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Low voltage scanning electron microscopy study of naftifine activity on Microsporum canis
P Butty1, A Gorenflot, M Mallié
1Laboratoire d'Immunologic et Parasitologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France.
Abstract:
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is at present considered a good way to observe the morphological alterations induced by an antifungal on pathogenic fungi. Owing to its high precision, low voltage scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM) improves the quality of observations. The Microsporum canis morphology alterations induced by naftifine at a concentration of 0.9 microgram ml-1 (10 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 7 days were studied in LVSEM. The young lateral ramifications and the aborted buds take on a granulous aspect. These granulations can be localized as brassard shapes around hyphae. The mycelial filaments often appear irregularly swollen with bulbous tips. Macroconidia are selectively covered with a microfibrillar network. In addition, LVSEM on control samples reveals pavimentous angular structures on the macroconidial surface and fine granulations on the filament surface of M. canis unknown until now. A cytological study with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of filaments altered by naftifine permitted us to observe the disorganization of cell wall fibrillar structure, an excessive plasma membrane undulation and an intracytoplasmic accumulation of large vesicles with probably lipidic contents.
Insights
Low voltage scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM) reveals naftifine
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Microscopy
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a valuable tool for observing antifungal-induced morphological changes in pathogenic fungi.
- Low voltage scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM) offers enhanced precision for these observations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological alterations in Microsporum canis induced by naftifine using LVSEM.
- To characterize novel surface structures on M. canis observed via LVSEM.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of Microsporum canis with naftifine at 0.9 µg/mL for 7 days.
- Observation of fungal morphology using low voltage scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM).
- Cytological analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of naftifine-altered filaments.
Main Results:
- LVSEM revealed granulous aspects in young hyphae and aborted buds, with brassard-shaped granulations.
- Mycelial filaments showed irregular swelling and bulbous tips; macroconidia developed a microfibrillar network.
- Novel pavimentous angular structures on macroconidia and fine granulations on filament surfaces were identified.
- TEM showed disrupted cell wall structure, plasma membrane undulation, and intracytoplasmic vesicles in treated hyphae.
Conclusions:
- Naftifine induces significant morphological changes in Microsporum canis, observable with LVSEM.
- LVSEM identified previously unknown surface structures on M. canis.
- TEM revealed underlying cytological damage, including cell wall disorganization and membrane alterations.
