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Published on: January 26, 2016
The effect of microwave irradiation on the vitality of various dermatophytes
Debby Budihardja1, Peter Mayser
1Clinic for Dermatology, Venerology, and Allergology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
Abstract:
Dermatomycosis is one of the most common dermatological infectious diseases. In recent years, the incidence of tinea pedum, a fungal infection of the feet, was increasing due to changing lifestyles. The risk of tinea pedum infections is associated with the use of sport shoes as well as contact with public sports facilities. Transmission of dermatomycosis occurs almost exclusively through indirect contacts, meaning that contagious material initially contaminates the patients' environment and subsequently facilitates the spread of infection to others. A suitable disinfection procedure for 'fungal reservoirs' is very important in order to reduce the risk of reinfection of tinea pedum. This study investigates the effect of microwave radiation on various dermatophytes- (Trichophyton rubrum, T. rubrum var. nigricans, T. interdigitale and Microsporum canis infected cork and polyethylene sponge shoe insoles. The contaminated insoles were irradiated with various intensities and durations of microwaves. In each case, 10 colonies on cork and polyethylene sponge insoles were irradiated with the same intensity and duration, and subsequently compared with those of corresponding non-irradiated control groups. Results of three independent experiments were statistically verified using Chi-squared test for significance. We found significant differences between the various dermatophytes on polyethylene sponge insoles and also partly on cork insoles for the same irradiation intensity and duration. We were also able to show that a complete growth inhibition of all four dermatophytes occurs on both types of insoles after a 30 s exposure at 560 W, including a maximum temperature of 60 °C.
Insights
Microwave radiation effectively inhibits dermatophyte growth on shoe insoles. A 30-second exposure at 560W eradicates common fungal infections like tinea pedum, reducing reinfection risks.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dermatomycosis, particularly tinea pedum (fungal foot infection), is increasing due to lifestyle changes and public facility use.
- Transmission primarily occurs indirectly through contaminated environments, highlighting the need for effective disinfection of 'fungal reservoirs' like shoe insoles.
- Reducing reinfection risk necessitates validated disinfection methods for footwear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of microwave radiation in eliminating dermatophytes from contaminated shoe insoles.
- To assess the impact of varying microwave intensities and durations on fungal viability.
- To determine optimal conditions for complete fungal growth inhibition on different insole materials.
Main Methods:
- Dermatophyte-infected cork and polyethylene sponge shoe insoles (Trichophyton rubrum, T. rubrum var. nigricans, T. interdigitale, Microsporum canis) were exposed to microwave radiation.
- Irradiation parameters included various intensities and durations, with comparisons to non-irradiated control groups.
- Results were statistically analyzed using the Chi-squared test to verify significance.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in dermatophyte susceptibility were observed between fungal species and insole materials under identical irradiation conditions.
- Complete growth inhibition of all four tested dermatophytes was achieved on both cork and polyethylene insoles.
- This was accomplished after a 30-second microwave exposure at 560W, reaching a maximum temperature of 60°C.
Conclusions:
- Microwave radiation presents a viable and effective method for disinfecting shoe insoles contaminated with common dermatophytes.
- A short, standardized microwave treatment can eliminate fungal reservoirs, thereby mitigating the risk of tinea pedum reinfection.
- This approach offers a practical solution for managing fungal foot infections in clinical and personal settings.
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