dermatophytosis – Page 6

Antimicrobial effects and mechanisms of hydrogen sulphide against nail pathogens

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a small gas molecule, can effectively kill the fungi and bacteria that cause painful nail infections. Unlike current treatments that struggle to penetrate into the nail, hydrogen sulphide easily diffuses through the nail plate. The study found that H2S works by damaging the fungi’s respiratory system and creating harmful reactive oxygen species, while also modifying proteins in a way that disrupts their normal function. This innovative approach could offer patients a new topical treatment option for nail infections that have been difficult to treat with existing medications.

Dermatophytes adaptation to the human host exemplified by Microsporum canis

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied how fungi that normally infect cats and dogs are adapting to infect humans. By comparing the genes of zoophilic (animal-loving) and anthropophilic (human-loving) Microsporum species, they found that human-adapted strains have developed specific proteins that help them survive in the acidic environment of human skin. These fungi have evolved special enzymes for breaking down keratin and tolerating the lipid-rich, acidic conditions of human skin better than their animal-loving relatives.

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

mycolabadmin

A highly resistant fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae is rapidly spreading throughout the United Kingdom. Originally from southern Asia, this fungus causes difficult-to-treat skin infections, particularly in the groin area, and resists standard antifungal medications in about three-quarters of cases. Since 2023, cases have spread from London to other parts of the UK and Ireland, and experts predict it will soon become the leading cause of ringworm in the country.

Treatment and diagnostic challenges associated with the novel and rapidly emerging antifungal-resistant dermatophyte, Trichophyton indotineae

mycolabadmin

A new type of fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae has emerged and spread globally, particularly from India. It causes widespread skin infections that are difficult to treat because the fungus resists common antifungal medications. Doctors and laboratories need to be aware of this infection to properly identify it and choose effective treatments, especially for patients with travel history to affected regions.

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

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that four types of Bacillus bacteria found in soil can effectively kill dangerous fungi that cause infections in humans. These bacteria produce natural compounds that inhibit fungal growth even better than some standard antifungal medications. This discovery is particularly important because many fungi are becoming resistant to current drugs, making these soil bacteria a promising natural alternative for treating fungal infections.

Graphene nanomaterials: A new frontier in preventing respiratory fungal infections

mycolabadmin

Graphene nanomaterials, especially nano-graphene oxide, show promise as new treatments for serious lung fungal infections that particularly threaten people with weakened immune systems. These tiny materials work by generating damaging reactive oxygen species that kill fungal cells and prevent biofilm formation. Unlike traditional antifungal drugs, nano-graphene oxide can be delivered directly to infected lung tissue via inhalation, delivering medicine exactly where needed while reducing harmful side effects throughout the body.

Dual-Emission FRET-PCR Outperforms SYBR Green and EvaGreen for Accurate Discrimination of Primary Canine Dermatophytes: Microsporum canis, Nannizzia gypsea, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes

mycolabadmin

This research developed a new rapid test called FRET-PCR that can identify three common fungal infections in dogs within 2.5 hours, compared to 2-4 weeks for traditional culture methods. The test works by detecting specific genetic markers in fungal DNA and measuring temperature changes that differ for each fungal species. When compared to two other molecular tests (SYBR Green and EvaGreen), the FRET-PCR method was more accurate and sensitive, even able to detect a single copy of the target gene. This faster, more accurate identification will help veterinarians choose the right treatment more quickly and prevent spread of fungal infections.

Formulation, characterization, and in vitro antifungal evaluation of liposomal terbinafine prepared by the ethanol injection method

mycolabadmin

Researchers developed a new way to deliver the antifungal drug terbinafine using tiny fat-based particles called liposomes. These particles are designed to carry the drug more effectively to infected tissues while reducing harmful side effects. The optimized formulation showed promise for treating stubborn fungal infections, especially those affecting the brain, with significantly reduced toxicity compared to the drug alone.

Clinical Mycology Today: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

mycolabadmin

Fungal infections are becoming more common due to new cancer treatments and other medical advances, while some fungal species are developing resistance to standard antifungal medications. The good news is that several new antifungal drugs are in development with better safety profiles and novel mechanisms to fight these infections. However, the field faces challenges including limited specialized mycologists and difficulty designing clinical trials to properly test new treatments.

Shifting etiological agents of dermatophytosis: a molecular epidemiological study from Iran

mycolabadmin

Researchers in Iran studied fungal infections of the scalp and nails using modern DNA testing methods. They found that the main fungus causing scalp infections (T. tonsurans) remains the most common, but a new species (T. indotineae) is increasingly causing nail infections and is resistant to common antifungal medicines. The study shows that traditional identification methods often misidentify these fungi, highlighting the importance of molecular testing for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Disease: dermatophytosis