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Trichoderma spp. antagonism to the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum: implications in treatment of onychomycosis

C Omero1, Y Dror, A Freeman

  • 1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv Univresity, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.

Mycopathologia
|November 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Trichoderma virens NRRL 26672 shows promise for treating onychomycosis by inhibiting Trichophyton rubrum. This biological control agent secretes enzymes and antibiotics that disrupt fungal growth and sporulation.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Biological Control
  • Antimicrobial Agents

Background:

  • Onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, is challenging to treat due to pathogen resistance to antifungal drugs.
  • The nail plate structure impedes the penetration of conventional antifungal medications to the site of infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of biological control agents for treating onychomycosis.
  • To screen Trichoderma strains for antagonistic activity against Trichophyton species, the primary cause of onychomycosis.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of commercial Trichoderma strains for antagonism against Trichophyton spp.
  • Culturing Trichoderma virens NRRL 26672 with Trichophyton rubrum hyphae as a carbon source.
  • Analyzing the secretion of extracellular enzymes and antibiotics by Trichoderma virens.

Main Results:

  • Trichoderma virens NRRL 26672 demonstrated significant antagonism against Trichophyton strains, including Trichophyton rubrum NCPF118.
  • Enhanced secretion of chitinases and beta-glucosidases by T. virens, leading to lysis and reduced sporulation of T. rubrum.
  • T. virens also produced antibiotics that inhibited the growth of T. rubrum inoculum.

Conclusions:

  • Trichoderma virens NRRL 26672 is a potent biological control agent against onychomycosis-causing fungi.
  • This study suggests a novel therapeutic strategy for onychomycosis using Trichoderma virens, potentially in combination with existing treatments or as a standalone natural remedy.

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