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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2022Dermatophytes are highly infectious fungi that cause superficial infections in keratinized tissues in humans and animals. This group of fungi is defined by their ability... (Review)
Review
Dermatophytes are highly infectious fungi that cause superficial infections in keratinized tissues in humans and animals. This group of fungi is defined by their ability to digest keratin and encompasses a wide range of species. Classification of many of these species has recently changed due to genetic analysis, potentially affecting clinical diagnosis and disease management. In this review, we discuss dermatophyte classification including name changes for medically important species, current and potential diagnostic techniques for detecting dermatophytes, and an in-depth review of , a prevalent zoonotic dermatophyte. Fungal culture is still considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing dermatophytosis; however, modern molecular assays have overcome the main disadvantages of culture, allowing for tandem use with cultures. Further investigation into novel molecular assays for dermatophytosis is critical, especially for high-density populations where rapid diagnosis is essential for outbreak prevention. A frequently encountered dermatophyte in clinical settings is , which causes dermatophytosis in humans and cats. is adapting to its primary host (cats) as one of its mating types (MAT1-2) appears to be going extinct, leading to a loss of sexual reproduction. Investigating strains around the world can help elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of this fungi.
PubMed: 36145389
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090957 -
Indian Journal of Dermatology 2022Dermatophytosis is a common global superficial mycosis caused by a group of keratinophilic moulds known as dermatophytes that invade the skin and keratinized tissues...
BACKGROUND
Dermatophytosis is a common global superficial mycosis caused by a group of keratinophilic moulds known as dermatophytes that invade the skin and keratinized tissues such as hair and nails of humans and animals. This study takes identification of a collection of clinical dermatophyte isolates by using partial sequencing of translation elongation factor-1α () gene aiming both to update the epidemiological status of dermatophytosis in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran and to corroborate the efficacy of for species-level identification of dermatophytes.
METHOD
The demographic data related to 87 culture-positive dermatophytes isolated from patients clinically suspected to have dermatophytosis were collected. The dermatophyte isolates were subjected to a partial polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing of gene by using specific pan-dermatophyte primers. The data were analysed by SeqMan software, the sequences were compared and aligned with the GenBank database and the isolates were identified.
RESULTS
Identification based on partial sequence was successful for all isolates. The identified dermatophyte isolates in decreasing order were as 19 (22%), 19 (22%), 13 (15%), 10 (11.5%), 9 (10.3%), 7 (8%), 5 (5.7%), 2 (2.2%), 2 (2.2%) and 1 (1.1%). The isolates have been associated with clinical forms of tinea corporis ( = 38; 43.7%), tinea faciei ( = 13; 15%), tinea cruris ( = 12; 13.9%), tinea manuum ( = 7; 8%), tinea unguium ( = 7; 8%), tinea capitis ( = 7; 8%) and tinea pedis ( = 3; 3.4%).
CONCLUSION
Dermatophytosis has yet remained a public health problem in Northeastern Iran, and infection with new and less frequent species, e.g., , and have emerged. The gene partial sequencing reconfirmed the resolution power of this locus for the determination of species boundaries in dermatophytes.
PubMed: 36092243
DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_573_21 -
Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii Aug 2022An increase in numbers of cutaneous fungal infections is being observed around the world. Dermatomycoses occur in every age group and can significantly decrease quality...
INTRODUCTION
An increase in numbers of cutaneous fungal infections is being observed around the world. Dermatomycoses occur in every age group and can significantly decrease quality of life. Examining the prevalence and epidemiological trends of cutaneous fungal infections is necessary for developing new effective preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Many factors can influence the growth and patterns of global spread of the different species of fungi.
AIM
To investigate the differences between the prevalence of dermatophytes and cutaneous fungal infections observed at two mycological laboratories and their plausible causes.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Mycological examination was performed in 7324 patients in Gdansk, Poland and in 4729 patients in Grodno, Belarus who exhibited clinical signs and symptoms of cutaneous fungal infections. Direct preparations was made in 20% KOH with 40% DMSO. Additionally cultures were prepared on modified Sabouraud dextrose agar.
RESULTS
Dermatophytes were cultured in 642 (53.58%) cases in Gdansk. The most common species of dermatophytes were (306 cases), (193 cases) and (127 cases). Yeasts were isolated in 531 (44.40%) cases out of which was the most frequently identified in 323 cases. Similarly, dermatophytes were the most common in 1158 (68.72%) cases in Grodno. were isolated in 527 (31.28%) cases. Analysing the localization of dermatomycoses onychomycosis was observed in majority of the infected patients in Gdansk. In Grodno the most common location of superficial cutaneous infection was tinea corporis In the Gdansk region dermatomycoses were observed in 688 female patients and in 508 male patients. In Grodno the prevalence is inverted with the majority of cases observed in 921 males and 764 females.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of superficial fungal infections is higher in Grodno, Belarus when compared to Gdansk, Poland. Similarly, dermatophytes were most commonly observed in both Laboratories.
PubMed: 36090716
DOI: 10.5114/ada.2022.118922 -
Biosensors Aug 2022Dermatophytosis, an infectious disease caused by several fungi, can affect the hair, nails, and/or superficial layers of the skin and is of global significance. The most...
Dermatophytosis, an infectious disease caused by several fungi, can affect the hair, nails, and/or superficial layers of the skin and is of global significance. The most common dermatophytes in cats and dogs are and . Wood's lamp examination, microscopic identification, and fungal culture are the conventional clinical diagnostic methods, while PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qPCR (Quantitative PCR) are playing an increasingly important role in the identification of dermatophytes. However, none of these methods could be applied to point-of-care testing (POCT). The recent development of the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) based diagnostic platform promises a rapid, accurate, and portable diagnostic tool. In this paper, we present a Cas12a-fluorescence assay to detect and differentiate the main dermatophytes in clinical samples with high specificity and sensitivity. The Cas12a-based assay was performed with a combination of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). The results could be directly visualized by naked eyes under blue light, and all tested samples were consistent with fungal culture and sequencing results. Compared with traditional methods, the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay requires less time (about 30 min) and less complicated equipment, and the visual changes can be clearly observed with naked eyes, which is suitable for on-site clinical diagnosis.
Topics: Animals; Arthrodermataceae; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Cats; Dermatomycoses; Dogs; Hair; Recombinases
PubMed: 36005032
DOI: 10.3390/bios12080636 -
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 -
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 2022Dermatophytes are the group of keratinophilic fungi that cause superficial cutaneous infection, which traditionally belong to the genera , , and . Dermatophyte infection...
Dermatophytes are the group of keratinophilic fungi that cause superficial cutaneous infection, which traditionally belong to the genera , , and . Dermatophyte infection is not only a threat to the health of small animals, but also an important zoonotic and public health issue because of the potential transmission from animals to humans. Rabbit dermatophytosis is often clinically identified; however, limited information was found in Asia. The aims of this study are to investigate the prevalence and to evaluate the risk factors of dermatophytosis in pet rabbits in Northern Taiwan. Between March 2016 and October 2018, dander samples of pet rabbits were collected for fungal infection examination by Wood's lamp, microscopic examination (KOH preparation), fungal culture, and PCR assay (molecular identification). Z test and Fisher's exact test were performed to evaluate the potential risk factors, and logistic regression analysis was then performed to build the model of risk factors related to dermatophyte infection. Of the collected 250 dander samples of pet rabbits, 29 (11.6%) samples were positive for dermatophytes by molecular identification. In those samples, 28 samples were identified as the complex and 1 sample was identified as . Based on the results of the Firth's bias reduction logistic analyses, animal source (rabbits purchased from pet shops) and number of rearing rabbits (three rabbits or more) were shown as the main risks for dermatophyte infection in the pet rabbits in Taiwan. The results of the present study elucidate the prevalence of rabbit dermatophyte infection, pathogens, and risk factors in Taiwan, and provide an important reference for the prevention and control of rabbit dermatophytosis.
PubMed: 35736110
DOI: 10.3390/jof8060627 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022
Topics: Candida; Fungi; Genomics
PubMed: 35719349
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.928440 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... Sep 2022The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro activity of thirty-eight heterocyclic organoboron compounds (1a-o, 2a-j, 3a-m) against clinically isolated...
The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro activity of thirty-eight heterocyclic organoboron compounds (1a-o, 2a-j, 3a-m) against clinically isolated dermatophytes Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of compounds (1a-o, 2a-j, 3a-m) were determined according to published protocol Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A2 broth microdilution method. The minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) for both T. mentagrophytes and M. canis were found by subculturing each fungal suspension on potato dextrose agar. According to the results, heterocyclic organoboron compounds (1a-o, 2a-j, 3a-m) were found to be more effective against dermatophyte M. canis (MIC = 3.12-25 µg/ml) than T. mentagrophytes (MIC = 12.5-100 µg/ml). Our findings showed that 7-membered heterocyclic organoboron compounds (3a-m) (MIC = 12.5-50 µg/ml) have stronger in vitro antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes than 5-membered heterocyclic organoboron compounds (1a-o, 2a-j) (MIC = 25-100 µg/ml). The MFC values for all compounds ranged from 6.25 to 200 µg/ml. The limited number of systemic antifungal agents used in the treatment of dermatophyte infections and the presence of side effects have led to the search for new treatment resources in recent years. Therefore, investigation of the effect of heterocyclic organoboron compounds against dermatophytes will be promising for the discovery of new antifungal compounds that have gained great importance today.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Arthrodermataceae; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microsporum; Trichophyton
PubMed: 35697970
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00777-3 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2022Tinea capitis (TC) is the most common superficial mycosis seen in children before puberty. The distribution of these dermatophytes changes over time and varies from...
Tinea capitis (TC) is the most common superficial mycosis seen in children before puberty. The distribution of these dermatophytes changes over time and varies from country to country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of TC in Tunis. We conducted a retrospective study, involving 474 patients referred for mycological analysis of the scalp between January 2012 and December 2020. For each patient, a Clinical Information Sheet was completed, and a mycological sample was taken. The identification of isolated dermatophytes was based on macroscopic and microscopic colony criteria. Molecular real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection of 4 isolates was performed using the DermaGenius®2.0 kit. We collected 210 positive samples, reflecting a prevalence of 44.3% (n=210). Male patients were more frequently affected by TC (81%, n=170). The average age of patients was 6,2±3,4 years. Ring-shaped large patches were predominant (88%, n=184). Direct examination had a sensitivity of 87% (n=182). Microsporic ectothrix parasitism was detected in (79%, n=166) of cases and trichophytic endothrix in (7%, n=14) of cases. Culture was positive in (98%, n=207) of cases and five dermatophyte species were isolated: Microsporum canis (87%, n=182), Trichophyton violaceum (9%, n=19), Trichophyton mentagrophytes var mentagrophytes (3%, n=6), Microsporum gypsum (0.5%, n=1) and Trichophyton verrucosum (0.5%, n=1). This study reveals the occurrence of zoophilic dermatophytes, in particular M. canis. Mycological examination is essential to confirm the diagnosis, conduct epidemiological surveillance of dermatophytes in the districts and for therapeutic management.
Topics: Child; Dermatomycoses; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Retrospective Studies; Scalp; Serogroup; Tinea Capitis
PubMed: 35655683
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.41.168.29473