Inopinatus corneliae sp. nov. gen. nov. isolated from human skin: A newly discovered keratinophilic hyphomycete, order Onygenales.

BACKGROUND: Fungi clinically relevant to human skin comprise prevalent commensals and well-known pathogens. Only rarely human skin harbours fungi that evade identification. OBJECTIVE: To characterise an enigmatic specimen isolated from a skin lesion. METHODS: A comprehensive clinical and mycological workup including conventional methods for phenotypic characterisation and sequencing based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions to infer a phylogenetic tree. RESULTS: Cultures on common solid media were macroscopically inconspicuous initially until mycelial tufts developed on the surface, notably on potato dextrose agar. Polymorphous chlamydospores were detected but no aleurospores and ascomata. At 26°C, the isolate grew on standard agars, plant materials and garden soil and utilised peptone, keratins, lipids, inulin, erythrocytes and cellulose. It also grew at 5°C and at 37°C. Nucleotide sequences of its ITS region showed 93% similarity to sequences of different Malbranchea species. The closest matches among LSU rRNA sequences were obtained with the genera Amauroascus, Arthroderma, Auxarthronopsis and Malbranchea (93%-95%). A combined phylogenetic analysis placed the fungus in a sister clade to Neogymnomycetaceae, classified as incertae sedis in Onygenales, on a large distance to either Diploospora rosea or 'Amauroascus' aureus. CONCLUSIONS: The genus Inopinatus gen. nov. (MB854685) with the species Inopinatus corneliae sp. nov. (MB854687) is introduced to accommodate our isolate (holotype: DSM 116806; isotypes: CBS 151104, IHEM 29063). Probably Inopinatus corneliae is a geophilic species that, although potentially harmful, was no relevant pathogen in our case. Its ecology, epidemiology and pathogenicity need to be further clarified.

[Trichophyton equinum meets Chanel]. / Trichophyton equinum trifft auf Chanel.

The horse is the most common reservoir of Trichophyton (T.) equinum. However, this zoophilic dermatophyte only rarely causes infections in humans. The following case report describes such a case. In addition to epidemiology, treatment is described and the morphological and physiological characteristics of T. equinum are illustrated. Because of its formation of spiral hyphae and nodal organs, which has not been previously documented for this species, the isolated strain was deposited in the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSM No. 114196).

S1 Guideline onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails. In Europe, tinea unguium is mainly caused by dermatophytes. The diagnostic workup comprises microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular testing (nail scrapings). Local treatment with antifungal nail polish is recommended for mild or moderate nail infections. In case of moderate to severe onychomycosis, oral treatment is recommended (in the absence of contraindications). Treatment should consist of topical and systemic agents. The aim of this update of the German S1 guideline is to simplify the selection and implementation of appropriate diagnostics and treatment. The guideline was based on current international guidelines and the results of a literature review conducted by the experts of the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consisted of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German-Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), the Working Group for Pediatric Dermatology (APD) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guideline was approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review.

"Indian" strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes with reduced itraconazole susceptibility in Germany.

We use published reports and three of our own tinea cases as an opportunity to report on "Indian" strains of Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes with ITS genotype VIII and reduced susceptibility to itraconazole due to the mutation c.1342G>A in the SQLE gene in Germany. In vitro measurements of resistance revealed normal susceptibility to terbinafine, but markedly reduced susceptibility to itraconazole - although no valid breakpoints are currently defined and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) depend on the methods used. Problems related to the determination and interpretation of MICs are outlined. Our cases show that azole-resistant "Indian" strains of T. mentagrophytes with ITS genotype VIII occurred in Germany as early as 2011, which is earlier than was previously assumed. This variant of the pathogen cannot be phenotypically distinguished from customary strains of T. mentagrophytes; its identification is based on genetics. The taxonomic classification is still under debate. This variant is anthropophilic and causes only mildly inflammatory tinea lesions with many fungal elements. Its further dissemination must therefore be expected. Prerequisites for rapid and valid antimycotic testing against dermatophytes need to be developed.

Expression of epidermal antimicrobial peptides is increased in tinea pedis.

BACKGROUND: Tinea pedis is often chronic or recurrent, but not all individuals are equally susceptible to this infection. Dermatophytes are able to induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) in human keratinocytes and certain AMPs can inhibit the growth of dermatophytes. OBJECTIVE: The focus of this study was to analyse the secretion of relevant AMPs, especially RNase 7, human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) and the S-100 protein psoriasin (S100A7), in patients with confirmed tinea pedis. METHODS: To verify the diagnosis, skin scales were obtained from all patients (n = 13) and the dermatophytes were identified by potassium hydroxide mount, culture and molecular analysis. To determine the AMP concentrations, the lesional skin area of the foot was rinsed with a buffer that was subsequently analysed by ELISA. The corresponding area of the other unaffected foot as well as defined healthy skin areas of the forearm and forehead and samples from age and gender-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. RESULTS: In tinea pedis patients the AMP concentrations were higher in lesional skin than in non-lesional skin and in healthy skin of controls. In particular, concentrations of hBD-2 and psoriasin were significantly elevated. CONCLUSIONS: The induction of AMPs in tinea pedis might be triggered directly by the dermatophytes; furthermore, attendant inflammation and/or differentiation processes may play a role. Our results indicate that there is no defect in the constitutive expression and induction of the analysed AMPs by dermatophytes in the epidermis of affected patients. However, it is not known why the elevated AMP concentrations fail to efficiently combat dermatophyte growth.

[Arthroderma crocatum on human skin]. / Arthroderma crocatum auf menschlicher Haut.

We report on three cases in which Arthroderma (A.) crocatum was isolated from human skin in Germany. The characteristics and epidemiology of this rare geophilic and probably mostly apathogenic dermatophyte are described paying special attention to its gymnothecia. The combination of KOH mount, culture and genetic analysis is the foundation for clinically meaningful conclusions. It is likely that the prevalence of A. crocatum is currently underestimated.

S1 guidelines: Tinea capitis.

Tinea capitis describes a dermatophyte infection of scalp and hair that predominately occurs in children. The diagnostic workup includes microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular tests. Treatment is guided by the specific organism involved and should consist of systemic agents as well as adjuvant topical treatment. The aim of the present update of the interdisciplinary German S1 guidelines is to provide dermatologists, pediatricians and general practitioners with a decision tool for selecting and implementing appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures in patients with tinea capitis. The guidelines were developed based on current international guidelines, in particular the 2010 European Society for Pediatric Dermatology guidelines and the 2014 British Association of Dermatologists guidelines, as well as on a review of the literature conducted by the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consists of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German-Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guidelines were approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review.

Clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum are completely inhibited by photochemical treatment with a γ-cyclodextrin formulation of curcuminoids.

INTRODUCTION: It was shown previously that dermatophytes can markedly be inhibited by a photochemical treatment with curcumin. This kind of photo-inactivation needs to be improved, however, because curcumin is poorly water-soluble. Therefore, a new water-soluble γ-cyclodextrin formulation of curcuminoids was tested for its photochemical inactivation of Trichophyton (T.) rubrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conidia were harvested from 6 typical strains of T rubrum and used to inoculate wells of microtiter plates. These wells were also filled with a γ-cyclodextrin curcuminoid formulation with 0.1% DMSO and Sabouraud broth. The assays were then irradiated with visible light (wavelength 420 nm, 45 J/cm2 ). After 24 hours, curcuminoid was added once more, and irradiation was repeated. Fungal growth was monitored photometrically for 8 days and compared with controls. RESULTS: Growth of all 6 T rubrum strains was completely inhibited by the photochemical treatment with the γ-cyclodextrin formulation of curcuminoids. The same curcuminoid formulation applied without irradiation had only a minor inhibitory effect. DISCUSSION: Photo-inactivation of dermatophytes with a γ-cyclodextrin formulation of curcuminoids plus visible light is a very promising procedure with potential for a new treatment of patients with superficial tinea.

S3 Guidelines: Epicutaneous patch testing with contact allergens and drugs - Short version, Part 2.

Epicutaneous patch testing is the diagnostic standard for the detection of allergic contact dermatitis. The present guidelines are aimed at residents and board-certified physicians in the fields of dermatology and allergology as well as other medical specialties involved in establishing the indication for patch testing and its execution in patients with contact dermatitis and other forms of delayed-type hypersensitivity. The target audience also includes other health care providers and insurance funds. Based on a systematic literature search and a formal consensus process (S3), the guidelines were developed by dermatologists in collaboration with pediatricians, occupational medicine physicians, nursing staff as well as patient representatives. The systematic methodological approach and appraisal of evidence upon which the recommendations are based are outlined in a separate method report that also contains evidence tables. The guidelines address general aspects of patch testing as well as medicolegal issues. The recommendations given relate to topics such as the indication for patch testing, informed patient consent, as well as the choice of test substances, test chambers and test site, duration of exposure, reading times and interpretation of test reactions. Furthermore, recommendations are provided with respect to endogenous and exogenous factors, specific patient groups (children, pregnant women, immunosuppressed individuals) as well as possible risks and adverse events associated with patch testing using contact allergens.