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Characterization of Biofilm Formation by the Dermatophyte Nannizzia gypsea

Summary

This research studies how a fungus called Nannizzia gypsea forms protective biofilms on skin and hair, making infections harder to treat. Scientists grew the fungus in the lab and on real human hair, discovering it creates thick slime-like protective layers containing proteins, sugars, and DNA. The fungus also produces enzymes that break down keratin (the main protein in skin and hair) and activates drug-pumping proteins that help it resist antifungal medications. Understanding these defense mechanisms could help develop better treatments for fungal skin infections that are currently difficult to cure.

Background

Dermatophytosis affects approximately 25% of the global population and is caused by keratinolytic fungi. Nannizzia gypsea is a geophilic dermatophyte capable of infecting humans and animals. Biofilm formation in dermatophytes is associated with increased resistance to antifungal treatments and high recurrence rates of infection.

Objective

This study characterizes biofilm formation by N. gypsea isolated from canine dermatophytosis using an ex vivo hair model, analyzing extracellular matrix composition and virulence gene expression. The goal is to understand N. gypsea colonization and persistence on keratinized surfaces to inform development of preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Results

N. gypsea formed robust biofilms that matured after 5 days with extensive extracellular matrix visible via SEM. The biofilm extracellular matrix contained significantly elevated levels of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA compared to early timepoints. Gene expression analysis revealed 5-fold increase in Mmp12, 2-fold increase in Sub7, and 4-fold increase in Mate2 expression in biofilm-derived cells versus planktonic cells.

Conclusion

N. gypsea produces biofilms characterized by robust extracellular matrix composition with high expression of virulence-related genes and efflux pumps. These findings suggest that N. gypsea biofilm formation contributes to pathogenesis and antifungal resistance, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies targeting biofilm-specific vulnerabilities.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental/Comparative In Vitro and Ex Vivo Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11060455; PMID: 40558967
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