Preparation, characterization and antidermatophytic activity of free- and microencapsulated cinnamon essential oil.

Essential oils (EO) are effective natural antimicrobials but are susceptible to oxidation. Microencapsulation improves EO stability, reduces toxicity, and controls release. The aim of this study was preparation, characterization and antidermatophytic activity of free and microencapsulated cinnamon essential oil (MP). MP were prepared by the spray drying method and the success of MP encapsulation was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The antifungal effect of EO and MP was evaluated by the broth microdilution method against Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The checkerboard method was used to assess synergistic interactions. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the inhibition of hyphal growth by EO and MP. A cytotoxic assay was performed using the VERO cell line. Microencapsulated cinnamon essential oil was found to be micrometric, with a round, regular structure. The minimum inhibitory concentration of EO was found to be between 125-250µg/mL, while that of MP was 220.5-440.5µg/mL. EO was synergistic with fluconazole while microencapsulated oil was less cytotoxic than EO.

Antioxidant and antifungal activities of marrubiin, extracts and essential oil from Marrubium vulgare L. against pathogenic dermatophyte strains.

OBJECTIVE: Medicinal plants extracts and plant-derived compounds are one of the natural sources for discovering new antifungal agents, the objectives of this work were to investigate for the first time the antidermatophytic, antipathogenic activities of methanol, acetone extracts, and essential oil of Marrubium vulgare L. grown in Tunisia and its active compound marrubiin on pathogenic for animals and humans, such as some dermatophytes and pathogenic for plants, and to evaluate antioxidant activities of different extracts with consideration to their chemical compositions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Acetone and methanol extracts were evaluated by HPLC, the essential oil was also analyzed by GC/MS. PCL assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity. RESULTS: Results showed that methanol and acetone extracts exhibited a significant antioxidant activity (261.41 and 272.90µmol TE/g respectively), while the lowest one was observed in the case of marrubiin and essential oil. The antifungal activity of different extracts, marrubiin and essential oil at two concentrations (20 and 100µg/mL) were screened against the dermatophytes fungi Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Arthroderma cajetani, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans, Epidermophyton floccosum and against two fungi strains (Botrytis cinerea, Pythium ultimum). Among tested extracts, marrubiin at 100µg/mL showed about 50% inhibition for T. mentagrophytes and E. floccosum. The anti-phytopathogenic activity was also carried out, only marrubiin had in activity against B. cinerea at the highest dose (32.40%), while methanol extract of M.vulgare and marrubiin are able to increase the mycelial growth of P. ultimum at the highest concentration (45.15 and 40.30% respectively). CONCLUSION: In our study, we conclude that M.vulgare and marrubiin can be used as natural antioxidants and antifungal agent for treatment of skin dermatophyte infections.

Linalool modulates dermatophyte susceptibility to azole drugs.

This study investigated the monoterpene linalool and its resistance modulating activity involving ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors (ketoconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole) in strains of Microsporum spp. and Trichophyton spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of test-drugs were determined by microdilution. The modulating effect of linalool was evaluated by determining the MIC of the antifungals in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of linalool. We also investigated the association effect (checkerboard) of linalool together with ketoconazole and itraconazole. The fungi became more sensitive to ketoconazole and itraconazole in the presence of linalool. The linalool and azole drug associations presented synergism.

Comparison of two inoculation methods for Microsporum canis culture using the toothbrush sampling technique.

BACKGROUND: The fungal culture toothbrush method is a common method for obtaining material for fungal cultures to diagnose dermatophytosis. The optimal technique for inoculation onto the agar surface has not been studied. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To compare two inoculation techniques; the first involved pressing the toothbrush onto the plate surface (Procedure A) and the second involved pressing the toothbrush onto the agar, as well as transferring hairs and scales entrapped in the bristles. (Procedure B). The hypothesis was that transferring hairs onto the plate would increase the likelihood of obtaining positive cultures. ANIMALS: Twenty-six cattery-housed cats were sampled using the toothbrush technique. Two toothbrush samples were obtained from each cat. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The two toothbrush samples from each cat were randomized to Procedure A or B, and the investigator was blinded to inoculation technique. Cultures were performed on a medium specific for dermatophytes. The number of positive plates, and the presence and abundance of colonies of dermatophytes and contaminant moulds were compared between the two techniques. RESULTS: Twenty-one cats were culture-positive for Microsporum canis. Procedure A resulted in a significantly higher number (P < 0.01) of positive plates (20 of 21; 95%) compared with Procedure B (seven of 21; 33%). These results were due mainly to higher plate invasion by contaminant moulds, using Procedure B. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Based upon the findings of this study, the optimum inoculation technique is to press toothbrush bristles onto agar plates to maximize growth of M. canis and minimize introduction of contaminant inoculation.

Tinea corporis by Microsporum canis in mycological laboratory staff: Unexpected results of epidemiological investigation.

Microsporum canis is a zoophilic dermatophyte, which is very contagious, especially to cats and dogs. Asymptomatic animal carriers of M. canis are regarded a critical factor in the epidemiology of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological origin of M. canis isolates using morphological traits in combination with molecular analysis. Identification of dermatophyte strains was carried out by correlating the clinical manifestation of the infection with a micro- and macroscopic examination. To confirm the species affiliation fully, molecular differentiation methods were used. A positive result of the culture examination was obtained from the samples with arthrospores in the direct analysis, that is, from a symptomatic cat and humans, and from a cat without any signs of infection. The microsatellite-primed PCR fingerprinting (MSP-PCR) electro-profiles were identical for all analysed strains. The melting profile-PCR (MP-PCR) electrophoregram indicated variability of the genomes of the strains. The search for the source of the infection indicated one cat that did not have any signs of dermatophytosis. PCR-fingerprinting techniques are useful tools for epidemiological investigation of the origin of dermatophyte infection. These methods can also be used in many cases for species identification of dermatophytes and clarification of the relationships among varieties of a species.

Activity of Salvia dolomitica and Salvia somalensis Essential Oils against Bacteria, Molds and Yeasts.

Essential oils (EOs) from Salvia dolomitica and Salvia somalensis, widely employed in the cosmetic and perfume industry, were analyzed for composition and tested against bacterial and fungal pathogens isolated from clinical and environmental specimens. The analyses were carried out against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudointermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus canis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Mucor sp. and Trichothecium roseum. Both EOs showed similar percentages of total monoterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The main constituents were 1,8-cineole and ß-caryophyllene in S. dolomitica and bornyl acetate and camphor in S. somalensis. The selected EOs have no relevant antifungal or antibacterial activities if compared to conventional drugs.

Resistance Mechanism in a Terbinafine-Resistant Strain of Microsporum canis.

To clarify the terbinafine (TRF) resistance mechanism in a TRF-resistant strain of Microsporum canis, the expression of the pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR1), multidrug resistance (MDR1), MDR2 and MDR4 genes were investigated by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis, given the known interaction of the corresponding proteins with antifungals and with the efflux blocker FK506. The expression of the PDR1, MDR1, MDR2 and MDR4 genes was 2-4 times higher in the TRF-resistant strain grown in the presence of 0.14 µg/mL of TRF than in TRF-susceptible strains cultured in the absence of TRF. The TRF-resistant strain exhibited MICs of > 32 µg/mL for TRF alone; this resistance was attenuated to an MIC of 8 µg/mL in the presence of FK506, indicating that the TRF inhibitory concentration index value was < 0.75. The additive effect of the efflux blocker FK506 on TRF resistance was detected in the TRF-resistant strain. These results indicated that the TRF resistance in this strain reflects overexpression of genes encoding ABC transporter proteins.

Quantitative and structural analyses of the in vitro and ex vivo biofilm-forming ability of dermatophytes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and ex vivo biofilm-forming ability of dermatophytes on a nail fragment. METHODOLOGY: Initially, four isolates of Trichophyton rubrum, six of Trichophyton tonsurans, three of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, ten of Microsporum canis and three of Microsporum gypseum were tested for production biomass by crystal violet assay. Then, one strain per species presenting the best biofilm production was chosen for further studies by optical microscopy (Congo red staining), confocal laser scanning (LIVE/DEAD staining) and scanning electron (secondary electron) microscopy. RESULTS: Biomass quantification by crystal violet assay, optical microscope images of Congo red staining, confocal microscope and scanning electron microscope images revealed that all species studied are able to form biofilms both in vitro and ex vivo, with variable density and architecture. M. gypseum, T. rubrum and T. tonsurans produced robust biofilms, with abundant matrix and biomass, while M. canis produced the weakest biofilms compared to other species. CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on biofilms of different dermatophyte species, which will contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of dermatophytosis. Further studies of this type are necessary to investigate the processes involved in the formation and composition of dermatophyte biofilms.

Morpho-Molecular Characterization of Soil Inhabitant Dermatophytes from Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran, a High Occurrence of Microsporum fulvum.

Occurrence and diversity of dermatophyte mycoflora in 298 soil samples from Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran was investigated by using the hair-baiting technique. The samples were collected during spring (n = 210) and autumn (n = 88) of 2015, and the fungal isolates were identified based on the macro- and micro-morphology of colonies and with further ITS-rDNA RFLP and sequencing. Totally, 60 soil samples (20.1%) were positive for dermatophyte growth whose pH varied from 7.0 to 7.9. The highest (26.6%) and the lowest (14.3%) recovery rates were from the animal resorts and the streets soils samples, respectively. Seasonally, 16.7% of the spring samples and 28.4% of the autumn samples were positive. Based on molecular identification, three species of two genera were identified viz. M. fulvum (n = 57), M. canis (n = 2) and zoophilic Trichophyton interdigitale (n = 1). As a specific goal in the study, differentiation of the species in Microsporum gypseum complex was established by measuring the mean length and width of macroconidia in some strains of M. gypseum, M. fulvum and M. incurvatum. Mean size for macroconidia length and width in three species showed that M. gypseum and M. incurvatum can morphologically be differentiated from M. fulvum but not from each other. M. fulvum was the most abundant species isolated from the soils of Ahvaz; however, to comprehensively specify the distribution pattern of geophilic dermatophytes in the soils of this city further investigations are needed. Identification based on micro-morphometric is not effective for species distinction in M. gypseum complex, while molecular procedures based on sequencing of certain DNA regions are the most reliable and applicable strategies for this purpose.

MODELLING AND BIOPHARMACEUTICAL EVALUATION OF CICLOPIROX OLAMINE GELS.

The ciclopirox olamine (CPO) has a broad antimicrobial profile including dermatophytes, yeasts and is used in various pharmaceutical forms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of the CPO gels according to biopharmaceutial tests in vitro and antifungal activity assay. Hydroxypropyl cellulose, chitosan and poloxamer 407 were selected as agents gelificants. The effects of gelling agent properties and concentration on the consistency and flow characteristics have been studied by rheometer. CPO release rates from gel were measured with Franz type diffusion cells. The antifungal activity of gels was tested using agar well diffusion technique. The results of the experimental study have shown that the rheological properties of the medications depend on the selected gelling agent and the amount of it. The higher amounts of CPO were released from the poloxamer 407 gels. Though all tested CPO gels showed great inhibition of Microsporn canis.

Antidermatophytic Action of Resorcinol Derivatives: Ultrastructural Evidence of the Activity of Phenylethyl Resorcinol against Microsporum gypseum.

In this work, we evaluated the antidermatophytic activities of three resorcinol derivatives that have a history of use in dermo-cosmetic applications to discover molecules with multiple dermatological activities (i.e., multi-target drugs), thereby reducing the cost and time necessary for new drug development. The antidermatophytic activities of the three skin lighteners were evaluated relative to the known antifungal drug fluconazole on nine dermatophytes responsible for the most common dermatomycoses: Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton violaceum, Arthroderma cajetani, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Nannizzia gypsea, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans. Among the three tested resorcinols, only two showed promising properties, with the ability to inhibit the growth of all tested dermatophytes; additionally, the IC50 values of these two resorcinols against the nine dermatophytes confirmed their good antifungal activity, particularly for phenylethyl resorcinol against M. gypseum. Ultrastructural alterations exhibited by the fungus were observed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and reflected a dose-dependent response to treatment with the activation of defence and self-preservation strategies.

A Multi-Target Approach toward the Development of Novel Candidates for Antidermatophytic Activity: Ultrastructural Evidence on α-Bisabolol-Treated Microsporum gypseum.

Multi-target strategies are directed toward targets that are unrelated (or distantly related) and can create opportunities to address different pathologies. The antidermatophytic activities of nine natural skin lighteners: α-bisabolol, kojic acid, ß-arbutin, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, nicotinamide, glycine, glutathione and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, were evaluated, in comparison with the known antifungal drug fluconazole, on nine dermatophytes responsible for the most common dermatomycoses: Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton violaceum, Nannizzia cajetani, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Arthroderma gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans. α-Bisabolol showed the best antifungal activity against all fungi and in particular; against M. gypseum. Further investigations were conducted on this fungus to evaluate the inhibition of spore germination and morphological changes induced by α-bisabolol by TEM.

Antifungal activity of berberine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride against Microsporum canis -induced dermatitis in rabbits and underlying mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Phellodendron amurense, exhibits antifungal activity mainly by bioactive components including berberine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride. This study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal effects of berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride, and a mixture of both substances against Microsporum canis in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of monomers and clotrimazole were determined using 1.5 % tryptic soy agar. The effects of these drugs on Microsporum canis growth was detected by determining dry weight. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to observe the effect of chemicals on cell ultrastructure. Differential mRNA expressions of eight genes of M. canis treated with berberine or palmatine or their combination at different time points were determined by real-time PCR. NADH enzyme concentration was also detected. Clinical evaluation via in-vivo antifungal assay was also performed. Skin histology PAS staining was also carried out. RESULTS: Results showed that MICs of berberine, palmatine and clotrimazole were 1, 1, and 0.015 mg/mL, respectively. No significant difference was observed among the growth curves of the three groups before 18 h was reached. TEM showed that these drugs could destroy the cell membrane and organelles of M. canis at different time points. After 30 h of incubation, relative mRNA expressions of the genes in the combined group were significantly higher than those in the other groups including the clotrimazole group (P < 0.05); Palmatine initially induced the mRNA up-regulation of PGAL4, FSH1, PQ-LRP, NADH1 and NDR in M. canis; by contrast, berberine maintained a high expression level of these genes to shorten fungal life cycle and eradicate M. canis. Clinical results showed that combined treatment was more effective than single administration of each monomer or clotrimazole. Hence, berberine mixed with palmatine significantly elicited antifungal activities and could be used to treat M. canis in rabbits. CONCLUSION: These results provide a comprehensive view of the mechanism of berberine and palmatine in anti-M. canis activity.

Antifungal activity of 40 TCMs used individually and in combination for treatment of superficial fungal infections.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A series of 40 important Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs), which were reported effective in treating superficial fungal infections of the skin in Chinese clinical trial publications and Chinese Herbal Classics, were chosen for the investigation of the individual and combination antifungal properties against 8 superficial fungal strains in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plant preparations were followed the theory of TCM by using sterile water boiled with plant material at 100°C to produce water decoction of the tested sample. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each plant for each fungus was determined. For the compatibility investigation, both invariable (same amounts of each tested TCM) and variable (different amounts of each tested TCM) combinations were evaluated. RESULTS: All the tested TCMs demonstrated varying degrees of antifungal activities against one or more of the tested superficial fungi, and 16 of which were effective on all of the fungi. Strong antifungal activities were exhibited by water decoction of 7 TCMs with MIC at about 100µg/ml, and among these effective antifungal extracts, 4 TCMs including Melaphis chinensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, Punica granatum and Schisandra chinensis showed the significantly inhibitory activities against all of the fungi with MICs among 50µg/ml. Most of the invariable combinations of the above-mentioned 4 TCMs showed synergic effects against 4 of the least susceptible fungi strains, especially the invariable combination of Punica granatum, Melaphis chinensis and Schisandra chinensis, with the MIC at 23.4µg/ml. However, their further variable combinations investigation demonstrated that only the combination of 7.5g Punica granatum with 10g Melaphis chinensis and 7.5g Schisandra chinensis showed synergic effect with the MIC at19.5µg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The present study aimed the discovery of therapeutically useful agents for treatment of superficial fungal infections. Findings suggested that the combination of 3 TCMs including Punica granatum, Melaphis chinensis and Schisandra chinensis showed potential antifungal activity and thus appeared to be promising agents in preventing superficial fungal skin infectious in a natural way through herbal resources. The synergic effects of invariable and variable combinations of the tested TCMs threw a light on our further animal model and clinical practice as well as the bio-guided isolation and identification of the antifungal compounds.

The anti-dermatophyte activity of Allium hirtifolium Boiss aqueous extract.

In an attempt at demonstrating the efficacy of Allium hirtifolium aqueous extract in control of skin fungal infections as traditional use, we evaluated the anti-dermatophyte activities of A. hirtifolium aqueous extract from bulbs and of ketoconazole against Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton schoenleinii and Trichophyton verrucosum var. album by food poisoning technique, disc diffusion and micro broth dilution assays. The anti-fungal activity of A. hirtifolium was excellent when it was compared with ketoconazole. The anti-fungal evaluation by food poisoning method showed that A. hirtifolium extract inhibited the growth of dermatophytes dose-dependently. The inhibition zone diameter (IZ) of A. hirtifolium extract (15 µg/disc) was in the range of 28.8 ± 0.31 to 67.7 ± 1.5mm, while ketoconazole (15 µg/disc) had the IZ lower than 13mm. The MIC and MFC values of A. hirtifolium extract were in the range of 0.2-1.7 and 0.4-0.7 µg/mL; respectively. Therefore, A. hirtifolium extract showed a strong anti-fungal activity against human and animal dermatophytes.

In vitro antifungal activity and mechanism of essential oil from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) on dermatophyte species.

Fennel seed essential oil (FSEO) is a plant-derived natural therapeutic against dermatophytes. In this study, the antifungal effects of FSEO were investigated from varied aspects, such as MIC and minimum fungicidal concentration, mycelia growth, spore germination and biomass. The results indicated that FSEO had potent antifungal activities on Trichophyton rubrum ATCC 40051, Trichophyton tonsurans 10-0400, Microsporum gypseum 44693-1 and Trichophyton mentagrophytes 10-0060, which is better than the commonly used antifungal agents fluconazole and amphotericin B. Flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy experiments suggested that the antifungal mechanism of FSEO was to damage the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles. Further study revealed that it could also inhibit the mitochondrial enzyme activities, such as succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and ATPase. With better antifungal activity than the commonly used antifungal agents and less possibility of inducing drug resistance, FSEO could be used as a potential antidermatophytic agent.

Synthesis and fungistatic activity of aryl aldoxime derivatives.

OBJECTIVE: The antifungal activity of 13 arylaldoxime ester and ether derivatives was tested against 4 dermatophytes Trichophyton mentagrophytes (TM), Microsporum canis (MC); M. cookei, and M. gypseum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Structures of all new compounds prepared from aryl aldehydes were established by spectral means. The tests were performed on the Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) substrate. The sensitivity of the dermatophyte strains towards oxime derivatives was established by determining MIC and MFC values. RESULTS: The tested compounds showed a moderate fungicidal activity reaching 100% inhibition rate at 1% concentration. The activity against M. canis of 4 derivatives was higher than the activity of a reference drug clotrimazole. CONCLUSION: A novel group of biologically active compounds was introduced. Simple aldoxime derivatives can be developed into a new class of antifungals.

Development of topical hydrogels of terbinafine hydrochloride and evaluation of their antifungal activity.

The purpose of this study was to prepare hydrogels and microemulsion (ME)-based gel formulations containing 1% terbinafine hydrochloride (TER-HCL) and to evaluate the use of these formulations for the antifungal treatment of fungal infections. Three different hydrogel formulations were prepared using chitosan, Carbopol® 974 and Natrosol® 250 polymers. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed, and starting from ME formulation, a ME gel form containing 1% Carbopol 974 was prepared. We also examined the characteristic properties of the prepared hyrogels. The physical stability of hydrogels and the ME -based gels were evaluated after storage at different temperatures for a period of 3 months. The release of TER-HCL from the gels and the commercial product (Lamisil®) was carried out by using a standard dialysis membrane in phosphate buffer (pH 5.2) at 32 °C. The results of the in vitro release study showed that the Natrosol gel released the highest amount of drug, followed by Carbopol gel, chitosan gel, commercial product, and the microoemulsion-based gel in that order. In vitro examination of antifungal activity revealed that all the prepared and commercial products were effective against Candida parapsilosis, Penicillium, Aspergillus niger and Microsporum. These results indicate that the Natrosol®-based hydrogel is a good candidate for the topical delivery of TER-HCL.

Antifungal activity of a soil isolate of Pseudomonas chlororaphis against medically important dermatophytes and identification of a phenazine-like compound as its bioactive metabolite.

OBJECTIVE: The increasing importance of dermatophytoses and emerging resistance of dermatophytes to current synthetic antifungals have stimulated the search for safer and more effective alternative drugs from natural sources. The present study was carried out to identify antagonistic bacteria of soil origin with strong inhibitory activities on the growth of major human pathogenic dermatophytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antifungal activity of isolated soil bacteria was screened against the dermatophytes from three genera Microsporum (M. canis, M. gypseum), Epidermophyton (E. floccosum) and Trichophyton (T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. violaceum, T. tonsurans) by using visual plate agar assay method. A Pseudomonas chlororaphis isolate S105, identified at the species level by 16S ribosomal RNA sequence analysis, was reported as the strongest antagonistic bacterium. P. chlororaphis S105 culture supernatant (PCCS) was examined against tested dermatophytes by GY (glucose-yeast extract) broth bioassay in 6-well microplates. Antifungal compound of the bacterium was partially purified from the culture supernatant through a purification scheme of methanol extraction, Diaion HP20 ion-exchange chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography. RESULTS: P. chlororaphis S105 was the most potent inhibitor of fungal growth for all tested dermatophytes with a percent inhibition ranged from 57.1% to 99.8%. The PCCS suppressed the growth of all fungi tested in the range of 18.5% to 84.8%. Partially purified antifungal compound of the bacterium was identified as a phenazine-like compound with an Rf value of 0.51. The compound inhibited fungal growth by 73.6% to 97.9% on GY broth. Fungal growth inhibition was significant for all dermatophytes tested in comparison with the controls (Anova, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: With respect to the strong inhibitory activity of P. chlororaphis against pathogenic dermatophytes reported here, it may be considered as a rich source of useful metabolites with potential application in antifungal drug discovery.