Anti-fungal potential of ozone against some dermatophytes

ABSTRACT Dermatophytes are classified in three genera, Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton. They have the capacity to invade keratinized tissue to produce a cutaneous infection known as dermatophytoses. This investigation was performed to study the effect of gaseous ozone and ozonized oil on three specific properties of six different dermatophytes. These properties included sporulation, mycelia leakage of sugar and nutrients and the activity of their hydrolytic enzymes. Generally, ozonized oil was found to be more efficacious than gaseous ozone. Microsporum gypseum and Microsporum canis were the most susceptible, while Trichophyton interdigitale and T. mentagrophytes were relatively resistant. The study revealed a steady decline in spore production of M. gypseum and M. canis on application of ozonated oil. An increase in leakage of electrolytes and sugar was noticed after treatment with ozonized oil in the case of M. gypseum, M. canis, T. interdigitale, T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. The results also revealed loss in urease, amylase, alkaline phosphatase, lipase and keratinase enzyme producing capacity of the investigated fungi.

Photodynamic action of protoporphyrin IX derivatives on Trichophyton rubrum

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dermatophytes are filamentous keratinophilic fungi. Trichophyton rubrum is a prevalent infectious agent in tineas and other skin diseases. Drug therapy is considered to be limited in the treatment of such infections, mainly due to low accessibility of the drug to the tissue attacked and development of antifungal resistance in these microorganisms. In this context, Photodynamic Therapy is presented as an alternative. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate, in vitro, the photodynamic activity of four derivatives of Protoporphyrin IX by irradiation with LED 400 nm in T. rubrum. METHOD: Assays were subjected to irradiation by twelve cycles of ten minutes at five minute intervals. RESULT: Photodynamic action appeared as effective with total elimination of UFCs from the second irradiation cycle. CONCLUSION: Studies show that the photodynamic activity on Trichophyton rubrum relates to a suitable embodiment of the photosensitizer, which can be maximized by functionalization of peripheral groups of the porphyrinic ring.

Comparative efficacy of continuous and pulse dose terbinafifine regimes in toenail dermatophytosis: A randomized double-blind trial.

Introduction: Dermatophytes are the most frequently implicated agents in toenail onychomycosis and oral terbinafi ne has shown the best cure rates in this condition. The pharmacokinetics of terbinafi ne favors its effi cacy in pulse dosing. Objectives: To compare the effi cacy of terbinafi ne in continuous and pulse dosing schedules in the treatment of toenail dermatophytosis. Methods: Seventy-six patients of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and culture positive dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis were randomly allocated to two treatment groups receiving either continuous terbinafi ne 250 mg daily for 12 weeks or 3 pulses of terbinafi ne (each of 500mg daily for a week) repeated every 4 weeks. Patients were followed up at 4, 8 and12 weeks during treatment and post-treatment at 24 weeks. At each visit, a KOH mount and culture were performed. In each patient, improvement in a target nail was assessed using a clinical score; total scores for all nails and global assessments by physician and patient were also recorded. Mycological, clinical and complete cure rates, clinical effectivity and treatment failure rates were then compared. Results: The declines in target nail and total scores from baseline were signifi cant at each follow-up visit in both the treatment groups. However, the inter-group difference was statistically insignifi cant. The same was true for global assessment indices, clinical effectivity as well as clinical, mycological, and complete cure rates. Limitations: The short follow-up in our study may have led to lower cure rates being recorded. Conclusion: Terbinafi ne in pulse dosing is as effective as continuous dosing in the treatment of dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis.

Comparison of the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration of Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole and Terbinafine Against Clinical Isolates of Dermatophytes.

Superficial fungal infections affect millions of people worldwide. Earlier most dermatophyte strains had relatively restricted geographical distribution. But currently, dermatophytosis has become one of the most common human infectious diseases worldwide. Fungal infections are common in hot and humid climate of tropical countries like India. Topical and systemic therapies are commonly used to treat dermatophyte infections.Clotrimazole is one of the most commonly used topical antifungal drugs. This study compared the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of Clotrimazole with Miconazole, Ketoconazole and Terbinafine in skin dermatophytes. The study demonstrated that Clotrimazole had lower MFCs as compared to Ketoconazole and Miconazole against Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. Clotrimazole had comparable MFCs versus Terbinafine against Trichophyton rubrum but it had lower MFCs against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. Thus, Clotrimazole is an effective antifungal agent for dermatophytosis even today.The efficacy of Clotrimazole even against strains with intermediate resistance or resistance to the older azole anti fungal drugs reiterate the current decisions of empirical treatment with topical Clotrimazole for the management of superficial dermatophyte infections.

Antifungal activity of extracts from Piper aduncum leaves prepared by different solvents and extraction techniques against dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale

The effects of different solvents and extraction techniques upon the phytochemical profile and anti-Trichophyton activity of extracts from Piper aduncum leaves were evaluated. Extract done by maceration method with ethanol has higher content of sesquiterpenes and antifungal activity. This extract may be useful as an alternative treatment for dermatophytosis.

Anti dermatophytic therapy: prospects for the discovery of new drugs from natural products

Millions of people and animals suffer from superficial infections caused by a group of highly specialized filamentous fungi, the dermatophytes, which only infect keratinized structures. With the appearance of AIDS, the incidence of dermatophytosis has increased. Current drug therapy used for these infections is often toxic, long-term, and expensive and has limited effectiveness; therefore, the discovery of new anti dermatophytic compounds is a necessity. Natural products have been the most productive source for new drug development. This paper provides a brief review of the current literature regarding the presence of dermatophytes in immunocompromised patients, drug resistance to conventional treatments and new anti dermatophytic treatments.

In-vitro activity of 10 antifungal agents against 320 dermatophyte strains using microdilution method in Tehran

Dermatophyte fungi are the etiologic agents of skin infections commonly referred to as ringworm. These infections are not dangerous but as a chronic cutaneous infections they may be difficult to treat and can also cause physical discomfort for patients. They are considered important as a public health problem as well. No information is available regarding the efficacy of antifungal agents against dermatophytes in Tehran. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the efficacy of 10 systemic and topical antifungal medications using CLSI broth microdilution method [M38-A]. The antifungal agents used included griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, clotrimazole, ciclopiroxolamine, amorolfine and naftifine.Fifteen different species of dermatophytes which were mostly clinical isolates were used as follows; T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, E. floccosum, M. canis, T. verrucosum, T. tonsurans,M. gypseum, T. violaceum, M. ferruginum,M. fulvum, T. schoenleinii, M. racemosum, T. erinacei,T.eriotriphon and Arthrodermabenhamiae. The mean number of fungi particles [conidia] inoculated was 1.25 x 10[4] CFU/mL. Results were read after 7 days of incubation at 28 °C. According to the obtained results,itraconazole and terbinafine showed the lowest and fluconazole had the greatest MIC values for the most fungi tested. Based on the results, it is necessary to do more research and design a reliable standard method for determination of antifungal susceptibility to choose proper antibiotics with fewer side effects and decrease antifungal resistance and risk of treatment failure

Actividad antifúngica y perfil de seguridad del producto natural derivado del aceite de maravilla ozonizado (AMO3) en dermatofitos / In vitro antifungal susceptibility, in vivo antifungal activity and security from a natural product obtained from sunrise oil (AMO3) against dermatophytes

This work studied safety and antifungal activity of ozonized sunflower oil (AMO3) against dermatophytes. AMO3 was prepared through a new original process that modifies the oil before ozonation by alcoholic catalytic esterification. Susceptibility was studied in 41 dermatophytes by agar diffusion and broth microdilution tests. The experimental model to assess the topical safety of the oil included 60 CF1 mice divided in three groups that were treated with vaseline (control), 1 percent AMO3 and 50 percent AMO3 (overdose), respectively. Then, experimental dermatophytosis was induced in CF1 mice. Seventy-five individuals were selected and divided in 5 groups that were treated once a day with placebo, cream with 1 percent, 2 percent and 3 percent AMO3 plus an untreated control group. This new natural product showed antifungal activity against all strains studied. The MIC ranged between was 0,125 and 1 percent, while minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was 2 percent. The application of vaseline and AMO3 1 percent and 50 percent did not produce clinical or histopathological lesions. The mice with dermatophytosis that were treated with 1 percent, 2 percent and 3 percent AMO3 showed 100 percent clinical cure and 94 percent average mycological cure, exceeding placebo and control groups (p < 0,05). This product exhibits high antifungal activity and could be a safe alternative for ringworm topical treatment.

Se evaluó la seguridad y actividad antifúngica del aceite de maravilla ozonizado (AMO3) frente a dermatofitos. AMO3 se generó a través de un proceso original que implica modificación del aceite previa ozonización por esterificación catalítica con alcohol. La sensibilidad fue estudiada en 41 dermatofitos por difusión en agar y microdilución en caldo. El modelo experimental para evaluar tópicamente la seguridad del aceite, incluyó 60 ratones CF1, formando tres grupos a los cuales se les aplicó respectivamente vaselina (control), AMO3 1 por ciento y AMO3 50 por ciento (sobredosis). Luego, se indujo derma-tofitosis experimental en ratones CF1, seleccionando 75 individuos divididos en cinco grupos tratados una vez al día con placebo, crema con AMO3 al 1 por ciento, 2 por ciento y 3 por ciento, más un grupo control sin tratamiento. Este nuevo producto natural presentó actividad antifúngica frente a todas las cepas estudiadas. La CIM fluctuó entre 0,125 y 1 por ciento mientras la concentración fungicida mínima (CFM) fue de 2 por ciento. La aplicación de AMO3 no generó lesiones clínicas ni histopatológicas. Los ratones con dermatofitosis tratados con AMO3 presentaron 100 por ciento de cura clínica y 94 por ciento de promedio en cura micológica, siendo superior al grupo control y placebo (P < 0,05). Este producto muestra elevada actividad antimicótica y podría ser una alternativa segura para tratamiento tópico de dermatofitosis.

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Epigallocatechin 3-O-Gallate against Clinical Isolates of Dermatophytes

Previously, we reported that epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCg) has growth-inhibitory effect on clinical isolates of Candida species. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of EGCg and antifungal agents against thirty-five of dermatophytes clinically isolated by the international guidelines (M38-A2). All isolates exhibited good susceptibility to EGCg (MIC50, 2-4 microg/mL, MIC90, 4-8 microg/mL, and geometric mean (GM) MICs, 3.36-4 microg/mL) than those of fluconazole (MIC50, 2-16 microg/mL, MIC90, 4-32 microg/mL, and GM MICs, 3.45-25.8 microg/mL) and flucytosin (MIC50, MIC90, and GM MICs, >64 microg/mL), although they were less susceptible to other antifungal agents, such as amphotericin B, itraconazole, and miconazole. These activities of EGCg were approximately 4-fold higher than those of fluconazole, and were 4 to 16-fold higher than flucytosin. This result indicates that EGCg can inhibit pathogenic dermatophyte species. Therefore, we suggest that EGCg may be effectively used solely as a possible agent or combined with other antifungal agents for antifungal therapy in dermatophytosis.

Dermatófitos: interação patógeno-hospedeiro e resistência a antifúngicos / Dermatophytes: host-pathogen interaction and antifungal resistance

As micoses cutâneas estão entre as infecções mais comuns em humanos e se tornaram um importante problema de saúde pública, principalmente por causarem infecções invasivas em pacientes imunodeprimidos. Durante a infecção, a interação dermatófito-hospedeiro desencadeia adaptações metabólicas específicas que permitem aos patógenos aderirem e penetrarem no tecido, remodelando seu metabolismo para captar nutrientes e superar os mecanismos de defesa do hospedeiro. Esse remodelamento metabólico e a inter-relação entre metabolismo, morfogênese e resposta ao estresse são importantes fatores que estão sendo intensamente avaliados em diversos patógenos. As células do hospedeiro também respondem aos estímulos do patógeno, ativando vias de sinalização intracelular que culminam no desencadeamento de uma resposta imune contra o agente infeccioso. O entendimento molecular dessas respostas metabólicas pode ajudar no estabelecimento de novas estratégias terapêuticas. Nesta revisão, são abordados diferentes aspectos da biologia dos dermatófitos, com ênfase na interação dermatófito-hospedeiro e nos mecanismos de resistência a antifúngicos.

Cutaneous mycoses are among the most common infections in humans and have become an important public health issue because they cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. During the infectious process, dermatophyte-host interactions trigger specific metabolic adaptations that allow the pathogen to adhere to and penetrate the host tissue, scavenge nutrients, and overcome the host defense mechanisms. This metabolic shift and the interplay between metabolism, morphogenesis and stress response are important factors that have been extensively studied in several pathogens. Host cells also respond to the pathogen stimuli by activating intracellular signaling pathways that trigger the immune response against the infectious agent. The comprehension of the molecular aspects of these responses may help to establish new therapeutical strategies. In this review, different aspects of the biology of dermatophytes are addressed, with emphasis on the dermatophyte-host interaction and the mechanisms of antifungal resistance.

Comparison of in vitro activity of five antifungal agents against dermatophytes, using the agar dilution and broth microdilution methods / Comparação da atividade in vitro de cinco agentes antifúngicos para dermatófitos, usando os métodos de diluição em ágar e microdiluição em caldo

The purpose of this study was to compare the agar dilution and broth microdilution methods for determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin and terbinafine for 60 dermatophyte samples belonging to the species Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. The percentage agreement between the two methods, for all the isolates with < 2 dilutions that were tested was 91.6 percent for ketoconazole and griseofulvin, 88.3 percent for itraconazole, 81.6 percent for terbinafine and 73.3 percent for fluconazole. One hundred percent agreement was obtained for Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolates evaluated with ketoconazole and griseofulvin. Thus, until a reference method for testing the in vitro susceptibility of dermatophytes is standardized, the similarity of the results between the two methods means that the agar dilution method may be useful for susceptibility testing on these filamentous fungi.

O propósito do presente trabalho foi comparar os métodos de diluição em ágar e diluição em caldo para a determinação de concentração inibitória mínima de fluconazol, itraconazol, cetoconazol, griseofulvina e terbinafina para 60 amostras de dermatófitos pertencentes às espécies, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton. mentagrophytes e Microsporum canis. A porcentagem de acordo entre os dois métodos para todos os isolados testados considerando-se valores < 2 diluições, foram de 91,6 por cento para cetoconazol e para griseofulvina, de 88,3 por cento para itraconazol, de 81,6 por cento para terbinafina e de 73,3 por cento para fluconazol. Uma concordância de 100 por cento foi obtido para isolados de Trichophyton mentagrophytes avaliados com cetoconazol e griseofulvina. Desta forma, até que um método de referência seja padronizado para testar a suscetibilidade in vitro para os dermatófitos, os resultados semelhantes encontrados para os dois métodos fazem com que o método de diluição em ágar possa ser útil no teste de suscetibilidade para estes fungos filamentosos.

Antimicrobial activity of Brazilian copaiba oils obtained from different species of the Copaifera genus

The antimicrobial activity of copaiba oils was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and dermatophytes. Oils obtained from Copaifera martii, Copaifera officinalis, and Copaifera reticulata (collected in the state of Acre) were active against Gram-positive species (Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus faecalis) with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 31.3-62.5 µg/ml. The oils showed bactericidal activity, decreasing the viability of these Gram-positive bacteria within 3 h. Moderate activity was observed against dermatophyte fungi (Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis). The oils showed no activity against Gram-negative bacteria and yeast. Scannning electron microscopy of S. aureus treated with resin oil from C. martii revealed lysis of the bacteria, causing cellular agglomerates. Transmission electron microscopy revealed disruption and damage to the cell wall, resulting in the release of cytoplasmic compounds, alterations in morphology, and a decrease in cell volume, indicating that copaiba oil may affect the cell wall.

La resistencia a los antifúngicos: un problema emergente en México / Antifungal resistance: an emerging problem in Mexico

Antecedentes: Mundialmente se ha observado incremento en los casos de micosis asociada a falla terapéutica. Ante el desconocimiento real de este fenómeno en México, se decidió estudiar la resistencia a antifúngicos. Material y métodos: Se evaluaron 76 aislamientos de pacientes del Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social: 36 con dermatofitosis y 40 con candidiasis. Para dermatófitos se utilizó el método E-test® y para Candida spp. el método de microdilución en caldo. Los antimicóticos fueron itraconazol, ketoconazol y fluconazol para dermatófitos; además, voriconazol y anfotericina B para levaduras. Resultados: De los 36 dermatófitos, siete (19.4%) fueron resistentes a uno o más antifúngicos: tres Trichophyton rubrum, tres T. mentagrophytes y un T. tonsurans. Un T. rubrum mostró resistencia a los tres azoles; los seis aislamientos restantes fueron resistentes sólo a fluconazol. De los 40 aislamientos de Candida, 11 (27.5 %) mostraron resistencia: siete a ketoconazol e itraconazol; tres sólo a itraconazol y uno a ketoconazol. Un aislamiento de C. glabrata fue resistente a los cuatro azoles. Ninguna de las levaduras mostró resistencia a anfotericina B. Conclusiones: La falla terapéutica podría deberse a fenómenos de resistencia. En este trabajo se encontró una resistencia a antifúngicos de 20 y 27.5% en dermatófitos y levaduras, respectivamente.

BACKGROUND: An increase in mycosis associated with therapeutic failure has been observed worldwide. The dearth of data in Mexico led us to study antifungal resistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy six isolates of patients from the Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social were included: 36 with dermatophytoses and 40 with candidiasis. Dermatophytes were assesed using the E-test method and Candida spp. using the broth microdilution method. Antifungal drugs included itraconazole, ketoconazole and fluconazole for dermatophytes; in addition, voriconazole and amphotericin B were used to treat yeasts. RESULTS: From the 36 dermatophytes, seven isolates (19.4%) showed resistance to one or more antifungal drugs: three to Trichophyton rubrum, three to T. mentagrophytes and one to T. tonsurans. One T. rubrum isolate was resistant to the three azoles; the other six isolates were resistant to fluconazole only. From the 40 Candida isolates, 11 (27.5%) showed resistance: seven to ketoconazole and itraconazole; three only to itraconazole and one to ketoconazole. One C. glabrata isolate showed resistance to the four azoles. None of the yeasts showed resistance to amphotericin B. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic failure could be caused by drug resistance. In our study we found an antifungal resistance of 20% and 27.5% in dermatophytes and in yeasts respectively.

Dermatophyte susceptibilities to antifungal azole agents tested in vitro by broth macro and microdilution methods / Suscetibilidade in vitro de dermatófitos a azóis pelos métodos macro e microdiluição em caldo

The in vitro susceptibility of dermatophytes to the azole antifungals itraconazole, fluconazole and ketoconazole was evaluated by broth macro and microdilution methods, according to recommendations of the CLSI, with some adaptations. Twenty nail and skin clinical isolates, four of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and 16 of T. rubrum were selected for the tests. Itraconazole minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) varied from < 0.03 to 0.25 µg/mL in the macrodilution and from < 0.03 to 0.5 µg/mL in the microdilution methods; for fluconazole, MICs were in the ranges of 0.5 to 64 µg/mL and 0.125 to 16 µg/mL by the macro and microdilution methods, respectively, and from < 0.03 to 0.5 µg/mL by both methods for ketoconazole. Levels of agreement between the two methods (± one dilution) were 70 percent for itraconazole, 45 percent for fluconazole and 85 percent for ketoconazole. It is concluded that the strains selected were inhibited by relatively low concentrations of the antifungals tested and that the two methodologies are in good agreement especially for itraconazole and ketoconazole.

Foi avaliada a suscetibilidade in vitro de dermatófitos aos antifúngicos itraconazol, fluconazol e cetoconazol, pelos métodos macro e microdiluição em caldo, de acordo com as recomendações do CLSI, com algumas modificações. Foram estudados 20 isolados clínicos de lesões de unha e pele, sendo quatro Trichophyton mentagrophytes e 16 T. rubrum. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) para itraconazol variou de < 0,03 a 0,25 µg/mL pelo método da macrodiluição, e de < 0,03 a 0,5 µg/mL pela microdiluição em caldo; de 0,5 a 64 µg/mL e de 0,125 a 16 µg/mL para fluconazol, respectivamente, pela macro e microdiluição; e de < 0,03 a 0,5 µg/mL por ambos os métodos para cetoconazol. A concordância entre os dois métodos (considerando ± uma diluição) foi de 70 por cento para itraconazol, 45 por cento para fluconazol e 85 por cento para cetoconazol. Conclui-se que os isolados estudados foram inibidos por concentrações relativamente baixas dos antifúngicos testados, e os dois métodos apresentam boa concordância, especialmente para itraconazol e cetoconazol.

In vitro susceptibility testing of dermatophytes isolated from pediatric cases in Nigeria against five antifungals

The antifungal activities of itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine and griseofulvin were tested by broth microdilution methods against 71 isolates of dermatophytes isolated from Nigerian children. Most drugs were very active against all the dermatophytes and the MIC 90 ranged from 0.03 to 8.0 µg/mL. This appears to be the first documented data on the antifungal susceptibility testing of isolates of dermatophytes from Nigerian children.

Atividades antifúngicas de itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine e griseofulvina foram testadas por métodos de microdiluição em caldo contra 71 isolados de dermatófitos de crianças nigerianas. A maioria das drogas foi muito ativa contra todos os dermatófitos e o MIC 90 variou de 0,03 a 8,0 µg/mL. Estes parecem ser os primeiros dados documentados sobre os testes de susceptibilidade antifúngica de isolados de dermatófitos de crianças nigerianas.

Balanites kernel oil for the treatment of dermatophytes: a clinical trial

In a previous in vitro study, we have shown that the kernel oil of fruits of the tree Balanites aegyptiaca referred to as Balanites kernel oil [BKO] is active against dermatophytes [i.e. superficial mycosis, ringworms, tineas [T. captitis, T. cercinata and T. pedis]. We report here our clinical trials with BKO. Trials were performed on patients presenting at Wad Medani Dermatology Teaching Hospital as well as primary school children in Elsoreeba Town [5 km south of Wad Medani]. Not all patients followed treatment till completely cured. Patients treated with BKO [half of the total] achieved complete cure in 3-5 weeks, on average, while those treated with the standard antifungal drug Miconazole [half of the total patients] did the same in the longer period of 3-8 weeks. Photographs showing progress of response to BKO treatments are included. BKO has great potential for development as a commercial drug for the treatment of dertmatophytes

Anti fungal effect of Echinophora platyloba extract on some common dermathophytes

Increasing usage of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes, made a unique place for this branch of complementary medicine. While Echinophora platyloba has a folkloric usage, unfortunately has not yet reached an eligible place. This study conducted to evaluate the effect of extract of Echinophora platyloba on some common dermatophytes. 4 tubes containing diluted solutions of hydroalcoholic extract [35, 50, 150 and 250 mg/ml] have been prepared and one tube of 0 mg/mL as control hydroalcoholic. Using agar dilution method, fungi were oincubated with diluted solutions of the extract and the growth results were recorded after 21 days. Trichophyton [T] schenlaini and T. verucosum were totally sensitive. T. rubrum and Micro sporum [M] gypsum were totally resistant. T. mentagrophyte, M. canis and Epidermophyton flucosum were resistant to 35, 50 and 150 mg/ml dilutions, but they were sensitive to 250 mg/mI. T. violaseum was resistant in 35 and 50 mg/ml but sensitive to 150 and 250 mg/ml. 3 concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract [35, 50 and 150 mg/ml] may have clinical application. On the base of this study, the plant in the mentioned dilutions showed anti fungal effect against T. schoenlieinii, T. verucosum. The plant extract showed weaker antifuongal against T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton flocusm but this may have not good anti fungal effect against T. rubrum and T. gypseum. The next step of study may be the production of drug product and clinical assay

[ vitro evaluation of the susceptibility of dermatophytic and saprophytic fungi to Pistacia vera's pericarp extract]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Pistacia vera's pericarp extract on some common dermatophytic and saprophytic fungi of Iran and identifying its probable role to be used instead of chemical drugs. After collecting pericarp of Pistacia vera, drying and making it powder, extracts were obtained by using Percolation method with methanol and n-Hexan. To evaluate the anti-fungal activity of the extract, different dilutions of the extract [30-600 mg/ml] were prepared and tested against each fungus and Minimum Inhibition Concentration [MIC] was measured via disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. The tested fungi were three types of dermatophytes [Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum] and two types of saprophytes [Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans]. The results showed that n-Hexan extract in disc diffusion method has no significant effect on the fungi, but it could inhibit Epidermophyton floccosum growth in 337mg/ml dilution and Microsporum canis growth in 450mg/ml dilution. For methanolic extract in broth dilution method, 60mg/ml was inhibitor for Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes and 240mg/ml dilution for Microsporum canis growth. In disc diffusion method we had 17 millimeter inhibitory zone around the pure extract in Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This extract had no anti-fungal effect against Aspergillus niger, but inhibited the growth of Candida albicans in 120mg/ml dilution and also calculated MBC for Candida albicans was 600mg/ml. Our research showed Pistacia vera's pericarp extract has different anti-fungal effects on experimented fungi

Production of a growth dependent metabolite active against dermatophytes by Streptomyces rochei AK 39.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Dermatophytes responsible for causing dermatophytoses in humans have acquired resistance to certain antimycotic drugs. We isolated naturally occurring actinomycetes with an ability to produce metabolites having antimycotic property. The timecourse of antifungal metabolite production in terms of arbitrary units (AU) under optimum conditions was studied. METHODS: Water and soil samples were collected from various locations. The actinomycetes were isolated on starch casein medium and screened for their antifungal activity against yeasts and molds including dermatophytes. One promising isolate which showed a unique, stable and interesting property of inhibiting only dermatophytes was selected and characterized. Optimization of antifungal metabolite production in terms of AU using Trichphyton rubrum as target was done. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of the culture supernatant from the isolate and that of griseofulvin were determined for all dermatophytes. RESULTS: Of the 218 actinomycete isolates, 14 per cent produced the metabolites having antifungal activity. The selected actinomycete, identified as Streptomyces rochei AK 39 produced metabolite, which was active against only dermatophytes whereas yeasts and other molds were resistant to it. Starch casein medium was found to be good for inducing antifungal activity in the isolate. The maximum antifungal metabolite production (400 AU/ml) was achieved in the late log phase, which remained constant during the stationery phase, and it was extracellular in nature. The MIC and MFC values of the culture supernatant from the isolate against the dermatophytes were within the range 1.25 to 5 and 1.25 to 10 AU/ml respectively. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The metabolite from Streptomyces rochei AK 39 was produced during late log phase and was active against only dermatophytes with a greater potency than griseofulvin. However, this needs further investigation using purified powdered form of the active component.

Antifungal activity of Boerhavia diffusa against some dermatophytic species of Microsporum.

Various extracts petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol) of aerial and root parts of Boerhavia diffusa was sereened for Antitungal activity (Inhibition in sporulation) against dermatophytic fungi Microsporum gypseum, M. fulvum and M. canis by using broth dilution method. Extracts of aerial part not show any noticeable antifungal activity. Ethyl acetate extract of root part of the plant was found to be most effective of against target fungal species. The maximum inhibition of mycelial growth was observed for M. gypseum (78.83%) followed by M. fulvum (62.33%) and M. canis (42.30%) of ethyl acetate in the test concentration of 1000 microg/ml 24 hours of incubation. The sporulation of target fungal species decreases with increasing supplementation of phytoextract, confirms the presence of some antifungal phytochemical moiety in roots of the plant.