Research Topic: terbinafine resistance

Antifungal Efficacy of Luliconazole-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid-Carrier Gel in an Animal Model of Dermatophytosis

Researchers developed a new antifungal gel containing luliconazole loaded into tiny lipid nanoparticles to treat stubborn fungal skin infections caused by Trichophyton indotineae that resist standard terbinafine treatment. Testing in guinea pigs showed this new nanoformulation penetrated skin better and cleared infections faster (21 days) compared to regular luliconazole gel (28 days) and terbinafine-treated animals. The nanoparticle delivery system improved the drug’s ability to reach infected skin layers and showed no harmful side effects, offering promise for treating resistant fungal infections in patients.

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Trichophyton indotineae Infection, São Paulo, Brazil, 2024

A businessman from São Paulo, Brazil contracted a difficult-to-treat fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, which is resistant to the common antifungal drug terbinafine. After terbinafine failed to help over 9 weeks, doctors switched him to itraconazole, which worked well after 8 weeks. Genetic testing showed his fungal strain had a specific resistance mutation and was most similar to a strain from Germany, suggesting he may have caught it while traveling in Europe.

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

Researchers in Thailand identified five patients with a new type of fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a species that resists the common antifungal drug terbinafine. These infections appeared as rashes on various parts of the body and required treatment with alternative medications like itraconazole. The findings represent the first confirmed cases in Thailand and suggest this resistant fungus may be spreading globally. The study also showed that a simple urease test could help doctors identify this resistant strain quickly without waiting for complex genetic testing.

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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.

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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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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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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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