tinea corporis – Page 4

Antifungal susceptibility testing of Microsporum canis isolated from the skin of dermatologically healthy cats

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Researchers tested healthy cats in Chile and found that about 5% carried a fungus called Microsporum canis that can cause ringworm. This fungus was resistant to a common antifungal drug called fluconazole. Indoor cats were more likely to carry the fungus than outdoor cats. Because cats can spread this fungus to people, identifying carrier cats is important for preventing human infections.

First case report of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton indotineae in Latin America

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A 21-year-old woman in Argentina developed a persistent skin infection caused by a fungus called Trichophyton indotineae, likely acquired during travel to Mexico. The infection did not respond to common antifungal medications like terbinafine, but responded well to treatment with a special formulation of itraconazole that was completely effective within four weeks. This case represents the first documented occurrence of this emerging fungal pathogen in Latin America and highlights the importance of molecular identification when standard treatments fail.

Superficial Fungal Infections in the Pediatric Dermatological Population of Northern Poland

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This study examined fungal skin infections in children and teenagers in northern Poland from 2019 to 2024. Researchers tested over 1,200 young patients and found that about 1 in 5 had a fungal infection. The most common culprits were specific fungi that cause scalp infections in young children and foot/nail infections in teenagers. Interestingly, children living in rural areas were more likely to have these infections, even though more urban children were tested.

Integrating Machine Learning and Molecular Methods for Trichophyton indotineae Identification and Resistance Profiling Using MALDI-TOF Spectra

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A new type of fungus called Trichophyton indotineae is causing stubborn skin infections that don’t respond well to standard antifungal treatments. Researchers used advanced laboratory techniques combined with computer analysis to better identify this fungus from MALDI-TOF spectra, which is a quick fingerprinting method for microorganisms. The study showed that machine learning could accurately distinguish this problematic fungus from similar species and found specific markers that could help clinics detect it faster, potentially improving patient treatment outcomes.

Superficial Fungal Infections in Children—What Do We Know?

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Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails are increasingly common in children worldwide, especially in warm, humid climates and in crowded living conditions. These infections are caused by germs that live on the skin and can spread through contact with infected people or animals. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, but most infections are treatable with topical creams or oral medications, with terbinafine being the most effective option currently available.

qPCR-Based Molecular Detection of Trichophyton indotineae by Targeting Divergent Sequences

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Trichophyton indotineae is a dangerous fungal infection that causes ringworm and is increasingly resistant to common antifungal treatments. Scientists developed a rapid blood test-like diagnostic tool called qPCR that can accurately identify this specific fungus in less than 2 hours for just a few dollars. The test was created by comparing the genetic codes of different fungal species to find unique fingerprints that distinguish T. indotineae from similar-looking fungi.

Utility of MALDI-ToF MS for Recognition and Antifungal Susceptibility of Nannizzia, an Underestimated Group of Dermatophytes

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Nannizzia species are soil-dwelling fungi that increasingly cause stubborn skin, nail, and hair infections in humans and animals. This study tested two laboratory methods for identifying these fungi and measured their sensitivity to eight antifungal drugs. The faster liquid-based method was slightly more accurate (67%) than the traditional culture method (62%), though neither method could identify six very rare species. Terbinafine emerged as the most effective antifungal treatment in laboratory tests.

PCR enables rapid detection of dermatophytes in practice

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Researchers in Finland studied how a fast DNA test (PCR) can detect fungal skin infections better than traditional slow culture methods. The new test, called DermaGenius, gives results in just 16 hours instead of 19 days. By 2022, most fungal infection samples were tested using this faster method, which helps doctors treat patients quickly without unnecessary medications.

Epidemiological profile of dermatophytes at the parasitology-mycology laboratory at Mohammed VI University Hospital in Oujda

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This study examined fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes in a Moroccan hospital over four years, analyzing 950 samples. The researchers found that nail infections (onychomycosis) were most common, particularly in people over 50 years old, while scalp infections mainly affected children. The fungus Trichophyton rubrum was responsible for most infections, though Microsporum canis increasingly caused scalp infections, likely due to increased pet ownership in Morocco. The study emphasizes the importance of proper laboratory testing to identify the specific fungus and choose appropriate treatment.

Disease: tinea corporis