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In vitro nail invasion by pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi under different culture conditions
1Department of Dermatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Data from the literature suggest that the nutritional environment can modify major metabolic functions of fungi and possibly their aggressivity towards keratinous structures. Trichophyton rubrum (TR), Microsporum canis (MC), Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (SB), Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) and Penicillium spec. (P) were inoculated on media of different nutritional value, in presence of nail fragments. The activity of the fungi was evaluated at two and four weeks for intensity and depth of invasion of nail samples. Nail invasion was most pronounced by MC, especially when grown on rice agar or peptone agar. Nail invasion by the other fungi tested was less important, Sabourand glucose and rice agar were most favorable. Our results indicate that nutritional factors can, at least in some fungus species, alter their rate of nail invasion.
Insights
Nutritional environments significantly impact fungal nail invasion. Microsporum canis (MC) showed the most pronounced nail invasion on specific media, indicating nutrition alters fungal aggressivity.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medical Mycology
- Fungal Pathogenesis
Background:
- Fungal infections, particularly onychomycosis, are common and challenging to treat.
- The nutritional environment is known to influence fungal metabolism and virulence.
- Understanding factors affecting fungal invasion of keratinous substrates like nails is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different nutritional media on the nail-invading capabilities of common dermatophytes and fungi.
- To evaluate the influence of nutritional variations on the intensity and depth of fungal invasion in nail samples.
Main Methods:
- Five fungal species (Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium spec.) were inoculated on various nutrient-rich media containing nail fragments.
- Fungal activity and nail invasion were assessed at two and four weeks post-inoculation.
- Evaluation focused on the intensity and depth of fungal penetration into nail samples.
Main Results:
- Microsporum canis (MC) exhibited the most significant nail invasion, particularly when cultured on rice agar or peptone agar.
- Other tested fungi showed less pronounced nail invasion.
- Sabouraud glucose agar and rice agar were found to be the most favorable media for nail invasion among the tested fungi.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional factors demonstrably alter the rate and extent of nail invasion by certain fungal species.
- The findings highlight the role of the nutritional environment in modulating fungal pathogenicity towards keratinous structures.
- This research provides insights into optimizing conditions for studying fungal-nail interactions and potentially for therapeutic strategies.