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Mycoses May 2021Tinea capitis (TC) mainly occurs in children, and related studies in adults are rare. We aimed to investigate the current epidemiological, clinical and mycological...
Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of tinea capitis in northern Taiwan during 2014-2019: An unusual bimodal distribution of patients and comparison of paediatric and adult cases.
Tinea capitis (TC) mainly occurs in children, and related studies in adults are rare. We aimed to investigate the current epidemiological, clinical and mycological characteristics of TC and to compare adult and paediatric patients in northern Taiwan. We conducted a retrospective study at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, from 2014 to 2019. The dataset included age, sex, records of underlying diseases, animal contact history, frequent hair salon visits, clinical patterns, treatment and outcome via chart or phone call reviews. The average ages of 72 children and 104 adults recruited were 6.0 and 74.0 years, respectively. A female predominance was noted in both groups, and the ratio of females was significantly higher in adults (94.2% vs 59.7%, P < .0001). Microsporum canis (76.4%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (11.1%) in children, and M. canis (49.0%) and T. violaceum (31.7%) in adults were the most common pathogens. Adults were more likely to be infected with T. violaceum (OR = 10.14, 95% CI = 2.04-50.26) than children. In contrast, adults were less likely to be infected with M. canis than children (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.11-0.90). Furthermore, adults visited hair salons more, had less animal contact and were more immunosuppressed than children. TC is not unusual in the adult population. Dermatologists are advised to realise risk factors such as immunosuppression and regular hair salon visit in adult TC.
Topics: Aged; Arthrodermataceae; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Male; Microsporum; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Taiwan; Tinea Capitis; Trichophyton
PubMed: 33368733
DOI: 10.1111/myc.13234 -
Natural Product Research Aug 2022In recent years, propolis extract (PE) has demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of...
In recent years, propolis extract (PE) has demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of a bioadhesive thermoresponsive system containing 16% propolis (BTSP 16%) against , , and . We also evaluated PE alone against the same strains. The results showed that both PE and BTSP 16% significantly reduced the fungal viability of all evaluated strains. In addition, they interacted with the biofilm of these species in different stages of biofilm formation. We observed that the bioadhesive and thermoresponsive properties of BTSP 16% prolonged propolis presence at infection sites, leading to positive results against planktonic fungal cells and mature biofilms. These characteristics make this formulation a valuable alternative treatment for dermatomycosis.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Biofilms; Dermatomycoses; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microsporum; Propolis; Trichophyton
PubMed: 34470510
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1973457 -
Pathogens & Immunity 2022Ultraviolet light in the UV-C band is also known as germicidal radiation, and it is widely used for decontamination and disinfection of environments, water, and food....
BACKGROUND
Ultraviolet light in the UV-C band is also known as germicidal radiation, and it is widely used for decontamination and disinfection of environments, water, and food. The ultraviolet source transfers electromagnetic energy from a mercury arc lamp to an organism's genetic material. When UV radiation penetrates the cell wall of an organism, it destroys the cell's ability to reproduce, through a physical and not chemical process. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of a new UV-C generating device (Asepsis) against clinically important microorganisms that may be present in beauty centers.
METHODS
We present here a set of tests performed on tools easy to find in beauty salons (hair-brushes, nail pliers, makeup brushes, and, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, face mask samples). They were individually contaminated with bacteria (), fungi (), and the Chikungunya virus. Different times of exposure were evaluated (1, 3, and 5 minutes).
RESULTS
There was notable reduction in the microbial load in every test, in comparison with control groups. Best results were observed on face mask samples, while the makeup brush showed less reduction, even with longer periods of exposure.
CONCLUSIONS
Beauty salons present a risk of infections due to microbial exposure. The device tested can efficiently inactivate, in a short time, microorganisms contaminating most tools found in this setting. The device also showed promising results against enveloped virus.
PubMed: 35795726
DOI: 10.20411/pai.v7i1.497 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022is the primary agent causing dermatophytosis in cats, and also infects humans, dogs, and other species. Assessment of genetic variation among isolates in the United...
is the primary agent causing dermatophytosis in cats, and also infects humans, dogs, and other species. Assessment of genetic variation among isolates in the United States has not been conducted. Further, mating type and assessment of disease severity associated with genotypic characteristics have not been rigorously evaluated. We therefore isolated from 191 domestic cats across the US and characterized genotypes by evaluation of ITS sequence, MAT locus, and microsatellite loci analysis. The genes SSU1 and SUB3, which are associated with keratin adhesion and digestion, were sequenced from a subset of isolates to evaluate potential genetic associations with virulence. Analysis of microsatellite makers revealed three genetic clusters. Both clinic location and disease severity were significant predictors of microsatellite variants. 100% of the isolates were MAT1-1 mating gene type, indicating that MAT1-2 is very rare or extinct in the US and that asexual reproduction is the dominant form of replication. No genetic variation at SSU1 and SUB3 was observed. These findings pave the way for novel testing modalities for and provide insights about transmission and ecology of this ubiquitous and relatively uncharacterized agent.
PubMed: 35887433
DOI: 10.3390/jof8070676 -
Mycoses May 2022Dermatomycoses, fungal diseases that affect the superficial layers of skin, hair or nails, are a public health concern due to their high prevalence. In Brazil,...
OBJECTIVES
Dermatomycoses, fungal diseases that affect the superficial layers of skin, hair or nails, are a public health concern due to their high prevalence. In Brazil, dermatomycoses are not notifiable diseases, so only fragmented epidemiological studies have been reported in the national literature. To evaluate the epidemiological profile of dermatomycoses in preschoolers and school children in Sinop, Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil.
METHODS
Classic methods were used to perform 782 mycological examinations to identify dermatophytosis, cutaneous candidosis and pityriasis versicolor in preschoolers and school children aged between 6 months and 12 years in 11 educational institutions in Sinop, MT.
RESULTS
Among the evaluated clinical specimens, 5.2% tested positive for dermatophytosis, with 58.45% of these cases corresponding to tinea capitis, followed by skin (tinea corporis and tinea pedis) and toenail (tinea unguium) lesions; zoophilic fungi predominated. Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex were isolated in 53.66% and 24.39% of the cases, respectively. Regarding cutaneous candidosis, 9.1% of the specimens tested positive for this disease, with 59.16% and 12.7% of the cases corresponding to toenails and interdigitoplantar lesions, respectively. Candida albicans caused 70.43% of the lesions. The remaining specimens (85.7%) tested positive for pityriasis versicolor; children aged between 6 and 12 were the most affected (71.79%).
CONCLUSION
Our results agree with most epidemiological studies carried out in Brazil and demonstrate the high frequency of mycoses in preschoolers and school children, a result of poor personal hygiene and favourable weather conditions in Northern Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Topics: Brazil; Candidiasis, Cutaneous; Child; Dermatomycoses; Humans; Infant; Onychomycosis; Tinea; Tinea Versicolor
PubMed: 35315158
DOI: 10.1111/myc.13439 -
Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift Fur... Oct 2021Tinea capitis is seen world-wide among children up to 12 years. The most severe type is Kerion Celsi with painful abscesses and lymphadenopathy. We report on an... (Review)
Review
Tinea capitis is seen world-wide among children up to 12 years. The most severe type is Kerion Celsi with painful abscesses and lymphadenopathy. We report on an 11-year-old boy with Kerion Celsi, who was initially treated using antibiotics under the common misdiagnosis of a bacterial infection. Mycological investigations could identify Microsporum canis. The patient was treated orally with griseofulvin, which resulted in complete mycological remission after 8 weeks. Cicatrical alopecia, however, could not be prevented. Purulent infections of the scalp should lead to early mycological diagnostics in children.
Topics: Alopecia; Antifungal Agents; Child; Humans; Male; Microsporum; Scalp; Tinea Capitis
PubMed: 33884438
DOI: 10.1007/s00105-021-04817-1 -
Mycologia 2023Dermatophytosis is one of the most frequent superficial mycoses in the world. They are mainly caused by the dermatophytes and . Biofilm production is an essential...
Dermatophytosis is one of the most frequent superficial mycoses in the world. They are mainly caused by the dermatophytes and . Biofilm production is an essential factor in the pathogenesis of dermatophytes; it confers drug resistance and significantly impairs antifungal effectiveness. Therefore, we evaluated the antibiofilm activity of an alkamide-type alkaloid called riparin 1 (RIP1) against clinically relevant dermatophytes. We also produced synthetic (NOR1) and (DINOR1) homologs for pharmacological evaluation, with a 61-70% yield. We used (96-well polystyrene plates) and (hair fragments) models to verify the effects of these compounds on the formation and viability of biofilms. RIP1 and NOR1 showed antifungal activity against strains of and , but DINOR1 showed no significant antifungal activity against the dermatophytes. Furthermore, RIP1 and NOR1 significantly reduced the viability of biofilms and ( < 0.05). RIP1 was more potent than NOR1, possibly due to the distance between the -methoxyphenyl and the phenylamide moieties in these compounds. Due to the significant antifungal and antibiofilm activities observed for RIP1 and NOR1, we suggest that they could be useful in the treatment of dermatophytosis.
Topics: Arthrodermataceae; Antifungal Agents; Dermatomycoses; Biofilms; Tinea
PubMed: 36848618
DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2023.2170209 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... 2016Dermatophytes are classified in three genera, Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton. They have the capacity to invade keratinized tissue to produce a cutaneous...
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.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Arthrodermataceae; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Electrolytes; Enzyme Activation; Fungal Proteins; Humans; Mycelium; Ozone; Permeability; Spores, Fungal
PubMed: 27287337
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjm.2016.04.014 -
Veterinary Sciences Jan 2022Dermatophytosis is a disease caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that can cause disease both in humans and animals. The important genera that are pathogenic in...
Dermatophytosis is a disease caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that can cause disease both in humans and animals. The important genera that are pathogenic in animals include and is an important species because it can cause zoonosis and is commonly found in domestic animals. Cats, which live very close to humans, may expose humans to this pathogen. This research focused on the epidemiology of found in cats. Hair samples were collected via the Mackenzie technique from cats with and without skin lesions, preliminarily examined with 10% KOH preparation, and cultured for fungal identification. Samples were confirmed with molecular techniques including polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing. Samples were collected from 138 cats located in 93 households, 43 from cats with skin lesions (31.16%) and 95 from cats without skin lesions (68.84%). Eighteen cats with lesions (13.04%) and ten cats without lesions (7.2%) were found to carry . In eleven of the eighteen cats both with skin lesions and positive for (61.11%), the pathogen was found both at the site of the lesion and at other sites in the body. Because the pathogen can be found in the hair of cats with and without skin lesions, owners, keepers, veterinarians, and others who come into contact with these animals are at risk of infection if they are not aware or do not take precautions after contact with them.
PubMed: 35051105
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9010021 -
Journal of Pediatric Health Care :... 2024Dermatophytoses of the skin and scalp are common disorders in the pediatric population. The resemblance of the clinical presentation to other dermatoses can make fungal...
Dermatophytoses of the skin and scalp are common disorders in the pediatric population. The resemblance of the clinical presentation to other dermatoses can make fungal infections challenging to diagnose. We present three cases of dermatophytoses in children. The presence of fungi within skin lesions was confirmed in all cases. The diagnoses were "id" reaction in response to Trichophyton tonsurans infection, Kerion celsi because of Microsporum canis infection, and hair loss during microsporosis. Based on our review and clinical experience, we suggest diagnostic paths and treatments for dermatophytoses in children.
Topics: Humans; Male; Child; Female; Antifungal Agents; Tinea; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Microsporum; Tinea Capitis; Trichophyton; Microsporidiosis
PubMed: 38165291
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.10.008