The role of pacas of captivity as a potential reservoir of zoonotic fungi in Acre, Western Amazon, Brazil / O papel de pacas de cativeiro como potencial reservatório de fungos zoonóticos no Acre, Amazônia Ocidental, Brasil

Wild animals can be natural reservoirs of different microorganisms, essential for monitoring these pathogens for the generation of knowledge and creation of tools aimed at programs for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, including zoonoses. The objective was to report the fungal diversity in the skin of pacas in captivity in Acre, Western Amazon, Brazil. Twenty-six animals were evaluated, from which skin samples were collected by superficial scraping, hair avulsion, and sterile plastic brush. The samples were seeded on Mycosel agar, and the phenotypic characteristics of the colonies were analyzed. In 80.8% of the samples, different fungi were isolated, from the genera Candida, Microsporum,and Trichophyton, among others. This is the first description of the identification of fungi in the skin of pacas and suggests that these animals can be considered essential reservoirs of saprophytic or pathogenic microorganisms with zoonotic potential in the Western Amazon.(AU)

Animais silvestres podem ser reservatórios naturais de diferentes microrganismos, sendo fundamental o monitoramento destes patógenos para a geração de conhecimento e criação de ferramentas direcionadas a programas de prevenção e controle de enfermidades infecciosas, incluindo as zoonoses. Assim, objetivou-se relatar a diversidade fúngica da pele de pacas criadas em cativeiro no Acre, Amazônia Ocidental, Brasil. Foram avaliados 26 animais, dos quais amostras cutâneas foram colhidas por raspagem superficial, avulsão pilosa e escova plástica estéril. As amostras foram semeadas em ágar Mycosel e as características fenotípicas das colônias foram analisadas. Em 80,8% das amostras houve isolamento de diferentes fungos, dos gêneros Candida, Microsporum e Trichophyton, dentre outros. Esta é a primeira descrição da identificação de fungos na pele de pacas e sugere que estes animais podem ser considerados importantes reservatórios de microrganismos saprófitas ou patogênicos, de potencial zoonótico, na Amazônia Ocidental.(AU)

Clinical types and fungal pathogens of children′s tinea capitis analysis of 542 cases in a tertiary first-class hospital of Wuhan / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical types of children's tinea capitis and the distribution of fungal pathogens in Wuhan from 2011 to 2020, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of children's tinea capitis. Methods Laboratory data of children with tinea capitis in outpatient and inpatient department of dermatology in Wuhan No.1 Hospital from January 2011 to December 2020 were collected. A total of 542 cases of pediatric tinea capitis were included, with 239 male cases and 303 female cases. Microscopic examination of fungi and culture identification were performed on the affected skin lesions of the children. Chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in pathogen spectrum of children with different age groups and clinical type. Results Among the pediatric tinea capitis patients, the age group with the highest prevalence was preschool children（3 to <7 years old), accounting for 48.52%（263/542). The top three pathogenic fungi were Trichophytes violaceum（49.26%, 267/542), Microsporum canis（31.55%, 171/542) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes （9.96%, 54/542). Trichophyton violaceum was the main pathogen in all ages, followed by Microsporum canis. The infection rate of Microsporum canis in children over 7 years old was lower than that in children under 7 years old, and the infection rate of Trichophyton rubrum in infants was higher than that in other ages. The distribution of Trichophytes violaceum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Nannizzia gypseum and Microsporum ferrugineum was uniform in all age groups. Trichophytes violaceum and Trichophyton tousurans mainly caused black-dot ringworm, Microsporum canis mainly caused tinea alba, Trichophyton mentagrophytes,Nannizzia gypseum and Trichophytonrubrum mainly caused kerion. Except for Microsporum ferrugineum, the composition ratios of other fungi species showed statistically significant differences among different clinical types of tinea capitis（P<0.05). Conclusions Preschool children are the most commonly affected age group by pediatric tinea capitis, and black-dot ringworm caused by Trichophytes violaceum is the main clinical type. Analysis of the high-riskage group, pathogenic fungi and clinical types of tinea capitis in children can enhance the understanding of its epidemiological characteristics, which is helpful for early diagnosis and targeted standardized treatment of pediatric tinea capitis.

Analysis of pathogenic fungi causing tinea capitis: a single-center retrospective study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate the distribution of pathogenic fungi in patients with tinea capitis diagnosed in Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University in the past 10 years.Methods:A total of 871 outpatients or inpatients with tinea capitis were collected from the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital from January 2011 to December 2020, and their clinical data and pathogen distribution were retrospectively analyzed. Pearson chi-square test was used to analyze differences in the pathogen distribution between children and adult patients with tinea capitis.Results:Of 871 patients with tinea capitis, 588 (67.5%) were males and 283 (33.5%) were females; 21 (2.40%) were aged less than 1 year, 266 (30.50%) aged 1 - 3 years, 352 (40.40%) aged 4 - 6 years, 187 (21.50%) aged 7 - 12 years, 4 (0.50%) aged 12 - 18 years, and 41 (4.70%) were aged 18 - 74 years. A total of 705 pathogenic strains were isolated from these patients, including 599 strains of Microsporum canis (85.0%) , 52 strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex (7.4%) , 27 strains of Trichophyton tonsurans (3.8%) , and 18 strains of Trichophyton violaceum (2.6%) . Among the pathogenic fungi of tinea capitis, the proportion of Trichophyton violaceum was significantly higher in adults (8.8%) than in children (2.2%, P = 0.048) . Conclusions:In the past 10 years, the patients with tinea capitis in the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital were mainly children aged 1 - 6 yearswhile adults, and adult patients with tinea capitis were uncommon. The main pathogen of tinea capitis was Microsporum canis, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex.

Tinea faciei por Trichophyton violaceum: primer caso alóctono reportado en Chile

Trichophyton violaceum es un dermatofito antropofílico endémico en África, Europa, Centroamérica y China. El incremento de los fenómenos de movilidad humana ha contribuido a su aparición en áreas no endémicas. Su principal manifestación clínica es la tinea capitis, seguida por la tinea corporis. En la población pediátrica afecta con mayor frecuencia el cuero cabelludo; y en adultos, la piel glabra. Presentamos el primer caso en Chile de tinea causada por T violaceum. Correspondió a una mujer chilena de 21 años que presentó placas faciales de un mes de evolución después de un viaje a Tanzania, África, sin respuesta a tratamientos médicos previos. Se sospechó una dermatofitosis alóctona y mediante cultivos especiales, se identificó una colonia de crecimiento lento, coloración violeta-negruzca, superficie cerosa y rugosa, con vellosidades aterciopeladas; compatible con T violaceum. Se confirmó mediante secuenciación de ADN ribosomal amplificando la región ITS. Se trató con terbinafina oral con respuesta clínica completa.

Trichophyton violaceum is an anthropophilic dermatophyte endemic in Africa, Europe, Central America and China. The increase in human mobility has recently contributed to the appearance in non-endemic areas. The main clinical manifestation is tinea capitis followed by tinea corporis. We present the first case in Chile of tinea caused by T violaceum. The case was a 21 year-old Chilean woman who presented asymptomatic facial plaques one month after arriving from Tanzania, Africa, with no clinical response to previous medical treatments. An allochthonous dermatophytosis was suspected and with special cultures, a slow-growing colony was identified with a violet-blackish color, waxy and rough surface, and velvety villi; all characteristics of T violaceum. The diagnosis was confirmed by ribosomal DNA sequencing amplifying the ITS region. She was treated with oral terbinafine obtaining a complete clinical response.

Kerion celsi caused by Trichophyton tonsurans in an adult

Abstract Tinea capitis is an uncommon infection in adults, and predominantly affects women and the elderly with hormonal disorders and immunosuppression. Clinical features are often polymorphic and atypical. A kerion celsi case in an elderly female patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and menopause is presented. The diagnosis was established by direct examination and the isolation of Trichophyton tonsurans in culture and typified by microculture. Treatment with prednisone and itraconazol was very successful. Recognizing the presentation of tinea capitis in adults will help clinicians to avoid delay in the diagnosis, awareness of the risk factors and provide early treatment to minimize sequelae of the disease.

Tiña capitis por Trichophyton tonsurans en un paciente pediátrico / Tinea capitis by Trichophyton tonsurans in a pediatric patient

La tiña capitis (TC) es una micosis superficial del cuero cabelludo, considerada una de las infecciones más frecuentes por dermatofitos en niños. Hasta la actualidad, las especies descritas con mayor frecuencia en nuestro medio son el Microsporum y, en segundo término, Trichophyton, los cuales se contraen principalmente por contacto directo con animales o seres humanos infectados, respectivamente. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 8 años con alopecia y lesiones inflamatorias de 2 años de evolución, en la que finalmente se llegó al diagnóstico de TC inflamatoria causada por T. tonsurans, un hongo antropofílico considerado poco frecuente en Argentina y emergente en la provincia de Buenos Aires. Este patógeno presenta alta transmisibilidad; son varios los países que han reportado brotes escolares y comunitarios. Se debe resaltar la importancia de su sospecha clínica temprana para un tratamiento adecuado.

Tinea capitis (TC) is a superficial mycosis of the scalp, considered one of the most common dermatophyte infections in children. Until now, the species mainly described in our environment are Microsporum and secondly Trichophyton, which are contracted mainly by direct contact with infected animals or humans, respectively. We present the case of an 8-year-old patient with alopecia and inflammatory lesions of 2 years of evolution, finally reaching the diagnosis of inflammatory tinea capitis caused by T. tonsurans, an anthropophilic fungus considered rare in Argentina and emerging in the province of Buenos Aires. This pathogen has high transmissibility; several countries have reported school and community outbreaks. The importance of its early clinical suspicion for adequate treatment should be emphasized.

Deep dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum in immunocompromised patients

Abstract In immunosuppressed patients, dermatophytosis can be more invasive, affecting the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. The authors describe the cases of two patients with kidney and heart transplanted, respectively, that developed a deep dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum, confirmed by culture and DNA sequencing. Both patients had concomitant onychomycosis, and both were treated with itraconazole for about two months, which was interrupted due to pharmacological interactions with the immunosuppressive drugs and switched to terbinafine, leading to clinical resolution within four months. Deep dermatophytosis should be considered when dealing with immunocompromised patients, especially when a superficial dermatophytosis is present. Oral treatment is necessary and terbinafine is a preferable option in solid organ transplant recipients because it has less pharmacological interactions.

The Epidemiological and Mycological Profile of Superficial Mycoses in India from 2015 to 2021: A Systematic Review

Background: The epidemiological and mycological patterns of superficial mycoses across various geographic regions of India across the last few years are changing. Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the epidemiological and mycological profile of superficial mycoses in India between 2015 and 2021. Methods: In this systematic review, the PubMed database was searched for all observational studies published between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2021, which had evaluated the clinico‑mycological profile of superficial mycoses among outpatients from various parts of India. Descriptive statistics was used to represent the results. Results: Forty studies(21 from the north, three from the northeast, five from the east, seven from the south, one from the west, and three from multiple regions of India) were included. Male patients and those of the age group of 21–40 years were most commonly affected. The proportion of dermatophytes as causative organisms was consistently high across all regions and throughout the study period (23.6%–100%). Among dermatophytes, the proportion of Trichophyton mentagrophyte (14.0%–97.2%) and Trichophyton rubrum (0%–69.1%) was consistently high across all regions. The prevalence of T. mentagrophyte showed a rising trend, while that T. rubrum showed a declining trend from 2015 to 2021. Conclusions: The epidemiological and mycological pattern of superficial mycoses showed a fairly similar trend across various regions of India from 2015 to 2021. Dermatophytes were the main causative agents of superficial mycoses; the most common species were T. mentagrophyte and T. rubrum. A rising trend of T. Mentagrophyte infection was found.

Anti-dermatophyte activity of the aqueous extracts of Thai medicinal plants

Abstract Medicinal plants have long been prescribed in Thailand for centuries. Different constituents of extracts have been used for treating of various infectious diseases. However, there is even less information available regarding the use in fungal skin infection. In order to assess traditional Thai claims about the therapeutic potential, this study is focused on exploring the anti-dermatophyte property of the plants that are currently used as traditional medicines. The potential of four different plant species were selected for investigate in vitro anti-dermatophyte activity. Ethanolic extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L.), Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.), Eclipta prostrate (Linn.), and Acorus calamus (L.). were analysed for their total phenolic content as well as total flavonoid content and were then subjected to test of their anti-dermatophyte properties using agar well diffusion method. Qualitative flavonoids and phenolics analysis of the extracts showed their biologically active constituents. Among the species examined, the result indicated that most of the extracts demonstrated anti-dermatophyte activity. In particular, A. calamus showed the highest efficacy against test organisms. The experiment confirmed the chemical constituents and efficacy of some selected plants and provides a scientific confirmation of the use of Thai plants in traditional medicine for fungal skin infections.

Resumo As plantas medicinais são prescritas há muito tempo na Tailândia, há séculos. Diferentes constituintes de extratos têm sido usados para o tratamento de várias doenças infecciosas. No entanto, existem ainda menos informações disponíveis sobre o uso em infecções fúngicas da pele. A fim de avaliar as alegações tradicionais tailandesas sobre o potencial terapêutico, este estudo está focado em explorar a propriedade antidermatófita das plantas que são usadas atualmente como medicamentos tradicionais. O potencial de quatro espécies de plantas diferentes foi selecionado para investigar a atividade antidermatófita in vitro. Extratos etanólicos de Chromolaena odorata (L.), Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.), Eclipta prostrate (Linn.) e Acorus calamus (L.) foram analisados quanto ao seu conteúdo fenólico total, bem como ao conteúdo de flavonoides totais. E então submetidos ao teste de suas propriedades antidermatófitas usando o método de difusão em ágar bem. A análise qualitativa de flavonoides e fenólicos dos extratos mostrou seus constituintes biologicamente ativos. Entre as espécies examinadas, o resultado indicou que a maioria dos extratos demonstrou atividade antidermatófita. Em particular, A. calamus mostrou a maior eficácia contra organismos de teste. O experimento confirmou os constituintes químicos e a eficácia de algumas plantas selecionadas e fornece uma confirmação científica do uso de plantas tailandesas na medicina tradicional para infecções fúngicas da pele.

Anti-dermatophyte activity of the aqueous extracts of Thai medicinal plants / Atividade antidermatófita dos extratos aquosos de plantas medicinais tailandesas

Medicinal plants have long been prescribed in Thailand for centuries. Different constituents of extracts have been used for treating of various infectious diseases. However, there is even less information available regarding the use in fungal skin infection. In order to assess traditional Thai claims about the therapeutic potential, this study is focused on exploring the anti-dermatophyte property of the plants that are currently used as traditional medicines. The potential of four different plant species were selected for investigate in vitro anti-dermatophyte activity. Ethanolic extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L.), Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.), Eclipta prostrate (Linn.), and Acorus calamus (L.). were analysed for their total phenolic content as well as total flavonoid content and were then subjected to test of their anti-dermatophyte properties using agar well diffusion method. Qualitative flavonoids and phenolics analysis of the extracts showed their biologically active constituents. Among the species examined, the result indicated that most of the extracts demonstrated anti-dermatophyte activity. In particular, A. calamus showed the highest efficacy against test organisms. The experiment confirmed the chemical constituents and efficacy of some selected plants and provides a scientific confirmation of the use of Thai plants in traditional medicine for fungal skin infections.

As plantas medicinais são prescritas há muito tempo na Tailândia, há séculos. Diferentes constituintes de extratos têm sido usados para o tratamento de várias doenças infecciosas. No entanto, existem ainda menos informações disponíveis sobre o uso em infecções fúngicas da pele. A fim de avaliar as alegações tradicionais tailandesas sobre o potencial terapêutico, este estudo está focado em explorar a propriedade antidermatófita das plantas que são usadas atualmente como medicamentos tradicionais. O potencial de quatro espécies de plantas diferentes foi selecionado para investigar a atividade antidermatófita in vitro. Extratos etanólicos de Chromolaena odorata (L.), Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.), Eclipta prostrate (Linn.) e Acorus calamus (L.) foram analisados quanto ao seu conteúdo fenólico total, bem como ao conteúdo de flavonoides totais. E então submetidos ao teste de suas propriedades antidermatófitas usando o método de difusão em ágar bem. A análise qualitativa de flavonoides e fenólicos dos extratos mostrou seus constituintes biologicamente ativos. Entre as espécies examinadas, o resultado indicou que a maioria dos extratos demonstrou atividade antidermatófita. Em particular, A. calamus mostrou a maior eficácia contra organismos de teste. O experimento confirmou os constituintes químicos e a eficácia de algumas plantas selecionadas e fornece uma confirmação científica do uso de plantas tailandesas na medicina tradicional para infecções fúngicas da pele.

Clinico-Mycological Characteristics Of Dermatophytosis- A Comparative Study Of The Past And The Present

Background:Incidence and prevalence of dermatophytosis have increased recently. The clinico-mycological characteristics of dermatophytosis in the past and present were compared to determine the difference, if any, that canexplain the present scenario.Material and Methods:Hospital-based cross-sectional study design with retrospective data comparison was done. The clinico-mycological data of 425 patients in 2019 was compared to 124 patients in 2011 with a Chi-square statistic. Result:Significant differences were observed in the following socio-demographic and disease characteristics in the present compared to the past: female gender (57.9% vs.33.9%, P-0.000002), chronicity (29.4% vs. 16.1%, P-0.003), sharing of clothes (35.3% vs. 20.5%, P-0.0014), co-morbidity of atopy (22.6% vs. 6.5%, P-0.00005), prior use of topical antifungals (64.5% vs. 30.7%, P <0.0001), prior use of systemic antifungals (43.1% vs. 13.7%, P <0.0001), prior use of topical steroids (24.7% vs. 12.1%, P-0.0028), and infection in multiple sites (25.2% vs. 11.3%, P-0.001). T.mentagrophyteswas the most common isolate in the present compared to the past (73.6% vs. 32.8%, P-0.0035). Other isolates were T.rubrum(13.2%) and M.gypseum(13.2%) in 2019 and T.rubrum(53.1%), M. gypseum(9.4%),T. schoenleinii(1.6%) and E. floccosum(3.1%) in 2011.Conclusion:T. mentagrophyteshas emerged as thedominant species. Irrational use of topical and systemic antifungals and steroids has increased considerably.Frequent training of general practitionersregarding appropriate management andeducating patients about avoidance of tight-fitting clothing, personal hygiene, and avoidance of over the counter medications, and adherence to treatment schedule can decrease the disease burden to some extent.

Evaluation of susceptibility and response in the surface of agents of surface mycoses (Trichophyton mentagrophytes; T. tonsurans) to antifungal drugs of interest in a medical clinic / Avaliação da susceptibilidade e resposta in vitro de agentes de micoses superficiais (Trichophyton mentagrophytes; T. tonsurans) à drogas antifúngicas de interesse em clínica médica

INTRODUCTION: The resistance of fungal species to drugs usually used in clinics is of great interest in the medical field. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate susceptibility and in vitro response of species of Trichophyton spp. to antifungal drugs of interest in clinical medicine. METHODS: 12 samples of clinical isolates from humans were used, nine of T. mentagrophytes and three of T. tonsurans. Susceptibility tests were performed according to the agar diffusion (AD) and broth microdilution (BM) methods. RESULTS: In the AD method, the species T. tonsurans presented a percentage of sensitivity of 33% in relation to amphotericin B and 66% to itraconazole, with 100% resistance to ketoconazole and fluconazole. T. mentagrophytes also showed 100% resistance to ketoconazole in this technique, with 11% sensitivity to ketoconazole, 22% to itraconazole and 22% of samples classified as sensitive dose dependent. In the MC method, the species T. tonsurans presented a sensitivity percentage of 66%, 55% and 33% in relation to ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively. The T. mentagrophytes species presented sensitivity percentages of 11%, 11%, 33% and 55% for amphotericin B, itraconazole, ketoconazole and fluconazole, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was resistance in vitro of the species of T. mentagrophytes and T. tonsurans against the antifungal fluconazole and relative resistance against ketoconazole in the AD method. In BM, however, important percentages of sensitivity were observed for the two species analyzed in relation to the antifungals fluconazole and ketoconazole when compared to itraconazole and amphotericin B.

INTRODUÇÃO: A resistência de espécies fúngicas às drogas usualmente empregadas no meio clínico é motivo de grande interesse na área médica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar susceptibilidade e resposta in vitro de espécies de Trichophyton spp. a drogas antifúngicas de interesse em clínica médica. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas 12 amostras de isolados clínicos de humanos, sendo nove de T. mentagrophytes e três de T. tonsurans. Foram realizados testes de susceptibilidade segundo os métodos de difusão em ágar (DA) e microdiluição em caldo (MC). RESULTADOS: No método de DA, a espécie T. tonsurans apresentou percentual de sensibilidade de 33% em relação à anfotericina B e de 66% ao itraconazol, com 100% de resistência frente ao cetoconazol e ao fluconazol. A espécie T. mentagrophytes também apresentou 100% de resistência frente ao cetoconazol nesta técnica, com 11% de sensibilidade ao cetoconazol, 22% ao itraconazol e 22% das amostras classificadas como sensível dose dependente. No método de MC, a espécie T. tonsurans apresentou percentual de sensibilidade de 66%, 55% e 33% em relação ao cetoconazol, fluconazol e itraconazol, respectivamente. A espécie T. mentagrophytes apresentou percentuais de sensibilidade de 11%, 11%, 33% e 55% para anfotericina B, itraconazol, cetoconazol e fluconazol, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Houve resistência in vitro das espécies do T. mentagrophytes e T. tonsurans frente ao antifúngico fluconazol e resistência relativa frente ao cetoconazol no método de DA. Na MC, no entanto, foram observados importantes percentuais de sensibilidade das duas espécies analisadas frente aos antifúngicos fluconazol e cetoconazol quando comparadas ao itraconazol e à anfotericina B.

Infection and strain analysis of superficial fungi in 498 cases in Shiyan area / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the clinical characteristics, susceptibility factors, and the composition and distribution of pathogenic fungi in Shiyan area. Methods From January 2018 to December 2018, at the outpatient department of Taihe Hospital, a total of 498 patients with superficial mycosis were confirmed by clinical features and microbial identification. Clinical data was collected and statistical analysis of these patients was carried out. Results Among 498 patients, the top three diseases were 123 cases of tinea corporis (24.70%), 110 cases of onychomycosis (22.09%), and 54 cases of body ringworm (10.84%). The top three pathogenic fungi were Trichophyton rubrum (232 strains, 46.59%), Trichophyton interdigitale (71 strains, 14.26%) and Candida albicans (41 strains, 8.23%). There were some differences in the incidence of patients of different genders, ages, and jobs. Conclusion Tinea cruris was the main superficial mycosis in Shiyan area and Trichophyton rubrum was the main pathogen of superficial mycosis. The epidemic trend is similar to that in most regions of the country, but it has its own characteristics.

Study on Effects and Active Ingredients of Tibetan Medicine Lamiophlomis rotata against Rheumatoid Arthritis ZHANG Yanfei ，CHEN Ruixin ，YUAN Maohua ，YANG Zhizhong ，HUANG Ting ，CHEN Suxian ，JIANG Yunbin （578） Effects of Isoflavaspidic Acid PB on the Biofilm Adhesion and Gene Expression of Ergosterol Metabolism Related Enzymes in Trichophyton rubrum / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the effect of isofla vaspidicacid PB （called PB for short ）on the biofilm adhesion and the gene expression of ergosterol metabolism related enzymes in Trichophyton rubrum . METHODS ：M38-A2 method was adopted to determine MIC of PB to T. rubrum . MTT assay was used to screen the biolfilm condition and initial adhesion period of T. rubrum . The effects of different concentrations of PB （40，80，160 µg/mL）on the adhesion duration of T. rubrum （growth control group without PB was set up ，similarly hereinafter ）were evaluated and the adhesion rate was calculated by using XTT assay ；the effects of different concentrations of PB （20，40，80 µg/mL）on the biofilm formation of T. rubrum at different initial adhesion periods （3，5，9 h）were observed and the adhesion rate was calculated by using XTT assay combined with inverted microscope ；qRT-PCR method was used to detect the effects of PB （320 µg/mL）on the mRNA expression of ergosterol metabolism related enzyme gene ERG6 and ERG11 in biofilm of T. rubrum . RESULTS ：MIC of PB to T. rubrum was 20 µg/mL. The biofilm of T. rubrum in RPMI-1640 medium containing 10％ FBS was the most metabolism activity at 6 h of initial adhesion. Compared with growth control group ，after treated with different concentrations of PB ，adhesion rate and mRNA expression of ERG6 and ERG11 in biofilm were decreased significantly （P＜0.01）. Hyphae decreased or even disappeared ，and the adhesion inhibition rate （at 5 and 9 h of initial adhesion ）increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ：PB can inhibit the adhesion of T. rubrum and reduce the hyphae ；the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of the biofilm adhesion and mRNA expression of ergosterol metabolism related enzyme gene ERG6 and ERG11.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Trichophyton rubrum from Siddi Tribal Community Residing in North Karnataka Region, India.

Siddi community is the tribal community of African origin living in north Karnataka region since many generations. Few studies have shown the presence of rare dermatophytes of African origin in the Siddi tribal community. This study was performed to detect the presence of such dermatophytes of African origin in the Siddi community. MethodsA total of 1004 samples were collected from 937 patients with superficial infections out of which 102 samples have shown the dermatophytic growth on culture media. All the dermatophytes were identified by phenotypic and physiological characters. ResultsTinea unguium was the prevalent clinical condition and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the commonest etiological agent to cause dermatophytosis. Two isolates have shown similar macroscopic and microscopic features of as dermatophyte of African origin species (Trichophyton soudanense) and subjected to sequencing of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and identified as Trichophyton rubrum. ConclusionsTherefore, presence of rare African species was not seen in the migrated tribal community may be due to the existence of community since more than 5 generations and have adapted to local social and religious practices.

Dermatophytosis: an Epidemiological And Clinical Comparative Study in a Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Dermatophytosis is a common superficialmycosis associated with significant morbidity. Dermatophytosis which are recurrent and clinically unresponsive totherapy are showing an alarming increase in the last fewyears. These patients are a potential source of infection to theirfamily members and others closely associated with them. Ourstudy aimed to investigate the risk factors, clinical patternsand causative dermatophyte species in patients with chronic/recurrent dermatophytosis and patients with first episode oftypical tinea.Material And Methods: The enrolled patients werecategorized as group I consisting of 81 cases of chronic/recurrent dermatophytosis and group II consisting of 81 casesof first episode dermatophytosis. After detailed history andthorough clinical examination, wet-mount preparation fordirect microscopic examination was done along with fungalculture using Sabouraud’s dextrose agar.Results: In group I, T.mentagrophytes (51.7%) was themost common species isolated followed by T tonsurans(26.7%) and T rubrum(18.3%) while in group II, T tonsurans(43.3%) was the most common species isolated followed byT rubrum (28.4%)and T mentagrophytes(23.9%). Injudicioususe of topical steroids, non-compliance with treatment andpresence of dermatophyte infection among family memberswere the major risk factors with significant association withchronic/recurrent infections. Limitations: Lack of follow upof cases, antifungal susceptibility with clinical outcome andImmunological profile of the patients was not studied.Conclusion: Chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis areemerging as a major problem in dermatology practice.Injudicious use of topical steroid containing preparations,non-compliance, presence of intrafamilial infection are majorfactors for chronic and recurrent infections.

Diferenciación morfofisiológica y molecular por curvas de melting de alta resolución (HRMA) y secuenciación del complejo Trichophyton mentagrophytes en cepas humanas en Valparaíso, Chile Diferenciación morfofisiológica y molecular por HRMA / Morphological and molecular differentiation by high resolution melting curves (HRMA) and sequencing of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex in human strains in Valparaíso, Chile

Resumen Los miembros del complejo Trichophyton mentagrophytes representan el segundo grupo en frecuencia de aislamiento de dermatofitos, luego de Trichophyton rubrum. El citado complejo comprende 3grupos principales: 1) Trichophyton benhamiae y especies relacionadas; 2) Trichophyton simii y 2especies relacionadas, Trichophyton quinckeanum y Trichophyton schoenleinii, y 3) T. mentagrophytes, Trichophyton interdigitale y especies relacionadas. Todos estos organismos son difíciles de identificar a través de la morfofisiología. Se presenta en este informe un estudio descriptivo de 17 cepas clínicas aisladas e identificadas en el Laboratorio de Micología de la Universidad de Valparaíso como pertenecientes al complejo T. mentagrophytes, junto con la caracterización de 3cepas de referencia (T. mentagrophytes CBS 318.56, T. interdigitale CBS 428.63, Trichophyton erinacei CBS 511.73), con el objetivo de clasificarlas a nivel de especie. Se realizaron pruebas morfofisiológicas y moleculares por análisis de curvas de melting de alta resolución (high resolution melting analysis) y secuenciación de regiones ITS. Fenotípicamente, se identificaron 3especies incluidas en el complejo. Los análisis moleculares reclasificaron todas las cepas como pertenecientes a T. interdigitale. En conclusión, no se lograron establecer patrones morfofisiológicos confiables para poder diferenciar entre las especies del complejo.

Abstract Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex is the most frequent agent found in dermatophyte isolates after Trichophyton rubrum. It is divided into 3main groups: (1) Trichophyton benhamiae and related species; (2) Trichophyton simii and 2related species, Trichophyton quinckeanum and Trichophyton schoenleinii; and (3) T. mentagrophytes, T. interdigitale, and related species. They are all difficult to identify by morphophysiology. With the aim of classifying them at the species level, a descriptive study was performed on 17 isolated clinical strains identified in the Mycology Laboratory of the Universidad de Valparaíso as belonging to the T. mentagrophytes complex. They were compared with 3 reference strains (T. mentagrophytes CBS 318.56, T. interdigitale CBS 428.63, Trichophyton erinacei CBS 511.73). Morphophysiological and molecular tests were performed by high resolution melting analysis curves and ITS regions sequencing. Phenotypically, 3 species of the complex were identified. Molecular analyses reclassified all the species as belonging to T. interdigitale. In conclusion, no reliable morphophysiological patterns were established to differentiate between the species of the complex. Molecularly, all the strains studied were classified as T. interdigitale.

Syzygium aromaticum Derived Phytochemicals against Infections in Feet Crack Caused by Trichophyton rubrum

Phytochemicals from Syzygium aromaticum plant extract traditionally used to cure Feet Crack. Molecular docking method applied using “Biovia Discovery Studio”. “High positive values of -CDOCKER energy and -CDOCKER interaction energy” suggested that Myricetin can effectively deactivate the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme thereby interrupting the life cycle of the organism

Clinico-Mycological Study of dermatophytosis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Dermatophytes are fungi that infects the skin, hair and nails. They are hyaline septate moulds with more than hundred species described. Of these, 42 species are considered as valid and less than half are associated with human diseases. Dermatophytoses are infections produced by these and are common in tropical and subtropical areas of the country with high humidity.1 We wanted to speciate dermatophytes using phenotypic methods, analyze the risk factors, and study their clinical correlation.METHODSThe study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India over a period of one year. All newly suspected cases of dermatophytosis attending Dermatology Outpatient Department were selected for the study. Thus, a total of 113 patients were enrolled in the study. Samples from these patients were subjected to direct microscopy and culture was done on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with antibiotics. Potato dextrose agar was used for enhancement of pigment production. Culture confirmation and speciation were done by tease mount, slide culture and supplemental tests like urease test and hair perforation test. RESULTSThe present study was carried out on 113 clinically diagnosed cases of dermatophytoses. Maximum number of cases occurred in the 11-20 years age group and slight female preponderance was noted. Tinea corporis was the most common type of dermatophytosis, 68 cases (60.2%) followed by mixed type (tinea corporis + tinea cruris) 14 cases (12.4%) and tinea cruris 13 cases (11.5%). Overall positivity by culture was 39% and by direct microscopy 96%. Trichophyton rubrum was the most predominant species - 18 isolates (38.3%) and most of them were isolated from tinea corporis. Trichophyton verrucosum (25.5%) and Trichophyton mentagrophyte (21.3%) were also obtained as major isolates.CONCLUSIONSThis study highlighted that tinea corporis is the commonest clinical type. Trichophyton rubrum is the most predominant species. But we got a fairly good number of Trichophyton verrucosum and Trichophyton mentagrophyte also. Exposure to predisposing factors were present in almost half of the cases. Dermatophytosis is a trivial disease and antifungal agents are the drugs of choice for treatment but identification of predisposing factors and avoidance of these can decrease the incidence of the disease to some extent

Antifungal and Antioxidant Activities of Vernonia Chalybaea Mart. ex DC. Essential Oil and their Major Constituent β -caryophyllene

Abstract: This article describes the chemical composition of Vernonia chalybaea essential oil, and investigates its antimicrobial, antioxidant and hemolytic activities. The evaluation of the antifungal activity was performed by the broth microdilution method using strains of yeasts and dermatophytic fungi. The checkerboard technique to find antimicrobial modulatory effects was performed using ketoconazole as standard drug. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay and β-carotene/linoleic-acid system. The toxicity was characterized by the brine shrimp lethality test and hemolysis bioassays. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS method, showing to be rich in the sesquiterpenes β-caryophyllene (39.06%) and bicyclogermacrene (19.69%), and also demonstrated a relevant antifungal activity against strains of Trichophyton rubrum. In the modulatory activity assay, the essential oil of V. chalybaea and β-caryophyllene demonstrated a synergistic interaction with ketoconazole, with increasing of its antifungal action. The antioxidant activity was evidenced mainly by β-carotene/linoleic acid system, with IC50 value of 35.87 ± 0.32 µg/mL. The results suggest that V. chalybaea essential oil and β-caryophyllene are valuable natural medicinal agents with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.