Research Keyword: terbinafine resistance

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

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.

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The in vitro Activity of Echinocandins Against Clinical Trichophyton rubrum Isolates and Review of the Susceptibility of T. rubrum to Echinocandins Worldwide

Researchers tested how well three antifungal drugs (micafungin, anidulafungin, and caspofungin) work against a common fungus that causes skin infections. They found that two of these drugs were more effective than the third, suggesting they could be helpful alternatives when standard treatments fail due to drug-resistant fungal strains. The study also reviewed similar research worldwide and found consistent results across different testing methods.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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Computational analysis of missense mutations in squalene epoxidase associated with terbinafine resistance in clinically reported dermatophytes

Certain fungal skin infections are becoming resistant to terbinafine, a common antifungal medication, due to genetic mutations in an enzyme called squalene epoxidase. Using computer models and analysis tools, researchers identified which mutations most strongly reduce the drug’s effectiveness and where the protein changes occur. Four specific mutations were found to prevent terbinafine from binding to its target, offering insights that could help develop better antifungal treatments.

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Genome characterization of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain PG12DES from Italy

Researchers in Italy studied a fungal strain that causes skin infections, particularly ringworm and related conditions. This strain is spreading globally and can potentially be transmitted through sexual contact. The study found that the Italian strain is closely related to another strain found in Moldova and is susceptible to currently used antifungal medications. Understanding this fungus at the genetic level helps doctors monitor its spread and identify if it develops resistance to treatments.

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