impact on the individuals' quality of life. While antifungal medications offer relief in many cases, the challenges of disease recurrence and the emergence of resistance to the limited range of available antifungal drugs poses a pressing need for innovative therapeutic options. Here we examined the activity of water-filtered infrared A (wIRA) irradiation against Malassezia. wIRA's antimicrobial and wound healing properties make it an attractive option for localized, non-invasive, and contact-free treatment of superficial skin infections. Irradiation of Malassezia furfur with wIRA (570–1400 nm) resulted in a reduction of the yeast's metabolic activity. When put in contact with immune cells, wIRA-irradiated M. furfur was recovered at lower counts than non-irradiated M. furfur. Likewise, wIRA irradiation of M. furfur put in contact with keratinocytes, the primary host interface of the fungus in the skin, reduced the fungal counts, while the keratinocytes were not affected by the irradiation. The combination of wIRA with the photosensitizer methyl aminolevulinate exerted an additional antifungal effect on M. furfur, irrespective of the presence or absence of keratinocytes, suggesting an enhancement of the treatment effect when used in combination. These findings suggest that wIRA holds promise as a potential therapy for skin disorders associated with Malassezia.

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is the most common chronic skin disorder, characterized by red and pruritic lesions. Its etiology is multifaceted, involving an interplay of factors, such as the allergic immune response, skin barrier dysfunction, and dysbiosis of the skin microbiota. Recent studies have explored the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are lipid bilayer-delimitated particles released by all cells, in atopic dermatitis. Examination of the available literature identified that most studies investigated EVs released by Staphylococcus aureus, which were found to impact the skin barrier and promote the release of cytokines that contribute to atopic dermatitis development. In addition, EVs released by the skin fungus, Malassezia sympodialis, were found to contain allergens, suggesting a potential contribution to allergic sensitization via the skin. The final major finding was the role of EVs released by mast cells, which were capable of activating various immune cells and attenuating the allergic response. While research in this area is still in its infancy, the studies examined in this review provide encouraging insights into how EVs released from a variety of cells play a role in both contributing to and protecting against atopic dermatitis.

Fungal coexistence in the skin mycobiome: a study involving Malassezia, Candida, and Rhodotorula

Evidence of fungal coexistence in humans points towards fungal adaptation to the host environment, like the skin. The human commensal Malassezia has evolved, especially residing in sebum-rich areas of the mammalian body where it can get the necessary nutrition for its survival. This fungus is primarily responsible for skin diseases like Pityriasis versicolor (PV), characterized by hypo or hyperpigmented skin discoloration and erythematous macules. In this manuscript, we report a 19-year-old healthy female who presented with a one-year history of reddish, hypopigmented, asymptomatic lesions over the chest and a raised erythematous lesion over the face. Upon clinical observation, the patient displayed multiple erythematous macules and erythematous papules over the bilateral malar area of the face, along with multiple hypopigmented scaly macules present on the chest and back. Based on the above clinical findings, a diagnosis of PV and Acne vulgaris (AV) was made. Interestingly, the patient was immunocompetent and didn’t have any comorbidities. Upon isolation of skin scrapings and post-culturing, we found the existence of three fungal genera in the same region of the patient’s body. We further went on to confirm the identity of the particular species and found it to represent Malassezia, Rhodotorula, and Candida. We report how Malassezia, the predominant microbial resident skin fungus, coexists with other fungal members of the skin mycobiome. This study on an applied aspect of microbiology also shows how important it is to identify the fungal organism associated with skin infections so that appropriate therapeutics can be advised to avoid cases of relapse.

Investigation of the Effect of Malva Plant (Malvasylvestris L.) on Skin Fungus in Cattle

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the Malva sylvestris L. (MS) plant on the cutaneous fungus (Trichophytosis, Ringworm) in cattle. The research was carried out on a total of 20 cattle of 6 to 20 months of different races and genders in the Ardahan region. Animals diagnosed with Trichophytosis were divided as control (n=10) and experimental (n=10) groups. No substances were used in the control group. The extract of MS was sprayed with an atomizer onto the lesions of the experimental group. Spraying was done to cover the area where the lesions were located and wet enough. The procedure was conducted twice daily (morning and evening) and for 15 days. Starting from the pre-application (0th day) until the 36th day at intervals of two days, the lesion diameters of the cattle in the control and the experimental group were measured and recorded. At the end of the monitoring period (36th day), the diameter of the lesion was enlarged (29.20±3.58 mm) in the control group and reduced (6.60±5.16 mm) in the experimental group. This difference between the lesion diameters of the control and the experimental groups was statistically significant (p

Isolation of coumarins with anti-Trichophyton rubrum activity from Heracleum vicinum Boiss.

Heracleum vicinum Boiss., a perennial plant of Angelica in Umbelliferae, is mainly distributed in Sichuan and Hunan of China. Trichophyton rubrum is a common skin fungus causing dermatophyte. The previous experimental study found that the ethanol extract from Heracleum vicinum Boiss. had excellent anti-Trichophyton rubrum activity, especially the ethanol extract further extracted with petroleum ether and dichloromethane has the best antibacterial effect and has good potential for treating dermatophytes. In this study, Heracleum vicinum Boiss. was extracted with ethanol by microwave-assisted ultrasonic extraction method and isolated with silica gel column to obtain a coumarin compound M1-1 by the guidance of anti-Trichophyton rubrum activity, which was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(13C-NMR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), and ultraviolet (UV) and identified as imperatorin and belonged to coumarins, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Trichophyton rubrum of 12.5 μg/mL. According to the discussion on the inhibitory mechanism of the compound, we found that the compound may exert its inhibitory effect by destroying the mycelial membrane and inhibiting the mycelial growth of Trichophyton rubrum. In a word, imperatorin isolated from Heracleum vicinum Boiss. is expected to be used as an antibacterial agent to treat dermatophytes a potential natural compound against Trichophyton rubrum, and a template for drug development of dermatophytes the future.

An Overview of Herbal Ingredients with Anti-dandruff Activity in Shampoo Formulations

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost 50% of the human population caused by M. globosa and M. furfur which are two naturally occurring skin fungus. This review discusses in detail the anatomy, pathophysiology, causes and symptoms, and treatment methods available for Dandruff. It also highlights the herbal ingredients with anti-dandruff activity that are used in novel shampoo formulations as a treatment strategy. This review discusses various bioactivities through which these compounds treat dandruff such as anti-inflammatory, antifungal, as well as their mechanism of action. Due to its amphibious status, dandruff is the most commercially exploited skin and scalp disorder/disease by personal care enterprises because there is less medical intervention for treatment.

Case Study of Dermatomikosis in Cats at Healthypet Clinic, Madiun

Dermatomycosis is generally said to be a skin disease caused by a fungus, without needing to know the species of the skin fungus. Animals are hosts for various species of pathogenic fungi that are also infective to humans. Onesources of of thetransmission of fungi to humans is mediated by pets. Transmission of fungi from one host to another can be through direct contact or through an intermediary. Dermatomycosis is a zoonotic disease. To determine the procedure, clinical symptoms, examination, and treatment of cats with dermatomycosis on outpatients at the Healthypet Veterinary Clinic. This is done by taking thedata medical recordof dermatomycosis patients from the physical examination of the animal and followed by the diagnosis from the veterinarian, after which dermatomycosis treatment is carried out. After four weeks, data was collected from observations during the last 3 years 2017-2019 on all aspects reviewed to obtain objective results. Thus, data is obtained that show the important factors that can be used to diagnose a cat infection is dermatomycosis. Dermatomycosis infestations mostly occur in humid conditions with various predisposing conditions.Therapy and medication are used to suppress the effects secondary of Dermatomycosis and also to eradicate Dermatomycosis it self.

Fungi in skin and soft tissue infections - a three-year study

Introduction: Exposure of subcutaneous tissue following a loss of skin integrity provides a suitable environment for microbial colonization and proliferation, which contributes to delayed healing and infection of the wound. The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the spectrum of fungi responsible for skin and soft tissue infections over a 3-year period, and to compare the results with those from other parts of the world. Material and methods: The study was performed during a 3-year period (2017-2019) and included analysis of 11,863 wound samples, which were obtained from patients hospital­lized at the University Clinics of the “Mother Theresa” campus, City hospital ”8th September” and University Clinic for Surgical Diseases “St. Naum Ohridski” in Skopje. All specimens were analyzed by standard mycological methods at the Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology. Results: Growth of fungi was confirmed in 5.5%, 5% and 6.2% of the positive speci­mens, during a 3-year period, respectively. C. albicans was a predominant yeast (67.6%, 63%, 63.2% in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively). Molds were represented by Aspergillus confirmed in 3, 4 and 5 specimens, and Fusarium was confirmed in 2, 3 and 3 specimens during the 3-year period, respectively. Mucor was detected in 3 patients, in 2019 only. Conclusion: Species identification of fungal microbes in wound specimens revealed that Candida species was the most predominant species, followed by Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus molds. It is crucial for every institution that treats patients with wounds to be aware of fungi as possible etiological agents of wound infections.

Acid treatment for skin fungus

Marchіonini (Denn. Ztschr. Bd. 56, H. 4, 29) explains the formation of rashes in the 4th interdigital space by a decrease in acids on the surface of the skin of this area due to the development of fungi. Depending on the cause, the author recommends antiparasitic local therapy in the form of applying acids to the affected area. Of the 26 cases of similar diseases, a. saw good results in 25 people, where alcohol with hydrochloric acid or boric acid, iodine tincture, arnica and chrysarobine tinctures were used. Out of 13 cases of interdigital erosion, the author obtained an excellent result in 10 cases.

RNA-Seq Analysis of the Effect of Zinc Deficiency on Microsporum canis, ZafA Gene Is Important for Growth and Pathogenicity.

Microsporum canis, a common pathogenic skin fungus, can cause dermatophytosis in humans and animals. Zinc is an important trace element and plays an important role in the growth and metabolism of fungi. Currently, the effects of zinc deficiency on growth, gene expression, and metabolic pathway have not been clarified in M. canis. Therefore, M. canis was cultured under zinc restriction, and RNA-Seq was conducted in this study. The growth of M. canis was severely inhibited, and many genes showed significant upregulation and downregulation in M. canis with zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency could negatively affect the gene expression and biological metabolic pathway in M. canis. The zinc-responsiveness transcriptional activator (ZafA) gene was significantly upregulated and shared homology with Zap1. Thus, the ZafA gene might be the main transcription factor regulating M. canis zinc homeostasis. The ZafA gene knockout strain, ZafA-hph, was constructed via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) in M. canis for the first time to assess its function. In vitro growth ability, hair biodegradation ability, virulence test, and zinc absorption capacity in ZafA-hph and wild-type M. canis strains were compared. Results showed that the ZafA gene plays an important role in zinc absorption, expression of zinc transporter genes, and growth and pathogenicity in M. canis and can be used as a new drug target. Cutting off the zinc absorption pathway can be used as a way to prevent and control infection in M. canis.

Alpine Newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris) Avoid Habitats Previously Used by Parasite-Exposed Conspecifics

Many organisms avoid habitats posing risks of parasitism. Parasites are not generally conspicuous, however, which raises the question of what cues individuals use to detect parasitism risk. Here, we provide evidence in alpine newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris) that non-visual cues from parasite-exposed conspecifics inform habitat avoidance. Alpine newts breed in aquatic habitats and occasionally move among adjacent terrestrial habitat during breeding seasons. We completed experiments with newts whereby individuals had access to both habitats, and the aquatic habitats varied in prior occupancy by conspecifics with different histories of exposure to the parasitic skin fungus,Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd). Continuous filming of newt activity for 2 days provided little evidence that prior use of aquatic habitats by conspecifics, regardless of theirBdexposure history, immediately influenced newt habitat use. However, newts that encountered aquatic habitats used specifically byBd-exposed conspecifics on day 1 spent less time aquatic on day 2, whereas other newts did not alter habitat use. Responses could have been elicited by cues generated byBdstages on the conspecifics or, perhaps more likely, cues emitted by the conspecifics themselves. In either case, these observations suggest that newts use non-visual cues sourced from exposed conspecifics to detectBdrisk and that those cues cause newts to avoid aquatic habitats.Bdmay therefore influence host behavior in early phases of interactions, and possibly before any contact with infectious stages is made, creating potential for non-consumptive effects.

Sensitization against skin resident fungi is associated with atopy in cholinergic urticaria patients

BackgroundCholinergic urticaria (CholU) is a common type of chronic inducible urticaria, characterized by small itchy wheals that appear upon physical exercise or passive warming. Malassezia globosa, a skin resident fungus, has been identified as an antigen that induces mast cell/basophil degranulation and wheal formation through specific IgE, in Japanese patients with atopic dermatitis and CholU. In this study we aimed in assessing the rate of IgE sensitizations against skin resident fungi in European CholU patients.MethodsWe assessed serum IgE levels to Malassezia furfur, Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes using routine lab testing and Malassezia globosa using a newly established ELISA. We correlated the results to wheal formation and other clinical features.ResultsFour patients (of 30 tested) had elevated levels of IgE against Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans and two had elevated levels of IgE against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Four sera (of 25 tested) had elevated levels of IgE to the Malassezia globosa antigen supMGL_1304. Sensitization to one skin fungus was highly correlated with sensitization to the other tested fungi. We saw highly significant correlations of sensitization to supMGL_1304 with wheal size in the autologous sweat skin test (rs = 0.7, P = 0.002, n = 19), the Erlangen atopy score (rs = 0.5, P = 0.03, n = 19), total IgE serum levels (rs = 0.5, P = 0.04, n = 19) and a positive screen for IgE against common airborne/inhalant allergens s (sx1; rs = 0.54, P = 0.02, n = 19).ConclusionsSensitization to skin resident fungi including Malassezia globosa is uncommon in European CholU patients, but is associated with atopy and pronounced wheal formation upon dermal contact with their own sweat.Trial registration German Clinical Trials Registry DRKS-ID: DRKS00004277

Detection and identification of dermatophyte fungi in clinical samples using a commercial multiplex tandem PCR assay

We evaluated the performance of a commercial multiplex tandem polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of dermatophytes and other fungi in skin and nail specimens by (1) testing a range of fungal and bacterial reference cultures, (2) retrospectively testing a set of skin and nail specimens with known microscopy and culture results, and (3) prospectively testing skin and nail specimens in parallel to microscopy and culture. The AusDiagnostics Dermatophytes and Other Fungi assay accurately detected and identified a range of common dermatophytes to species, species complex or genus level, as well as Candida, Aspergillus and Scopulariopsis spp. It was unable to detect uncommon dermatophytes such as Nannizzia fulva (previously Microsporum fulvum), and Paraphyton cookei (previously Microsporum cookei). PCR identified a dermatophyte in 25.9% of prospective specimens which were culture negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were highest where microscopy and PCR results were combined, versus microscopy and culture combined, which highlights the significant contribution of microscopy in the diagnostic pathway. This assay has the potential to reduce the workload and results turnaround time associated with culturing and identification of dermatophytes, although microscopy remains important.

Ketoconazole and Ketoconazole/β-cyclodextrin performance on cotton wound dressing as fungal skin treatment

Here, a cotton wound dressing was prepared with control release of Ketoconazole (KZ) to kill skin fungus. KZ alone and KZ/β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were loaded on cotton through diverse methods. The drug release, antimicrobial activities against C. albicans, A. niger, E. coli and S. aureus and also cell cytotoxicity were studied. 1H NMR ensured the formation of KZ/β-CD complex, SEM images showed surface morphology and confirmed stability. KZ interestingly reacted with the cotton in the batch treatment possibly due to the two active chlorine groups, high temperature and relatively long treatment time. Good antifungal activities and slow release reported for the KZ treated fabric, however KZ/β-CD loaded more on the fabric with regular and slow release for longer time. The batch performed better than continuous method indicated good antifungal activities with more KZ loading and slower release. Also a cross-linking agent along with β-CD/KZ prolonged the release time with excellent washing stability.

The headspace-GC/MS: Alternative methodology employed in the bioreduction of (4S)-(+)-carvone mediated by human skin fungus

The development of more efficient and environmentally friendly analytical methods represents a current focus for the fine chemical industry. In particular, microscale methodologies that are free of solvents/reagents. The headspace-GC/MS (HS-GC) methodology was employed in this study as a tool for monitoring a biocatalysed reaction of (4S)-(+)-carvone using Phoma sp., a filamentous fungus from human skin. Biocatalysis provides some advantages, such as high efficiency, high degrees of regioselectivity, chemoselectivity, and enantioselectivity. In order to optimize the small scale biocatalytic reaction of the (4S)-(+)-carvone by the filamentous fungus Phoma sp. was used headspace GC/MS methodology, factorial design of experiments and the response surface methodology (RSM) was performed using the biomass of the fungus, substrate mass and pH as parameters. It was observed that for all reactions conditions tested, forming the products (1 R,4S)-dihydrocarvone and (1S,4S)-dihydrocarvone. The most influential factor was pH, with the highest conversion rate (>95%) and diastereomeric excess (d.e.) (>80%) obtained at pH 5.0. Thus, it was demonstrated that human skin Phoma sp. fungus showed significant bioreduction activity and that headspace GC/MS is an efficient approach for real-time monitoring the biocatalysed reactions.

Investigation of the MEP4 Gene of the Fungalysins Gene Family (MEP 1–5) in Isolated Skin Fungus from Primary School Students

Investigation of the MEP4 Gene of the Fungalysins Gene Family (MEP 1–5) in Isolated Skin Fungus from Primary School Students

Perbedaan Zona Hambat Terhadap Jamur Malassezia Furfur Antara Pemberian Ekstrak Umbi Bawang Putih (Allium Sativum Linn) Dengan Ekstrak Kulit Umbi Bawang Putih (Allium Sativum Linn)

Tinea versicolor or pitiriasis versicolor is a skin disorder caused by Malassezia furfur infection which is a fungal infection on the skin of the chronic surface. Clinical features is in the form of fine spots that colored white to brown black, this infection is also called a skin fungus with blotches. Treatment of Tinea versicolor can use chemical or traditional medicine. Chemical treatments such as creams or ointments cause sticky taste, while one of the traditional medicine is the bulb and skin of the garlic bulb (Allium sativum Linn) containing allicin substances that are efficacious as an anti-fungal. This research is an experimental research with the aim to know the difference of inhibition zone to Malessezia furfur fungus. There are 3 treatments with 9 repetitions. The extraction method used is the soxhlet method. Anti-fungal activity test was done by using rating method, Saboroud Dextrose Agar (SDA) media which has been inoculated with suspension of Malassezia furfur with concentration 1.5x108 CFU/ml (Mc Farland standard). Result of data analysis obtained by ANOVA p = 0,000 < α = 0,05, that there is difference of inhibition zone from treatment of garlic bulb extract and skin of garlic bulb (Allium sativum Linn). It is indicated that there is effect of giving garlic bulb extract (Allium sativum Linn) and garlic bulb skin (Allium sativum Linn) to Malassezia furfur fungus. Further tests were performed to compare mean treatment i.e. HSD test. It was obtained sig (p) 0,016 > α 0,05 which means bulb extract and garlic bulb skin (Allium sativum Linn) have different effect. Keywords: Tinea versicolor, Malassezia furfur, garlic bulb.

A pathogenic skin fungus and sloughing exacerbate cutaneous water loss in amphibians.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a pathogenic fungus that causes the cutaneous, infectious disease chytridiomycosis and has been implicated in population declines of numerous anuran species worldwide. Proximate cause of death by chytridiomycosis is asystolic cardiac arrest as a consequence of severe disruption to electrolyte balance. Animals heavily infected with Bd also experience a disruption to their skin sloughing regime, indicating that core functions of the skin, such as water retention, may be severely impacted. This study examined how skin sloughing, body size and Bd infection interact to influence water loss rates in five Australian frog species: Litoria caerulea, Limnodynastes peronii, Lechriodus fletcheri, Limnodynastes tasmaniensis and Platyplectrum ornatum Rates of water loss more than doubled during sloughing in L.caerulea During active periods across all species, water loss rates were on average 232% higher in Bd infected frogs than in uninfected frogs. This indicates that dehydration stress may be a significant factor contributing to the morbidity of severely Bd infected anurans, a symptom that is then exacerbated by an increased rate of sloughing. When taking size into account, smaller and/or juvenile anurans may be more at risk from dehydration due to Bd infection, as they lose a greater amount of water and slough more frequently than adults. This may in part explain the higher mortality rates typical for small and juvenile frogs infected with Bd Understanding how Bd affects the core functions of the skin, including rates of water loss, can improve our predictions of disease outcome in amphibians.