Trichophyton Species Research Articles

Tinea capitis treatment and management

Griseofulvin has been the normal treatment for tinea capitis. However, newer antifungal agents, mainly terbinafine, are increasingly being used due to the short period of treatment and more reliable absorption rates. We pursued to compare the efficacy of oral terbinafine and oral griseofulvin in the treatment and management of tinea capitis. A systematic search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to July 2017 to recognize relevant trials. We also searched for additional trials included in published systematic reviews and bibliographies of all relevant studies comparing terbinafine and griseofulvin in the treatment and management of tinea capitis in immunocompetent patients. Five studies comprising 2035 subjects were included. There was no significant difference in efficacy between griseofulvin (mean duration of treatment 8 weeks, range 6-12 weeks) and terbinafine (mean duration of treatment 4 weeks, range 2-6 weeks); odds ratio=1.2 favoring terbinafine (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.79-1.9; p=0.4). Subgroup analysis revealed that terbinafine was more efficacious than griseofulvin in treating Trichophyton species (1.7; 95% CI=1.28-2.1; p<0.001) and griseofulvin was more efficacious than terbinafine in treating Microsporum species (0.4; 95% CI=0.3-0.7; p<0.001). Both griseofulvin and terbinafine demonstrated good safety profiles in the studies. The present meta-analysis recommends that terbinafine is more efficacious than griseofulvin in treating tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton species, while griseofulvin is more efficacious than terbinafine in treating tinea capitis caused by Microsporum species.

Propolis Extract for Onychomycosis Topical Treatment: From Bench to Clinic.

Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of nails, commonly caused by dermatophyte fungi, primarily species of Trichophyton. Because of the limited drug arsenal available to treat general fungal infections and the frequent failure of onychomycosis treatment, the search for new therapeutic sources is essential, and topical treatment with natural products for onychomycosis has been encouraged. Propolis, an adhesive resinous compound produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera), has shown multiple biological properties including significant antifungal and anti-biofilm activities in vitro. In spite of promising in vitro results, in vivo results have not been reported so far. This study assessed an ethanol propolis extract (PE) as a topical therapeutic option for onychomycosis, including its characterization in vitro and its applicability as a treatment for onychomycosis (from bench to clinic). The in vitro evaluation included analysis of the cytotoxicity and the antifungal activity against the planktonic cells and biofilm formed by Trichophyton spp. We also evaluated the capacity of PE to penetrate human nails. Patients with onychomycosis received topical PE treatments, with a 6-month follow-up period. The results of the in vitro assays showed that PE was non-toxic to the cell lines tested, and efficient against both the planktonic cells and the biofilm formed by Trichophyton spp. The results also showed that PE is able to penetrate the human nail. The results for PE applied topically to treat onychomycosis were promising, with complete mycological and clinical cure of onychomycosis in 56.25% of the patients. PE is an inexpensive commercially available option, easy to obtain and monitor. Our results indicated that PE is a promising natural compound for onychomycosis treatment, due to its ability to penetrate the nail without cytotoxicity, and its good antifungal performance against species such as Trichophyton spp. that are resistant to conventional antifungals, both in vitro and in patients.

Preliminary studies on the laxative properties of Senna alata L. and Hollandia yoghurttm

Experiments on Senna alata aqueous extract and Hollandia yoghurt were done to determine active compounds responsible for their laxative properties and to further establish sample vulnerability to microbial attack. Phytochemical screening was performed on test substrates to analyze for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and steroids. Escherichia coli (Gram negative), Micrococcus species (Gram positive), Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram negative), Enterocococcus species (Gram negative) and Salmonella species (Gram negative) were test bacteria while Penicillium species, Trichophyton species, Rhizopus species, Fusarium oxysporium and Aspergillus niger were test fungi used for microbial assays. The results show that alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and steroids were found in S. alata while only alkaloids, terpenoid and steroid were found in Hollandia yoghurt. S. alata had activity against Penicillium spp., Trichophyton spp. and Rhizopus spp., while Hollandia yoghurt showed no antifungal activity. Aqueous extract of S. alata and Hollandia yoghurt are however together active against test bacteria of which, K. pneumonia is common. Key words: Laxative, Senna alata, hollandia yoghurt.

Molecular identification of Trichophyton benhamiae in Strasbourg, France: a 9-year retrospective study.

Trichophyton benhamiae is a zoophilic dermatophyte transmitted to humans mostly from guinea pigs and occasionally other animals. It presents two distinct phenotypes: yellow and white. T. benhamiae was formerly known as Trichophyton species of Arthroderma benhamiae; it was considered part of the T. mentagrophytes species complex, and some authors have incorrectly described the yellow phenotype of T. benhamiae as T. mentagrophytes var. porcellae. Identification of T. benhamiae has been difficult, as it was described under more than three names, two phenotypes, and in several different possible host species. During the past 15 years, human infections due to this dermatophyte have been increasingly reported all over the world. In order to better understand the local epidemiology of T. benhamiae and to compare it to other European countries, we performed a 9-year retrospective study in the Strasbourg University Hospital. We studied 41 dermatophytes (38 isolated from humans and 3 from guinea pigs) identified as T. mentagrophytes var. porcellae or A. benhamiae from January 2008 to December 2016 and verified their identification by ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) sequencing. ITS sequencing was performed in 35 of the 41 strains, and they were identified as T. benhamiae (33), T. bullosum (1), and T. eriotrephon (1). The other six remaining strains were identified according to morphology as T. mentagrophytes var. porcellae, name incorrectly used since 2010 for the yellow phenotype of T. benhamiae. ITS sequencing is recommended for accurate identification of this dermatophyte and the culture phenotype (yellow or white) should be specified.

Distribution of Species of Dermatophyte Among Patients at a Dermatology Centre of Nghean Province, Vietnam, 2015-2016.

Vietnam is a tropical country so fungal diseases including dermatophytosis may be prevalent, but epidemiological profiles of agents responsible for the infection have rarely been reported. To find out the distribution of dermatophytes among patients living in a central province of Vietnam. We examined dermatophyte infections in patients with lesions suspected of dermatophytosis referred to the Nghean provincial leprosy and dermatology centre from August 2015 to August 2016. The speciation of dermatophyte was performed by conventional and molecular approaches. One hundred and thirty-six patients (90 males and 46 females) were included. Those aged from 11 to 30 contribute 59.1%. The most common agent found was Trichophyton rubrum (66.9%), followed by T. interdigitale (12.5%), T. tonsurans (9.6%), Microsporum incurvatum (8.1%), and the less frequent species were M. canis (2.2%) and T. violaceum (0.7%). Epidermophyton floccosum was not reported. T. rubrum were more common in men (74.4%) than in women (52.2%), while T. interdigitale and M. incurvatum were more common in women (21.7 and 15.2%) than in men (7.8 and 4.4%). Patients infected with Microsporum spp. had small-sized lesions for only 3months, while those affected by Trichophyton spp. had large-sized lesions with longer duration. Trichophyton species are the predominant agents of infection in Nghean province, while Epidermophyton species is absent. Additional investigations are required to clarify the epidemiological profile of dermatophytes in Vietnam.

Characteristics of severe asthma with fungal sensitization

BackgroundSome patients with severe asthma also have fungal sensitization and are considered to have severe asthma with fungal sensitization. However, there is limited information on the clinical features of SAFS. ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics of severe asthma with fungal sensitization. MethodsThe present study enrolled 124 patients with severe asthma. We evaluated clinical aspects, such as various serum cytokines, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, pulmonary function, and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE). Fungal sensitization was assessed by determining serum levels of IgE specific to fungal allergens (Aspergillus, Alternaria, Candida, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Trichophyton species and Schizophyllum commune). The protocol was registered at a clinical trial registry (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm; UMIN 000002980). ResultsThirty-six patients (29%) showed sensitization to at least 1 fungal allergen. The most common species were Candida (16%), Aspergillus (11%), and Trichophyton (11%). The rate of early-onset asthma (<16 years of age) was higher in patients with fungal sensitization than in those without fungal sensitization (45% vs 25%; P = .02). Interleukin-33 levels were higher in patients with fungal sensitization than in those without fungal sensitization. Of patients with atopic asthma, Asthma Control Test scores were worse in patients with multiple fungal sensitizations than in patients with a single fungal sensitization or those without fungal sensitization. ConclusionSevere asthma with fungal sensitization is characterized by early onset of disease and high serum levels of interleukin-33. Multiple fungal sensitizations are associated with poor asthma control. Trial RegistrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR; www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm): UMIN 000002980.

Docking and antidermatophytic studies of azadirachta indica With aloe barbadensis against trichophyton species

Docking and antidermatophytic studies of azadirachta indica With aloe barbadensis against trichophyton species

Trichophyton verrucosum infection in livestock in the Chitral district of Pakistan.

Trichophyton verrucosum belongs to the dermatophyte fungi, closely related organisms that cause skin infections in animals and humans. T. verrucosum infection has been reported in livestock and people in different countries from all continents. Human cases have been reported in different areas of Pakistan, but there is little information about the animal source of the fungus. Dermatological specimens collected in the Chitral district of Pakistan for a study on mange in livestock were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of T. verrucosum. In total, 5,873 animals (1,087 cows, 2,033 goats, and 2,753 sheep) were screened for evidence of dermatological lesions during two surveys performed in the summer and winter seasons. Skin scrapings collected from animals with lesions were analyzed by direct microscopic examination after digestion in sodium hydroxide and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting pathogenic Trichophyton species. At microscopy, samples from 18 cows (1.6%), 3 sheep (0.1%), and 4 goats (0.2%) were positive for fungal elements consistent with T. verrucosum. PCR confirmed the microscopy results. The prevalence was lower than that reported in other countries in intensive breeding farms. Results agree with the literature regarding factors affecting T. verrucosum diffusion, i.e., infection was more prevalent in cattle, especially in younger animals during the winter season. This study reports, for the first time, the presence of T. verrucosum in livestock in Pakistan. A better knowledge of the animal role in the spread of this fungus may allow the adoption of more efficient control measures and prophylaxis.

Molecular Diagnostic Techniques for Onychomycosis: Validity and Potential Application

Diagnosis of onychomycosis requires positive findings by direct microscopy and fungal culture. Fungal culture is slow and difficult, with low yields. We compared two dermatophyte identification methods, one using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, and the other using fungal culture to validate the molecular method. Nail specimens were collected from 149 patients with distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis who were positive for fungal elements by direct microscopy using potassium hydroxide. Each specimen was subjected to the modified real-time PCR assay of Miyajima et al. and fungal culture. Of 149 specimens, 142 (95.3%) were positive for Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes including Trichophyton interdigitale by PCR, while only 104 (69.8%) were positive by fungal culture performed simultaneously. No specimen was negative by PCR, but positive by culture. All specimens positive for T. rubrum or T. mentagrophytes by culture were also positive by PCR, showing complete concordance for Trichophyton species. The culture of 17 specimens yielded fungi other than T. rubrum or T. mentagrophytes, whereas PCR identified T. rubrum in 11 of these specimens. Among 28 culture-negative specimens, 23 showed T. rubrum and four showed T. mentagrophytes by PCR. PCR allowed more rapid identification of causative fungi (≤2days vs. ≤28days). Real-time PCR achieved a higher dermatophyte identification rate and showed complete concordance with conventional culture for two Trichophyton species. Specimens never yielded both T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum simultaneously, suggesting that mixed infection is uncommon.

Antifungal activity of the Trachyspermum ammi essential oil on some of the most common fungal pathogens in animals

Background: The increasing resistance to antifungal drugs and the reduced number of available drugs led to the search for therapeutic alternatives among aromatic plants and their essential oils, empirically used by antifungal effects. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (EO) against the most frequent pathogenic fungi including Candida, Aspergillus, Chrysosporium and Trichophyton species. METHODS: EO from the seeds of the plant was obtained by hydrodistillation. Susceptibility tests were expressed as growth inhibition zone (diameter) using disk diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) using broth microdilution method. RESULTS: Results of susceptibility tests showed that T. ammi EO was effective against all the tested strains. The diameters of growth inhibition zone of the EO were between 11 mm and 60 mm. The EO was also the most active, with MIC and MFC values ranging from 0.3 to 2.5 mg/ml and 0.6 to 5 mg/ml, respectively. The EO of T. ammi showed a significant degree of antifungal activity against different Candida species in comparison with other fungi (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that T. ammi EO has considerable antifungal activity, deserving further investigations for its clinical application for treatment of fungal infections.

Mycological profile of tinea capitis in schoolchildren in rural southern Ethiopia.

Tinea capitis is a known common infection among schoolchildren in developing countries that is still underreported in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiologic and etiologic profile of tinea capitis among school-aged children in a rural area in southern Ethiopia. We collected demographic and clinicodermatological data from school children aged 3-12 years with tinea infections. Pathologic specimens were taken for potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount and mycological culture. Dermatophyte species were identified by macroscopic examination of the colony and microscopic examination of fungal cultures. A total of 634 schoolchildren were screened in the study; 128 cases were suspected for tinea capitis based on clinical examination of which 99 patients (mean age 6.7 years within a range of 4-12 years), who were subsequently positive, either based on KOH examination or showed growth of dermatophytes on culture, were included in our study. The ratio of males to females was 3:1. A total of 88 patients (89.9%) had a culture positive for dermatophytes. The zoophilic species Trichophyton verrucosum was the most prevalent isolate (n = 29 cases), followed by the anthropophilic species T. tonsurans (n = 27). The other Trichophyton species implicated were T. mentagrophytes (n = 14), as well as T. schoenleinii, T. soudanense, and T. violaceum. Only 11 of the isolates belonged to the genus Microsporum: M. audouinii (n = 8), M. ferrugineum (n = 2), and M. gallinae (n = 1). T. verrucosum, followed by T. tonsurans were the most frequent causative agents in this study.

Decontamination of carpet exposed to Microsporum canis hairs and spores.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vacuuming and three carpet cleaning methods for the removal of Microsporum canis spores and hairs from experimentally contaminated carpets. Methods Sterile Berber carpeting was artificially contaminated with naturally infective M canis hairs and spores. Carpet swatches were vacuumed for 10 s, 30 s and 60 s, and then cultured. Three carpet cleaning methods were evaluated on area rugs experimentally contaminated with infective material: a beater brush carpet shampooing, beater brush carpet shampooing post-disinfectant application and hot water extraction. Home cleaning products labeled as having efficacy against Trichophyton species were used in addition to 1% potassium peroxymonosulfate. Carpets were cultured at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days after cleaning. Good efficacy was no detectable spores at post-cleaning culture. Results All pretreatment carpet samples were culture positive for M canis (>300 colony-forming units [cfu]/site). Vacuuming did not decontaminate carpets but did remove intact hairs. Spores were not detected by wipe samples after two washings with an upright beater brush carpet shampooer or pretreatment with a disinfectant prior to carpet shampooing. Carpets cleaned with one hot water extraction technique had a decrease from 300 cfu/site to a mean of 5.5 cfu/site at 24 and 48 h post-cleaning and 2 cfu/site at day 7. The use of disinfectants was associated with odor, even when dry, and permanent discoloration. Hot water extraction cleaning was associated with the fastest drying time and no discoloration. Conclusions and relevance Carpets exposed to M canis can be disinfected via carpet shampooing or hot water extraction cleaning. Vacuuming of carpets is recommended to remove infective hairs. For homes, exposed carpeting can be decontaminated by routine washing with a carpet shampooer (twice) or hot water extraction. Use of pretreatment with a disinfectant is recommended when a high level of overall decontamination is needed in an animal facility with necessary carpeted surfaces (eg, entryway carpet mats).

In vitro efficacy of shampoos containing miconazole, ketoconazole, climbazole or accelerated hydrogen peroxide against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton species.

Objectives The objective was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of shampoo formulations of ketoconazole, miconazole or climbazole and accelerated hydrogen peroxide wash/rinse against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton species spores. Methods Lime sulfur (1:16)-treated control, enilconazole (1:100)-treated control, accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP 7%) 1:20 and a 1:10 dilution of shampoo formulations of miconazole 2%, miconazole 2%/chlorhexidine gluconate 2-2.3%, ketoconazole 1%/chlorhexidine 2%, climbazole 0.5%/chlorhexidine 3% and sterile water-untreated control were tested in three experiments. In the first, a suspension of infective spores and hair/scale fragments was incubated with a 1:10, 1:5 and 1:1 dilution of spores to test solutions for 10 mins. In the second, toothbrushes containing infected cat hair in the bristles were soaked and agitated in test solutions for 10 mins, rinsed, dried and then fungal cultured (n = 12×). In the third, a 3 min contact time combined with an AHP rinse was tested (n = 10×). Good efficacy was defined as no growth. Results Water controls grew >300 colony-forming units/plate and all toothbrushes were culture-positive prior to testing. For the suspension tests, all test products showed good efficacy. Miconazole 2%, ketoconazole 1% and AHP showed good efficacy after a 10 min contact time. Good efficacy was achieved with a shorter contact time (3 mins) only if combined with an AHP rinse. Conclusions and relevance Lime sulfur and enilconazole continued to show good efficacy. In countries or situations where these products cannot be used, shampoos containing ketoconazole, miconazole or climbazole are alternative haircoat disinfectants, with a 10 min contact time or 3 mins if combined with an AHP rinse.

ChemInform Abstract: Isolation and Characterization of Santolinoidol, a Bisabolene Sesquiterpene from Achillea santolinoides Subsp wilhelmsii (K. Koch) Greuter.

Abstract The essential oil (EO) obtained by hydrodistillation of aerial parts of Lebanese Achillea santolinoides subsp wilhelmsii (K. Koch) Greuter was analyzed by GC and GC–MS. The identity of the second major compound was uncertain. Its structure was elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as MS data. It appeared to be a new sesquiterpene with a 1-oxa-bicyclo[5,4,0]-undecane skeleton which was named santolinoidol. The EO revealed interesting antimicrobial potential particularly against Trichophyton species, Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MIC values ranging from 16 to 128 μg/ml.

Computational analysis of conserved coil functional residues in the mitochondrial genomic sequences of dermatophytes.

Dermatophyte is a group of closely related fungi that have the capacity to invade keratinized tissue of humans and other animals. The infection known as dermatophytosis, caused by members of the genera Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton includes infection to the groin (tinea cruris), beard (tinea barbae), scalp (tinea capitis), feet (tinea pedis), glabrous skin (tinea corporis), nail (tinea unguium), and hand (tinea manuum). The identification of evolutionary relationship between these three genera of dermatophyte is epidemiologically important to understand their pathogenicity. Mitochondrial DNA evolves more rapidly than a nuclear DNA due to higher rate of mutation but is very less affected by genetic recombination, making it an important tool for phylogenetic studies. Thus, here we present a novel scheme to identify the conserved coil functional residues of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum and Microsporum canis. Protein coding sequences of the mitochondrial genome were aligned for their similar sequences and homology modelling was performed for structure and pocket identification. The results obtained from comparative analysis of the protein sequences revealed the presence of functionally active sites in all the species of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum. However in Epidermophyton floccosum it was observed in three protein sequences of the five studied. The absence of these conserved coil functional residues in E. floccusum may be correlated with lesser infectivity of this organism. The functional residues identified in the present study could be responsible for the disease and thus can act as putative target sites for drug designing.

Systemic antifungal therapy for tinea capitis in children.

Systemic antifungal therapy for tinea capitis in children.

Chemical Diversity and Antimicrobial Activity of Salvia multicaulis Vahl Essential Oils.

The chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils (EOs) of aerial parts of Salvia multicaulis Vahl, collected during the same week from two different Lebanese regions, were investigated. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and characterized by GC and GC/MS analyses. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of these EOs were determined against one Gram-negative and two Gram-positive bacteria, one yeast, and five dermatophytes using the broth microdilution technique. One EO was notably active against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S.aureus, and all of the Trichophyton species tested. Nerolidol was found to be the major compound in the active oil; nerolidol was also absent from the inactive oil. This study demonstrated that nerolidol shows antimicrobial activity and therefore significantly contributes to the antimicrobial potential of the oil. The chemical diversity of worldwide S.multicaulis EOs was analyzed, revealing that the EOs of this study belong to two different chemotypes found in the literature. The nerolidol chemotype appears to be restricted to Lebanon, and it can be used as antimicrobial agent against external bacterial and fungal infections.

Compensatory expression of multidrug-resistance genes encoding ABC transporters in dermatophytes.

Genomic sequencing of several dermatophyte species has revealed that they show small differences in genetic content and genome organization, although each fungus has adapted to specific niches. Thus, it seemed relevant to compare gene expression between species. Here, we examined the transcription modulation of three ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes (pdr1, mdr2 and mdr4), which code for membrane transporter proteins in four species of Trichophyton ; T. interdigitale, T. rubrum, T. tonsurans and T. equinum . These fungal species were challenged with sub-lethal doses of griseofulvin, itraconazole, terbinafine and amphotericin B. A mutant strain of T. interdigitale, Δmdr2, was also analysed for the modulation of pdr1 and mdr4 genes to evaluate the possible functional interaction among these three genes. Disruption of the mdr2 gene resulted in the accumulation of high levels of mdr4 transcripts when challenged with griseofulvin, suggesting that the mdr4 gene is compensating for the inactivation of mdr2 by providing resistance to this antifungal. Although the three ABC transporter genes have high homology between the four dermatophytes analysed, it is likely that they have specific functions, suggesting that the action of each drug is dependent on other factors inherent to each species. Our data suggest that these ABC transporter genes act synergistically in dermatophytes, and they may compensate for one another when challenged with antifungal drugs. This may be an important cause of therapeutic failure when treating fungal infections.

Factors in Etiology and Predisposition of Adult Tinea Capitis and Review of Published Literature.

Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection in children but is less frequently encountered in adults, especially in immunocompromised individuals. To determine the incidence of tinea capitis in adults, the predisposing factors and causative species. A retrospective study was conducted over a period of 5years, from 2010 to 2015, on cases of tinea capitis diagnosed in the Department of Dermatology and Mycology Research Center in Tehran, Iran. The information was collected from the patients including age, gender, location of the lesions, results of direct examination and culture, cause of immunosuppression and the prescribed treatment. Twenty-five (20.6%) patients (10 men and 15 women) with a mean age of 45.28years were affected by tinea capitis among a total number of 121 positive cases. Most of these adults (80%) had a grade of immunodeficiency due to the underlying syndromes or diseases, and the rest were immunocompetent. Trichophyton species were isolated from 84% of these adult patients, indicating Trichophyton violaceum (T. violaceum) as the most common fungal agent. Treatment with oral terbinafine or itraconazole was successful in all these cases. The results showed that most cases affecting the adult population were caused by species of the genus Trichophyton. T. violaceum was the most common dermatophyte of adult patients. Thus, it is important to consider tinea capitis as a differential diagnosis in immunocompromised adults, even though it is considered to be rare in adults.

Isolation and characterization of santolinoidol, a bisabolene sesquiterpene from Achillea santolinoides subsp wilhelmsii (K. Koch) Greuter

The essential oil (EO) obtained by hydrodistillation of aerial parts of Lebanese Achillea santolinoides subsp wilhelmsii (K. Koch) Greuter was analyzed by GC and GC–MS. The identity of the second major compound was uncertain. Its structure was elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as MS data. It appeared to be a new sesquiterpene with a 1-oxa-bicyclo[5,4,0]-undecane skeleton which was named santolinoidol. The EO revealed interesting antimicrobial potential particularly against Trichophyton species, Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MIC values ranging from 16 to 128μg/ml.