MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Antifungal potential of copper oxide nanoparticles against Microsporum canis isolates in canine and feline dermatophytosis

Summary

Researchers tested tiny copper oxide particles created using plant extracts against a fungus that causes ringworm in dogs and cats. These nanoparticles successfully killed the fungus in laboratory tests, with effectiveness at concentrations ranging from 500-2,000 parts per million. While slightly less effective than current medications, the nanoparticles showed promise as an alternative treatment, especially important as the fungus becomes resistant to traditional drugs.

Background

Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis is a highly contagious fungal infection affecting dogs and cats with significant zoonotic risk. Increasing prevalence of drug-resistant strains complicates treatment with conventional antifungals like Griseofulvin, Terbinafine, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have emerged as a promising alternative due to their potent antimicrobial properties.

Objective

To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of CuO NPs synthesized using green chemistry against M. canis isolates collected from companion animals with dermatophytosis. The goal was to develop more effective treatment options and provide alternatives to conventional antifungal therapies.

Results

Synthesized CuO NPs exhibited high purity, small size (10-30 nm), and cubic morphology. Disk diffusion and microdilution tests confirmed significant antifungal efficacy with MIC values ranging from 500-1,000 ppm and MFC values between 1,000-2,000 ppm. Average MFC/MIC ratio of 2.6 demonstrated fungicidal properties of the CuO NPs.

Conclusion

CuO NPs demonstrated potent antifungal capabilities against M. canis, marking them as a promising alternative to conventional treatments for dermatophytosis. Further optimization and research with larger sample sizes and in vivo clinical evaluations are needed to establish their clinical role in managing drug-resistant fungal infections.
  • Published in:Current Medical Mycology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.22034/cmm.2025.345248.1604, PMID: 41122122
Scroll to Top