Trichophyton Spp Research Articles

Chrysosporium articulatum mimicking Trichophyton spp. infection in a cat: a case presentation and literature review

BackgroundDermatophytosis is a common skin infection of cats and many other animals. A reliable diagnosis is crucial because of the zoonotic potential of dermatophytes. The routine mycological diagnostic procedures for dermatophytosis are widely known, but in the case of some isolates, identification based on phenotypic characteristics may be incorrect. Infections caused by Chrysosporium spp. are usually described in reptiles, but in other animals they are uncommon.Case presentationThis study presents a description of a cat with dermatological lesions, that was mistakenly diagnosed with Trichophyton spp. dermatophytosis. Clinical material for mycological examination was collected from alopecic areas on the back of the neck, the ventral abdomen, and the hindlimbs. The initial identification based on phenotypic properties indicated Trichophyton spp. The result of the MALDI-ToF MS allowed the exclusion of the Trichophyton genus. Ultimately, the correct identification as Chrysosporium articulatum was obtained based on the sequencing of ribosomal genes.ConclusionsInterpretation of the results of the mycological examination of samples collected from animals’ skin or hair shafts is always challenging. Thus, careful consideration of the primary cause of the clinical lesions observed on the skin is mandatory, and the culture results are worth supporting by molecular methods.

Health impacts of some fungal communities found on the surface of selected citrus fruits from Bwari market Abuja, Nigeria

Fruits are in great demand since they are nutrient-dense. For this reason, it becomes highly essential to create more in the shortest amount of time in order to keep up with the always-rising demand. As a result, there has been a significant chance that these fruits may become contaminated with harmful microbes, raising concerns about consumer safety. This study sought to ascertain the potential health effects of fruit contamination by fungal species found on the fruit surfaces, as there is currently insufficient information in this area. Three (3) species of Citrus (CF) which include; lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.), Chinese orange or sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck), and key lime or lime (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle) were randomly bought from different hawkers at different parts of Bwari market in Abuja, Nigeria. From the studies, five different fungal species were identified and they include: Penicillium spp Trichophyton spp, Aspergillus spp, Candida spp and Rhizopus spp. This demonstrated that fungi exist in all environments and that handling fruits improperly can have serious negative health impacts on people since some of these fungi are pathogenic. A number of approaches, such as washing fruits in vinegar water, have been found to be very effective in reducing microbial infection. Other washing methods, such as using saltwater, also work well. Additionally, it is a good idea to regularly replace the water used to wash those fruits in order to prevent cross-contamination while handling.

Phytochemicals as potential active principal components for formulation of alternative antifungal remedies against Trichophyton spp.: a systematic review

Abstract In this age of emergent resistance to antimicrobial agents, pathogenic fungi are not an exception. Diverse strategies have been implemented to curb rampant fungal infections including screening new drugs and stewardship programs. A plethora of recent studies have proved that phytochemicals are efficacious against pathogenic fungi and have potent antifungal activity. This review examines the use of phytochemicals as possible alternative antifungal agents against dermatophytes particularly Trichophyton spp. Literature search was done using three search engines namely Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct limited to the year 2019–2023 only. A total of 30 articles were included and 48 plant extracts were evaluated. The major phytochemicals that proved to be potent antifungals both in vitro and in vivo were terpenoids and phenolics. The antifungal potential of phyto-compounds was significantly elevated by incarnation with nanotechnology. Although much has been done in screening of herbal extracts as possible antifungal agents huge gaps still exist on full characterization of all active herbal extracts with antifungal potential especially against resistant strains, together with their mechanism of action, formulation of pharmaceutical dosage forms and clinical trials.

Antagonistic Interactions in Onychomycosis: Antifungal Activity of Extracts from Pure and Mixed Cultures of Candida parapsilosis and Trichophyton spp.

Antagonistic Interactions in Onychomycosis: Antifungal Activity of Extracts from Pure and Mixed Cultures of Candida parapsilosis and Trichophyton spp.

Antimicrobial Activity of Jatropha Curcas Sap on Selected Microorganisms

Jatropha curcas sap is used for medicinal purposes.It has played a major role in the treatment of various diseases including bacterial and fungal infections.This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Jatropha curcas sap against selected microorganisms (Shigella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp,Candida albicans and Trichophyton spp) using standard procedures.The qualitative phytochemical screening of the sap reveals the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids,tannins, carbohydrate, glycosides while Steroids was absent. It was observed that the test organisms were more susceptible at high concentration which is 100. The highest zone of inhibition for bacteria was observed on Staphylococcus aureus and the lowest zone of inhibition was on Salmonella sp. For fungi the highest zone of inhibition was on Candida albicans and the lowest zone of inhibition was on Trichophyton sp. There was no zone of inhibition for water which serves as negative control. But there was zone of inhibition for the positive controls which were Ciprofloxacin and Ketoconazole. Jatropha curcas sap is a potential antimicrobial substance, active against Gram negative and Gram-positive bacteria and some fungi. It is therefore a potential antimicrobial agent.

Molecular Profiling Ecofriendly Trichoderma Biological Control Agent of Yam Tuber Microbial Rot in Northern Nigeria

This research on isolation and identification of yam rot pathogen fungi from North central Nigeria was carried out to investigate some fungal species associated with yam rot using white yams (Dioscorea rotundata) obtained from Adamawa State, Benue State and Plateau State (Jos) Nigeria. Seven fungi species which cause yam rot were isolated during this study, namely: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium echinulatum, Penicilum purpurogenum, Trichoderma spp and Trichophyton spp. Trichoderma yunnanense strain RCBBR_GA1 OP8008361 was identified molecularly. Pathogenicity test carried out confirmed these organisms as the pathological agent of the rot. A. niger statistically has the highest frequency of occurrence (100%). The least encountered fungal species were the P. citrinum (16.6%), P. purpurogenum (33.3%) and Trichophyton spp (33.3). Percentage growth inihibition of A. flavus, A. niger, P. citrinum, P. echinulatum, P. purpurogenum, Trichoderma spp and Trichophyton spp was carried out and they showed varying degree of inhibition. However, Trichopyton spp shows the highest growth of inhibition at 96 hours (41.4%) and 120 hours (73.7%). Trichoderma exhibited the highest control of the isolates (80 mm). Trichoderma inhibited mycelia extension growth of A. flavus (25 mm), A. niger (25 mm), P. citrinum (23 mm), P. echinulatum (23 mm), P. purpurogenum (24 mm) and Trichopyton spp (22 mm) at 96 hours. The result shows that Trichoderma was able to inhibit the growth of the pathogenic fungi, which are associated with yam rot. Fungal isolates from yam rot were examined morphologically and microscopically and the nature of rot was varied. It is recommended that enzymes from Trichoderma should be extracted and applied for reduction of microbial rot of yam tubers.

Development of an agar-based screening method for terbinafine, itraconazole, and amorolfine susceptibility testing of Trichophyton spp.

Resistance in dermatophytes is an emerging global public health issue. We, therefore, developed an agar-based method for screening Trichophyton spp. susceptibility to terbinafine (TRB), itraconazole (ITC), and amorolfine (AMF) and validated it using molecularly characterized isolates. Α total of 40 Trichophyton spp. isolates, 28 TRB wild type (WT) (13 T. rubrum, 10 T. mentagrophytes, 5 T. interdigitale) and 12 TRB non-WT (7 T. rubrum, 5 T. indotineae) with different alterations in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene, were used. The optimal test conditions (inoculum and drug concentrations, incubation time, and temperature) and stability over time were evaluated. The method was then applied for 86 WT Trichophyton spp. clinical isolates (68 T. rubrum, 7 T. interdigitale, 6 T. tonsurans, 5 T. mentagrophytes) and 4 non-WT T. indotineae. Optimal growth of drug-free controls was observed using an inoculum of 20 µL 0.5 McFarland after 5-7 days of incubation at 30°C. The optimal concentrations that prevented the growth of WT isolates were 0.016 mg/L of TRB, 1 mg/L of ITC, and 0.25 mg/L of AMF, whereas 0.125 mg/L of TRB was used for the detection of Trichophyton strong SQLE mutants (MIC ≥0.25 mg/L). The agar plates were stable up to 4 months. Inter-observer and inter-experimental agreement were 100%, and the method successfully detected TRB non-WT Trichophyton spp. strains showing 100% agreement with the reference EUCAST methodology. An agar-based method was developed for screening Trichophyton spp. in order to detect TRB non-WT weak and strong mutant isolates facilitating their detection in non-expert routine diagnostic laboratories.

Morphological and ultrastructural changes in fungal agents after LASER application.

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection of difficult treatment due to the fungal survival capacity and reduced number of effective therapies. The present study aimed to isolate fungal agents that cause onychomycosis in immunocompetent patients and evaluate how LASER treatments affect the growth and ultrastructure of isolates. In total, 21 patients with positive direct microscopic examination (DME) for onychomycosis had nail samples collected for cultivation and phenotypic identification of microorganisms. From these patients, 12 underwent LASER treatment, divided in Group 1 (n = 5) treated with Nd: YAG 1,064 nm, and Group 2 (n = 7) treated with Nd: YAG 1,064 nm + Er: YAG 2,940 nm + topical isoconazole. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was performed to evaluate ultrastructural changes after treatment. DME, cultivation, and phenotypic identification showed that the most identified fungus was Trichophyton rubrum spp. After LASER therapy, sample cultivation showed alterations in the fungal morphology with reduction of hyphae, conidia, and reproductive structures. Alterations in fungal cell wall structure, cytoplasm density, and organelles were observed by TEM. LASER irradiation causes changes in the fungal cells, especially in the number of hyphae and the presence of conidia. In addition, it affects fungal growth and reproduction capacity, which interferes with their infection ability and virulence.

ANTIFUNGAL AND SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF ZNO NANOPARTICLES AGAINST T.VERRUCOSUM CAUSED RINGWORM IN COWS

The current study was aimed to determined the main causes of ringworm in cows and antifungal and synergistic effects of ZnO nanoparticles. For this purpose 50 skin scrapes were collected from cows infected with ringworm, culture media, staining and genetic methods used for diagnosis. MIC and MFC for antifungal and ZnO were determined. The result showed that Trichophyton spp was isolated in rate of 76%. The isolation rate of T.verrucosum, T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum were 68.4%, 21.0% and 10.5% respectively. MIC of Nystatin, fluocytosin, ZnO, Nystatin+ ZnO and Fluocytosin + ZnO were 200,150,200,150 and 100 μg/ml respectively. in conclusion, that T.verrucosum is main caused of Ringworm and ZnO has antifungal and synergistic effects.

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

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

P071 Isolate profiling and antifungal susceptibility determination for terbinafine and itraconazole among dermatophytes in a tertiary care hospital of western rajasthan

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ObjectiveTo determine the species distribution of causative agents causing dermatophytosis, and their antifungal susceptibility pattern for terbinafine and itraconazole in trichophyton spp among samples collected in patients with dermatophytosis clinical suspicion during the period of December 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022.Materials and MethodsThis is a prospective study conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care super specialty and referral Centre of western Rajasthan from December 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022.Skin scraping, nail clipping, and hair pluckings were collected in mycology lab from clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis presenting to the department of dermatology for conventional identification, and antifungal susceptibility testing.The specimens were subjected to direct KOH and calcofluor white microscopy and conventional fungal culture on SDA at 25 ͦ C and 37 ͦ C.The cultures positive for dermatophytes were speciated by microslide culture lactophenol cotton blue mount, hair perforation test, and urease test.The isolates identified as Trichophyton spp were taken up for antifungal susceptibility testing against terbinafine and itraconazole by microbroth dilution according to CLSI-M38 A2 guidelines. Further terbinafine resistance gene evaluation for detection of C1191A and T1189C single nucleotide polymorphism in Squalene epoxide by Amplified Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) is undergoing for trichophyton spp.ResultsOver the 14-month study period, the laboratory processed total of 174 specimens: 134 skin scraping, 36 nail clipping, and 4 hair pluckings. Of them, 106 (61.62%) specimens were microscopy positive and 111 (63.79%) were culture positive. Out of the 111 culture-positive agents isolated, 94 (84.68%) were found to be dermatophytes. On isolate profiling of 94 dermatophytes T. mentagrophyte was found to be most common 45 (48%) followed by T. rubrum 27 (29%), T. tonsurans 20 (21%), T. verrucosum 1 (1.1%), and Microsporum spp 1(1.1%). Antifungal susceptibility of 93 Trichophyton spp against terbinafine showed resistance among 58.06% isolates with 83.33% isolates among terbinafine resistant cases showing ≥4 μg/ml minimum inhibitory concentration. There was no resistance detected for itraconazole with microbroth dilution.ConclusionA total of (54.02%) skin, hair, nail infections were found to be caused by dermatophytes.On isolate profiling, T. mentagrophyte, T. rubrum, and T. tonsurans were found to be predominant species among our isolates showing altered trend of local isolates from T. tonsurans being second most common spp isolated in past.On antifungal susceptibility >55% isolates showed resistance for Terbinafine with >80% having higher MIC of ≥4 μg/ml on the contrary there was no observed resistance for itraconazole.There is a need for encouraging dermatologists for prescribing routine fungal microscopy, culture, and AFST for dermatophytes in Western Rajasthan, to reduce the indiscriminate use of antifungals.

P113 Expression profile of ABC and MFS multi-drug transporter genes in terbinafine- and fluconazole-resistant Trichophyton spp.

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjectivesOver the past few decades, an unprecedented increase in recalcitrant and chronic dermatophytosis with atypical clinical presentations have been noted in the Indian subcontinent. Recent studies have reported Trichophyton mentagrophytes/interdigitale complex as predominant etiological agent of chronic/recurrent dermatophytosis followed by T. rubrum. Multiple factors, including unregulated use of antifungal drugs, poor compliance to treatment, and irrational fixed-drug combinations are associated with emerging resistance. However, molecular studies investigating the underlying mechanisms related to terbinafine and fluconazole resistance in dermatophytes are sparse.The present study was designed to explore the role of multidrug efflux transporters in terbinafine- and fluconazole-resistant T. mentagrophytes/interdigitale complex and T. rubrum.MethodsThe expression of MDR transporter genes was evaluated in 36 isolates with terbinafine resistance (with or without F397L or L393F mutation in squalene epoxidase gene, SE) of T. mentagrophytes/interdigitale complex (n = 26), and T. rubrum (n = 10) isolates along with 16 susceptible wild-type isolates of T. mentagrophytes/interdigitale complex (n = 10), and T. rubrum (n = 6) isolates. In addition, 19 fluconazole-resistant T. mentagrophytes/interdigitale complex (n = 11), and T. rubrum (n = 8) isolates along with 13 susceptible T. mentagrophytes/interdigitale complex (n = 9), and T. rubrum (n = 4) were also included. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of ABC transporter (MDR1, MDR2, MDR3, MDR4, and MDR5) and MFS transporter genes (MFS1 and MFS2).ResultsIn terbinafine-resistant T. mentagrophytes/interdigitale complex, the mean expression of MDR1 and MDR2 was 4.98 and 5.27-fold in isolates with wild-type SE, compared with 0.64 and 1.04-fold in isolates with non-wildtype SE gene (P <.0001) and susceptible isolates at 0.4, and 0.88-fold (P <.0001), respectively. For MFS1 gene, 3.4-fold-change expression was noted in isolates with wild-type SE compared with 1.51-fold in isolates with non-wild type SE (P <.001). In resistant isolates with non-WT SE, the upregulation of the SE gene was noted at 6.3-fold compared with 1.8-fold in isolates with wild-type SE (P <.001), and 0.63-fold in susceptible isolates (P <.0001). However, there was no significant upregulation of MDR3, MDR4, MDR5, and MFS2 genes among the three groups. In terbinafine-resistant T. rubrum, the mean inducible expression of MDR1 was significantly higher in isolates with wild-type SE at 3.88-fold compared to isolates with non-wild type SE at 0.5-fold (P <.05) and susceptible isolates at 0.33-fold (P <.01). Only resistant isolates with wild-type SE showed significant up-regulation of MDR2 (P <.01) compared to susceptible isolates. Other genes, MDR3, MDR4, MDR5, MFS1, MFS2, and SE, did not show substantial overexpression among the groups (Resistant WT vs. Resistant NWT vs. susceptible WT). In fluconazole-resistant and -susceptible isolates of T. mentagrophytes/interdigitale complex, and T. rubrum, similar findings were observed. In both the species, the mean inducible expression of MDR1, MDR2, and MDR3 was significantly higher (P <.05) in resistant isolates compared to susceptible isolates.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study demonstrates the overexpression of MDR1 and MDR2 in terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton spp. isolates lacking drug-target gene mutation, suggesting the role of multidrug transporters in resistance. This study also suggests the importance of MDR2, and MDR3 transporter genes in imparting fluconazole resistance in Trichophyton spp.

P076 The promising antimycotic activities of a novel cyclic antifungal lipopeptide against Human Dermatophyte Isolates

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjectivesTo determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of a novel antifungal lipopeptide against clinical isolates of dermatophytes of human origin.MethodsTo perform antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) by CLSI microbroth dilution method, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) purified lipopeptide of 1071.4 Da from a wild-type soil isolate Bacillus subtilis was used and compared with the standard allylamine terbinafine MICs. Briefly, 1200 ml of cell-free culture supernatant was extracted using a solvent mixture and silica gel (230-400 mesh size)-based adsorption chromatography. The semi-preparative RP-HPLC system consisted of an Agilent quaternary pump and a variable wavelength detector equipped with a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (10 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm). The solvent system for RP- HPLC was (A) water with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and (B) acetonitrile containing 0.1% TFA. The gradient of solvent B used for purification was as follows: 0%-54% for 0-20 min at the flow rate of 1 ml/min, 54%-60% from 20-48 min at 0.5 ml/min, 60%-100% from 48-58 min at 0.5 ml/min, 100%-0% from 58-65 min at 1 ml/min and monitored at 210 nm.ResultsSuperficial skin infections are caused by dermatophytes including Trichophyton spp. Nowadays, resistance to terbinafine in Trichophyton spp. isolates with higher MICs have been documented in India. We report here the antifungal prowess of a novel small antifungal lipopeptide against 20 clinical isolates of Trichophyton spp. of human origins (from human skin scrapings and nails) with the clinical diagnosis of tinea corporis/cruris and tinea unguium. The representative photographs of T. tonsurans, T. rubrum, and T. mentagrophytes complex are provided below. A total of 6 isolates of T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum carry point mutations at F397L of squalene epoxidase (SQLE) protein. The in vitro antifungal efficacies determined by AFST revealed that the lipopeptide showed less or equivalent MICs (100% inhibition) in the case of five dermatophytes. The lipopeptide drug has exhibited improved MICs against two T. mentagrophytes complex and two T. rubrum isolates with amino acid substitution F397L in SQLE protein. Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex and T. rubrum with F397L mutations were inhibited at MICs 4-32 μg/mL of terbinafine. In comparison, the lipopeptide showed 4-16 μg/ml (100% inhibition). In the case of all four Trichophyton tonsurans, the MICs ranged between 2-4 μg/ml for the lipopeptide.ConclusionsThe broad-spectrum lipopeptide showed promising antifungal activity against dermatophytes and may be considered for nano-emulsion formulation and tested for topical application in a mice model.

Disinfection trials with terbinafine-susceptible and terbinafine-resistant dermatophytes.

Treatment of tinea pedis and onychomycosis is complicated by high rates of reinfection and the emergence of terbinafine-resistant strains of Trichophyton spp. Effective disinfection of contaminated socks is an important measure. Appropriate washing reduces the risk of reinfection and is paramount in treating tinea pedis and onychomycosis. The aim of this study was to describe the effect of commonplace disinfection methods using socks pieces inoculated with terbinafine-resistant or terbinafine-susceptible isolates of Trichophyton spp. Sock pieces were inoculated with seven terbinafine-resistant isolates of Trichophyton spp. with known mutations in the SQLE-gene (T.rubrum (n=3), T.interdigitale (n=1) and T.indotineae (n=3)) and six terbinafine-susceptible isolates of Trichophyton spp. (T.rubrum (n=3) and T.interdigitale (n=3)). Methods of disinfection included soaking in a quaternary ammonium (QAC) detergent (0.5, 2 and 24h), freezing at -20°C (0.5, 12 and 24 h), domestic and steam washing (both at 40°C with detergent). Sock pieces were cultured for 4 weeks following disinfection. The primary end point was no growth at the end of week 4. Soaking in a QAC-detergent for 24h procured at disinfectant rate of 100% (13/13), whilst soaking in 0.5 and 2 h had a disinfectant rate of 46.2% (6/13) and 84.6% (11/13), respectively. Domestic washing (40°C with detergent) produced a disinfectant rate of 7.7% (1/13). Freezing at -20°C (0.5, 12 and 24h) and steam washing (40°C with detergent) had no disinfectant properties. Soaking in a QAC-detergent for 24 h effectively disinfected sock pieces contaminated with dermatophytes.

Poloxamer-enhanced solubility of griseofulvin and its related antifungal activity against Trichophyton spp.

Poorly water-soluble drugs, such as the antifungal drug griseofulvin (GF), exhibit limited bioavailability, despite their high membrane permeability. Several technological approaches have been proposed to enhance the water solubility and bioavailability of GF, including micellar solubilization. Poloxamers are amphiphilic block copolymers that increase drug solubility by forming micelles and supra-micellar structures via molecular self-association. In this regard, the aim of this study was to evaluate the water solubility increment of GF by poloxamer 407 (P407) and its effect on the antifungal activity against three Trichophyton mentagrophytes and two T. rubrum isolates. The GF water solubility profile with P407 revealed a non-linear behavior, well-fitted by the sigmoid model of Morgan-Mercer-Flodin. The polymer promoted an 8-fold increase in GF water solubility. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR Roesy) spectroscopy suggested a GF-P407 interaction, which occurs in the GF cyclohexene ring. These results were supported by an increase in the water solubility of the GF impurities with the same molecular structure. The MIC values recorded for GF ranged from 0.0028 to 0.0172 mM, except for T. Mentagrophytes TME34. Notably, the micellar solubilization of GF did not increase its antifungal activity, which could be related to the high binding constant between GF and P407.

Curcuma Turmeric Oil Enhanced Anti-Dermatophytic Drug Activity Against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

As per the World Health Organization survey, it has been found that dermatophyte infections are affecting around one-fourth of the world's population. The dermatophytes are commonly keratinophilic in nature which can multiply and invade the keratinized tissues and affect various parts of the human body like nails, skin, and hair. The luliconazole is an antifungal drug utilized against dermatophytes which causes athlete's foot and ringworm etc. fungal infections of the skin or nails caused by Candida albicans (C.P. Robin) Berkhout and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Robin) Blanchard. The study aimed to develop the luliconazole topical cream with turmeric oil and penetration enhancer to improve permeability and enhance antifungal activity. To prepare the luliconazole topical cream, various compositions of formulation were melted and mixed with varying concentrations of turmeric oil. The oil, drug, and aqueous phases were prepared separately and mixed stepwise in a vessel under continuous stirring at control conditions. The optimized LC2 cream showed pH 6.45±0.12, which is considered suitable to avoid irritation upon topical application. The LC2 cream formulation also showed significantly (p<0.05) more permeability with a permeation flux (0.347 mg/cm2/h) against an aqueous suspension of the drug (0.215 mg/cm2/h). The LC2 cream followed the Higuchi model and showed the drug release from cream via a diffusion mechanism with super case II transport mechanism. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of optimized cream was found better than marketed cream. It is concluded that the prepared luliconazole cream can be an effective anti-fungal treatment with enhanced drug delivery into the skin to treat athlete's foot and ringworm etc. caused by dermatophytes namely C. albicans and Trichophyton spp.

Survey of dermatophytes in stray dogs and cats with and without skin lesions in Puerto Rico and confirmed with MALDI-TOF MS.

Dermatophytosis is a common and highly contagious zoonotic skin disease in companion animals. This disease is a major concern in geographical areas that contain large numbers of stray animal populations. Numerous surveys on dermatophytosis among stray animal populations worldwide range between 27% to 50%. In recent years, the US territory of Puerto Rico was impacted by several natural disasters such as hurricanes, which has led to a large increase of abandonment cases and an increase in the stray animal population. Due to this, large low-cost spay/neuter clinics and trap-neuter-release programs have become a more common practice on the island. During these events, veterinary staff are exposed to multiple animals with no health history, and therefore, zoonotic diseases are of concern. The aim of this study was to provide information regarding the presence of dermatophyte species in symptomatic and asymptomatic stray dogs and cats in a region of Puerto Rico. Hair samples were collected from 99 stray animals with and without dermatological clinical signs. The hair samples were cultured on plates containing rapid sporulation medium and dermatophyte test medium. All cultures were evaluated microscopically to confirm the presence of dermatophytes. Then, all dermatophytes were further evaluated with MALDI-TOF MS to compare both diagnostic tests. A total of 19 animals (19%) were positive for dermatophyte growth. Of these animals, 18/19 were infected with M. canis and 1/19 with Trichophyton spp. Animals with clinical lesions were positive only 13.5% of the time compared to asymptomatic animals, who were positive in 36% of the sample population. All 19 dermatophytes (100%) diagnosed with microscopic evaluation were confirmed with MALDI-TOF MS. Our results indicate that there is a prevalence of 19% of dermatophytosis among the stray dog and cat population of the southeastern coast of the island.

Anti-Trichophyton Effects of Curcumin: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Today, we see advances in the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of fungal infections. Curcumin has major antimicrobial, antifungal, antimutagenic, and anticancer activities. This systematic review study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of curcumin on a dermatophyte fungus, Trichophyton spp. Methods: In this study, antifungal effects of curcumin on the different strains of Trichophyton were evaluated. For this reason, several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar were searched systematically in years from1995 to 2020. Only articles with at least English abstracts were evaluated. The syntax was constructed with the combination of some keywords along with specific tags used for each of the databases. Results: In this systematic review, studies showed that curcumin has a potent effect on the inhibition of Trichophyton growth. Of the 2,500 studies in the search step, only 11articleswere eligible for the survey, 6 of which were on T.rubrum, 3 on T. mentagrophytes, 1 on both T. mentagrophyte and T. rubrum, and 1 on T. longifusus. Conclusion: Today, due to an increase in drug resistance to antifungal agents, plant extracts can be a good alternative in controlling fungal diseases. Curcumin and its compounds are effective in inhibiting or reducing Trichophyton infections in vitro and in vivo.

Molecular Epidemiology and Antifungal Susceptibility of Trichophyton Isolates in Greece: Emergence of Terbinafine-Resistant Trichophytonmentagrophytes Type VIII Locally and Globally.

Trichophyton isolates with reduced susceptibility to antifungals are now increasingly reported worldwide. We therefore studied the molecular epidemiology and the in vitro antifungal susceptibility patterns of Greek Trichophyton isolates over the last 10 years with the newly released EUCAST reference method for dermatophytes. Literature was reviewed to assess the global burden of antifungal resistance in Trichophyton spp. The in vitro susceptibility of 112 Trichophyton spp. molecularly identified clinical isolates (70 T. rubrum, 24 T. mentagrophytes, 12 T. interdigitale and 6 T. tonsurans) was tested against terbinafine, itraconazole, voriconazole and amorolfine (EUCAST E.DEF 11.0). Isolates were genotyped based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and the target gene squalene epoxidase (SQLE) was sequenced for isolates with reduced susceptibility to terbinafine. All T. rubrum, T. interdigitale and T. tonsurans isolates were classified as wild-type (WT) to all antifungals, whereas 9/24 (37.5%) T. mentagrophytes strains displayed elevated terbinafine MICs (0.25–8 mg/L) but not to azoles and amorolfine. All T. interdigitale isolates belonged to ITS Type II, while T. mentagrophytes isolates belonged to ITS Type III* (n = 11), VIII (n = 9) and VII (n = 4). All non-WT T. mentagrophytes isolates belonged to Indian Genotype VIII and harbored Leu393Ser (n = 5) and Phe397Leu (n = 4) SQLE mutations. Terbinafine resistance rates ranged globally from 0–44% for T. rubrum and 0–76% for T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes with strong endemicity. High incidence (37.5%) of terbinafine non-WT T. mentagrophytes isolates (all belonging to ITS Type VIII) without cross-resistance to other antifungals was found for the first time in Greece. This finding must alarm for susceptibility testing of dermatophytes at a local scale particularly in non-responding dermatophytoses.

Impact Evaluation of Gender and Age on Percentage Distribution of Candidiasis and their Control by Medicinal Mushroom in Laboratory

Biological control represents an important approach for controlling many pathogenic fungi. Pleurotusostreatus is the most promising and effective bioagents against many pathogenic fungi. In this paper seventyclinical specimens were collected from hospitalized patients, who were aged between (1 and 71) years oldfor both genders. The results of this study showed that out of 70 specimens that collected from urine, Skin,Vaginal and Oral specimens, (61) specimens (87.14%) were positive for fungal infections and (9) specimens(12.86%) were negative. Out of (61) positive specimens, (50) specimens (82%) were positive for Candidaspp, (7) specimens (11%) were Trichophyton spp and (4) specimens (7%) were Microsporum spp. Out of(50) positive specimens for candidal infections, Candida albicans was the more prevalence fungus (66%)followed by the fungus Candida glabrata (14%). The maximum infection incidence has been recorded inthe age group of (21- 40) years and the women have been considerably more than the male in all testedage groups. Pleurotus ostreatus culture filtrate affected the growth of Candida spp and the effect had beenincreased with the increasing of the filtrate concentrations. The more sensitive species was C. tropicalis andC. krusei than the other species.