Disease: tinea pedis

Experimental research on fungal inhibition using dissolving microneedles of terbinafine hydrochloride nanoemulsion for beta-1,3-glucanase

Researchers developed a new patch treatment for nail fungus using tiny dissolving needles that deliver antifungal medication directly into the skin near infected nails. The patch combines two active ingredients that work together to kill fungus and break down protective biofilm layers that make fungal infections hard to treat. Testing showed the patch was safe, effective, and delivered much more medication to the infected area compared to traditional creams or pills.

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

Researchers studied fungal skin infections in wild animals across two Italian regions over 15 years, finding that about 11% carried dermatophyte fungi. Grey squirrels were most commonly infected, and some of these fungi can spread to humans through contact. The study highlights how wild animals act as sentinels for emerging diseases and emphasizes the importance of protective equipment when handling wildlife.

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

This study shows that a specialized technique called MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry can quickly and accurately identify skin fungal infections caused by dermatophytes. By creating a library of local fungal strains from Taiwan and combining it with commercial databases, researchers achieved over 90% accuracy in identifying different dermatophyte species. This practical method could help doctors diagnose fungal infections faster and choose better treatments.

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Two Cases of Fungal Melanonychia

Two patients developed dark pigmentation on their toenails caused by rare combinations of fungal infections. Through laboratory testing and genetic analysis, doctors identified fungi never before known to cause this type of nail discoloration. Both patients were successfully treated with an antifungal medication called efinaconazole, with complete resolution of symptoms within a few months.

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Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Cutaneous Fungal Infections

Climate change and natural disasters are creating conditions that allow fungal infections to spread more easily and affect people in new ways. Warmer temperatures help fungi adapt to infect humans, while floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes expose people to fungal spores and create wounds through which infections can enter. Doctors need to be alert for unusual fungal infections after disasters, especially since some of these infections can cause serious complications and resist common treatments.

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

This study shows how MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, a rapid laboratory technique, can accurately identify different types of dermatophyte fungi that cause ringworm and other skin infections. By creating a customized reference library combining commercial and locally-collected fungal samples, researchers improved identification accuracy from 16% to 91%. This advancement helps doctors identify the specific fungus causing a skin infection more quickly and accurately, enabling better treatment decisions.

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

Researchers found that about 5% of healthy cats in Chile carry a fungal infection called Microsporum canis that can spread to humans. The concerning discovery is that all strains tested were resistant to fluconazole, a commonly used antifungal medication. The study shows that indoor cats are at higher risk of carrying this fungus and suggests that screening healthy cats could help prevent transmission to people who have close contact with them.

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Emerging antifungal resistance in Trichophyton mentagrophytes: insights from susceptibility profiling and genetic mutation analysis

This study examined how common skin fungal infections caused by Trichophyton species are becoming resistant to standard antifungal treatments. Researchers tested 131 fungal isolates from China and analyzed their resistance genes to understand why some strains no longer respond to terbinafine and other antifungal drugs. They found that certain genetic mutations, particularly in the SQLE gene, make these fungi resistant to treatment and that different species have different resistance patterns. These findings help doctors better choose treatments and guide the development of new antifungal medications.

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

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.

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Prevalence of Tinea pedis in military personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection affecting the feet that is especially prevalent in military personnel due to their unique living and working conditions. This comprehensive analysis of 25 studies found that about 17% of military personnel worldwide have tinea pedis, with higher rates in hot and humid climates like the Americas and Australia. The infection is promoted by factors such as tight military boots, shared facilities, sweating, and poor foot hygiene. The study recommends better footwear, improved hygiene practices, and more effective diagnostic methods to reduce this health problem in military populations.

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