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Published on: December 5, 2020
The cutaneous bacterium Janthinobacterium lividum inhibits the growth of Trichophyton rubrum in vitro
Jeremy P Ramsey1, Albert Mercurio, Jessica A Holland
1Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA.
Background:
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is a fungal infection that is both widespread and challenging to treat. Standard treatments consist of topical and systemic therapies of antifungal agents, such as miconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine. The extended nature of topical therapy and the toxicity of long-term systemic therapy limit the utility of current treatments. An alternate approach relies on an understanding of bacterial-fungal interactions. Specifically, a probiotic antifungal bacterium such as Janthinobacterium lividum can counter infection; Janthinobacterium is a major constituent of the human skin microbiota. Janthinobacterium lividum has been shown to ameliorate the effects of the cutaneous fungal disease chytridiomycosis in a vertebrate species (Rana muscosa).
Methods:
Dual-culture plate challenge assays were performed using J. lividum and Trichophyton rubrum, the leading cause of athlete's foot.
Results:
In all cases, T. rubrum colonies grew significantly smaller when co-cultured with J. lividum.
Conclusion:
These in vitro results suggest that J. lividum merits further investigation as a human cutaneous probiotic.
Insights
Janthinobacterium lividum, a skin bacterium, shows potential in combating athlete's foot. This probiotic bacterium inhibited the growth of Trichophyton rubrum, the primary cause of fungal infections on the feet.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Probiotics
Background:
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is a common and difficult-to-treat fungal infection.
- Current treatments like topical and systemic antifungals have limitations, including long duration and potential toxicity.
- Bacterial-fungal interactions offer a novel therapeutic avenue, with probiotic bacteria potentially counteracting fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antifungal properties of Janthinobacterium lividum against Trichophyton rubrum, a common cause of athlete's foot.
- To explore the potential of J. lividum as a probiotic treatment for fungal skin infections.
Main Methods:
- Dual-culture plate assays were employed to assess the interaction between J. lividum and T. rubrum.
- The study focused on in vitro analysis of bacterial-fungal co-culture.
Main Results:
- Trichophyton rubrum colony growth was significantly reduced when co-cultured with Janthinobacterium lividum.
- These findings demonstrate an inhibitory effect of J. lividum on T. rubrum in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Janthinobacterium lividum exhibits antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum.
- J. lividum warrants further research as a potential probiotic for treating human fungal skin infections like athlete's foot.
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