Microsporum Canis Research Articles

Pyridine‐derived Schiff base copper (II), zinc (II), and cadmium (II) complexes: Synthesis, structural properties, biological evaluation, and docking studies

Herein, Cu (II), Zn (II), and Cd (II) complexes, [DEP(M)X2], encompassing the pyridine‐derived Schiff‐base ligand DEP, where DEP is (E)‐N,N‐diethyl‐2‐([pyridine‐2‐ylmethylene]amino)ethane‐1‐amine, are synthesized. X‐ray diffraction studies reveal distorted square pyramidal geometries for the Cd (II) and Cu (II) complexes, whereas the geometry of [DEP (Zn)Cl2] can best be described as trigonal bipyramidal. The antibacterial potential of DEP and its [DEP(M)X2] complexes were evaluated against four bacterial strains: Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; five fungal strains: Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, Fusarium solani, and Aspergillus flavus; and Leishmania major protozoan. Complexes exhibited superior bactericidal, fungicidal, and leishmanicidal inhibition potential against all tested microbes compared with the free ligand. The preliminary cytotoxic activity of [DEP(M)X2] complexes on breast and colon carcinoma cells, that is, MCF‐7cell line and HCT‐116 cell line, respectively, revealed that studied complexes showed high cytotoxicity compared with ligand (DEP). Among the studied complexes, [DEP (Cd)Br2] exhibited an excellent inhibitory profile, as confirmed by the docking study. The molecular docking studies showed a good correlation between the biological activities of synthesized metal complexes and docking studies. We have confidence in the contribution of these complexes toward the design of new metal‐derived candidates that can treat infectious diseases.

The Epidemiology of Tinea Capitis in Guangxi Province, China.

The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and pathogen spectrum of tinea capitis in Guangxi, southern China. A multicenter prospective descriptive study was conducted in 8 hospitals across Guangxi. From January 2019 to July 2022, one hundred seventy-one (171) patients diagnosed with tinea capitis were included. Demographic data, risk factors, and fungal data were collected. If necessary, species were further identified by morphological or molecular sequencing in the central laboratory. Of the 171 cases of tinea capitis, 74.3% occurred in patients aged 2-8years. Children with tinea capitis were mainly boys (59.6%) and were more likely than adults to have a history of animal contact (44.2% vs. 33.3%) and zoophilic dermatophyte infection (76.9% vs. 46.7%, P = 0.008). The adults were mainly female (53%) and were more likely than children to have a history of infection with anthropophilic organisms (53.3% vs. 18.9%). The causative agents of tinea capitis in Guangxi were diverse, and the most common pathogen was Microsporum canis (M. cani, n = 98, 62%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes n = 18, 11.4%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (T. tonsurans n = 12, 7.6%). In addition, tinea capitis caused by Nannizzia incurvata (N. incurvata) and Trichophyton verrucosum (T. verrucosum) was detected in the study. Notably, the proportion of patients with kerion in the study was 41.5% (n = 71), and most of those patients were children (n = 68), especially neglected children living in the rural mountainous areas of Guangxi, where they were unable to receive timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In conclusion, the causative agents of tinea capitis in Guangxi, South China, are diverse, and the incidence of kerion is high, indicating that diagnosis and treatment modalities in the region remain grossly inadequate. Clinicians and policy-makers should collaborate to adopt public health strategies to control the disease.

Frequency of dermatophytes and yeasts on tegument of healthy dogs and cats

Skin is an organ that covers the body and acts as a protective layer against external aggressions. Changes in this organ, such as hair loss, evident blemishes, changes in skin pigmentation, and the presence of scaling or crusts, are the main signs of dermatological disease. The study aimed to verify the frequency of dermatophytes and yeasts in healthy cats and dogs. Samples of hair and shedding from 30 cats and 30 dogs were cultured on dermatophyte test medium and Sabouraud Dextrose agar enriched with yeast extract, thiamine, antibiotics (streptomycin and chloramphenicol) supplemented with cycloheximide and incubated at 25°C and 35°C for 10 days. The positive cultures were assessed macro and microscopically, and the fungi were identified by biochemical methods. It was found that 100% of the cats had a positive mycological culture for Microsporum canis, 33.33% for Microsporum gypseum, and 50% for Trichophyton mentagrophytes, with a prevalence of Microsporum canis (P>0.001). In dogs, 86.66% were positive for Microsporum canis, showing a predominance over the other fungal species (P<0.001). Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated in 50% of the dogs evaluated, although it was not found in cats, while positive cultures for Malassezia spp were found in 6.6% of cats and 26.66% of dogs. Candida albicans was isolated in samples of dogs and cats (26.66% and 33.33%, respectively). It was concluded that asymptomatic dogs and cats are carriers of agents of dermatophytosis and dermatomycoses and may be important sources of environmental spread and intra and interspecific infection.

Updates on Tinea Incognita: Literature review.

Tinea incognita (TI), or the other equivalent tinea atypica, is a term used to declare the atypical presentation of dermatophyte infections caused by the administration of steroids or other immunosuppressive medications which modulate the local and systemic immune response. It can mimic other dermatoses; hence making diagnostic challenges for dermatologists. Tina incognita may be misdiagnosed as many dermatoses. Based on previous studies, corticosteroids may cause different clinical manifestations of dermatophytes that might be very different from those that are commonly described. This narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. Search terms included "Tinea incognita" and "Atypical dermatophytosis". The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, reviews, and case reports. The search was restricted to articles written in the English language from 2006 to Feb 01, 2023. Moreover, duplicate articles and non-available full-text articles were excluded. The extracted data of the search results were retrieved in this study. The morphological patterns, prevalence, sight of infection, and causative agents were also described. Prevalence of different patterns of TI were recorded as 50% (431 out of 862 cases) for eczema-like lesions followed by psoriasis-like and 6.61% (57 out of 862) for parapsoriasis-like pattern. Moreover, each of the rosacea-like and pyoderma-like lesions equally accounted for 4.98 % of cases (43 out of 862). In addition, the prevalence of causative agents was reported as follows: Trichophyton rubrum accounted for 247 isolates (40%) as the most prevalent, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n=152, 24%) and Microsporum canis (n=119, 19%). Tinea incognita is a great mimicker; hence, dermatologists should obtain a full medicalhistory of the patients to make correct diagnoses. It is vital to encourage an exact identification of the etiological agent according to the internal transcribed spacer sequencing in some uncertain cases. This review highlights the importance of mycological tests and fast diagnosis of TI, especially in cases of atypical skin lesions, to choose appropriate treatment and avoid the spread of drug-resistant species.

Estudio clínico-micológico de 136 tiñas en atención primaria

BackgroundDermatophyte infections are common skin diseases in Primary Care (PC) but vary over time and between geographycal areas. ObjetivesThe aim of this study clinical cases was determined the epidemiological profile and etiological agents of dermatophytoses in two PC areas. Also sensitivity and specificity of direct wet mount microscopy 20% KOH solution (40% for nails specimens) versus culture was calculated by 2 x 2 table. MethodsIn period from 2006 to 2020 a total 327 specimens of skin, nails or hair were collected from 325 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytoses and subjected to microscopy and culture. ResultsTinea corporis (59,55%) , tinea unguium pedum (20,58%) and tinea pedis (11,76%) were predominant clinical forms. The most frequent species was Microsporum canis (36,02%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (27,94%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (22,05%), T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale (7,35%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (6,61%). M. canis was the major pathogen causing t. capitis (66,6%) and t. corporis (58%) and predominant until 15 years, while T. rubrum was the common isolated dermatophye in t. unguium pedum (78,57%) and t. pedis (56,25%) and affected mostly up 15 years. Sensitivity was 93% and specificity 92%. ConclusionsThe results revealed a Southern European and mediterranean pattern: t. corporis and M. canis are the most frequent clinical form and etiology of dermatophyte infection.

Antimicrobial activities of endophytic bacteria isolated from Ageratum conyzoides Linn.

Abstract. Boonman N, Chutrtong J, Wanna C, Boonsilp S, Chunchob S. 2023. Antimicrobial activities of endophytic bacteria isolated from Ageratum conyzoides Linn. Biodiversitas 24: 1971-1979. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from various parts of Ageratum conyzoides Linn. Total 35 isolates were obtained which were consisting of eight isolates from the roots (AconR1-AconR8), nine isolates from the stems (AconS1-AconS9), seven isolates from the leaves (AconL1-AconL7) and 11 isolates from the flowers (AconF1-AconF11). These endophytic bacteria were examined for their antimicrobial activities against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The AconR2 and AconR4 inhibited the growth of Shigella flexneri and Salmonella enterica ser. typhi, whereas Escherichia coli was only inhibited by AconR2. For the antifungal activities assay, all isolated endophytic bacteria revealed no effect on Candida albicans, while six endophytic isolates exhibited more than 80% mycelial growth inhibition against Microsporum canis. These highly effective isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The Bruker scores revealed that AconR2 and AconR4 were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, AconS1 and AconS6 were classified as Enterobacter asburiae, Acon L5 and Acon F9 were identified as Bacillus cereus. The results indicated that these endophytic bacteria isolated from A. conyzoides effectively inhibited the growth of human pathogenic filamentous fungi and showed promise for further development as novel antifungal agents.

Synergistic activity of the combination of falcarindiol and itraconazole in vitro against dermatophytes.

Previous studies have shown that natural polyacetylene alcohols, such as falcarindiol (FADOH), have good antifungal effects on plant fungi. While its effect on fungi that infect humans remains to be explored. In our study, checkerboard microdilution, drop-plate assay, and time-growth method were employed to analyze the interactions between FADOH and itraconazole (ITC) in vitro against dermatophytes, including 12 Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), 12 Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes), and 6 Microsporum canis (M. canis). The results showed that the combination of FADOH and ITC exhibited synergistic and additive activity against 86.7% of all tested dermatophytes. FADOH had an excellent synergistic effect on ITC against T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes; the synergistic rates were 66.7% and 58.3%, respectively. On the contrary, FADOH combined with ITC showed poor synergistic inhibitory activity (16.7%) against M. canis. Moreover, the additive rates of these two drugs against T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and M. canis were 25%, 41.7%, and 33.3%, respectively. No antagonistic interactions were observed. The drop-plate assay and time-growth curves confirmed that the combination of FADOH and ITC had a potent synergistic antifungal effect. The in vitro synergistic effect of FADOH and ITC against dermatophytes is reported here for the first time. Our findings suggest the potential use of FADOH as an effective antifungal drug in the combined therapy of dermatophytoses caused especially by T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes.

Zoophilic dermatophytes during coronavirus pandemic in Germany

During the coronavirus pandemic, significantly more pets were probably bought and kept. This study focuses on whether more zoophilic dermatophytes have subsequently been isolated and which species predominate. In the 1‑year period from March 2020 through February 2021, all zoophilic dermatophytes from all submissions to the Mölbis laboratory were recorded. Both the cultural and the molecular evidence of fungal detection from skin scrapings, hair roots, and, in single cases, from nails, were considered. For dermatophyte DNA(Deoxyribonucleic acid) detection, an in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. In distinct cases, identification of dermatophytes was confirmed by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA, and of the gene of the translation elongation factor (TEF)-1α. In 579 (2.56%) of 22,575 samples studied in the year 2020/2021, zoophilic dermatophytes were detectable with PCR-ELISA and/or by cultivation. In comparison, the proportion of zoophilic dermatophytes was 2.03% in the 1‑year period 2014/2015, and only 1.6% in 2018/2019. The 579 zoophilic dermatophytes were identified as follows: Trichophyton(T.) benhamiae 186 (32.1%), T.mentagrophytes 173 (29.9%), T.quinckeanum 110 (19.0%), Microsporum(M.) canis 78(13.5%), T.verrucosum 22(3.8%), Nannizzia(N.) persicolor 8(1.4%), T.erinacei 1(0.2%), and T.equinum 1(0.2%). T.benhamiae had the highest prevalence from June to September 2020, then again in December. T.quinckeanum is associated with asharp increase in the mice population in Germany in 2020; asignificant increase was found in the months September 2020 to January 2021. T.mentagrophytes had aconspicuous peak in September. Compered with that M. canis in November. Up to 50% of the dermatophytoses caused by T.mentagrophytes, T.quinckeanum, and M.canis affected children and adolescents, while in the case of T.benhamiae it was as much as two thirds. Tinea corporis was the most common, followed by tinea faciei and tinea capitis. M.canis infections affected the capillitium more frequently than the face. Zoophilic dermatophytes were increasingly isolated during the coronavirus pandemic in Germany when compared to previous year periods. In first place, the dermatophyte T.benhamiae from guinea pigs was found in children and adolescents. Asignificant proportion of dermatophytoses concerned adults. T.quinckeanum is an emerging pathogen in Germany with unprecedented high infection rates in 2020.

Capacidad antifúngica de los extractos acuosos de los frutos de Ilex paraguariensis frente a los hongos dermatofitos

Increasing resistance to antifungal agents and the toxicity of currently available antifungal agents has stimulated the development of new compounds with antifungal action of natural origin. Numerous scientific studies have reported on the biomedical and pharmacological properties of the de-rivatives of Ilex paraguariensis (Yerba mate). Very few scientific studies have been conducted on the phytochemical and/or pharmacological properties of its fruits, and practically none on its antimicrobial capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal capacity of aqueous extracts of I. paraguariensis fruits on dermatophyte fungi. Strains isolated from clinical samples of Trichophyton men-tagrophytes complex, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton tonsurans and Nannizzia gypsea were used. To evaluate the antifungal capacity of the aqueous extract of yerba mate (EAFYM), a stock solution of 500 mg/ml was prepared. The quantitative microdilution method was applied in RPMI broth. A fungal inoculum of 1-3 x103 CFU/ml was used. Controls for fungal growth, sterility and commercial reference antifungals were performed. Cultures were incubated for 96 h at 35 °C. The minimum concentration of EAFYM that produced complete inhibition of fungal growth was determined by visual observation and subsequent puncture on solid medium. It is concluded that EAFYM has in vitro antifungal activity against the dermatophyte strains studied, ranging from 31.25 to 125 mg/ml.

Molecular detection and species identification of dermatophytes by SYBR-Green real-time PCR in house methodology using hair samples obtained from dogs and cats.

The classical dermatophytes diagnosis is based on mycological culture and microscopy observation both human and animal hair, skin and nail samples. The aim of this work was to develop the new in-house real-time PCR with pan-dematophyte reaction for detection and identification of the main dermatophytes directly from hair samples, providing a simple and rapid diagnosis of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats. An in house SYBR-Green real-time PCR was designed and used for detecting a DNA fragment encoding chitin synthase 1 (CHS1). A total of 287 samples were processed by culture, microscopic examination with KOH 10% and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. Melting curve analysis of CHS1 fragment revealed to be reproducible, showing a single distinct peak for each species of dermatophyte, namely Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton verrucosum Microsporum canis and Nannizzia gypsea (formerly Microsporum gypseum). Then, out of the 287 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis, 50% were positive for dermatophytes by qPCR, 44% by mycological culture and 25% by microscopic examination. M. canis was identified in 117 samples tested by culture and 134 samples tested by qPCR, followed by N. gypsea in 5 samples (either tested by culture or qPCR) and T. mentagrophytes detected in 4 and 5 samples when tested by culture or qPCR, respectively. Overall, qPCR allowed the diagnosis of dermatophytosis in clinical samples. The results suggest this newly proposed in house real-time PCR assay can be used as alternative diagnosis and rapid identification of dermatophytes frequently associated to clinical hair samples of dogs and cats.

Fatal dermatophytic pseudomycetoma in a patient with non-HIV CD4 lymphocytopenia

ABSTRACT Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma is a rare invasive infection, involving both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Since the discovery of inherited immune disorders such as the impairment of CARD9 gene, extended dermatophyte infections are mostly ascribed to any of these host factors. This study is to present and explore the potential causes in a fatal dermatophytic pseudomycetoma patient. We present a chronic and deep pseudomycetoma caused by the common dermatophyte Microsporum canis which ultimately led to the death of the patient. Mycological examination, genetic studies and host immune responses against fungi were performed to explore the potential factors. The patient had decreased lymphocyte counts with significantly reduced CD4+ T cells, although all currently known genetic parameters proved to be normal. Through functional studies, we demonstrated that peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the patient showed severe impairment of adaptive cytokine production upon fungus-specific stimulation, whereas innate immune responses were partially defective. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of fatal dermatophytic pseudomycetoma in a patient with non-HIV CD4 lymphocytopenia, which highlights the importance of screening for immune deficiencies in patients with deep dermatophytosis.

Epidemiology and Clinical Findings of Tinea Capitis: A 23-Year Retrospective, Single-Center Study in Guangzhou, China.

Tinea capitis (TC) is one of the most common public health concerns due to its high incidence in preadolescent children. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of TC vary depending on geographical regions and have changed over the past decades. This study aimed to identify epidemiological changes in recent decades, including the prevalence and clinical and mycological characteristics of TC in southern China. We conducted a retrospective study at the Department of Dermatology of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from June 1997 to August 2020. We retrospectively evaluated 401 TC patients. Of these, 157 patients (39.2%) were preschool children aged 3-7years and the majority were males. However, the prevalence in children under 3years old is on the rise (from 19.67% during 1997-2010 to 32.49% during 2011-2020). Grey patches were the most common clinical pattern and mostly occurred in children (71.3%), while the proportion of grey patches and black dots was almost the same in adults. Although Microsporum canis (76%) was the most common causative organism, the number of the T. mentagrophytes complex, as a zoophilic fungus, has increased more than that of the anthropophilic fungi T. violaceum in the recent decade. There was a significant difference in the portion of sex among different age groups, and the gender difference was more notable in the adult group, which showed that the TC prevalence in females was 9 times that in males. In males, M. canis and the T. mentagrophytes complex were the two most common causative fungi, while M. canis and T. violaceum were the two most common causative fungi in females. Additionally, approximately 61.7% of black dot TCs occurred in females. For treatment, oral antifungal therapeutics were widely used in most patients with different treatment durations, although without a significant difference in efficacy (P = 0.106). In the last decade, the prevalence of TC in children under 3years old increased, and boys dramatically outnumbered girls. In adults, the TC prevalence in females is nine times that in males, and most TCs occurring in females are presented as black dots. Moreover, the zoophilic T. mentagrophytes complex has replaced T. violaceum and is now the second most prevalent organism, followed by M. canis of TC.

Epidemiology and Aetiology of Tinea Capitis in Wuhan and Its Surrounding Areas from 2011 Till the Present: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Tinea capitis is still common in Wuhan, and there exists significant difference in its pathogen spectrum between this area and other parts of China. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the epidemiological characteristics of tinea capitis and changes of pathogen spectrum in Wuhan and its surrounding areas from 2011 to 2022, and further to present potential risk factors focusing on some major etiological agents. Briefly, a retrospective single-center survey was performed on 778 patients with tinea capitis from 2011 to 2022 in Wuhan, China. The isolated pathogens were identified to species level by morphological examination or by ITS sequencing. The data were collected and statistically analyzed by Fisher's exact test and Bonferroni method. Among all enrolled patients, the most common pathogen was Trichophyton violaceum in both child (310, 46.34%) and adult tinea capitis (71, 65.14%). There existed significant difference in pathogen spectrum between child and adult tinea capitis. Furthermore, black-dot type represented the most common type of tinea capitis for both children (303, 45.29%) and adults (71, 65.14%). Notably, the number of cases caused by Microsporum canis consecutively exceeded that caused by Trichophyton violaceum in children from Jan, 2020 to Jun, 2022. Additionally, we suggested a series of potential factors that might increase the risks of acquiring tinea capitis by focusing on several major agents. Considering the different risk factors related to specific pathogen, it was meaningful to adjust the measures against the spreading of tinea capitis according to the changes of pathogen distribution within recent years.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with canine dermatophytoses among dogs in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria

Background: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is a zoonotic fungal skin infection caused predominantly by Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton spp. It is highly transmissible and, while normally self-limiting, could be problematic due to its potential to cause disease in certain human populations. The occurrence and associated risk factors of dermatophytoses in dogs presented at three veterinary clinics in Osogbo, and Ilorin, Nigeria between July and November 2019 were investigated in this study.
 Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 325 dogs with lesions suggestive of dermatophytosis, selected by simple random sampling from three veterinary clinics in Osogbo and Ilorin, purposively selected for the study due to high patronage of the veterinary hospitals by dog owners. Using conventional mycological sampling techniques, plucked hairs and skin scrapings were obtained the dogs. The samples were emulsified in 10% potassium hydroxide, examined microscopically for fungal elements and cultured using standard mycological procedures. Information on dog demographic characteristics and risk factors for dermatophytosis were collected using structured questionnaire. The association between risk factors and demographic variables with the occurrence of dermatophytoses was determined using Chi-square test (with Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 Results: Positive cultures for dermatophytes were obtained from samples of 48 (14.8%) dogs with M. canis 37.5% (18/48), M. gypseum 27.0% (13/48) and T. mentagrophytes 8.3% (4/48). Other fungi identified were Aspergillus flavus 12.5% (6/48) and Malassezia canis 12.5% (6/48). The age distribution of positive dogs were < 1 year (50.0%, n=24), 1-3 years (29.2%, n=14) and > 3 years (20.8%, n=10), while the risk factors associated with dermatophytosis included sex of dogs (p=0.0428), history of dermatophytosis (p<0.0001), clinical presentation (p<0.0001) and lesion type, especially kerion and pustular lesions (p=0.0297).
 Conclusion: These findings established the occurrence of dermatophytosis in dogs kept for companionship (i. e., pets), security and breeding purposes in the two States in Nigeria. Our findings underscore the need for routine mycological investigations in dogs to facilitate early detection of cases and prompt institution of treatment interventions, thereby preventing zoonotic transmission of dermatophytes to their owners, handlers and veterinarians.

Pediatric tinea capitis in Jilin Province: analyzing previous results from a new perspective.

To investigate the current etiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic characteristics of tinea capitis in children in Jilin Province. Sixty pediatric patients with tinea capitis were enrolled between August 2020 and December 2021. Data on calcofluor white (CFW) fluorescence microscopy, fungal culture, Wood's lamp examination, dermoscopy, treatment, and follow-up were collected and analyzed. 1. Of all the enrolled patients, 48 had a history of animal contact, mostly with cats and dogs. Fifty-one strains were isolated, of which 46 were Microsporum canis (M. canis). 2. All enrolled patients were examined using fluorescence microscopy, and 59 were positive. Forty-one cases of tinea alba were examined using Wood's lamp, and 38 were positive. Forty-two cases of tinea alba were examined using dermoscopy, and 39 demonstrated specific signs. Effective treatment manifested as a fading bright green fluorescence, decreased mycelial/spore load, reduced specific dermoscopic signs, and hair regrowth. 3. Treatment was terminated in 23 and 37 cases based on mycological and clinical cures, respectively. No recurrence occurred during follow-up. 1. M. canis is the predominant pathogen causing tinea capitis in children in Jilin Province. Animal contact is considered the main risk factor. 2. CFW fluorescence microscopy, Wood's lamp, and dermoscopy can be used to diagnose ringworms and follow-up patients. 3. Both mycological and clinical cures can be the endpoint of adequate treatment for tinea capitis.

Development, Optimization, and In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation of Azelaic Acid Transethosomal Gel for Antidermatophyte Activity.

Treatment of dermatophytosis is quite challenging. This work aims to investigate the antidermatophyte action of Azelaic acid (AzA) and evaluate its efficacy upon entrapment into transethosomes (TEs) and incorporation into a gel to enhance its application. Optimization of formulation variables of TEs was carried out after preparation using the thin film hydration technique. The antidermatophyte activity of AzA-TEs was first evaluated in vitro. In addition, two guinea pig infection models with Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes and Microsporum (M.) canis were established for the in vivo assessment. The optimized formula showed a mean particle size of 219.8 ± 4.7 nm and a zeta potential of -36.5 ± 0.73 mV, while the entrapment efficiency value was 81.9 ± 1.4%. Moreover, the ex vivo permeation study showed enhanced skin penetration for the AzA-TEs (3056 µg/cm2) compared to the free AzA (590 µg/cm2) after 48 h. AzA-TEs induced a greater inhibition in vitro on the tested dermatophyte species than free AzA (MIC90 was 0.01% vs. 0.32% for T. rubrum and 0.032% for T. mentagrophytes and M. canis vs. 0.56%). The mycological cure rate was improved in all treated groups, specially for our optimized AzA-TEs formula in the T. mentagrophytes model, in which it reached 83% in this treated group, while it was 66.76% in the itraconazole and free AzA treated groups. Significant (p < 0.05) lower scores of erythema, scales, and alopecia were observed in the treated groups in comparison with the untreated control and plain groups. In essence, the TEs could be a promising carrier for AzA delivery into deeper skin layers with enhanced antidermatophyte activity.

ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF IPOMEA CARNEA EXTRACT ON DERMATOPHYTES FUNGI ISOLATED FROM CHILDREN IN DIWANIYAH CITY -IRAQ

The current study included evaluates the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the Ipomoea carnea plant were used against dermatophytes isolated from school children in the city of Diwaniyah. The study showed the presence of many ringworms spread among children, and the most prevalent is tinea corporis with 33 (35). %) cases, followed by tinea cruris with 24 cases (26%). Males were the most susceptible to infection in most cases, with the exception of Tinea pedis, which was more common in females. As for the isolated species, they were both Trichophytons rubrum and Microsporum canis were superior in terms of the number of isolates with 30 and 28 isolates, respectively. As for as flower extracts, the concentration 30% alcoholic extract was the best in inhibiting fungal growth, as the diameters of the colonies were 1.3, 1, 0.7, 1, 1.2, 1.2 and 6 mm for Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton violaceum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum audouinii and Epidermophyton floccosum, respectively, while the diameters of the 30%aqueous extract were 2.4, 2.1, 1.8, 2.3, 2.0, 2 respectively. The leaves Alcoholic extract were the best in compare with water extracts and the concentration 30 % gave the best inhibition for fungal growth, the diameter was 1.3,1,0.7,1.2,1 and 0.6 mm for the fungi for Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton violaceum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum audouinii and Epidermophyton floccosum, respectively.

Retrospective Analysis of Tinea Capitis in Xinjiang, China.

Tinea capitis is a cutaneous infection of dermatophytes and predominant in children. It is one of common infectious diseases of children in Xinjiang, particularly in the southern Xinjiang. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical and mycological characteristics of patients with tinea capitis in Xinjiang China. Medical records from 2010 to 2021, Mycology Laboratory Department of Dermatology in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, retrospectively investigated the clinical and mycological characteristics of 198 patients with tinea capitis. Hairs have been obtained for fungal examination, and analysis with 20% KOH and Fungus Fluorescence Staining Solution has been conducted. Identification of fungi was using of morphological and molecular biological methods. Among total number of 198 patients, 189 (96%) were children with tinea capitis, of which 119 (63%) were male and 70 (37%) were female; 9 (4%) were adult patients with tinea capitis, of which 7 were female and 2 were male. Preschool children between the ages of 3 and 5years had the highest distribution (54%), followed by those between the ages of 6 and 12years (33%), the ages under 2years (11%) and the ages of 13-15years (2%) respectively. Among all patients, 135 (68.18%) were Uygur, 53 (26.77%) were Han, 5 (2.53%) were Kazak, 3 (1.52%) were Hui, 1 (0.5%) was Mongolian and nationality information of 1 patient (0.5%) is unknown. The indentification results of the isolates showed that 195 (98%) patients had single-species infections and 3 (2%) patients had double mixed infections. Among single-species infection patients, Microsporum canis (n = 82, 42.05%), Microsporum ferrugineum (n = 56, 28.72%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n = 22, 11.28%) were the most prevalent species. Other dermatophytes included Trichophyton tonsurans (n = 12, 6.15%), Trichophyton violaceum (n = 10, 5.13%), Trichophyton schoenleinii (n = 9, 4.62%) and Trichophyton verrucosum (n = 4, 2.05%). Among 3 cases of mixed infections, 1 was M. canis + T. tonsurans (n = 1), and the other 2 were M.canis + T.mentagrophytes (n = 2). In conclusion, the majority of tinea capitis patients in Xinjiang, China are Uygur male children aged 3-5years. M. canis was the most prevalent species causing tinea capitis in Xinjiang. These results provide useful information for the treatment and prevention of tinea capitis.

Global Demographic Characteristics and Pathogen Spectrum of Tinea Capitis.

Tinea capitis is an important superficial fungal infection with a global distribution. It mainly affects prepubertal children and is more common in males. Anthropophilic and zoophilic dermatophytes are responsible for most infections. The pathogen spectrum of tinea capitis varies across different regions and changes over time, and is influenced by multiple factors, such as economic development, changes in lifestyle, immigration and animal distribution. This review aimed to clarify the demographic and etiological characteristics of tinea capitis worldwide and determine the common trends of causative pathogens. By mainly analyzing the literature published from 2015 to 2022, we found that the incidence and demographic characteristics of tinea capitis remained generally stable. Zoophilic Microsporum canis, anthropophilic Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton tonsurans were the predominant pathogens. The pathogen spectra in different countries changed in different directions. In some countries, the main pathogen shifted to an anthropophilic dermatophyte, such as T. tonsurans, Microsporum audouinii or T. violaceum; in contrast, it shifted to a zoophilic agent, such as M. canis, in some other countries. Dermatologists are advised to continue monitoring the pathogen spectrum and implement preventive measures according to the reported changes.

Antimicrobial Potential of Betulinic Acid and Investigation of the Mechanism of Action against Nuclear and Metabolic Enzymes with Molecular Modeling.

Natural products have important pharmacological activities. This study sought to investigate the activity of the compound betulinic acid (BA) against different strains of bacteria and fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined and then the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). After performing the in vitro tests, molecular modeling studies were carried out to investigate the mechanism of action of BA against the selected microorganisms. The results showed that BA inhibited the growth of microbial species. Among the 12 species (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium citrinum, Trichophyton rubrum, and Microsporum canis) investigated, 9 (75%) inhibited growth at a concentration of 561 µM and 1 at a concentration of 100 µM. In general, the MBC and MFC of the products were between 561 and 1122 μM. In silico studies showed that BA presented a mechanism of action against DNA gyrase and beta-lactamase targets for most of the bacteria investigated, while for fungi the mechanism of action was against sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) targets and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). We suggest that BA has antimicrobial activity against several species.