Evaluation of the antifungal properties of nanoliposomes containing rhinacanthin-C isolated from the leaves of Rhinacanthus nasutus.

Fungal infections represent a challenging threat to the human health. Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum are pathogenic fungi causing various topical mycoses in humans. The globally emerging issue of resistance to fungi demands the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this context, the application of nanoliposomes as vehicles for carrying active therapeutic agents can be a suitable alternative. In this study, rhinacanthin-C was isolated from Rhinacanthus naustus and encapsulated in nano-liposomal formulations, which were prepared by the modified ethanol injection method. The two best formulations composed of soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC), cholesterol (CHL), and tween 80 (T80) in a molar ratio of 1:1:0 (F1) and 1:1:0.5 (F2) were proceeded for experimentation. The physical characteristics and antifungal activities were performed and compared with solutions of rhinacanthin-C. The rhinacanthin-C encapsulating efficiencies in F1 and F2 were 94.69 ± 1.20% and 84.94 ± 1.32%, respectively. The particle sizes were found to be about 221.4 ± 13.76 nm (F1) and 115.8 ± 23.33 nm (F2), and zeta potential values of -38.16 mV (F1) and -40.98 mV (F2). Similarly, the stability studies of rhinacanthin-C in liposomes demonstrated that rhinacanthin-C in both formulations was more stable in mediums with pH of 4.0 and 6.6 than pure rhinacanthin-C when stored at the same conditions. Rhinacanthin-C in F1 was slightly more stable than F2 when stored in mediums with a pH of 10.0 after three months of storage. However, rhinacanthin-C in both formulations was less stable than pure rhinacanthin-C in a basic medium of pH 10.0. The antifungal potential was evaluated against M. gypsum and T. rubrum. The findings revealed a comparatively higher zone of inhibition for F1. In the MIC study, SPC: CHL: T80 showed higher inhibition against M. gypseum and a slightly higher inhibition against T. rubrum compared to free rhinacanthin-C solution. Moreover, rhinacanthin-C showed significant interaction against 14α-demethylase in in silico study. Overall, this study demonstrates that nanoliposomes containing rhinacanthin-C can improve the stability and antifungal potential of rhinacanthin-C with sustained and prolonged duration of action and could be a promising vehicle for delivery of active ingredients for targeting various fungal infections.

Nannizzia species causing dermatophytosis in cats and dogs: First report of Nannizzia incurvata as an etiological agent in Brazil.

Dermatophytosis is a superficial cutaneous infection, most commonly caused by fungal species such as Microsporum canis, Nannizzia gypsea (Microsporum gypseum), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in dogs and cats. The zoonotic potential of these species is concerning, as companion animals are increasingly close to their owners. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to evaluate the current prevalence of Nannizzia-causing canine and feline dermatophytosis in Curitiba and Metropolitan Region, as well as perform phenotypic and phylogenetic characterizations of these isolates. Thus, 241 skin and fur samples from 163 dogs and 78 cats were analyzed from 2020 to 2021. The samples were obtained from animals of three sources: Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná, animal shelters, and private clinics. The diagnosis was performed through phenotypic characterization and sequencing ITS rDNA region. Among 97 positive samples for dermatophytes, Nannizzia was identified in 14 (14.4%) samples, while other dermatophyte genera were found in the remaining 83 (85.6%) samples. Among the canine samples, nine (90%) were N. gypsea, and one (10%) was N. incurvata. Whereas in feline samples, three (75%) were N. gypsea, and one (25%) was N. incurvata. It was concluded that among 97 animals infected with dermatophytes, dogs (24.4%; 10/41) were significantly more affected by Nannizzia than cats (7.1%; 4/56) (P < .05). According to molecular analyses, the ITS rDNA region provided satisfactory results for species-level identification of Nannizzia, confirming the first report of N. incurvata as an etiological agent of canine and feline dermatophytosis in Brazil.

Nannizzia genus affected significantly more dogs (24.4%) than cats (7.1%) (P < .05). The ITS rDNA exhibited higher accuracy for identifying dermatophytes compared to phenotypic diagnosis, allowing the confirmation of the first reports of N. incurvata as an etiological agent of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats in Brazil.

Microsporum gypseum Isolated from Ailuropoda melanoleuca Provokes Inflammation and Triggers Th17 Adaptive Immunity Response.

Microsporum gypseum causes dermatomycoses in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). This study aimed to investigate the immune response of M. gypseum following deep infection. The degree of damage to the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys was evaluated using tissue fungal load, organ index, and histopathological methods. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) detected the mRNA expression of receptors and cytokines in the lung, and immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry, were used to assess immune cells in the lung. The results indicated that conidia mainly colonized the lungs and caused serious injury with M. gypseum infection. Furthermore, dectin-1, TLR-2, and TLR-4 played a role in recognizing M. gypseum cells. Numerous inflammatory cells, mainly macrophages, dendritic cells, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and inflammatory cytokines (TGF-ß, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-23), were activated in the early stages of infection. With the high expression of IL-22, IL-17A, and IL-17F, the Th17 pathway exerted an adaptive immune response to M. gypseum infection. These results can potentially aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by M. gypseum in giant pandas.

Dermatofitosis por Microsporum gypseum en un niño con inmunodeficiencia primaria / Microsporum gypseum dermatophytosis in a child with primary immunodeficiency

El Microsporum gypseum es un hongo geofílico que puede producir lesiones cutáneas inflamatorias en personas sanas. Se han descripto lesiones más extensas en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con dermatofitosis, con exámenes micológicos positivos para Candida sp, Epidermophytom floccosum y Trichophyton tonsurans, al que, ante la mala respuesta al tratamiento con griseofulvina e itraconazol a dosis habituales, se le realizó biopsia cutánea para cultivo que evidenció la presencia de M. gypseum. Debido a la extensión y a la mala respuesta al tratamiento, se realizó evaluación inmunológica y se diagnosticó un defecto en STAT1 con ganancia de función (STAT1-GOF). Los pacientes que tienen esta inmunodeficiencia primaria son susceptibles a las infecciones micóticas, especialmente por Candida, pero también, aunque en menor medida, a virus y bacterias. El paciente aquí presentado recibió tratamiento prolongado con antimicóticos imidazólicos sistémicos, con resolución de las lesiones.

Microsporum gypseum is a geophilic fungus that can cause inflammatory skin lesions in heathy people. More extensive lesions have been described in immunocompromised patients. We present a patient with extensive dermatophytosis, which mycological examination led the identification of Candida sp, Epidermophyton Floccosum and Trichophyton tonsurans and showed poor response to treatment with griseofulvina and itraconazol at usual doses. When skin biopsy was performed, it had positive culture for M. gypseum. Due to the extension and poor response to treatment, immunological assessment was performed and it showed a defect of STAT1 with gain of function (STAT 1-GOF). Patients with primary immunodeficiency are susceptible to fungal infections, especially Candida but also virus and bacteria, although to a lesser extent. The patient received long-term treatment with systemic imidazole antifungal recovering for the lesions.

[Microsporum gypseum dermatophytosis in a child with primary immunodeficiency]. / Dermatofitosis por Microsporum gypseum en un niño con inmunodeficiencia primaria.

Microsporum gypseum is a geophilic fungus that can cause inflammatory skin lesions in heathy people. More extensive lesions have been described in immunocompromised patients. We present a patient with extensive dermatophytosis, which mycological examination led the identification of Candida sp, Epidermophyton Floccosum and Trichophyton tonsurans and showed poor response to treatment with griseofulvina and itraconazol at usual doses. When skin biopsy was performed, it had positive culture for M. gypseum. Due to the extension and poor response to treatment, immunological assessment was performed and it showed a defect of STAT1 with gain of function (STAT 1-GOF). Patients with primary immunodeficiency are susceptible to fungal infections, especially Candida but also virus and bacteria, although to a lesser extent. The patient received long-term treatment with systemic imidazole antifungal recovering for the lesions.

El Microsporum gypseum es un hongo geofílico que puede producir lesiones cutáneas inflamatorias en personas sanas. Se han descripto lesiones más extensas en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con dermatofitosis, con exámenes micológicos positivos para Candida sp, Epidermophytom floccosum y Trichophyton tonsurans, al que, ante la mala respuesta al tratamiento con griseofulvina e itraconazol a dosis habituales, se le realizó biopsia cutánea para cultivo que evidenció la presencia de M. gypseum. Debido a la extensión y a la mala respuesta al tratamiento, se realizó evaluación inmunológica y se diagnosticó un defecto en STAT1 con ganancia de función (STAT1-GOF). Los pacientes que tienen esta inmunodeficiencia primaria son susceptibles a las infecciones micóticas, especialmente por Candida, pero también, aunque en menor medida, a virus y bacterias. El paciente aquí presentado recibió tratamiento prolongado con antimicóticos imidazólicos sistémicos, con resolución de las lesiones.

Kerion Celsi Caused by Nannizzia gypsea in a Two-Year-Old Child Who Had Been Hospitalized Since Birth.

Nannizzia gypsea, previously known as Microsporum gypseum, is a geophilic dermatophyte that infects humans from the soil. We isolated N. gypsea from a two-year-old girl with kerion celsi. Because of her serious medical condition, she was admitted to the pediatric ward immediately after birth. We struggled to identify the route of infection, and eventually identified her grandmother's handmade belt, which covered the endotracheal-tube-holding device, as the infection source. To prevent indirect transmission of pathogenic microorganisms from outside the hospital environment, our hospital prohibited the bringing of belongings from outside.

Olorofim Effectively Eradicates Dermatophytes In Vitro and In Vivo.

Superficial fungal infections are prevalent worldwide, with dermatophytes as the most common cause. Various antifungal agents including azoles and allylamines are commonly used to treat dermatophytosis. However, their overuse has yielded drug-resistant strains, calling for the development of novel antimycotic compounds. Olorofim is a newly developed antifungal compound that targets pyrimidine biosynthesis in molds. The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro and in vivo antifungal effects of olorofim against common dermatophytes. The in vitro activity of olorofim against dermatophytes was assessed by microtiter broth dilution method. Bioinformatic analysis of olorofim binding to dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) of dermatophytes was also performed, using Aspergillus fumigatus DHODH as a template. The in vivo efficacy of the drug was investigated, using a guinea pig model, experimentally infected with Microsporum gypseum. Microtiter assays confirmed the high in vitro sensitivity of dermatophytes to olorofim (MIC = 0.015-0.06 mg/liter). Amino acid sequence analysis indicated that DHODH is highly conserved among dermatophytes. The critical residues, in dermatophytes, involved in olorofim binding were similar to their counterparts in A. fumigatus DHODH, which explains their susceptibility to olorofim. Typical skin lesions of dermatophyte infection were observed in the guinea pig model at 7 days postinoculation. Following 1 week of daily topical administration of olorofim, similar to the clotrimazole group, the skin lesions were resolved and normal hair growth patterns appeared. In light of the in vitro and in vivo activity of olorofim against dermatophytes, this novel agent may be considered as a treatment of choice against dermatophytosis.

Subtilisin Gene Activity in Dermatophytes: A study on the Presence of the Subtilisin Gene in Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum gypseum in Clinical and Nonclinical Samples in Tehran, Iran.

The keratinolytic activities of dermatophyte species are accompanied by the secretion of enzymes, such as serine proteases, which are coded by the Subtilisin (SUB) genes. This study aimed to determine the presence of the SUB genes in the clinical and nonclinical samples of Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum gypseum. Isolation was carried out by direct and laboratory examination. Following that, for the determination of the presence of the SUB gene, polymerase chain reaction with specific primers was conducted. The frequencies of the SUB gene were observed in almost 66% of the isolates. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between the presence of the SUB gene and the samples collected from human, animals, and soil (p ˂0.005). The current investigation has been the first study of the presence/absence of the SUB gene in the clinical and nonclinical isolates of T. verrucosum and M. gypseum in Iran which may be a new step to perform further studies.

Screening Balanites aegyptiaca for inhibitors against putative drug targets in Microsporum gypseum - Subtractive proteome, docking and simulation approach.

Microsporum gypseum is a keratinophilic fungi grouped under dermatophytes infecting skin, hair and nail portions in human and animals causing tinea corporis, tinea facei and tinea capitis. As both human and fungi are eukaryotes, the available drugs for treating dermatophytes produce some side effects due to drug interaction with human also. Apart from this, the gut microbiota has a very big role in the health of human which should not be affected by the drugs. Hence this study focused on finding a target which is unique and essential to M. gypseum and non-homologous to human and gut microbiota, non-homologous to human domain architecture, highly interacting with other proteins, sub-cellular localization of proteins and non-druggability analysis of the targets using subtractive proteomics approach which resulted with 3 novel drug targets from M. gypseum which were modeled using I-TASSER, refined by ModRefiner and validated by PROCHECK. Further these targets were docked with compounds identified through LC-MS of fractioned methanol extract of B. aegyptiaca fruit pulp using Glide module and the stability of the docked complex was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation using Desmond module of Schrodinger. Cyanidin-3-O-rhamnoside had better interaction with all the targets and Taurocholic acid had better result with ECCP which suggests the multi-targeting potency of these two compounds against M. gypseum which has to be confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies.

Isolation of benzolactones, Ganodumones A-F from Ganoderma lucidum and their antibacterial activities.

Six previously undescribed benzolactone constituents, ganodumones A-F (1-6), a new type of Ganoderma meroterpenoids (GMs) fused with 1,2,3,4,5-pentasubstituted phenyl and 1',2'-dioxy-3'-methyl-pentyl chain were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray crystal diffraction, and ECD computational methods. Meanwhile, bioactive evaluation showed that compounds 3 and 5 have antibacterial activities against Microsporum gypseum with MIC90 56.86 ± 3.98 and 18.48 ± 0.47 µg/mL, respectively.

Trichophyton species and Microsporum gypseum infection and fomite carriage in cats from three animal shelters: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this retrospective case series was to report on the clinical aspects of confirmed Trichophyton species and Microsporum gypseum infections in cats from three animal shelters. METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study. Fungal culture and treatment data from three animal shelters was retrospectively reviewed to identify cats with dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton species or M gypseum. RESULTS: Among the three shelters only four cats were diagnosed with M gypseum dermatophytosis. With respect to Trichophyton species infections, there were six cases identified and treated in a 1 year period in one shelter, 13 cases over 13 years in the second shelter and 27 cases over 5 years in the third shelter. Four cases of M gypseum dermatophytosis were treated in the third shelter. Young cats were most commonly infected and the disease was most commonly diagnosed in the fall and winter months. Lesions were inflammatory and found predominantly on the head and neck. There was a rapid response to treatment in all cases; mean (n = 20) and median (n = 17) days to mycological cure were calculated from available data. Fungal culture data revealed fomite carriage without clinical evidence of infection for Trichophyton species (n = 43) cats and M gypseum (n = 37) cats. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: There is a paucity of clinical information about non-Microsporum canis dermatophytosis in shelter cats. This study data shows that Trichophyton species and M gypseum infections do occur but are uncommon. Based upon the rapid response to conventional treatment, these infections do not represent a treatment challenge, as most cats reached mycological cure within 3 weeks.

The Inhibitory Effect of Essential Oils on Rhizopus stolonifer, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum.

BACKGROUND: Rhizopus stolonifer is an opportunistic fungus that causes respiratory infections, sinusitis, and otomycosis. Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum cause athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail infections. Previous research has shown that some essential oils inhibit fungal growth. METHODS: We investigated the effects of 0.5% and 1% concentrations of Rosmarinus officinalis, Cinnamomum verum, Citrus paradisi, and Capsicum annuum extracts on the growth of R. stolonifer and T. mentagrophytes. The combined effects also were determined at 0.5% concentration for these fungal species and for M. gypseum. Fungal species were grown in flasks, along with growth media, for 7, 14, and 21 days, with each species of essential oil or combination of oils and mass determined and compared to its control. RESULTS: Rosmarinus officinalis, Cinnamomum verum, and Citrus paradisi had overall significant inhibitory effects (P ≤.05) on R. stolonifer and T. mentagrophytes. C. annuum significantly (P ≤.05) inhibited the growth of T. mentagrophytes and enhanced that of R. stolonifer. The combination of essential oils resulted in inhibition of growth (P ≤.05) at similar percentages as R. officinalis, C. verum, and C. paradisi only. CONCLUSION: Essential oils such as Rosmarinus officinalis, Cinnamomum verum, and Citrus paradisi may be useful for treating opportunistic and dermatophytic fungal diseases.

In vitro susceptibility of Microsporum spp. and mammalian cells to Eugenia caryophyllus essential oil, eugenol and semisynthetic derivatives.

BACKGROUND: Microsporum spp. are keratinophilic dermatophytes that mainly invade the stratum corneum of the skin and hair causing clinical symptoms associated with tinea. Its treatment has several limitations, and the search for new active molecules is necessary. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antifungal and cytotoxic potential of Eugenia caryophyllus essential oil (EO), eugenol, isoeugenol and methylisoeugenol against Microsporum canis, M. gypseum and Vero cells. METHODS: The EO was extracted by conventional heating-assisted hydrodistillation, the eugenol obtained commercially and the derivatives through Williamson synthesis. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MICs), minimum fungicidal concentration, inhibition of radial mycelial growth and germination inhibition were used to evaluate the antifungal activity. In addition, a colorimetric test was conducted to evaluate cytotoxic activity. RESULTS: MIC and MFC values for all compounds were 62.5-500 µg/mL for both of the species of Microsporum evaluated. Also, concentrations of 300 µg/mL of the compounds inhibited 100% of M. canis mycelium. The inhibition of germination was observed after 6 hours of treatment (11.86 ± 3.46-85.31 ± 0%). No cytotoxicity was observed in Vero cells (CC50  > 105 µg/mL), whereas terbinafine showed CC50 31.00 ± 0.61 µg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates an interesting bioactivity of isoeugenol and methylisoeugenol against M. canis, M. gypseum and mammalian cells.

Low But Continuous Occurrence of Microsporum gypseum Infection in the Study on 198 Cases in South Korea from 1979 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Microsporum gypseum has been isolated from South Korea since 1966. However, the incidence of M. gypseum infection is very low. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to add massive data on M. gypseum to the literature and to provide useful information on clinical and mycological characteristics of M. gypseum. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 198 cases infected with M. gypseum from 1979 to 2016. The identification of M. gypseum was done with mycological examination using 15% KOH preparation and potato corn meal tween 80 agar culture media. RESULTS: The incidence of M. gypseum infection was very low in South Korea, showing a tendency to decrease. Out of 198 cases, men were 94 cases (47.5%) and women were 104 cases (52.5%). Mean age of all patients was 29.83 years old: 24.97 years old in men and 34.22 years old in women. M. gypseum infection occurred most frequently in September (16.7%) and August (16.2%). The most common clinical type of M. gypseum infection was tinea corporis (38.4%). CONCLUSION: M. gypseum infection shows very low incidence but still remains around us until recent years. We should keep in mind the characteristics of M. gypseum.

Isolamento e perfil enzimático de cães e gatos com dermatofitose atendidos em hospitais veterinários do Recife, Pernambuco / Isolation and enzymatic profile of dogs and cats with dermatofitosis attended at veterinary hospitals in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

Os dermatófitos são fungos que podem causar infecções superficiais da pele, cabelo e unhas em humanos e animais. As espécies de dermatófitos mais frequentemente isoladas dos cães e gatos afetados por micoses são Microsporum gypseum e principalmente Microsporum canis. O papel crucial durante o processo de infecção é a produção de enzimas extracelulares essenciais para a invasão e estabelecimento do agente patogênico no tecido do hospedeiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi isolar dermatófitos de cães e gatos e avaliar o perfil enzimático dos isolados obtidos. Amostras de pelos e escamas epidérmicas foram coletadas de cães e gatos em instalações veterinárias em Recife/PE, e os isolados foram identificados com base nas características macroscópicas e microscópicas. A análise qualitativa das enzimas urease, protease, lipase, colagenase e fosfolipase foi avaliada a partir dos dermatófitos isolados. Durante 10 meses, um total de 106 animais, que compreendeu de 99 cães e sete gatos com sinais clínicos, independentemente do sexo e raça foram avaliados. Apenas oito animais foram confirmados com dermatofitose, principalmente cães (n=7), sendo seis afetados por M. canis e um por M. gypseum, a raça mais afetada foi Yorkshire (n=3). No entanto, apenas um gato foi confirmado com M. canis. Não foi observada predisposição relacionada ao sexo quanto à ocorrência de dermatofitose nos cães e gatos avaliados. Os dermatófitos isolados apresentaram perfis semelhantes para as enzimas urease, lipase, protease, fosfolipase e colagenase, característica importante em infecções patogênicas. O diagnóstico clínico destas zoonoses com base na confirmação microbiológica e uma compreensão dos mecanismos subjacentes é de grande importância para o tratamento e prevenção de doenças fúngicas em animais.(AU)

Dermatophytes are fungi that can cause superficial infections of the skin, hair and nails in man and animals. The most frequent dermatophyte species isolated from dogs and cats are Microsporum gypseum, most notably Microsporum canis. The crucial role during the infection process is the production of extracellular enzymes essential for the invasion and establishment of the pathogen in the host tissue. The objective of this research was to isolate dermatophytes from dogs and cats and evaluate the enzymatic profile of the isolates obtained. Hair samples and epidermal scales were collected from dogs and cats in veterinary facilities in Recife-PE, and the isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The qualitative analysis of the enzymes urease, protease, lipase, collagenase and phospholipase was evaluated from the isolated dermatophytes. During 10 months, a total of 106 animals, comprising of 99 dogs and seven cats with clinical signs, regardless of sex and race were evaluated. Only eight animals were confirmed with dermatophytosis, mostly dogs (n=7), being six affected by M. canis and one by M. gypseum, the race most affected was Yorkshire (n=3). However, only one cat was confirmed with M. canis. No sex-related predisposition was observed regarding the occurrence of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats evaluated. Isolated dermatophytes showed similar profiles for the enzymes urease, lipase, protease, phospholipase and collagenase, important characteristic for pathogenic infections. The diagnosis of this zoonosis based on microbiological confirmation and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is of great importance for the treatment and prevention of fungal diseases in animals.(AU)

Tiña capitis por Microsporum gypseum, una especie infrecuente / Tinea capitis by Microsporum gypseum, an infrequent species

La tiña capitis es considerada la infección por dermatofitos más frecuente en los niños. Los agentes etiológicos varían con el tiempo y según la zona geográfica, aunque, normalmente, son dermatofitos de origen zoofílico y, en los últimos años, también dermatofitos antropofílicos. Se presenta un caso de tiña capitis inflamatoria en un niño de 6 años de edad causada por Microsporum gypseum, un hongo geofílico patógeno para humanos y animales. Las fuentes de infección humana son el suelo, los gatos, los perros y pequeños mamíferos. Esta especie es poco frecuente como causa de dermatofitosis en el hombre, descrita, sobre todo, en tiña corporis y, raramente, en tiña capitis. En el diagnóstico de tiña capitis, identificar la especie causal es un factor determinante para el tratamiento.

Tinea capitis is considered the most frequent dermatophyte infection in children. The etiological agents vary from time to time and by geographical area, although they normally are zoophilic dermatophytes and in the last years also anthropophilic species. We report a clinical case of inflammatory tinea capitis in a 6-year-old child caused by Microsporum gypseum, a geophilic fungus pathogenic to humans and animals. The sources of human infection are soil, cats, dogs and small mammals. This species is less frequent as a cause of dermatophytosis in humans, described mainly in tinea corporis and rarely in tinea capitis. In the diagnosis of tinea capitis identifying the causative species is a determinant of the treatment.

[Tinea capitis by Microsporum gypseum, an infrequent species]. / Tiña capitis por Microsporum gypseum, una especie infrecuente.

Tinea capitis is considered the most frequent dermatophyte infection in children. The etiological agents vary from time to time and by geographical area, although they normally are zoophilic dermatophytes and in the last years also anthropophilic species. We report a clinical case of inflammatory tinea capitis in a 6-year-old child caused by Microsporum gypseum, a geophilic fungus pathogenic to humans and animals. The sources of human infection are soil, cats, dogs and small mammals. This species is less frequent as a cause of dermatophytosis in humans, described mainly in tinea corporis and rarely in tinea capitis. In the diagnosis of tinea capitis identifying the causative species is a determinant of the treatment.

La tiña capitis es considerada la infección por dermatofitos más frecuente en los niños. Los agentes etiológicos varían con el tiempo y según la zona geográfica, aunque, normalmente, son dermatofitos de origen zoofílico y, en los últimos años, también dermatofitos antropofílicos. Se presenta un caso de tiña capitis inflamatoria en un niño de 6 años de edad causada por Microsporum gypseum, un hongo geofílico patógeno para humanos y animales. Las fuentes de infección humana son el suelo, los gatos, los perros y pequeños mamíferos. Esta especie es poco frecuente como causa de dermatofitosis en el hombre, descrita, sobre todo, en tiña corporis y, raramente, en tiña capitis. En el diagnóstico de tiña capitis, identificar la especie causal es un factor determinante para el tratamiento.

Case Report of Onychomycosis and Tinea Corporis Due to Microsporum gypseum.

BACKGROUND: Microsporum gypseum is a geophilic dermatophyte that colonises keratinous substances in the soil. Fur-bearing animals carry this dermatophyte but are rarely infected. Human infection can be acquired from the soil, carrier or infected animals, and rarely other humans. M gypseum is an uncommon cause of cutaneous infection in humans and typically manifests as tinea corporis, tinea barbae, and tinea capitis. Onychomycosis is rarely caused by M gypseum. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of a 32-year-old white man who presented with a red scaly rash and nail dystrophy after adopting a pet rat 10 years prior to presentation. A fungal culture of a nail clipping grew out M gypseum, and the patient was treated with terbinafine daily for 6 weeks for dystrophic onychomycosis and tinea corporis. After the 6 weeks of treatment, the erythema at the proximal nail fold and distal finger had improved but still persisted. An additional 6 weeks of terbinafine daily completely resolved the clinical manifestations of onychomycosis. CONCLUSION: The increase in incidence of M gypseum onychomycosis over the past 2 decades is thought to be due to phylogenetic evolution of the dermatophyte from soil saprophyte to a human parasite. Increasing domestication of mammals is also thought to contribute to increasing incidence. Treatment consists of an extended course of terbinafine or itraconazole.

Low But Continuous Occurrence of Microsporum gypseum Infection in the Study on 198 Cases in South Korea from 1979 to 2016

BACKGROUND: Microsporum gypseum has been isolated from South Korea since 1966. However, the incidence of M. gypseum infection is very low. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to add massive data on M. gypseum to the literature and to provide useful information on clinical and mycological characteristics of M. gypseum. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 198 cases infected with M. gypseum from 1979 to 2016. The identification of M. gypseum was done with mycological examination using 15% KOH preparation and potato corn meal tween 80 agar culture media. RESULTS: The incidence of M. gypseum infection was very low in South Korea, showing a tendency to decrease. Out of 198 cases, men were 94 cases (47.5%) and women were 104 cases (52.5%). Mean age of all patients was 29.83 years old: 24.97 years old in men and 34.22 years old in women. M. gypseum infection occurred most frequently in September (16.7%) and August (16.2%). The most common clinical type of M. gypseum infection was tinea corporis (38.4%). CONCLUSION: M. gypseum infection shows very low incidence but still remains around us until recent years. We should keep in mind the characteristics of M. gypseum.

First Isolation of Arthroderma fulvum in Japan.

Morphology and molecular characteristics of Microsporum gypseum clinical isolates obtained from the fur of a normal rabbit (n=1) and the soil from 10 different rabbit hutches in six elementary schools (n=10) were examined. Isolates were also identified by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. All 11 isolates demonstrated homology with the Arthroderma fulvum ITS sequence. Furthermore, PCR analysis for the presence of mating type genes detected positivity for MAT1-1 (n=10) and MAT1-2 (n=1). However, no mating reaction was detected between A. fulvum reference strains and the clinical isolates.