MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Characterization of Biofilm Formation by the Dermatophyte Nannizzia gypsea

Summary

This study examined how Nannizzia gypsea, a fungus that causes skin infections in humans and animals, forms protective biofilms that make it resistant to antifungal drugs. Researchers found that the fungus creates a robust protective layer with specific molecular components and highly expresses genes related to virulence and drug resistance when in biofilm form. These findings help explain why dermatophyte infections are difficult to treat and recur frequently.

Background

Dermatophytosis affects approximately 25% of the global population and is caused by filamentous fungi with affinity for keratinized structures. Nannizzia gypsea is a geophilic dermatophyte capable of infecting humans and animals. Biofilm formation by dermatophytes is associated with increased resistance to antifungal treatments.

Objective

This study investigates biofilm formation by N. gypsea isolated from canine dermatophytosis using an ex vivo hair model, characterizes the biofilm extracellular matrix macromolecular contents, and evaluates gene expression involved in colonization of keratinized surfaces.

Results

N. gypsea formed robust biofilms that matured after 5 days with extensive extracellular matrix visible by SEM. Biofilm-derived cells showed 5-fold higher Mmp12, 2-fold higher Sub7, and 4-fold higher Mate2 gene expression compared to planktonic cells. The biofilm exhibited substantial polysaccharide, protein, and eDNA content that increased significantly over time.

Conclusion

N. gypsea exhibits robust biofilm formation with complex extracellular matrix composition and elevated expression of virulence-related genes. These findings suggest that biofilm formation contributes to pathogenesis and antifungal resistance in dermatophytosis caused by N. gypsea.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40558967, DOI: 10.3390/jof11060455
Scroll to Top