Research Topic: dermatophytosis

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

Researchers in Thailand have identified the first cases of a new resistant fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae. This fungus is resistant to a commonly used antifungal drug called terbinafine and causes persistent skin rashes on various body parts. The study describes five patients whose infections were finally identified through genetic testing and who responded well to alternative antifungal treatment with itraconazole. This discovery suggests the fungus is now spreading in Thailand and doctors should watch for it.

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Dermatophytosis in a Chilean fox: first case of Nannizzia gypsea in Lycalopex griseus and the need for a one health approach

Researchers reported the first case of a fungal skin infection caused by Nannizzia gypsea in a wild South American grey fox found near Santiago, Chile. The fox developed crusted and scaly lesions on its tail, which were successfully treated with topical antifungal cream. This discovery highlights how increasing contact between domestic pets, wild animals, and humans due to urbanization can spread fungal infections, emphasizing the need for integrated health approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health together.

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Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton benhamiae in a sea lion. First report

A 13-year-old sea lion in a marine park developed ringworm-like skin lesions caused by a fungus called Trichophyton benhamiae, marking the first time this fungus has been identified in this species. Scientists identified the fungus using DNA testing and found it was resistant to common antifungal drugs, so they treated it with a combination of oral medication (terbinafine), topical ozonized oil, and a liver-protecting supplement. After three months of treatment, the sea lion’s skin healed completely.

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Evaluation of the DendrisKIT®DP for the Diagnosis of Superficial Fungal Infections

Researchers evaluated a new rapid test called DendrisKIT®DP that can identify skin, nail, and hair fungal infections much faster than traditional methods. The test uses PCR technology combined with artificial intelligence to detect 13 different fungal species directly from patient samples in less than 48 hours, compared to traditional cultures that take up to 4 weeks. The test showed good accuracy with 84% sensitivity and 89% specificity, and when combined with traditional methods, provides a better overall diagnostic strategy for fungal infections.

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

Doctors in Thailand have identified a new drug-resistant fungal infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a fungus that doesn’t respond to common antifungal medication terbinafine. Five patients were diagnosed with this resistant skin infection that caused rashes on various body parts and failed to improve with standard treatments. The research shows that a simple urease test can help doctors quickly identify this resistant fungus, and a different drug called itraconazole appears to work better for treatment. This is the first time this resistant fungus has been confirmed in Thailand, suggesting it is spreading globally.

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Increasing postgraduate medical mycology research dissertations at Uganda’s higher institution of learning

This study shows how providing research funding helped increase medical mycology studies at a Ugandan university. Over just two years, the percentage of graduate student research focused on fungal diseases jumped from 16% to 40%. Students studied important fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and candida, using modern laboratory techniques. The research group’s collaborative learning approach and financial support enabled students to complete their studies on time and advance understanding of fungal diseases that significantly impact public health.

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Northwest Iranian dermatophyte isolates: anthropophilic and geophilic

Researchers in northwestern Iran studied fungal infections of skin, hair, and nails by identifying different types of dermatophytes from patient samples and soil. They found that a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most common cause, but also discovered a rare fungus called Myriodontium keratinophilum causing nail infections. Using modern DNA testing methods, they identified seven different dermatophyte species and several other soil fungi, providing important information about fungal infections in this region.

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Superficial Fungal Infections in the Pediatric Dermatological Population of Northern Poland

This study examined fungal skin infections in children and teens in Northern Poland over six years, finding that about 1 in 5 children tested had a fungal infection. Different types of fungal infections were more common at different ages—younger children more often had scalp infections, while teenagers more often had foot and nail infections. The study found that children living in rural areas had higher infection rates than those in cities, suggesting that environmental factors play an important role in fungal infection patterns.

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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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