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Gupta AK, Wang T, Polla Ravi S, Cooper EA, Bamimore MA, Lincoln SA, Foreman HC, Piguet V, Bakotic WL. Potential emergence of terbinafine resistance by squalene epoxidase gene mutations: An 18-month cohort study of onychomycosis patients in the United States. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13768. [PMID: 39036952 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a concerning rise in antifungal-resistant dermatophytosis globally, with resistance to terbinafine conferred by point mutations in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene. OBJECTIVES Report changes in the prevalence and profile of SQLE mutations in onychomycosis patients in the United States. METHODS A longitudinal cohort study of toenail samples was collected from suspected onychomycosis patients over an 18-month period from 2022 to 2023. Samples were submitted from across the United States and subjected to multiplex real-time polymerase chain reactions for dermatophyte detection, with further screening of SQLE mutations at four known hotspots (393Leu, 397Phe, 415Phe and 440His). RESULTS A total of 62,056 samples were submitted (mean age: 57.5 years; female: 60.4%). Dermatophytes were detected in 38.5% of samples, primarily Trichophyton rubrum complex (83.6%) and T. mentagrophytes complex (10.7%). A survey of SQLE mutations was carried out in 22,610 dermatophyte samples; there was a significant increase in the prevalence of SQLE mutations between the first quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2023 (29.0 to 61.9 per 1000 persons). The Phe397Leu substitution was the predominant mutation; Phe415Ser and His440Tyr have also emerged which were previously reported as minor mutations in skin samples. The temporal change in mutation rates can be primarily attributed to the Phe415Ser substitution. Samples from elderly patients (>70 years) are more likely to be infected with the T. mentagrophytes complex including strains harbouring the Phe415Ser substitution. CONCLUSION The prevalence of SQLE mutations among onychomycosis patients with Trichophyton infections may be underestimated. Older individuals may have a higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tong Wang
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Vincent Piguet
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Tamimi P, Fattahi M, Ghaderi A, Firooz A, Shirvani F, Alkhen A, Zamani S. Terbinafine-resistant T. indotineae due to F397L/L393S or F397L/L393F mutation among corticoid-related tinea incognita patients. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:922-934. [PMID: 38924688 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Tinea incognita (TI) can mimic other dermatoses, presenting a diagnostic challenge for dermatologists. In some uncertain cases, it is crucial to accurately identify the causative agent using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. The global issue of drug-resistant dermatophytosis is increasing, with Trichophyton (T.) indotineae being the main cause. This study presents four cases of TI (diagnosed as eczema) by terbinafine-resistant T. indotineae strains and reviews the current global TI epidemiology based on geographical continent and related conditions. Furthermore, squalene epoxidase (SQLE)-associated resistance mechanisms are evaluated. Lesions caused by terbinafine-resistant T. indotineae strains do not respond to allylamine antifungals, thus allowing the infection to spread. Among T. indotineae isolates, the SQLE F397L substitution is the most prevalent mutation contributing to azole resistance. F397L and L393F replacements in SQLE were detected in all isolates that exhibited high-level resistance. L393S was seen in isolates with low-resistant strains. Interestingly, and for the first time, an L393F amino acid substitution in the SQLE gene product was detected in the Iranian clinical T. indotineae strain. Also, a genomics-based update on terbinafine resistance that focuses on T. indotineae is discussed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Tamimi
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Fattahi
- Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatric Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliasghar Ghaderi
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Firooz
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Shirvani
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shayan Zamani
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Haghani I, Babaie M, Hoseinnejad A, Rezaei-Matehkolaei A, Mofarrah R, Yahyazadeh Z, Kermani F, Javidnia J, Shokohi T, Azish M, Kamyab Hesari K, Saeedi M, Ghasemi Z, Khojasteh S, Hajheydari Z, Mosayebi E, Valadan R, Seyedmousavi S, Abastabar M, Hedayati MT. High Prevalence of Terbinafine Resistance Among Trichophyton mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale Species Complex, a Cross-Sectional Study from 2021 to 2022 in Northern Parts of Iran. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:52. [PMID: 38864945 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Treatment-resistant dermatophytosis caused by the members of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes/Trichophyton interdigitale species group (TMTISG) is increasing worldwide. We aimed to determine the prevalence of TMTISG in patients with dermatophytosis in two centers from north of Iran and detect the possible mutations in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene in relevant terbinafine (TRB) resistant pathogenic isolates. From November 2021 to December 2022, 1960 patients suspected to dermatophytosis and referred to two mycology referral laboratories in the north of Iran were included in the study. Identification of all dermatophyte isolates was confirmed by RFLP of rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Antifungal susceptibility testing against five common antifungals using the CLSI-M38-A3 protocol was performed. The TMTISG isolates resistant to TRB, were further analyzed to determine the possible mutations in the SQLE gene. Totally, 647 cases (33%) were positive for dermatophytosis of which 280 cases (43.3%) were identified as members of TMTISG. These were more frequently isolated from tinea corporis 131 (44.56%) and tinea cruris 116 (39.46%). Of 280 TMTISG isolates, 40 (14.3%) were resistant to TRB (MIC ≥ 4 µg/mL), all found to be T. indotineae in ITS sequencing. In SQLE sequencing 34 (85%) of TRB-resistant isolates had coincident mutations of Phe397Leu and Ala448Thr whereas four and two isolates had single mutations of Phe397Leu and Leu393Ser, respectively. Overall, the resistance of Iranian TMTISG isolates to TRB greatly occurred by a mutation of Phe397Leu in the SQLE gene as alone or in combination with Ala448Thr. Nevertheless, for the occurrence of in vitro resistance, only the presence of Phe397Leu mutation seems to be decisive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Haghani
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Babaie
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Akbar Hoseinnejad
- Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Rezaei-Matehkolaei
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ramin Mofarrah
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Yahyazadeh
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Firoozeh Kermani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Javad Javidnia
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Tahereh Shokohi
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Azish
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Kambiz Kamyab Hesari
- Department of Dermatopathology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Saeedi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zeinab Ghasemi
- Department of Dermatopathology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Khojasteh
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, 7916613885, Iran
| | - Zohreh Hajheydari
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Elham Mosayebi
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center (MCBRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyedmojtaba Seyedmousavi
- Microbiology Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mahdi Abastabar
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Taghi Hedayati
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Mahmood HR, Shams-Ghahfarokhi M, Salehi Z, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M. Epidemiological trends, antifungal drug susceptibility and SQLE point mutations in etiologic species of human dermatophytosis in Al-Diwaneyah, Iraq. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12669. [PMID: 38830918 PMCID: PMC11148054 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63425-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes show a wide geographic distribution and are the main causative agents of skin fungal infections in many regions of the world. Recently, their resistance to antifungal drugs has led to an obstacle to effective treatment. To address the lack of dermatophytosis data in Iraq, this study was designed to investigate the distribution and prevalence of dermatophytes in the human population and single point mutations in squalene epoxidase gene (SQLE) of terbinafine resistant isolates. The identification of 102 dermatophytes isolated from clinical human dermatophytosis was performed through morphological and microscopic characteristics followed by molecular analysis based on ITS and TEF-1α sequencing. Phylogeny was achieved through RAxML analysis. CLSI M38-A2 protocol was used to assess antifungal susceptibility of the isolates to four major antifungal drugs. Additionally, the presence of point mutations in SQLE gene, which are responsible for terbinafine resistance was investigated. Tinea corporis was the most prevalent clinical manifestation accounting for 37.24% of examined cases of dermatophytosis. Based on ITS, T. indotineae (50.98%), T. mentagrophytes (19.61%), and M. canis (29.41%) was identified as an etiologic species. T. indotineae and T. mentagrophytes strains were identified as T. interdigitale based on TEF-1α. Terbinafine showed the highest efficacy among the tested antifungal drugs. T. indotineae and T. mentagrophytes showed the highest resistance to antifungal drugs with MICs of 2-4 and 4 μg/mL, while M. canis was the most susceptible species. Three of T. indotineae isolates showed mutations in SQLE gene Phe397Leu substitution. A non-previously described point mutation, Phe311Leu was identified in T. indotineae and mutations Lys276Asn, Phe397Leu and Leu419Phe were diagnosed in T. mentagrophytes XVII. The results of mutation analysis showed that Phe397Leu was a destabilizing mutation; protein stability has decreased with variations in pH, and point mutations affected the interatomic interaction, resulting in bond disruption. These results could help to control the progression of disease effectively and make decisions regarding the selection of appropriate drugs for dermatophyte infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein R Mahmood
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-331, Iran
- Department of Pathological Analysis, Faculty of Sciences, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
| | - Masoomeh Shams-Ghahfarokhi
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-331, Iran.
| | - Zahra Salehi
- Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
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Oladzad V, Nasrollahi Omran A, Haghani I, Nabili M, Seyedmousavi S, Hedayati MT. Multi-drug resistance Trichophyton indotineae in a stray dog. Res Vet Sci 2024; 166:105105. [PMID: 38065018 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
A 2.5-year-old stray dog showed signs of hair loss, mild skin crusting, and redness on extremities and trunk. The etiologic agent was confirmed as Trichophyton indotineae by sequencing of ITS region. Using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI M38-A3) guideline, antifungal susceptibility testing showed multidrug resistance phenotype against terbinafine (16 μg/mL-1), itraconazole, and some other tested antifungals (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC≥16 μg/mL-1). However, luliconazole was found to be active in- vitro (0.016 μg/mL-1). Upon further studies, sequencing of SQLE gene showed an amino acids substitution of Phe397Leu and Ala448Thr, which is potentially linked to terbinafine resistance in Trichophyton species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Oladzad
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Ayatollah Nasrollahi Omran
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
| | - Iman Haghani
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Nabili
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyedmojtaba Seyedmousavi
- Microbiology Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Taghi Hedayati
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Gupta AK, Cooper EA, Wang T, Polla Ravi S, Lincoln SA, Piguet V, McCarthy LR, Bakotic WL. Detection of Squalene Epoxidase Mutations in United States Patients with Onychomycosis: Implications for Management. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:2476-2483.e7. [PMID: 37236595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to oral terbinafine, the most commonly used antifungal to treat dermatophytosis and onychomycosis worldwide, is being increasingly reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the species distribution and prevalence of squalene epoxidase mutations among toenail dermatophyte isolates. Samples from 15,683 patients suspected of onychomycosis visiting the offices of dermatologists and podiatrists in the United States were analyzed. Clinical information was reviewed, and dermatophyte species with or without squalene epoxidase mutations were detected using multiplex real-time PCRs. The frequency of dermatophytes was 37.6%; of isolates belonging to the Trichophyton genus, 88.3% were the T. rubrum complex, and 11.2% were the T. mentagrophytes complex. Individuals aged >70 years exhibited higher infection rates for the T. mentagrophytes complex. The overall mutation rate among Trichophyton spp. was 3.7%, with a higher mutation rate detected in the T. mentagrophytes complex (4.3 vs. 3.6%). Commonly detected mutations were T1189C/Phe397Leu (34.5%), T1306C/Phe415Ser (16.0%), and C1191A/Phe397Leu (11.0%). Squalene epoxidase gene mutations associated with decreased terbinafine susceptibility have been identified in United States patients with toenail onychomycosis. Physicians should be aware of the risk factors for resistance development and engage in antifungal stewardship practices such as directed diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytosis and onychomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Mediprobe Research, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Tong Wang
- Mediprobe Research, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Vincent Piguet
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Dermatology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Charpantidis S, Siopi M, Pappas G, Theodoridou K, Tsiamis C, Samonis G, Chryssou SE, Gregoriou S, Rigopoulos D, Tsakris A, Vrioni G. Changing Epidemiology of Tinea Capitis in Athens, Greece: The Impact of Immigration and Review of Literature. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:703. [PMID: 37504692 PMCID: PMC10381159 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass population movements have altered the epidemiology of tinea capitis (TC) in countries receiving refugees. Periodic monitoring of the local pathogen profiles may serve as a basis for both the selection of appropriate empirical antifungal therapy and the implementation of preventive actions. Therefore, we investigated the impact of an unprecedented immigration wave occurring in Greece since 2015 on the epidemiological trends of TC. All microbiologically confirmed TC cases diagnosed during the period 2012-2019 in a referral academic hospital for dermatological disorders in Athens, Greece, were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 583 patients were recorded, where 348 (60%) were male, 547 (94%) were children and 160 (27%) were immigrants from Balkan, Middle Eastern, Asian as well as African countries. The overall annual incidence of TC was 0.49, with a significant increase over the years (p = 0.007). M. canis was the predominant causative agent (74%), followed by T. violaceum (12%), T. tonsurans (7%) and other rare dermatophyte species (7%). M. canis prevalence decreased from 2014 to 2019 (84% to 67%, p = 0.021) in parallel with a three-fold increase in T. violaceum plus T. tonsurans rates (10% to 32%, p = 0.002). An increasing incidence of TC with a shift towards anthropophilic Trichophyton spp. in Greece could be linked to the immigration flows from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Charpantidis
- Department of Microbiology, "Elena Venizelou" Maternity Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Siopi
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, "Attikon" University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Pappas
- Institute of Continuing Medical Education of Ioannina, 45333 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Theodoridou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, "Andreas Syggros" Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, 16121 Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Tsiamis
- Department of Public and Integrated Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - George Samonis
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion Crete, Greece
| | - Stella-Eugenia Chryssou
- Department of Microbiology, "Andreas Syggros" Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, 16121 Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Gregoriou
- 1st Department of Dermatology and Venereology, "Andreas Syggros" Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 16121 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Rigopoulos
- 1st Department of Dermatology and Venereology, "Andreas Syggros" Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 16121 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, "Andreas Syggros" Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, 16121 Athens, Greece
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Durdu M, Ilkit M. Strategies to improve the diagnosis and clinical treatment of dermatophyte infections. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:29-40. [PMID: 36329574 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2144232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Significant problems are associated with the diagnosis and treatment of dermatophyte infections, which constitute the most common fungal infections of the skin. Although this is a common problem in the community, there are no adequate guidelines for the management of all forms of dermatophyte infections. Even if dermatophytes are correctly diagnosed, they sometimes exhibit poor susceptibility to several antifungal compounds. Therefore, long-term treatment may be needed, especially in immunosuppressed patients, for whom antifungal pharmacotherapy may be inconvenient owing to allergies and undesirable drug interaction-related effects. AREAS COVERED In this review article, problems related to the diagnosis and treatment of dermatophyte infections have been discussed, and suggestions to resolve these problems have been presented. EXPERT OPINION Pretreatment microscopic or mycological examinations should be performed for dermatophyte infections. In treatment-refractory cases, antifungal-resistant strains should be determined using antifungal susceptibility testing or via molecular methods. Natural herbal, laser, and photodynamic treatments can be used as alternative treatments in patients who cannot tolerate topical and systemic antifungal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Durdu
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Başkent University Adana Hospital, Adana, Turkey
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
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