-
Medical Mycology Journal 2020The incidence of non-dermatophyte mould onychomycosis has been increasing worldwide for the past several decades, but it is not well recognized in Japan. Recent...
The incidence of non-dermatophyte mould onychomycosis has been increasing worldwide for the past several decades, but it is not well recognized in Japan. Recent molecular techniques and phylogenetic analyses contributed to the identification of uncommon and emerging species. We came across 13 (0.5%) cases of non-dermatophyte onychomycosis among a total of 2,591 onychomycosis cases in 106,703 outpatients during the past 5 years (January 2015-December 2019). The cases included 5 patients with Aspergillus species, 4 patients with Fusarium species, and one patient each with Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Botryosphaeria dothidea, respectively. Botryosphaeria dothidea is closely related phylogenetically to Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. In Japan, at the time of writing this report, there are 26 reported cases of ungual aspergillosis and 18 cases of hyalohyphomycosis caused by Fusarium species. We summarize these cases and report the symptoms and mycological features.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aspergillus; Female; Fusarium; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Onychomycosis; Scopulariopsis; Young Adult
PubMed: 32475886
DOI: 10.3314/mmj.20-00007 -
Lasers in Medical Science Aug 2022Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the nail. Laser and topical antifungal agent combination therapy is an emerging treatment for onychomycosis. The objective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the nail. Laser and topical antifungal agent combination therapy is an emerging treatment for onychomycosis. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser and topical antifungal agent combination therapy for onychomycosis.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and VIP databases were searched from inception to November 2021. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on laser therapy combined with topical antifungal agents for onychomycosis were included. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and Revman 5.3 software was used in the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Twelve studies involving 869 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with topical antifungal agents alone, laser and topical antifungal agent combination therapy was superior in terms of the complete cure rate (RR 6.04,95% CI (2.17, 16.85), P = 0.0006), mycological cure rate (RR 1.27, 95% CI (1.10, 1.48), P = 0.001), clinical effective rate (RR 1.38, 95% CI (1.20, 1.57), P < 0.00001) and patient satisfaction rate (RR 1.47,95% CI (1.17, 1.84), P = 0.0009).The subgroup analysis of outcome indicators, including mycological cure rate and clinical effective rate, demonstrated that both carbon dioxide (CO) laser therapy combined with topical antifungal therapy and 1064-nm neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser therapy combined with topical antifungal therapy showed better results than topical antifungal therapy alone. No adverse events were identified except for three studies reporting transient burning sensation without treatment and mild to moderate pain, both of which were well tolerated.
CONCLUSION
The present study indicated that laser and topical antifungal agent combination therapy is effective for onychomycosis. However, more large-scale and well-designed RCTs are warranted.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Humans; Laser Therapy; Lasers, Gas; Low-Level Light Therapy; Onychomycosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35484440
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-022-03561-9 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Mar 2024Nondermatophyte moulds (NDMs) are widely distributed and can be detected in association with mycotic nails; however, sometimes it can be challenging to establish the... (Review)
Review
Nondermatophyte moulds (NDMs) are widely distributed and can be detected in association with mycotic nails; however, sometimes it can be challenging to establish the role of NDMs in the pathogenesis of onychomycosis (i.e. causative vs. contaminant). In studies where the ongoing invasive presence of NDMs is confirmed through repeat cultures, the global prevalence of NDMs in onychomycosis patients is estimated at 6.9% with the 3 most common genus being: Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis and Fusarium. NDM onychomycosis can, in many cases, appear clinically indistinguishable from dermatophyte onychomycosis. Clinical features suggestive of NDMs include proximal subungual onychomycosis with paronychia associated with Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp. and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, as well as superficial white onychomycosis in a deep and diffused pattern associated with Aspergillus and Fusarium. Longitudinal streaks seen in patients with distal and lateral onychomycosis may serve as an additional indicator. For diagnosis, light microscopic examination should demonstrate fungal filaments consistent with an NDM with at least two independent isolations in the absence of a dermatophyte; the advent of molecular testing combined with histological assessment may serve as an alternative with improved sensitivity and turnover time. In most instances, antifungal susceptibility testing has limited value. Information on effective treatments for NDM onychomycosis is relatively scarce, unlike the situation in the study of dermatophyte onychomycosis. Terbinafine and itraconazole therapy (continuous and pulsed) appear effective to varying extents for treating onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus, Fusarium or Scopulariopsis. There is scant literature on oral treatments for Neoscytalidium.
Topics: Humans; Onychomycosis; Terbinafine; Itraconazole; Treatment Outcome; Paronychia
PubMed: 38010049
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19644 -
Journal Der Deutschen Dermatologischen... Aug 2022Onychomycosis (OM) and tinea pedis (TP) are common fungal infections. Currently, diagnosis is based on direct microscopy and culture that have a low to moderate...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Onychomycosis (OM) and tinea pedis (TP) are common fungal infections. Currently, diagnosis is based on direct microscopy and culture that have a low to moderate sensitivity and/or require up to 3-4 weeks until results are obtained. PCR techniques have emerged for the diagnosis of fungal infections, but little is known about their sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing. Here, we compared the diagnostic value of a DNA-chip technology, that detects 56 fungal pathogens, in a single-center prospective diagnostic study with microscopy and culture in suspected OM/TP.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Microscopy, culture and DNA microarray assays were performed on scraping material from patients with suspected OM (n = 67) or TP (n = 73). To test whether swabs can be used as an alternative for scraping, PCR yields were compared in a further 13 patients with OM and 11 patients with TP.
RESULTS
DNA microarrays had the highest sensitivity. Combination of DNA-chip technology with microscopy further increased the sensitivity, and results from this combined laboratory diagnosis can be obtained within 24 hours. Comparison of sampling techniques (scraping, dry or wet swab) for DNA-chip assays showed similar results in suspected OM or TP.
CONCLUSIONS
DNA-chip technology shows high sensitivity for OM and TP diagnosis, especially when combined with microscopy.
Topics: DNA; Humans; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Onychomycosis; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Tinea Pedis
PubMed: 35853241
DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14819 -
FP Essentials Jun 2022A thorough understanding of nail anatomy can help physicians identify the causes of nail conditions. Observation of changes to the nail can help establish a diagnosis....
A thorough understanding of nail anatomy can help physicians identify the causes of nail conditions. Observation of changes to the nail can help establish a diagnosis. Patient evaluation should include a physical examination, dermoscopy, and, in some cases, nail biopsy. Onychomycosis is the most common nail condition worldwide, and should be distinguished from other nail conditions with similar manifestations. Empiric onychomycosis treatment without confirmatory tests has been proposed, but studies have shown the cost-effectiveness of testing to prevent inappropriate therapy. Systemic drugs for management include terbinafine and itraconazole. Longitudinal melanonychia is a brown band through the length of the nail. Nail melanoma should be suspected if the band is dark brown-black, is located on a single digit, and occupies 40% or more of the nail plate width. Biopsy with local anesthesia should be performed in patients with suspected nail melanoma or other neoplastic nail conditions. Identification of warning signs of nail melanoma can result in earlier diagnosis and limit potential morbidity and mortality. Nail psoriasis often is overlooked but can affect up to 50% of patients with psoriasis. Nail lichen planus can cause permanent scarring with loss of normal nail anatomy. Other common nail conditions include acute and chronic paronychia, onychocryptosis, onycholysis, infection (ie, green nails), onychogryphosis, subungual hematoma, and onychomadesis.
Topics: Hair; Humans; Melanoma; Nail Diseases; Nails; Onychomycosis; Psoriasis
PubMed: 35679470
DOI: No ID Found -
Mycopathologia Aug 2022Onychomycosis was a common nail disease caused by dermatophytes, yeasts or molds. The prevalence of onychomycosis varied in different counties and it was necessary to...
BACKGROUND
Onychomycosis was a common nail disease caused by dermatophytes, yeasts or molds. The prevalence of onychomycosis varied in different counties and it was necessary to understand the epidemiology in China.
OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiology of onychomycosis in Chinese mainland in the past 30 years.
METHODS
A 30-year systemic review was carried out by searching publications investigating the prevalence of onychomycosis in Chinese mainland from 1991 to 2020.
RESULTS
A total of 90 articles involving more than 40,000 onychomycosis patients were enrolled in this study. The ratio of males to females was 1:1.32. Fingernail onychomycosis was found in 36.12% cases, toenail onychomycosis in 48.31%, and both fingernail and toenail onychomycosis in 15.57%. The most common clinical type of onychomycosis was distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (60.99%), followed by total dystrophic onychomycosis (18.91%), proximal subungual onychomycosis (10.19%) and superficial white onychomycosis (9.92%). Dermatophytes (60.59%) were the most frequently isolated pathogens, followed by yeasts (30.09%), molds (7.91%) and mixed infection (1.41%). The primary pathogens in dermatophytes, yeasts and molds were Trichophyton rubrum (49.93%), Candida albicans (10.99%) and Aspergillus (3.11%), respectively. Additionally, dermatophytes were more commonly affected males than females (63.69% vs. 51.57%), and mostly involved in toenail onychomycosis (75.63%). The infection of yeasts was higher in females than males (40.97% vs. 29.52%), often causing onychomycosis in fingernail than toenail (41.03% vs. 17.08%), and it was more common in warm and humid southern regions than northern area (34.07% vs. 24.41%).
CONCLUSION
The proportion of the causative agents changed over time, dermatophytes, especially T. rubrum had always been the predominant pathogen, followed by yeasts and molds. The distribution of fungal pathogens varied among clinical types, gender, infection sites and geography gender.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Nail Diseases; Nails; Onychomycosis; Retrospective Studies; Yeasts
PubMed: 35819711
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-022-00647-4 -
Journal of the American Podiatric... 2023Onychomycosis is the most common nail disorder, with a global prevalence of approximately 5.5%. It is difficult to cure on both short-term and long-term bases. The most...
Onychomycosis is the most common nail disorder, with a global prevalence of approximately 5.5%. It is difficult to cure on both short-term and long-term bases. The most common treatments include the use of oral or topical antifungals. Recurrent infections are common, and the use of systemic oral antifungals raises concerns of hepatotoxicity and drug-drug interactions, particularly in patients with polypharmacy. A number of device-based treatments have been developed for onychomycosis treatment, to either directly treat fungal infection or act as adjuvants to increase the efficacy of topical and oral agents. These device-based treatments have been increasing in popularity over the past several years, and include photodynamic therapy, iontophoresis, plasma, microwaves, ultrasound, nail drilling, and lasers. Some, such as photodynamic therapy, provide more direct treatment, whereas others, such as ultrasound and nail drilling, aid the uptake of traditional antifungals. We conducted a systematic literature search investigating the efficacy of these device-based treatment methods. From an initial result of 841 studies, 26 were deemed relevant to the use of device-based treatments of onychomycosis. This review examines these methods and provides insight into the state of clinical research for each. Many device-based treatments show promising results, but require more research to assess their true impact on onychomycosis.
Topics: Humans; Onychomycosis; Antifungal Agents; Nails; Photochemotherapy; Administration, Topical
PubMed: 36905611
DOI: 10.7547/21-240 -
International Journal of Dermatology Dec 2022Terbinafine and itraconazole are the most commonly used oral antifungals to treat onychomycosis and superficial dermatomycoses. Recently, poor response to oral... (Review)
Review
Terbinafine and itraconazole are the most commonly used oral antifungals to treat onychomycosis and superficial dermatomycoses. Recently, poor response to oral terbinafine has been reported. We have summarized the most appropriate dosing regimens of posaconazole, fosravuconazole, voriconazole, and oteseconazole (VT-1161) to treat onychomycosis and superficial fungal infections. A structured search on PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted. Additionally, the bibliographies of selected articles were searched to identify relevant records. The number of records identified from the searches was 463, with 50 articles meeting the inclusion criteria for review. None of the new azoles are US FDA approved for onychomycosis treatment; however, an increasing number of studies have evaluated these agents. The efficacies (complete cure and mycologic cure) of the antifungal agents for dermatophyte great toenail onychomycosis treatment are terbinafine 250 mg/day × 12 weeks (Phase III trial) (38%, 70%), itraconazole 200 mg/day × 12 weeks (Phase III trial) (14%, 54%), posaconazole 200 mg/day × 24 weeks (Phase IIB) (54.1%, 70.3%), fosravuconazole 100 mg/day ravuconazole equivalent × 12 weeks (Phase III) (59.4%, 82.0%), and oteseconazole 300 mg/day loading dose × 2 weeks (Phase II), followed by 300 mg/week × 10 weeks (maintenance dose) (45%, 70%). Guidelines for monitoring are also presented.
Topics: Humans; Onychomycosis; Antifungal Agents; Terbinafine; Itraconazole; Voriconazole; Foot Dermatoses; Naphthalenes; Dermatologic Agents; Complementary Therapies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34882787
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15999 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Oct 2021Onychomycosis affects around 14% of individuals in North America and Europe and is undertreated. Treatment is challenging as toenail growth can take 12–18 months,...
BACKGROUND
Onychomycosis affects around 14% of individuals in North America and Europe and is undertreated. Treatment is challenging as toenail growth can take 12–18 months, the nail plate may prevent drug penetration, and disease recurrence is common. National guidelines/consensus documents on onychomycosis diagnosis and treatment were last published more than 5 years ago and updated medical guidance is needed.
METHODS
This document aims to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and pharmaceutical treatment of toenail onychomycosis following a roundtable discussion with a panel of dermatologists, podiatrists, and a microbiologist specializing in nail disease.
RESULTS
There was a general consensus on several topics regarding onychomycosis diagnosis, confirmatory laboratory testing, and medications. Onychomycosis should be assessed clinically and confirmed with microscopy, histology, and/or culture. Terbinafine is the primary choice for oral treatment and efinaconazole 10% for topical treatment. Efinaconazole can also be considered for off-label use for maintenance to prevent recurrences. For optimal outcomes, patients should be counseled regarding treatment expectations as well as follow-up care and maintenance post-treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
This article provides important updates to previous guidelines/consensus documents to assist dermatologists and podiatrists in the diagnosis and treatment of toenail onychomycosis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(10):1076-1084. doi:10.36849/JDD.6291.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Antifungal Agents; Foot Dermatoses; Humans; Nail Diseases; Nails; Onychomycosis; Terbinafine; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34636509
DOI: 10.36849/JDD.6291 -
Iranian Journal of Microbiology Apr 2022Onychomycosis is caused by dermatophyte species, non-dermatophyte moulds (NDMs), and accounts for roughly 50% of all nail diseases. As the prevalence of onychomycosis is...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Onychomycosis is caused by dermatophyte species, non-dermatophyte moulds (NDMs), and accounts for roughly 50% of all nail diseases. As the prevalence of onychomycosis is increasing, new epidemiologic documents may help with treatment and prevention. The present investigation aims to determine the epidemiological profile of onychomycosis in 2 mycology laboratories.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study conducted during eight months (2019-2020) on 169 patients with positive nail mycology tests referred to two mycological laboratory centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Science. The nail clippings were examined by direct smear and culture. Also, molecular assays were performed if needed.
RESULTS
10% of nail lesions referred to Razi Hospital (RH), and 30% of nail lesions referred to TUMS mycology laboratory were positive. Middle age (40-60) suffer more from onychomycosis. , and were the most common etiologic agents in each of the three main classes of fungi causing onychomycosis. Females were more infected. NDMs were the predominant etiologic agents, and toenails were the most common site of onychomycosis.
CONCLUSION
The pattern of etiologic agents and clinical signs of onychomycosis differs according to geographical region and age, so repeated epidemiological surveys of onychomycosis seem to be fundamental.
PubMed: 35765553
DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v14i2.9196