Onychomycosis due to nondermatophytic molds

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus
05:34

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Published on: June 6, 2025

Sung Min Hwang1, Moo Kyu Suh, Gyoung Yim Ha

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju, Korea.

Annals of Dermatology
|May 12, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Onychomycosis caused by nondermatophytic molds (NDM) is increasingly reported in Korea. Aspergillus species were the most common NDM identified in this 10-year study, highlighting the need for careful mycological diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the nail.
  • Nondermatophytic molds (NDM) are increasingly recognized as causative agents of onychomycosis globally.
  • Limited data exists on NDM-related onychomycosis in Korea.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of onychomycosis caused by NDM in the Gyeongju region of Korea.
  • To identify the specific NDM species responsible for onychomycosis.
  • To analyze patient demographics and associated conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 59 patients diagnosed with NDM onychomycosis between 1999 and 2009.
  • Fungal identification using Sabouraud's Dextrose agar cultures (with and without cycloheximide).
  • Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis for species identification in select cases.
  • Pathogen confirmation through direct microscopy and follow-up cultures.

Main Results:

  • NDM accounted for 2.3% of all onychomycosis cases studied.
  • Toenail onychomycosis was predominant (84.7%).
  • Aspergillus spp. (83.0%) was the most frequent isolate, followed by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (10.2%).
  • The highest incidence was observed in the fifth decade of life.
  • Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were common comorbidities.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of onychomycosis due to NDM is rising.
  • Accurate mycological examination is crucial for diagnosing NDM onychomycosis.
  • Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and management of NDM onychomycosis in Korea.
Keywords:
MoldsOnychomycosis

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota01:26

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...