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Clinical Microbiology Reviews Apr 1995The etiologic agents of the dermatophytoses (ringworm) are classified in three anamorphic (asexual or imperfect) genera, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton.... (Review)
Review
The etiologic agents of the dermatophytoses (ringworm) are classified in three anamorphic (asexual or imperfect) genera, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. Species capable of reproducing sexually belong in the teleomorphic genus, Arthroderma, of the Ascomycota. On the basis of primary habitat association, they may be grouped as geophilic (soil associated), zoophilic, and anthropophilic. Adaptation to growth on humans by most geophilic species resulted in diminished loss of sporulation, sexuality, and other soil-associated characteristics. The dermatophytes have the ability to invade keratinized tissue (skin, hair, and nails) but are usually restricted to the nonliving cornified layer of the epidermis because of their inability to penetrate viable tissue of an immunocompetent host. However, invasion does elicit a host response ranging from mild to severe. Acid proteinases, elastase, keratinases, and other proteinases reportedly act as virulence factors. The development of cell-mediated immunity correlated with delayed hypersensitivity and an inflammatory response is associated with clinical cure, whereas the lack of or a defective cell-mediated immunity predisposes the host to chronic or recurrent dermatophyte infection. Chronic dermatophytosis is mostly caused by Trichophyton rubrum, and there is some evidence that mannan produced by this fungus suppresses or diminishes the inflammatory response. Since dermatophytes cause a communicable disease, modes of transmission and control are discussed as well as a survey of recent trends in therapy. Collection of specimens, culture media, and tests for identification are also presented. Genetic studies have led to an understanding of incompatibility mechanisms, pleomorphism and variation, resistance to griseofulvin, and virulence. Molecular biology has contributed to our knowledge of the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of dermatophytes.
Topics: Antigens, Fungal; Arthrodermataceae; Chronic Disease; Dermatomycoses; Endopeptidases; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Phylogeny; Trichophyton; Virulence
PubMed: 7621400
DOI: 10.1128/CMR.8.2.240 -
Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 2017Cutaneous mucormycosis is an emerging fungal infection caused by opportunistic fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota. It is frequent in poorly controlled diabetic patients... (Review)
Review
Cutaneous mucormycosis is an emerging fungal infection caused by opportunistic fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota. It is frequent in poorly controlled diabetic patients and individuals with immunosuppression. It is usually acquired by direct inoculation through trauma. The clinical presentation is nonspecific, but an indurated plaque that rapidly evolves to necrosis is a common finding. Diagnosis should be confirmed by demonstration of the etiological agent and new molecular diagnostic tools have recently been described. It is an invasive life-threatening disease and in order to improve survival, a prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management should be provided. The treatment of choice is amphotericin B, but new azoles, such as posaconazole and isavuconazole, must be considered.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Dermatomycoses; Humans; Mucormycosis
PubMed: 29186239
DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20176614 -
Medical Mycology Journal 2019Cutaneous cryptococcosis is classified either as primary or secondary based on the route of infection. The disease can also be classified either as localized cutaneous... (Review)
Review
Cutaneous cryptococcosis is classified either as primary or secondary based on the route of infection. The disease can also be classified either as localized cutaneous cryptococcosis or cutaneous manifestations of disseminated cryptococcosis. However, from a physician's point of view, whether lesions are localized to the skin or are disseminated/systemic is more important than the route of infection. The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cryptococcosis, which was established in 2019 by the Japanese Society for Medical Mycology, adopted the latter classification. Localized cutaneous cryptococcosis is defined as a condition in which lesions are confined within a limited part of the skin, not systemically disseminated at the same time, and are associated with neither cryptococcal fungemia nor antigenemia. This type of cutaneous cryptococcosis is uncommon in Japan. Only 65 cases were reported during the 50-year study period from 1968 to August 2018, with the patients divided into two groups: immunocompromised patients (n=44, 68%) and immunocompetent patients (n=21, 32%). None of the patients were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Localized cutaneous cryptococcosis can also occur in non-HIV-infected patients and well-appearing individuals, therefore, it is considered an important infection in routine dermatology practice. Here, we outline the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of cutaneous cryptococcosis and present a summary of cutaneous cryptococcosis cases reported in Japan.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Cryptococcosis; Dermatomycoses; Female; Humans; Immunocompetence; Immunocompromised Host; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 31787730
DOI: 10.3314/mmj.19.008 -
Current Biology : CB Jul 2013
Topics: Arthrodermataceae; Dermatomycoses; Humans
PubMed: 23845238
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2013.03.026 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Nov 2020In this review, we discuss Malassezia folliculitis (MF), which is an inflammation in the hair follicles caused by different Malassezia species. The prevalence of MF in... (Review)
Review
In this review, we discuss Malassezia folliculitis (MF), which is an inflammation in the hair follicles caused by different Malassezia species. The prevalence of MF in the population worldwide ranges from 1% to 17%. Clinically, it may be difficult to distinguish from acne vulgaris, as it presents as erythematous 2-4 mm large papules and pustules on the back, chest and neck. Adequate diagnostic methods, including microscopy or biopsy, are essential to confirm the MF diagnosis, and to ensure initiation of the appropriate anti-fungal treatment.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Biopsy; Dermatomycoses; Folliculitis; Humans; Malassezia
PubMed: 33215579
DOI: No ID Found -
Dermatology Online Journal Dec 2005Eumycetoma is a localized, chronic fungal infection of skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is characterized by tumefaction, abscess formation, draining sinuses, and...
Eumycetoma is a localized, chronic fungal infection of skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is characterized by tumefaction, abscess formation, draining sinuses, and sclerotia (grains) within the abscesses and fistulae. Treatment of eumycetoma is a challenge. Relapse rates are high even when a combination of surgical and medical approaches is utilized. Here we report a case of eumycetoma due to Exophiala jeanselmei arising on the foot of a man from Trinidad, West Indies.
Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Dermatomycoses; Exophiala; Foot Dermatoses; Humans; Male; Skin; Subcutaneous Tissue
PubMed: 16403382
DOI: No ID Found -
American Family Physician Jan 2003Dermatophytes are fungi that require keratin for growth. These fungi can cause superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatophytes are spread by direct... (Review)
Review
Dermatophytes are fungi that require keratin for growth. These fungi can cause superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatophytes are spread by direct contact from other people (anthropophilic organisms), animals (zoophilic organisms), and soil (geophilic organisms), as well as indirectly from fomites. Dermatophyte infections can be readily diagnosed based on the history, physical examination, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy. Diagnosis occasionally requires Wood's lamp examination and fungal culture or histologic examination. Topical therapy is used for most dermatophyte infections. Cure rates are higher and treatment courses are shorter with topical fungicidal allylamines than with fungistatic azoles. Oral therapy is preferred for tinea capitis, tinea barbae, and onychomycosis. Orally administered griseofulvin remains the standard treatment for tinea capitis. Topical treatment of onychomycosis with ciclopirox nail lacquer has a low cure rate. For onychomycosis, "pulse" oral therapy with the newer imidazoles (itraconazole or fluconazole) or allylamines (terbinafine) is considerably less expensive than continuous treatment but has a somewhat lower mycologic cure rate. The diagnosis of onychomycosis should be confirmed by KOH microscopy, culture, or histologic examination before therapy is initiated, because of the expense, duration, and potential adverse effects of treatment.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Arthrodermataceae; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dermatomycoses; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Hydroxides; Potassium Compounds
PubMed: 12537173
DOI: No ID Found -
Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift Fur... Oct 2021
Topics: Dermatomycoses; Humans; Mycoses; Nails; Onychomycosis; Skin
PubMed: 34554287
DOI: 10.1007/s00105-021-04886-2 -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Jul 1976Twenty-five years ago many of the topical remedies for superficial mycoses were irritating, toxic, or allergenic. Total x-ray depilation of the scalp was the accepted... (Review)
Review
Twenty-five years ago many of the topical remedies for superficial mycoses were irritating, toxic, or allergenic. Total x-ray depilation of the scalp was the accepted mode of therapy for tinea capitis. The introduction of topical nystatin for candidiasis and tolnaftate for dermatophytosis were major advances, but tinea capitis, onychomycosis, and chronic tinea pedis still presented problems. Soon after its introduction in 1958, griseofulvin became the definitive form of therapy for all types of dermatophytosis and played a major role in abolishing large-scale epidemics of tinea capitis in some countries. Recently, haloprogin and the imidazole derivatives, miconazole and clotrimazole, which are topically active against dermatophytes and Candida albicans, have become available. Selective indicator media for isolating dermatophytes are useful diagnostic tools, but quicker methods of diagnosis which require little interpretation are still lacking. Epidemiologic studies in Vietnam again revealed the effects of climate and occlusion on the prevalence, incidence, and severity of superficial mycoses and led to renewed interest in host susceptibility, environment, and prevention of infections.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Animals; Antifungal Agents; Arthrodermataceae; Candidiasis; Dermatomycoses; Female; Griseofulvin; Hair Removal; Humans; Male; Nystatin
PubMed: 778288
DOI: 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12513020 -
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La... Oct 2017
Review
Topics: Animals; Antifungal Agents; Dermatomycoses; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Malassezia; Skin
PubMed: 28966366
DOI: No ID Found