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First Step on the Way to Identify Dermatophytes Using Odour Fingerprints

Summary

Researchers have developed a new method to quickly identify fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes by detecting the unique smells (volatile compounds) they produce. Instead of waiting days or weeks for culture-based tests, this approach uses advanced chemical analysis to create a fingerprint of the fungus based on its odor. The study analyzed 47 different dermatophyte strains and found that each species and even individual strains have distinctive chemical signatures, which could one day allow doctors to diagnose infections rapidly using portable devices similar to electronic noses.

Background

Dermatophytes are the most common fungal agents causing skin infections in mammals. Current identification methods rely on culture-based approaches and microscopic examination, which are time-consuming, require expertise, and often lead to misdiagnosis. Rapid, non-invasive detection techniques using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have shown promise for other pathogens but remain unexplored for dermatophyte diagnosis.

Objective

This study explores the use of VOC profiles as diagnostic markers for dermatophyte identification. The researchers compared volatile organic compound spectra across 47 dermatophyte strains from 15 taxa using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS).

Results

Both analytical methods provided comparable results and clearly distinguished dermatophyte species. GC×GC-TOFMS identified 398 features compared to 77 for GC-MS. Pan-dermatophyte VOC markers were identified, along with species- and strain-specific profiles. The study revealed epidemic strains of T. benhamiae var. luteum and T. mentagrophytes var. indotineae could be distinguished using VOC profiles, though phylogenetic correlation was moderate (Mantel r=0.4185, p=0.004).

Conclusion

VOC fingerprints show significant potential as diagnostic markers for dermatophyte identification at species and population levels. The identified pan-dermatophyte and species-specific VOC profiles could enable rapid, non-invasive detection of dermatophyte infections and emerging epidemic strains. Future development of portable electronic nose devices could revolutionize clinical diagnosis, though further research is needed to confirm applicability in clinical settings with background skin microbiota.
  • Published in:Mycopathologia,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.1007/s11046-024-00905-7, PMID: 39775995
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