Non-dermatophyte Fungi Research Articles

Characterization of titanium dioxide nanomaterials synthesized from leaf extract of Pogostemon cablin Benth and their potential antifungal activity

Recently, dermal infections caused by fungus have increased drastically, affecting people’s daily lives and causing embarrassment. These infections are either due to dermatophytes or non-dermatophytic fungi. Basically, three genera of dermatophytes namely Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermohyton are the main cause of dermatophytosis. Candida albicans is also responsible for some dermal infections as a non-dermatophytic fungus. Traditional antifungal compounds cause side effects and resistance in fungi, so better and non-toxic alternatives are needed. Now a day’s, nanotechnology is widely used in the pharmaceutical field and has proven to be a good antifungal agent. This study used TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) against four human pathogens Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum, and Candida albicans. Green and chemical synthesis methods were used for the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles. In green synthesis, we used aqueous leaf extract of Pogostemon cablin Benth. The formation of TiO2 nanoparticles is confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. According to XRD, the average size of chemically synthesized nanoparticles was 70.52 nm, while green synthesized nanoparticles were 71.82 nm. All the characterizations support that Pogostemon cablin aqueous extract can synthesize TiO2 nanoparticles. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined according to the broth microdilution recommended assay. This study concluded that green synthesized TiO2 NPs showed good results against all four pathogens.

The difference of fungal growth Rhizopus sp. in SDA and PDA Media from toe nail samples of construction workers

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection caused by dermatophyta and non-dermatophyte groups which infect the toenails or fingernails. Onychomycosis infection can lead to the damage of the nails which causes the nail thickness, brittle, and easily destroyed. Rhizopus sp. is considered to be one of the fungal species in the non-dermatophyte fungal infection group in the disease Onychomycosis. This study aims to determine the differences in the growth of non-dermatophyte fungi that cause onychomycosis infections on SDA and PDA media in samples of toenails from construction workers in Lamongan Regency. The research method used is descriptive, and the sampling technique used is random sampling. The sample size examined was 15 construction workers in duplicate, 15 planted in PDA media and 15 planted in SDA media. The material for this examination is scrapings from the toenails of construction workers which are planted directly on SDA and PDA media, then followed by macroscopic and microscopic examination. Based on macroscopsic examination, it was found that the colonies were white to grayish white, had a cotton-like surface and were spreading. Based on microscopic examination using the addition of 1 drop of LCB dye reagent, fungal elements were obtained which indicated the non-dermatophyte fungus Rhizopus sp. namely there are stolon, rhizoid, sporangiospore, sporangium and apoplysis. From the results of this research it can be concluded that there is growth of the fungus Rhizopus sp. non-dermatophyte group on PDA media and SDA media, there was no difference in the growth of non-dermatophyte fungi that cause onychomycosis in the toenails of construction workers in Lamongan Regency on PDA media and SDA media and there was a difference in the growth of the fungus Rhizopus sp. Non-dermatophyte groups causing onychomycosis based on age.

Characterisation of Non-Dermatophyte Fungus on The Toes of a Patient Diagnosed with Tinea Pedis

In a health center-level morbidity data report by the Gorontalo City Health Office in 2020, the prevalence of fungal-related skin diseases attained 4.76 percent (476 cases), including 56 cases of tinea pedis. One of the variables in athlete's foot is a workplace and type(s) of work that fail to satisfy basic health guidelines. In the case examined by this study, the patient was a butcher employed locally in a small shop. This study aims to use a variety of parameters to describe the non-dermatophyte fungi that cause butcher's toe infections. Fungus characteristics were performed macroscopically and microscopically. The observations were used to describe the characteristics of the fungus, which were then analysed descriptively with reference to the identification manuals book. Non-dermatophyte fungi such as Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp., Candida albicans, were identified in the study findings. Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp., Candida albicans and other types of fungi such as Metarhizium anisopliaea. This study demonstrates that non-dermatophyta fungal infections may be the source of butchers' tinea pedis.

Combinatorial effect of fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine with different culture extracts of Candida parapsilosis and Trichophyton spp. against Trichophyton rubrum.

Onychomycosis is a nail infection caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte fungi, and yeasts, especially Candida species. The present study evaluated the combinatorial effect of different cultured extracts of Candida parapsilosis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum with fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine against clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum. In addition, investigation of the action of the extracts on the wall or membrane was performed. Pure and mixed cultures of Candida parapsilosis and dermatophytes were filtered through a 0.2-μm membrane and submitted to liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate. After a checkerboard, trial with drugs was performed to evaluate the synergistic interaction with the extract. The results obtained for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of extracts against the T. rubrum strain in isolation were 500-8000 μg/mL. The MIC range for fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine were 2-32 μg/mL, 0.25-0.5 μg/mL, 0.03-64 μg/mL, respectively. However, when the extract was combined with drugs, the MIC values decreased: extracts 1.9-1000 μg/mL, fluconazole 0.25-4, itraconazole 0.03-0.06 μg/mL, and terbinafine 0.001-0.02 μg/mL. The MIC values of the extracts in the Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium (RPMI) supplemented with sorbitol did not change, suggesting any action on the cell wall. However, in the presence of RPMI supplemented with ergosterol, MIC values of the extracts increased by up to 2×, indicating action on the fungal cell membrane. A synergistic action was observed between products and drugs, detecting a decrease in MIC values. There is potential and a new therapeutic perspective for fungal control.

A Repertoire of Clinical Non-Dermatophytes Moulds.

Humans are constantly exposed to micromycetes, especially filamentous fungi that are ubiquitous in the environment. In the presence of risk factors, mostly related to an alteration of immunity, the non-dermatophyte fungi can then become opportunistic pathogens, causing superficial, deep or disseminated infections. With new molecular tools applied to medical mycology and revisions in taxonomy, the number of fungi described in humans is rising. Some rare species are emerging, and others more frequent are increasing. The aim of this review is to (i) inventory the filamentous fungi found in humans and (ii) provide details on the anatomical sites where they have been identified and the semiology of infections. Among the 239,890 fungi taxa and corresponding synonyms, if any, retrieved from the Mycobank and NCBI Taxonomy databases, we were able to identify 565 moulds in humans. These filamentous fungi were identified in one or more anatomical sites. From a clinical point of view, this review allows us to realize that some uncommon fungi isolated in non-sterile sites may be involved in invasive infections. It may present a first step in the understanding of the pathogenicity of filamentous fungi and the interpretation of the results obtained with the new molecular diagnostic tools.

Edukasi Dan Pelayanan Pemeriksaan Infeksi Jamur Kulit Pada Pekerja Kebersihan Universitas Di Surabaya

Work that requires being in a humid area, can cause fungal infections. Skin fungal infections in humans can be divided into two, namely dermatophytosis and non-dermatophytosis. Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection that attacks the keratinized parts of the skin, nails and hair and is caused by 3 genera, namely Microsporum, Epidermophyton, and Trichophyton. While non dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the outer skin or this type of fungal infection does not reach the keratin tissue. Non-dermatophyte fungi include Aspergillus sp., Malessezia furfur. Due to dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte fungal infections, namely itching of the skin or earlobe. This activity aims to increase the understanding of cleaning workers at one of the universities in Surabaya about the dangers of fungus on the skin, so that they can prevent and anticipate early spread. The method used in this community service activity is the presentation and discussion of the dangers of skin fungal infections. To measure the level of understanding of the participants regarding the dangers of toxoplasmosis, a pretest was conducted at the beginning and at the end of the activity. This activity was attended by 22 janitors, both male and female. The average pretest score is 49,63 points, while the average posttest score is 71,48 points. These results indicate that there is an increase in the knowledge of cleaning workers at one of the universities in Surabaya about the causes, dangers, modes of transmission and methods of preventing skin fungal diseases. Educational activities are expected to be sustainable so that the community can apply steps to prevent skin fungal infections.

Emergence of the ABC Transporter Antibiotic Resistant Gene in Pathogenic Fungi Using In Silico Analysis

Adenosine triphosphate binding cassette proteins (ATP-ABC) transporters belong to a broad superfamily of proteins in all living organisms that have essential physiological functions. They are necessary for transporting a wide range of substrates across lipid membranes. ABC transport proteins share two conserved domain architectures: the multiple transmembrane helices (TMD) nucleotide binding protein domain (NBD). Fungi have evolved active transport pathways through endogenous and exogenous toxicants. Drug efflux from ABC transporters lowers the concentration of intracellular drugs, in many pathogens and cancer cells; therefore, efflux is subjected to extensive studies in pathogens. ABC transporter gene of aspergillus versicolor as reference and evaluated metadata of ABC transporter gene in comparison from dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte fungi using fungi DB and NCBI databases. ABC transporters gene was studied using gene homology via phylogenetic analysis. Study evaluated ABC transporters sub families, number of transcripts, exon, intron numbers sizes and position using gene sequence analysis by NCBI. The evolutionary history of ABC gene analyzed by using 12 proteins of both dermatophytes. Study also explored the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) homology in dermatophytes using the NCBI SNP tool. ABC protein examined five sub-families which include ABC-B, ABC-C, ABC-D, ABC-F. Phylogenetic studies on ABC transporter genes showed its emergence in three major groups of dermatophytes and non- dermatophyte. Exon number of ABC transporter gene varies from 2 to 18 and one transcript number in dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes. The evolutionary history of ABC-B was analyzed by using 12 proteins of both dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes. ABC genes in dermatophytes were found in five subfamilies ABC-B, ABC-C, ABC-D, ABC-F and ABC-G. However, ABC transporter gene family survey suggested that ABC- C family is a highly emerged sub family in dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes. Study revealed that ABC protein has been found in five sub-families of ABC transporter gene in dermatophytes. It has one transcript number in dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes. Whereas, the exon numbers are varied from 2 to 18. Moreover, ABC transporter gene phylogenetic family survey suggested that ABC- C family is highly emerged in both fungal types.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Superficial Fungal Infection among Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Nepal.

Fungal infections of hair, nail, and skin are common worldwide and tend to increase. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of dermatomycoses, estimate the efficiency of rapid potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet-mount, and observe the hygienic status and the predisposing risk factors. Altogether 115 samples (nail = 77, skin = 30, and hair = 8) were obtained in a duration of December 2019 to June 2020 at Grande International Hospital, Nepal. The samples were examined by KOH wet-mount microscopy and further processed for culture. The dermatophyte test medium (DTM) was used to isolate dermatophytes separately. The fungal colonies obtained in SDA, SDA with cycloheximide/chloramphenicol and dermatophyte medium were subjected to lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) reagent to study fungal morphology. The yeast colonies grown on SDA were subjected to Gram staining, germ-tube tests, and biochemical tests for identification. CHROMagar was used to distinguish different Candida species based on its pigment production in the medium. Various factors (age, sex, occupation, and hygiene condition) were analyzed which were associated with mycological infection. Out of 115 samples, the presence of fungal elements was detected in 20 samples by KOH. Nondermatophyte molds were the most isolated fungus in nails, skin, and hair, followed by yeast and dermatophytes, respectively. Dermatomycosis molds were the most common causative agents with 22 (14.7%) cases, followed by yeasts with 6 (5.21%) cases. Candida albicans was isolated from 5 (4.3%) cases, whereas Rhodotorula species accounted for a single (0.8%) case. Dermatophytes were isolated from 5 (4.3%) cases. Among them, n = 4(3.4%) cases revealed Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was isolated from single (0.8%) case. The most isolated nondermatophyte mold that follows criteria as a pathogen in our study was Cladosporium species 6 (25%) out of 27 total fungal isolates. Poor hygiene and sweating were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) in fungal cases detected by both KOH and culture. Dermatophytes and nondermatophyte fungi were emerging as important causes of fungal infection. Both direct microscopy and culture followed by LPCB together were vital tools for the diagnosis of fungal infections.

Onychomycosis in Two Populations with Different Socioeconomic Resources in an Urban Nucleus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Onychomycosis is one of the most common foot conditions. Mixed onychomycosis and onychomycosis caused by non-dermatophyte moulds are increasing in incidence, especially in vulnerable populations, hence the importance of this study, which presents the prevalence of onychomycosis in a population of homeless people, comparing the findings with a sample of a well-resourced population. The total sample consisted of 70 participants, divided into two separate groups, a homeless population and a second group in which we included people attending a private clinic. The average age of the sample is [49.19 ± 28.81] with an age range of 18 to 78 years. In the homeless group, the most prevalent infectious agents were non-dermatophyte fungi, with a total of 48%, compared to 28% in the group housed. The most common site of infection in both groups was the nail of the first finger. We, therefore, conclude that there is a difference in the infecting agent in the homeless population and the population with homes.

Identifikasi Jamur Penyebab Onychomycosis Pada Kerokan Kuku Pekerja Bangunan Di Desa Bontokassi Kecamatan Parangloe Kabupaten Gowa

Onychomycosis is a disease caused by dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte fungi that can attack human nails. Work environment, personal hygiene of workers, age and length of work can increase the risk of Onychomycosis. This study aims to identify the fungi that cause Onychomycosis on the nails of construction workers. This research is descriptive observational and using purposive sampling technique. This study used 2 methods of examination, namely directly and indirectly using 20% KOH and planting on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar culture media. The results of the identification of 15 samples using 20% KOH, found 1 (6.67%) positive sample with the discovery of hyphae and spores while 14 (93.3%) other samples were negative. The results of the identification on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar media that had been incubated at 37 oC for 3-5 days, it was found that 15 (100%) samples were positive for fungal infection. The Non-Dermatophyte, namely the discovery of 6 samples (40%) of Aspergillus Sp fungi and 5 samples of Penicillium Sp fungi (33.33%) and the discovery of Dermatophyte fungi, namely Trichopyton sp fungi as many as 3 samples (20%) and Epidermophyton sp as much as 1 sample (6.67%).

Clinicomycological Study of Superficial Mycoses: A Changing Trend of Increasing Non-dermatophyte Mold Infection

IntroductionSuperficial mycoses refer to the diseases of skin and its appendages caused by fungi. The geographical distribution of fungi may change from time to time; hence this study was planned. To find out the prevalence of different clinical types of dermatomycoses and dermatomycotic mold infections and their etiological agents. MethodsA total of 560 clinically diagnosed cases of superficial mycoses visiting tertiary care centre for a period of two years were included in the study. Specimens like skin scrapping, nail clipping, hair were collected and subjected to KOH mount and culture. Identification of species was done by macroscopic examination of culture, tease mount, slide culture and Germ tube test. Wood’s lamp examination was also performed. ResultsSuperficial mycoses were more common in the age group of 21-30 years (33.22%) and in males (71.96%). Tinea corporis 163/469 (34.75%) was the commonest clinical type in dermatophytosis followed by tinea cruris 145/469 (30.92%). 53.04% cases were positive by direct microscopy and 62.86% cases showed culture positive. Out of 352 culture positive cases, dermatophytes were isolated in 80.11% followed by yeasts (15.91%) and non-dermatophyte molds (NDM) (3.98%). The most common isolate among dermtophytosis was Trichophyton rubrum 156/282 (55.32%). An Aspergillus spp., Hortaea werneckii,Cladophialophora carrionii and Exophiala jeanselmei were some of NDM. ConclusionsIt was found that along with dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic fungi are also emerging as an important cause of superficial mycoses. A rare NDM like Cladophialophora carrionii and Exophiala jeanselmei can have possible causative role in the tinea corporis.

Mycotic zoonoses risk from clipping instruments in Pet Shops in Sinop – MT

Pets have conquered the daily lives of families worldwide and because they have a close relationship with humans, they can transmit mycotic zoonoses such as dermatophytosis, malassezioses and candidosis. Studies show that fungi with pathogenic potential have already been granted in clipping instruments and bath articles in veterinary clinics and in Pet Shops. In the absence of data in the city of Sinop - MT, this study aimed to isolate fungi with pathogenic potential in clipping instruments used in the routine of Pet Shops and to identify etiological agents capable of causing mycotic zoonoses. Samples were carried out in 18 clipping instruments, without cleaning, from 10 Pet Shops (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J) in the city of Sinop - MT with swabs and sterile carpets square and then seeded in Sabouraud agar with 0.05% chloramphenicol and mycobiotic agar, incubated at room temperature (25°C) for 30 - 45 days. The dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi were identified using the microculture technique and urease test and as yeasts using a urease test, zymogram, auxanogram, germ tube and corn meal agar with polysorbate 80. Of the samples from 18 clipping instruments, 15 were positive for at least one fungal genus. The yeast that showed a high prevalence of isolation in clipping instruments from the studied Pet Shops (B, C, D, E, H and J) was Malassezia pachydermatis (86.7%), followed by the genus Candida spp. (C and D; 26.7%), filamentous fungi of the genus Aspergillus spp. (A; 13.3%), Microsporum canis (B; 13.3%) and Trichosporon spp. (J, 6.7%). Our results demonstrate that Pet Shops treat a large number of animals daily in a single environment, which may amplify the risk of spreading zoonoses, as an asymptomatic or sick carrier animal can potentially transmit the microorganism to other animals inside the store and thus to a large number of new pet owners. There is a need to reinforce the commercial requirements specialized in bathing and grooming in the city of Sinop - MT on the good practices of cleaning and disinfection of the elements used and the environment, eliminating or eliminating the risk of contracting mycotic zoonoses.

Emergence of Antifungal Azole Resistance in the Fungal Strains of Tinea corporis, Tinea capitis, Tinea cruris and Tinea pedis from the Locality of Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Background: Dermatophytes are the most common group of fungi causing fungal infections all over the world. They are classified into three main groups Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Among these, Trichophyton has the highest prevalence rate (70-90%) as compared to the others. The global emergence of fungal infections is varied due to the socio-economic conditions throughout the world. Developing countries, like Pakistan, are facing an increase in the number of dermatophytoses, including frequent relapses and treatment failures.&#x0D; Objectives: The study have been conducted to identify the emerging fungal species, the role of commonly available antifungals such as azoles including voriconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B were used to determine the drug resistance among these species.&#x0D; Methodology: Nine groups of dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte fungi isolated from the patients of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea capitis and tinea pedis infections were analyzed for Phenotypic diversity, antifungal susceptibility and strains identification, was performed by cultural characteristics and microscopy.&#x0D; Results: Nine groups of isolated fungal strains were identified as Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton mentagrophyte, Trichophyton rubrum amongst dermatophytes class and Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus verisocolor, Aspergillus niger, Acretonium sordidulum and Acremonium sclerotigenum of non-dermatophytes class.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study revealed Trichophytone interdigitale group as more frequent dermatophytes. Whereas, among the antifungal drugs, fluconazole that targets the Erg 1 gene of ergosterol biosynthesis in fungi is less effective most common antifungal drugs available locally.

Prevalence of keratinophilic fungi in the garden soil samples in Western India and study of its clinical impact

Dermatophytosis has been a common contagious disease and remain an important public health problem among people worldwide and particularly in developing countries. This study was done in order to know prevalence of keratinophilic fungi in the soil samples of Ajmer region and its clinical correlation. Five samples (5gm each) of garden soil were collected from each of the randomly selected 10 sites of Ajmer region in sterile polythene bags &amp; pH of soil was recorded. All samples were processed in the laboratory using hair bait technique and incubated at 28 + 2◦C for 3-4 weeks. Fungi grown were subcultured onto Sabourauds Dextrose Agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol &amp; SDA with cycloheximide and identified using standard mycological procedures. Out of 50 soil samples cultured 28 (56%) samples were positive for keratinophilic fungi. 64.28% were dermatophytes and 12.8% were non-dermatophytic fungi. The predominant isolate among dermatophytes was spp. (64.28%) where as spp. (12.8%) was the commonest non-dermatophyte. : In our hospital, dermatophytic infection including Tinea corporis is one of the most common clinical presentations of skin infection. is commonest causative agent of Tinea corporis. Interestingly was the most commonly isolated dermatophyte in our study suggesting soil as a source of dermatophytic infections.

Onychomycosis in patients with multiple sclerosis: prevalence, clinical description, mycological, and dermoscopic study in a Mexican population.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease related to HLA-DR8. Susceptibility to onychomycosis has been found in Mexican mestizos with HLA-DR8. The frequency of onychomycosis in this neurological disease is unknown. To determine the frequency of onychomycosis and its clinical, mycological, and dermoscopic characteristics in patients with MS in comparison with the general population. Observational, cross-sectional, case-control study in patients with MS from October 2017 to February 2018. Age, gender, MS type, and time of progression from diagnosis to date and baseline treatment were collected after signed informed consent. A neurological exploration and clinical examination of fingernails and toenails for onychomycosis was conducted. Mycological and dermoscopic studies of the infected nails were performed on patients with clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis. A healthy control group was taken for each case (1:1), paired by age and gender. The frequency of onychomycosis in patients with MS was higher than the healthy population (32% vs. 26%, P=0.509). A higher frequency of non-dermatophyte fungi was found, although it was not statistically significant. The clinical manifestations and dermoscopic findings in patients with MS and onychomycosis were similar to those of the general population. The frequency of onychomycosis in patients with MS is slightly higher than that of the general population. A possible association of HLA-DR8 as a susceptibility factor for onychomycosis is proposed. The etiology of opportunistic fungi in MS patients with onychomycosis may be related to immunosuppressive treatment.

English

BACKGROUND Mycoses are assuming greater significance both in developed and developing countries particularly due to advent of immunosuppressive drugs and diseases. Dermatophytosis is most common type of cutaneous fungal infections seen in man, though in past few decades non-dermatophytes are also assuming importance. Present study is undertaken to know the pattern of dermatophytosis from our region. METHODS An observational study was conducted on 150 samples of patients with complaints of superficial mycoses. Samples were processed for microscopy on potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount and culture on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (SDA) with and without cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Any growth was identified by conventional technique. RESULTS One hundred and fifty samples consisting of 86 skin and 64 nails were studied. Most samples were seen in rainy season and males were predominantly affected. Adults from age of 21 - 50 years were most commonly affected. Most common clinical presentation was tinea corporis (70.93 %). In dermatophytic causes, T. mentagrophytes (36.21 %), T. tonsurans (27.59 %) followed by T. rubrum (15.52 %) were common isolates. In non-dermatophytic causes, candida spp. followed by aspergillus spp. were commonest isolates. CONCLUSIONS Tinea corporis is found to be the commonest presentation. Along with dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic fungi are also emerging as the cause of superficial mycoses. In non-dermatophytic fungi, candida is the commonest species, which is now a days showing drug resistance; hence, identification of causative agent is important for correct and prompt treatment. KEY WORDS Dermatophytosis, Non-Dermatophytic Fungi, Dermatophytic Fungi

Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Non - Dermatophytic Fungi Causing Onychomycosis

Introduction: Non-dermatophytic molds (NDM) are filamentous fungi or yeast, commonly found in nature as saprophytes and plant pathogens. The incidence of onychomycosis due to NDM is 1.45 – 16.6%. NDMs are usually resistant to conventional antifungal treatment.&#x0D; Objective: To know the anti-fungal susceptibility pattern of non-dermatophyte fungi causing onychomycosis. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital based cross-sectional study was done on non - dermatophytic isolates from patients with clinical suspicion of onychomycosis. All non – dermatophytic isolates were subjected to anti-fungal susceptibility against terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole and griseofulvin by micro broth dilution method. &#x0D; Results: NDM were isolated in 20.2% cases of clinically suspected onychomycosis, among which Fusarium species was the most common followed by Aspergillus species and Candida species. MIC50 (Mean Inhibitory Concentration) for overall non - dermatophytic isolates for terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole and griseofulvin was 0.25μg/mL, 0.5μg/mL, 32μg/mL and 2μg/mL respectively and the order of sensitivity was Itraconazole (74.7%) &gt; terbinafine (68%) &gt; Fluconazole (60%) &gt; Griseofulvin (51.6%) of the study samples. For Fusarium species, the sensitivity for terbinafine was (73.5%) &gt; itraconazole (67.6%) &gt; fluconazole (64.7%) and griseofulvin (64.7%). For Aspergillus species, the sensitivity for itraconazole was 79.1% &gt; fluconazole (58.3%) &gt; terbinafine (54.1%) &gt; griseofulvin (50%). For Candida species, the sensitivity was fluconazole (83.3%) &gt; itraconazole (75%) &gt; terbinafine (41.6%), while no candida species was found sensitive to griseofulvin. &#x0D; Conclusion: Non-dermatophytes play a significant role in onychomycosis. On in vitro estimation, Itraconazole was the most sensitive drug, followed by terbinafine, fluconazole and griseofulvin.

BIOSYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM MARINE MACROSCOPIC RED SEAWEED HALYMENIA PORPHYROIDES BOERGESEN (CRYPTON) AND ITS ANTIFUNGAL EFFICACY AGAINST DERMATOPHYTIC AND NON-DERMATOPHYTIC FUNGI

Objective: The current study illustrates the biosynthesis of economically scalable and energy efficient colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from marine red seaweed Halymenia porphyroides Boergesen (Crypton) collected from Southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and their antifungal efficacy against dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic fungi was evaluated.&#x0D; Methods: The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from marine macroscopic red seaweed H. porphyroides Boergesen were synthesized by green synthesis method and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The efficacy of silver nanoparticles against dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic fungi was performed by disk diffusion method.&#x0D; Results: The presence of silver nanoparticles with an average size between 34.3 and 80 nm and exhibiting face-centered cubic structure was confirmed. SEM revealed the morphology of the nanoparticles as spherical and TEM exhibited the nanoparticle distribution. The FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of potential biomolecules in the seaweed crude extract which is responsible for reducing and capping the bioreduced silver nanoparticles. The UV absorption spectra at 430.5 nm revealed the characteristic spectra of the silver nanoparticles. The purity and the thermal stability of silver nanoparticles were revealed by TGA. Silver nanoparticles showed significant efficacy against dermatophytes and Rhizopus microsporus among non-dermatophytes.&#x0D; Conclusion: Intermediate efficacy was observed against dermatophytes and among non-dermatophytic fungi R. microsporus exhibited better efficacy, whereas Aspergillus flavus were resistant to the biosynthesized silver nanoparticle.

Epidemiology of Dermatophyte and Non-Dermatophyte Fungi Infection in Ethiopia.

BackgroundDermatophytosis represents one of the common infectious diseases worldwide and it is a major public health problem around the globe. The disease causes considerable morbidity and still continues to increase especially in developing countries.ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes and the spectrum of fungal agents in patients attending Rank Higher Specialized Dermatology Clinic.MethodsA cross-sectional study has been conducted, in which 318 samples from 318 suspected patients were collected. Samples include hair, nail, and skin. A portion of each sample was examined microscopically and the remaining portion of each sample was cultured onto plates of Sabouraud’s dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol with and without cycloheximide. Isolates were identified by studying the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the colonies.ResultsTinea capitis was the predominant clinical manifestation accounting for 53.4% of the cases. Patients with age group 1–14 years were more affected. Of 318 samples, fungi were detected in 133 (54.4%) by direct wet mount while 148/315 (46.5%) of them were culture positive. From these 72/148 (46.8%) were dermatophytes. T. tonsurans was the most common pathogen in tinea capitis, whereas T. mentagrophytes was the most common pathogen in tinea corporis. Among dermatophyte isolates, T. tonsurans 29/72 (40.2%) was the most common cause of infection. Among non-dermatophyte molds, Cladosporiumspp. 21/63 (33.3%) was predominant isolate followed by Neoscytalidim dimidatum 11/63 (17.4%) and Alternariaspp. 9/63 (14.2%), respectively. Yeasts also account for 13 (8.7%) of the total suspects of dermatophytosis.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of dermatophytes was higher in tinea capitis 46/72 (63.8%) and T. tonsurans 29/72 (40%) was the dominant-isolated dermatophyte. Recovery of a large number of dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte fungi in our study showed that non-dermatophyte fungi are emerging as important causes of dermatophytosis warranting further intensive epidemiological studies that have public health significance are needed.

Evaluating the role of nondermatophyte fungi as a causative agent of tinea pedis and its relation to diabetes

Background Nondermatophyte fungi are highly suspected as a pathogen in tinea pedis cases with culture negative results for dermatophytes. The study of antifungal susceptibility restricts the resistance and provides the efficacy of an antifungal drug, especially in diabetic patients. Aim To evaluate the presence of nondermatophyte fungi (yeast and mold) as a causative agent in tinea pedis, in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients, with reference to antifungal sensitivity test through the available antifungal drugs. Patients and methods A total of 60 adult patients were enrolled in this study (30 diabetics and 30 nondiabetics) having tinea pedis. Skin scrapings from all patients were collected, and complete mycological diagnosis was done. Yeast and mold isolates were subjected to disc diffusion antifungal susceptibility testing using Mueller–Hinton agar. Results Yeasts were the most common isolates in 26 (43.3%) cases, followed by dermatophytes nine (15%), nondermatophyte mold eight (13.3%), and mixed infection two (3.3%). There was no statically significant relation between diabetes and causative organisms, with P value more than 0.05. Yeast and mold isolates showed high sensitivity against itraconazole followed by fluconazole. Conclusion Nondermatophyte fungi are becoming increasingly prevalent in tinea pedis. There is a nonsignificant relation between causative agent and diabetes, and the best choice of antifungal treatment of nondermatophyte fungi in our work is itraconazole.