Dermatophyte Species Research Articles

Metabolomic Profiling, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Bidens pilosa

Bidens pilosa L. (fam. Asteraceae) is an annual herb used globally in phytotherapy and each plant material or the whole plant have been declared to be effective. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct metabolomic profiling of different plant materials, including the quali-quantitative composition of phenolic compounds. The intrinsic scavenging/reducing properties and antimicrobial effects of the extracts were assayed against numerous bacterial, Candida and dermatophytes species, whereas docking runs were conducted for tentatively unravelling the mechanism of action underlying antimicrobial effects. Oligosaccharide, disaccharide and fatty acids were present at higher concentrations in root rather than in the other plant parts. Monoglycerides were more abundant in stem than in the other plant parts, whereas peptide and diterpenoid were prominent in leaf and root, respectively. By contrast, amino acids showed very different distribution patterns in the four plant parts. Regarding the phenolic composition, appreciable levels of caftaric acid were found in most of the analyzed methanol extracts, that were also particularly efficacious as antiradical and anti-mycotic agents against C. albicans and dermatophytes. The docking experiments also showed a micromolar affinity of caftaric acid towards the lanosterol 14α-demethylase, deeply involved in fungal metabolism. In conclusion, the present study corroborates the B. pilosa as a phytotherapy remedy against infectious disease.

Identification of Dermatophytes Isolated from Tinea Capitis Patients and Their in vitro Susceptibility to Terbinafine

Background: Tinea capitis is an infection caused by dermatophyte fungi of scalp hair follicles and the neighboring skin. Antifungal drugs as terbinafine that are used to treat dermatophytosis direct the ergosterol synthesis pathway. Aim of the work: The current study aimed to identify species and in vitro antifungal susceptibility profile of terbinafine on dermatophytes clinical isolates accompanied by sequencing of the highest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) isolates. Patients and methods: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Azhar Hospital outpatient clinic, in the period from the 1st of July 2019 to the 15th of July 2020. Samples from 50 patients diagnosed clinically as tinea capitis were taken for microscopic examination by KOH and lactophenol cotton blue and culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar followed by in vitro susceptibility testing to terbinafine then sequencing of the highest MIC isolates. Results: The isolated dermatophyte species were 16 (32%) isolates of M. canis and 23(46%) isolates of T.violaceum. The MIC varied from 0.003-.092 μg/ml for M.canis and from 0.005-0.116 μg/ml for T.violaceum. It was found in M. canis strain has two base variations with type strain from GenBank whereas T.violaceum strain has ten base variations in the two representative isolates with the highest MIC. Conclusion: T. violaceum was detected as the most common fun‌gal species followed by M. canis. The MIC results to terbinafine showed sensitivity to the antifungal agents. By comparing the M. canis and T. violaceum isolates with type strain on GenBank, some base-pair substitutions were found.

Diversity of Geophilic Dermatophytes Species in the Soils of Iran; The Significant Preponderance of Nannizzia fulva.

A molecular epidemiology study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 by a network of collaborators from 12 provinces in the Islamic Republic of Iran. A total of 1484 soil samples from different habitats were screened for the presence of dermatophytes by using the hair baiting technique. The primary identification of isolates was carried out by amplification and MvaI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the internal transcribed spacers regions of ribosomal DNA (ITS-rDNA). The identifications, especially in the cases of isolates with unknown RFLP patterns, were confirmed by sequencing of the ITS-rDNA region. As a result, 256 isolates were recovered. The isolation rate was higher in soils with pH range 7.1–8.0, collected from animal habitats (n = 78; 34%) and parks and gardens (n = 75; 32%), geographically from Mazandaran Province (n = 115; 49.5%) and seasonally in the spring (n = 129; 50.4%), all of which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The dermatophytes comprising five species of the two genera, viz., Nannizzia fulva (n = 214), N. gypsea (n = 34), Arthroderma quadrifidum (n = 5), A. gertleri (n = 2) and A. tuberculatum (n = 1), were isolated. The geophilic dermatophytes occurred in various soils from different parts of Iran; however, surprisingly, N. fulva emerged as the dominant species, outnumbering the common geophilic species of N. gypsea. For the definitive identification of soil inhabitant dermatophytes, DNA-based identification is strongly recommended.

Epidemiology of Dermatophytes in Belgium: A 5Years' Survey.

Dermatophytes are among the most common fungal agents causing superficial skin infections worldwide. Epidemiology of these infections is evolving and variable in every country. This report presents the Belgian epidemiological data regarding the distribution of dermatophytes species isolated by the two national reference centers for mycosis during a period of 5years (2012-2016). Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently isolated species, considering all sampling sites (60.3% on average between 2012 and 2016). More precisely, this dermatophyte was the major agent of Tinea unguium and Tinea corporis during this period, followed by species of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex. Moreover, Microsporum audouinii was the main etiological agent of Tinea capitis (TC) with a frequency of 52.5% on average between 2012 and 2016. Other African dermatophytes species such as Trichophyton soudanense and Trichophyton violaceum were also agents of TC with a respective prevalence of 11.6% and 11.5% on average. This study highlights a different dermatophyte distribution in Belgium in comparison with other European countries.

Molecular Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns of Dermatophytes Isolated from Companion Animals with Clinical Symptoms of Dermatophytosis.

IntroductionDermatophytosis is a common skin disease in cats and dogs caused by Microsporum and Trichophyton fungi. Species identification and knowledge of their antifungal susceptibility are therapeutically and epidemiologically important. This study assessed the prevalence of feline and canine dermatophytosis in Iran, identified the aetiological agents molecularly and tested their antifungal susceptibility.Material and MethodsA total of 308 companion animals (134 dogs and 174 cats) with skin lesions were examined from March 2015 to March 2018. Hair and skin samples were examined by microscopy with 20% KOH and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Fungal isolates were confirmed by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) r-DNA region. The antifungal susceptibility of dermatophytes was tested by broth microdilution assay using standard drugs.ResultsDermatophytes were found in 130 (42.2%) samples, 62 of them feline and 68 canine. Based on sequencing of all strains, M. canis (78.5%, P<0.05), M. gypseum (10.7%), and T. mentagrophytes (10.7%) were the dermatophytes isolated. The non-dermatophyte species Nannizziopsis vriesii was also isolated from two feline dermatomycosis cases. Dogs and cats younger than one year (61.5%) showed a statistically significantly higher prevalence of infection (P<0.05). Caspofungin produced the lowest geometric mean MIC at 0.0018 μg/mL, followed by ketoconazole, terbinafine, itraconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin, clotrimazole and fluconazole, in a 0.038–1.53 μg/mL range.ConclusionThis is the first molecular study to identify the causes of pet dermatophytosis in north-western Iran. ITS-PCR was shown to be a useful and reliable method for the identification of closely related species of dermatophytes in clinical and epidemiological settings. The lowest MIC of caspofungin indicated that this drug was the most potent in vitro.

Dermatophyte Profile in Patients with Dermatophytosis in Polyclinic Dermatology and Venerology of the General Hospital Dr. Ferdinand Lumbantobing Sibolga in 2019

Dermatophytosis is a superficial skin infection caused by dermatophytes that infected keratinous skin tissue, dermatophytes form molecules that bind to keratin as a source of nutrients in the formation of colonization. Dermatophytes that cause dermatophytosis are Tricophyton sp, Epidermophyton sp and Microsporum sp. To find out the Profile of dermatophytes in patients with dermatophytosis in the Polyclinic of Dermatology and Venerology Dr. Ferdinand Lumbantobing Sibolga in 2019 conducted observational research with cross sectional design. The sample of this study were 75 patients who were new patients and had not used antifungal drugs. This sample is then examined by examination of KOH and cultured and then identified by Scotch-tape Preparation in a microscope. The prevalence of dermatophytosis in this study was 23% of skin cases. The majority of dermatophytosis patients are women (52%), the most age group is 46-65 years (30.7%) and is most often found in housewives (24%). The dermatophytes species found were Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis with the most species Trichophyton rubrum (37.3%), which was then followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (16%). Tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea capitis, tinea pedis and tinea unguinum are dermatophytosis cases that were found in this study. It can be concluded that Trichophyton rubrum is the most common cause of dermatophytosis in Dr. Ferdinand Lumbantobing Sibolga with Tinea corporis is the most classified classification of dermatophytosis.

Effect of light exposure on growth rate of veterinary clinical dermatophyte isolates

Veterinary textbooks and literature suggest that exposure to light is inhibitory to growth of clinical dermatophyte isolates. We hypothesized that this idea was derived from experiments that examined the effect of high doses of ultraviolet and visible light exposure on dermatophyte growth, and that exposure to typical room lighting would not adversely affect dermatophyte growth rate. Isolates of common veterinary dermatophytes (three each of Microsporum canis, Nannizia gypsea and Trichophyton benhamiae) were exposed to typical fluorescent room lighting, incubated in a closed drawer, or exposed at close range to fluorescent wide-spectrum light. Dermatophytes were grown on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SAB) and Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM). Colony diameter was measured and growth rate (expressed as colony diameter increase mm/day) calculated at the linear portion of the culture growth curve. Statistical analyses compared growth rates across the various incubation conditions and among dermatophyte isolates. There was little difference in growth rate between cultures incubated under typical fluorescent room lighting and those placed in the dark. Exposure to the close-range light increased growth rate as a consequence of the elevated incubation temperature created by the lamp. Significant differences in growth rate were noted among strains of the same dermatophyte species. Dermatophytes grew more rapidly on SAB than DTM agar. Exposure to typical lighting conditions in a clinical environment does not inhibit growth of dermatophyte colonies. Veterinary clinicians may conduct routine dermatophyte cultures without incubating them in the dark.

Comparative Investigation of Composition, Antifungal, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Essential Oil from Three Industrial Hemp Varieties from Italian Cultivation.

Industrial hemp is characterized by a huge amount of by-products, such as inflorescences, that may represent high-quality sources of biomolecules with pharmaceutical interest. In the present study, we have evaluated the phytochemical profile, including terpene and terpenophenolic compounds, of the essential oils (EOs) of Futura 75, Carmagnola selezionata and Eletta campana hemp varieties. The EOs were also tested for antifungal properties toward Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Arthroderma crocatum, Arthroderma quadrifidum, Arthroderma gypseum, Arthroderma curreyi, and Arthroderma insingulare. In parallel, we investigated the inhibitory effects of the EOs against tyrosinase, and the production of prostaglandin E2 in isolated mouse skin exposed to hydrogen peroxide. In human H1299 lung adenocarcinoma cells, we also evaluated the influence of the EOs on the gene expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), which are involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry in human host. E-caryophyllene and α-pinene were the prominent terpenes in the EOs, whereas the cannabidiolic acid was the terpenophenol present at higher concentration. The EOs inhibited the growth of all tested dermatophytes species. In isolated skin specimens, EOs prevented the hydrogen-peroxide-induced synthesis of prostaglandin E2, consistent with the intrinsic antityrosinase activity. Finally, in H1299 cells, all tested EOs reduced the gene expression of ACE-2 and TMPRSS2, as well. Therefore, the present findings highlight the rationale for the use of the present EOs against infectious diseases.

Inhibition of Dermatophyte Fungi by Australian Jarrah Honey.

Superficial dermatophyte infections, commonly known as tineas, are the most prevalent fungal ailment and are increasing in incidence, leading to an interest in alternative treatments. Many floral honeys possess antimicrobial activity due to high sugar, low pH, and the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from the activity of the bee-derived enzyme glucose oxidase. Australian jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) honey produces particularly high levels of H2O2 and has been found to be potently antifungal. This study characterized the activity of jarrah honey on fungal dermatophyte species. Jarrah honey inhibited dermatophytes with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 1.5–3.5% (w/v), which increased to ≥25% (w/v) when catalase was added. Microscopic analysis found jarrah honey inhibited the germination of Trichophyton rubrum conidia and scanning electron microscopy of mature T. rubrum hyphae after honey treatment revealed bulging and collapsed regions. When treated hyphae were stained using REDOX fluorophores these did not detect any internal oxidative stress, suggesting jarrah honey acts largely on the hyphal surface. Although H2O2 appears critical for the antifungal activity of jarrah honey and its action on fungal cells, these effects persisted when H2O2 was eliminated and could not be replicated using synthetic honey spiked with H2O2, indicating jarrah honey contains agents that augment antifungal activity.

Antimycotic nail polish based on humic acid‐coated silver nanoparticles for onychomycosis

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objective of this work was the development of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated with humic acid (HA) and their incorporation into an enamel for antifungal activity. AgNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and coated with HA. Uncoated AgNPs were synthesized as control. AgNPs and HA‐AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Size of AgNPs and HA‐AgNPs was recorded within the nano range, showing HA‐AgNPs’ higher stability than non‐coated particles by presenting a single plasmatic band around 400 nm.RESULTSThermal analysis showed conjugated endothermic peaks, which confirms the compatibility of HA‐AgNPs. FTIR depicted absorptions between 1300 and 1000 cm−1 (CC, ArH, respectively), demonstrating that HA is adsorbed onto AgNPs. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that HA does not alter the reduction in mass loss of AgNPs, while it was found by XRD that adding HA promoted the formation of more amorphous AgNPs. The effectiveness of HA‐AgNPs was evaluated against three different fungal species. Minimum inhibitory concentration assays showed that ~0.5 mmol L−1 AgNPs was able to inhibit dermatophyte species growth. HA‐AgNPs were incorporated into a commercial enamel at a concentration of 8% and their organoleptic characteristics, drying time, centrifugation test and thermal stress were evaluated. Enamels with AgNPs kept their physicochemical properties over 21 days of storage.CONCLUSIONHA‐AgNP nail polish is thus proposed as an innovative material for onychomycosis infections. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry

Tinea Capitis by Microsporum canis in an Elderly Female with Extensive Dermatophyte Infection

Tinea capitis is a type of dermatophyte infection primarily affecting children. We report a case of an elderly woman with well-controlled diabetes mellitus presenting with a six-month history of erythema with yellow crusts on her scalp and extensive erythematous patches with scales on the body skin. She adopted a stray cat before the disease onset. Dermoscopic findings and manifestation under the Wood’s lamp favoured the diagnosis of tinea capitis. Further microscopic examinations of her scalp, including direct KOH and fluorescence stain examination, fungal culture and polymerase chain reaction sequencing identification confirmed the diagnosis of tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis. Treatment with oral terbinafine was effective. Adult tinea capitis is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and atypical presentation. However, in some regions, the incidence of tinea capitis in immunocompetent adults is rising which requires the awareness of clinicians. A thorough history (including the animal contacting history), physical examination and further mycological examinations are required for diagnosis. Trichophyton violaceum is the most common dermatophyte species in most regions while adult tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis is less common. Terbinafine, griseofulvin and itroconazole have been reported to be effective drugs for the treatment of tinea capitis, and terbinafine can be considered as systemic treatment in elderly patients with comorbidities to reduce the drug–drug interaction.

Atypical chlamydoconidium-producing Trichophyton tonsurans strains from Ceará State, Northeast Brazil: investigation of taxonomy by phylogenetic analysis and biofilm susceptibility.

Chlamydoconidium-producing Trichophyton tonsurans strains isolated in Northeastern Brazil have morphological features different from the classic description of this dermatophyte species. This study investigated the phylogenetic relationship of chlamydoconidium-producing T. tonsurans strains isolated in Northeastern Brazil. Also, the effect of terbinafine and farnesol on mature biofilms of T. tonsurans strains was evaluated. The mass spectra of T. tonsurans strains were investigated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The ITS and LSU loci regions of rDNA and the partial β-tubulin gene were sequenced and the phylogenetic tree was analysed. The effects of terbinafine and farnesol on mature T. tonsurans biofilms were evaluated through the analysis of metabolic activity, quantification of biomass and observation by scanning electron microscopy. MALDI-TOF MS spectra of the chlamydoconidium-producing T. tonsurans strains differed from the spectrum of the control strain (ATCC 28942), presenting an intense ion peak at m/z 4155 Da. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the chlamydoconidium-producing strains isolated in Northeastern Brazil are allocated to a single cluster, differing from strains isolated from other countries. As for mature T. tonsurans biofilms, farnesol reduced biomass and metabolic activity by 64.4 and 65.9 %, respectively, while terbinafine reduced the biomass by 66.5 % and the metabolic activity by 69 %. Atypical morphological characteristics presented by chlamydoconidium-producing T. tonsurans strains result from phenotypic plasticity, possibly for adaptation to environmental stressors. Also, farnesol had inhibitory activity against T. tonsurans biofilms, demonstrating this substance can be explored for development of promising anti-biofilm drugs against dermatophytes.

Isolation and Identification of Dermatophytes Causing Dermatophytosis at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Dermatophyte, a keratinophilic fungus which can invade keratinized tissue cause dermatophytosis. It is one of the major superficial fungal infections. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 20-25% world population is affected by dermatophytes. The aim of this study was to identify different species of dermatophytes causing dermatophytosis at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: Total 246 skin, nail and hair samples were collected from Dermatology and Venereology department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Dermatophytes were identified by microscopy, culture, biochemical test (urease test and hair perforation test) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fungal elements were observed under microscope. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM) were used to culture the specimen. Species identification was confirmed by biochemical test and PCR. Results: Among 246 clinically diagnosed cases of dermatophytosis, 91 (36.98%) cases were observed among the age group of 21-30 years. Female were more affected than male (male-female ratio was1:1.34). Eighty-five (34.55%) cases were positive by microscopy and 76 (30.89%) cases were positive in culture. Trichophyton mentagrophyte was the common etiological dermatophyte species which was 59.21% followed by Trichophyton rubrum (40.79%). All culture isolates were further evaluated by biochemical test and PCR. Most of the tinea corporis was caused by Trichophyton mentagrophyte which was 64.81%. Conclusion: Dermatophytosis is a common infection in young adults specially females. Trichophyton mentagrophyte is more frequent type of dermatophyte. Majority of dermatophytes could be identified by both direct microscopy and culture methods.

Identification of Dermatophyte Fungi Causing Tinea pedis and Tinea unguium in Malabero Coastal Communities, Bengkulu

Dermatophytosis cases have increased significantly in various countries, more than 20-25% of the population were infected by superficial fungal infections. Malabero urban village is a coastal area in Bengkulu city with high temperature and humidity. The daily activities of residents in the area are mostly fishermen, so they are in a watery or wet environment for approximately 12 hours every day. So, this research aimed to identify dermatophyte fungi that caused tinea pedis and tinea unguium from these coastal communities. The diagnosis of tinea was based on symptoms and physical examination of the lesion area. Furthermore, specimen collection was carried out by scraping the lesion area, then examined with 20% KOH and fungal culture on sabouraud dextrose agar media. Subjects included 79 people who had symptoms of tinea pedis and 33 people with symptoms of tinea unguium. The results of dermatophyte fungi identification were obtained, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, and Aspergillus sp. Our conclusion is the most identified dermatophyte species is Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Keywords: Coastal, dermatophyte, tinea pedis, tinea unguium

Dermatophytosis in Bhairahawa, Nepal: Prevalence and Resistance Pattern of Dermatophyte Species

Introduction: Dermatophytosis is colonization by dermatophytic fungus of the keratinized tissues like hair, nails and skin. They are considered important as a public health problem. The study was aimed to isolate, identify, and detect the in-vitro antifungal sensitivity pattern of various dermatophytes isolates from clinically diagnosed cases of dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty patients of all age groups and both sexes and clinically diagnosed with dermatophytosis were recruited in this study. The specimens included skin scales, hair pluckings, and nail clippings. Identification and isolation were done by microscopic examination, culture, and biochemical analysis. Results: Dermatophytosis was more common in males (60.62%) than females (39.37%). Tinea corporis (31.25%) was the most common clinical presentation followed by Tinea faciei (25%). Trichophyton rubrum (36.19%) was the most common isolate followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (15.23%). Out of four antifungal drugs used, fluconazole was found most resistant while Itraconazole was the most effective drug. Conclusion: The epidemiology of dermatophyte infections may change with time. Antifungal susceptibility testing will aid the clinician in initiating prompt and appropriate antifungal therapy and prevent the emergence of resistance.

Antifungal Activities of Curcuminoids and Difluorinated Curcumin Against Clinical Dermatophyte Isolates.

Dermatophytes are a group of fungal agents that can invade humans' keratinized tissues such as skin, nail, and hair, thereby causingdermatophyte infection (dermatophytosis) or ringworm. Some natural products have been reported to possess fungicidal effects. Hence, the present study investigated the effect of curcuminoids (CUR) and difluorinated curcumin (CDF) against clinical isolates of dermatophytes. CUR and CDF powders were evaluated against dermatophyte species including Trichophyton tonsurans (n=21), T. mentagrophytes (n=19), T. interdigitale (n=18), Microsporum canis (n=4), T. benhamiae (n=1), and T. verrucosum (n=1), based on the CLSI M38-A2 guideline. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges of CUR were 4-16, 8-16, 4-16, 8, 8, and 16μg/ml for T. tonsurans, T. mentagrophytes, T. interdigitale, M. canis, T. benhamiae, and T. verrucosum, respectively. In addition, MIC ranges of CDF were obtained as 2-32, 4-16, 0.125-16, 8-16, 8, and 16μg/ml, for T. tonsurans, T. mentagrophytes, T. interdigitale, M. canis, T. benhamiae, and T. verrucosum, respectively. CUR and CDF showed an inhibitory effectagainst dermatophyte isolates. CDF showed a strongereffect than CUR, especially against T. interdigitale. CUR and CDF have the capacity to be developed for use in dermatophytosis to augment existing preventative/therapeutic strategies.

Clinico-mycological profile and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Dermatophytic Fungi isolated from Clinical Samples in Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt

Background. Dermatophytes encompass over 40 species in three genera: Trichophyton Microsporum, as well as Epidermaphyton. Infections due to dermatophytes are generally known as “tinea” or “ring-worm” infections because of characteristic ringed lesions. Many antifungal agents can be used to treat these infections. Unfortunately, drug resistance can lead to treatment failure. Objectives of this study is exploration of clinicomycological pattern of dermatophytic infections in patients with clinically suspected dermatophytosis attending the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic and characterization of antifungal susceptibility pattern for various dermatophytes species isolated from these patients. Methodology: A total of 62 dermatophytosis specimens (skin scrapings, nail, hair) were collected from 85 patients clinically suspected to have dermatophytosis. All the specimens were subjected to direct examination (10% KOH mount) and culture on Mycobiotic agar media then identification by macroscopic and microscopic characters. In vitro antifungal sensitivity testing to (fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine and voriconazole) was done on species isolated from a culture with E. test method. Results: Dermatophytosis had a higher incidence in men (n=42, 68%) and more common in age group from (6-20 years) (40%). Tinea corporis was the most common clinical type 23 (37%), followed by tinea capitis 20 (32%). Sixty two isolated dermatophytes species were distributed as follows: T. mentagrophytes 20 (32%), T. rubrum 16 (27%), T.violaceum 14 (23%), T.schoenlinii 7 (11%), M.canis 5 (6%). Voriconazole and terbinafine were the most active antifungal agents, while fluconazole showed the least antifungal activity. Conclusion: highest incidence of cases falling in the 6–20 years old age group with male predominance. Tinea corporis was the most common clinical type followed by tinea capitis, tinea pedis, tinea ungums and tinea cruris. T.mentagrophytes was the most prevalent species isolated followed by T.rubrum, T. violaceum,T. Schoenlinii, and M.cais. Voriconazole showed notably low MIC values and was the most active azole against all dermatophytes isolates, followed by terbinafine, itraconazole ketoconazole. While fluconazole showed the least antifungal activity with high MICs values

Evaluation of Dermatophyte Test Medium and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar for Isolation of Dermatophyte Species

Background and Objective: Dermatophyte infections require laboratory diagnosis before treatment is started. Although direct microscopy is routinely performed but culture of dermatophytes is the gold standard. However, it takes about 4 weeks for species identification on primary media. Our aim was to compare dermatophyte test medium (DTM) as a screening medium for the isolation of dermatophytes in comparison with sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Methods: It was a comparative study carried out at the Department of Microbiology of Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore over a period of nine months. Samples were collected from one hundred patients with clinically suspected dermatophytoses after taking informed written consent. The samples were examined microscopically and then inoculated on two types of culture media, one Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with added chloramphenicol, gentacin and cycloheximide and other dermatophyte test medium (DTM) with added chlortetracycline, gentacin and cyclohexamide. Results: Fungal growth was observed in fifty-six samples on culture. Out of the fifty-six positive on cultures, nineteen were that of dermatophytes. Out of n = 100 patients, ten were positive on SDA while n = 14 dermatophyte species were able to grow on DTM. A significantly higher positivity (P ³ 0.05) for isolating dermatophytes was observed by DTM as compared to SDA. DTM was able to isolate (71%) of the dermatophytes in first 10 days. Isolation rate of dermatophyte species was higher (73.68%) on DTM as compared to SDA which was 52.6%. Conclusion: Authors recommend the use of dermatophyte test medium for the primary isolation and identification of dermatophyte species to be more effective and time saving.

Evaluation of Dermatophyte Test Medium and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar for Isolation of Dermatophyte Species

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;nbsp;Dermatophyte infections require laboratory diagnosis before treatment is started. Although direct microscopy is routinely performed but culture of dermatophytes is the gold standard. However, it takes about 4 weeks for species identification on primary media. Our aim was to compare dermatophyte test medium (DTM) as a screening medium for the isolation of dermatophytes in comparison with sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA).&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;nbsp;It was a comparative study carried out at the Department of Microbiology of Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore over a period of nine months. Samples were collected from one hundred patients with clinically suspected dermatophytoses after taking informed written consent. The samples were examined microscopically and then inoculated on two types of culture media, one Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with added chloramphenicol, gentacin and cycloheximide and other dermatophyte test medium (DTM) with added chlortetracycline, gentacin and cyclohexamide.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;nbsp;Fungal growth was observed in fifty-six samples on culture. Out of the fifty-six positive on cultures, nineteen were that of dermatophytes. Out of n = 100 patients, ten were positive on SDA while n = 14 dermatophyte species were able to grow on DTM. A significantly higher positivity (P &amp;sup3; 0.05) for isolating dermatophytes was observed by DTM as compared to SDA. DTM was able to isolate (71%) of the dermatophytes in first 10 days. Isolation rate of dermatophyte species was higher (73.68%) on DTM as compared to SDA which was 52.6%.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;Authors recommend the use of dermatophyte test medium for the primary isolation and identification of dermatophyte species to be more effective and time saving.&lt;/p&gt;

A Review on Anti Dermatophytosis Potential of Medicinal Plants: In-Vitro, In-Vivo and Important Components

Background and Aim: Dermatophytosis refers to superficial fungal infection of keratinised tissues that increase remarkable costs several plants were used as traditional medicine to treat fungal diseases. The current review aimed to provide an update on several plants used as antidermatophytosis agents and investigate the action mechanism of each plant. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted on the literatures available in databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct using the search engine Google Scholar, and the following search terms: Dermatophytosis and Herbal/Herbal Medicine and Dermatophytosis treatment. Results: Forty plants were identified and information on their scientific and common name, family, parts, preparation, extraction method, fractions, solvents, phytochemical categories, compounds, dermatophyte species and inhibitory concentrations was provided from multiple in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies Conclusion: Herbals are the most effective agents on dermatophytosis which have antidermatophytosis effects due to their essential compounds.