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[The lipolytic activity of dermatophytes]
1Universitäts-Hautklinik Göttingen, BRD.
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|August 31, 1989
Summary
Dermatophytes break down fatty acids in Tweens using lipolytic enzymes. This process releases fatty acids that bind calcium, forming visible crystals around fungal colonies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Dermatophytes are pathogenic fungi that cause skin infections.
- Understanding their metabolic capabilities is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose:
- To investigate the enzymatic activity of dermatophytes on polysorbate surfactants.
- To characterize the mechanism of fatty acid hydrolysis and its consequences.
Summary:
- Dermatophytes possess lipolytic enzymes capable of hydrolyzing fatty acid esters in polysorbates (Tween 20, 40, 60, 80).
- The released free fatty acids precipitate calcium ions present in the growth medium, forming insoluble calcium salts.
- These calcium-fatty acid crystals are observable as a visible halo around dermatophyte colonies, indicating enzymatic activity.
Impact:
- This finding provides a basis for a simple diagnostic test for dermatophyte infections.
- It highlights the metabolic versatility of dermatophytes and their ability to utilize diverse carbon sources.