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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

A Contrast of Three Inoculation Techniques used to Determine the Race of Unknown Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum Isolates
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A Contrast of Three Inoculation Techniques used to Determine the Race of Unknown Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum Isolates

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Fusarium spp. is able to grow and invade healthy human nails as a single source of nutrients

J Galletti1, M Negri, F L Grassi

  • 1Medical Mycology Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina da Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|May 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Fusarium species can cause onychomycosis by using human nail keratin as their sole nutrient source. This study investigated Fusarium

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection, with Fusarium species emerging as significant causative agents.
  • The keratinolytic potential of Fusarium spp. in onychomycosis pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if Fusarium species can utilize human nail as a sole nutrient source.
  • To conduct an epidemiological assessment of Fusarium onychomycosis.
  • To evaluate the antifungal susceptibility of isolated Fusarium species.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies assessing Fusarium growth on human nails without additional nutrients.
  • Epidemiological analysis of Fusarium isolates from onychomycosis patients.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing against common antifungal agents.

Main Results:

  • Fusarium species were identified in 12.4% of onychomycosis cases, being the most prevalent non-dermatophyte mold.
  • Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Fusarium subglutinans were the most frequently isolated species.
  • Fusarium demonstrated the ability to grow in vitro and invade healthy nails, confirming keratinolytic activity.
  • Fluconazole showed no activity, while terbinafine efficacy varied by species.

Conclusions:

  • Fusarium species are confirmed keratinolytic pathogens capable of causing onychomycosis.
  • The study provides insights into the pathogenesis of Fusarium onychomycosis.
  • Findings support the development of targeted antifungal strategies for Fusarium nail infections.

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