Disease: dermatophytosis

Single-center retrospective analysis of 454 culture-positive patients with tinea capitis and measurement of pathogens regarding thermal tolerance at 37°C

Tinea capitis, commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults, especially postmenopausal women. This study of 454 patients in Hangzhou, China found that the most common cause is Microsporum canis (a fungus from cats and dogs), representing a shift from previous decades when different fungi were dominant. Researchers tested how well these fungi grow at human body temperature (37°C) versus room temperature, finding that most fungi adapt well to the warmer temperature, particularly Nannizzia gypsea, which grew equally well at both temperatures. Treatment typically involves oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole, sometimes combined with topical treatments or steroids for inflammatory cases.

Read More »

Antifungal stewardship in the UK: where are we now?

Fungal infections are becoming more common and dangerous because some fungi are developing resistance to antifungal medicines. UK hospitals struggle to manage these infections due to lack of funding, staffing, and limited access to fungal testing services. The paper recommends creating regional fungal expertise centers and setting national standards to improve how antifungal medications are used and monitored across the country.

Read More »

Epidermophyton floccosum, an etiological agent of tinea pedis and tinea unguium: about two cases

Two elderly patients were diagnosed with fungal nail and foot infections caused by Epidermophyton floccosum, a fungus that has become less common in recent years. Both cases were confirmed using advanced molecular testing (real-time PCR) alongside traditional laboratory methods. The infections were successfully treated with terbinafine, an antifungal medication. This case report highlights the importance of using modern diagnostic techniques to accurately identify and treat fungal infections.

Read More »

Recalcitrant dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton indotineae: A case series from Sarawak, Malaysia

Three patients in Malaysia had persistent skin fungal infections caused by Trichophyton indotineae that did not respond to standard antifungal treatments. Genetic testing revealed these fungal strains carried a specific mutation making them resistant to terbinafine, the typical first-line treatment. While azole-based antifungals showed variable effectiveness depending on the specific drug and dose used, one patient achieved complete cure with voriconazole therapy. The study highlights the growing problem of drug-resistant fungal infections and the importance of targeted treatment based on laboratory testing.

Read More »

Identification of Challenging Dermatophyte Species Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

This study shows that MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is an effective method for quickly identifying skin fungal infections caused by dermatophytes. By combining commercial reference databases with a custom library created from local isolates, researchers achieved 90.7% accurate identification compared to only 16.1% using the commercial database alone. This improved method could help doctors diagnose and treat fungal skin infections more quickly and accurately in clinical laboratories.

Read More »

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

Researchers reported the first case of a fungal skin infection caused by Nannizzia gypsea in a wild South American grey fox found near Santiago, Chile. The fox developed crusted and scaly lesions on its tail, which were successfully treated with topical antifungal cream. This discovery highlights how increasing contact between domestic pets, wild animals, and humans due to urbanization can spread fungal infections, emphasizing the need for integrated health approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health together.

Read More »

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

Researchers in Thailand have identified the first cases of a new resistant fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae. This fungus is resistant to a commonly used antifungal drug called terbinafine and causes persistent skin rashes on various body parts. The study describes five patients whose infections were finally identified through genetic testing and who responded well to alternative antifungal treatment with itraconazole. This discovery suggests the fungus is now spreading in Thailand and doctors should watch for it.

Read More »

Randomized control trial to study the effectiveness of tablet Fluconazole, capsule Itraconazole and tablet Terbinafine in superficial dermatophytosis

This study tested three common antifungal medications used to treat fungal skin infections like ringworm. The research involved 180 patients who were randomly given one of three drugs and then checked at 4 and 8 weeks to see if the infection was gone. Itraconazole worked best, clearing infections in about 87% of patients, followed by Fluconazole at 73%, and Terbinafine at 63%.

Read More »

Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions

This comprehensive review reveals that Rwanda faces significant challenges from fungal infections affecting humans, crops, and food security, yet has very limited systems to detect, report, or manage these infections. The study found various dangerous fungi causing infections ranging from vaginal candidiasis to serious disseminated infections, as well as crop-destroying soil fungi threatening bean production. The researchers emphasize that Rwanda urgently needs better diagnostic tools, trained healthcare workers, and coordinated public health strategies to combat the growing threat of fungal diseases.

Read More »

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton benhamiae in a sea lion. First report

A 13-year-old sea lion in a marine park developed ringworm-like skin lesions caused by a fungus called Trichophyton benhamiae, marking the first time this fungus has been identified in this species. Scientists identified the fungus using DNA testing and found it was resistant to common antifungal drugs, so they treated it with a combination of oral medication (terbinafine), topical ozonized oil, and a liver-protecting supplement. After three months of treatment, the sea lion’s skin healed completely.

Read More »
Scroll to Top