dermatophytosis – Page 3

Dermatophytosis in a Chilean fox: first case of Nannizzia gypsea in Lycalopex griseus and the need for a one health approach

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A wild South American grey fox found near Santiago, Chile was treated for a skin infection caused by a fungus called Nannizzia gypsea. This is the first time this particular fungus has been documented in foxes, raising concerns about how increasing contact between domestic animals, wildlife, and humans due to urbanization may spread fungal diseases. The fox was successfully treated with topical antifungal cream, and the fungus was found to be susceptible to all tested antifungal medications.

Spread of Antifungal-Resistant Trichophyton indotineae, United Kingdom, 2017–2024

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A fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae, which originated in Asia, is rapidly spreading throughout the United Kingdom and becoming resistant to common antifungal treatments. The infection typically starts in the groin area and can spread to other parts of the body, and many cases fail to respond to standard antifungal drugs like terbinafine. Researchers tracked 157 cases over seven years and found the fungus now accounts for over a third of all dermatophyte infections sent to the UK reference laboratory. Doctors and laboratory professionals are being urged to recognize this emerging threat and consider better diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Epidemiology of Onychomycosis in the United States Characterized Using Molecular Methods, 2015–2024

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This large study examined over 710,000 nail samples to identify which fungi cause nail infections in the United States. Using modern molecular testing combined with microscopic analysis, researchers found that while the fungus T. rubrum is most common, other molds and yeasts cause many infections too. Importantly, women and older adults are more likely to have infections from these other organisms, which are often harder to treat with standard antifungal medications.

Wildlife Dermatophytoses in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche Regions): A Fifteen-Year Investigation (2010–2024)

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Researchers in central Italy studied fungal skin infections in wild animals over 15 years to understand disease patterns and public health risks. They found that about 11% of wild animals tested positive for dermatophytes (skin fungi), with some species dangerous to humans. The most common fungi found were Paraphyton mirabile and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which can spread to people through contact with infected animals. The study highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife health and using protective equipment when handling wild animals.

The Impact of the Fungal Priority Pathogens List on Medical Mycology: A Northern European Perspective

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Fungal infections affect over a billion people worldwide but are often overlooked in healthcare. The World Health Organization recently created a priority list of dangerous fungi to help doctors and researchers focus their efforts. This review discusses how this list can improve diagnosis, testing, and treatment of fungal infections across Europe, while also highlighting the need for better training and awareness among healthcare workers.

Graphene nanomaterials: A new frontier in preventing respiratory fungal infections

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Fungal lung infections are a serious problem, especially for people with weak immune systems. Researchers are exploring graphene nanomaterials as a new treatment approach that can deliver antifungal drugs directly to infected areas in the lungs. These tiny particles work by creating toxic stress inside fungal cells and breaking down their protective biofilms, while using smaller drug doses and causing fewer side effects than traditional treatments.

Emergence of resistant dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton indotineae: First case series in Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand identified five patients with a new type of fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a species that resists the common antifungal drug terbinafine. These infections appeared as rashes on various parts of the body and required treatment with alternative medications like itraconazole. The findings represent the first confirmed cases in Thailand and suggest this resistant fungus may be spreading globally. The study also showed that a simple urease test could help doctors identify this resistant strain quickly without waiting for complex genetic testing.

Antifungal effect of soil Bacillus bacteria on pathogenic species of the fungal genera Aspergillus and Trichophyton

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Scientists found that certain bacteria naturally occurring in soil can effectively kill harmful fungi that cause infections in humans. By isolating and testing different Bacillus bacteria species, researchers discovered that some were even more effective at inhibiting fungal growth than commonly used antifungal medications. This finding suggests a promising natural alternative to combat fungal infections, especially as many fungi are becoming resistant to traditional antifungal drugs.

PCR enables rapid detection of dermatophytes in practice

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This study shows that a new rapid DNA-based test (PCR) is much faster and more effective than traditional methods for diagnosing fungal skin, hair, and nail infections. While traditional culture methods took about 19 days to get results, the new PCR test gives results in just 16 hours. The PCR test detected more infections and is now the preferred diagnostic method in Northern Finland, helping doctors treat patients more quickly and avoid unnecessary antifungal medications.

Spread of Antifungal-Resistant Trichophyton indotineae, United Kingdom, 2017–2024

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A dangerous fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae is rapidly spreading across the United Kingdom, particularly among people with connections to South Asia. This infection causes stubborn skin rashes that don’t respond well to common antifungal treatments like terbinafine. The number of cases has skyrocketed, making up 38% of all dermatophyte infections by 2024, and doctors need to be aware of this emerging threat.

Disease: dermatophytosis