Purification and partial characterization of dermatophyte keratinases: application in the treatment of tinea in a guinea pig model

ABSTRACT

Dermatophyte infection of the skin continues to be a prevalent disease. However, the factors causing the divergent clinical presentation seen with dermatophytosis remain unknown. Seven different dermatophytes [Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, M. nanum, Trichophyton violaceum, T. rubrum, T. soudanense and T simii] were isolated from patients having different clinical types of tinea and their protein profiles were differentiated. Over a period of 28 days the seven dermatophytic species were examined for their ability to secrete keratinolytic enzymes. The duration and intensity of keratinase production differed among the seven dermatophytic species. Seven different proteins were isolated with molecular weights ranging from 22 kDa up to 80kDa. M canis was found to possess the highest keratinolytic activity. Guinea pig animals were experimentally infected with M. canis. The infection of the animals was determined by the presence of hair loss, scales and pustules in the lesions. The isolated keratinases of M canis were incorporated in Syzygium aromaticum methyl cellulose gel ointment and applied on the infected lesion until a complete cure of Guinea pig was achieved after 8 weeks of daily application, keratinases were found to have a role in treatment