Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
Basic Research in Plasma Medicine - A Throughput Approach from Liquids to Cells
Published on: November 17, 2017
Inactivation of dermatophyte infection by nonthermal plasma on animal model
Vladimír Scholtz1, Hana Soušková2, Michaela Švarcová2
1Department of Physics and Measurements, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Superficial fungal infections are a major epidemiological issue with increasing prevalence and are a common global problem. This article describes experimental therapy of superficial fungal skin infection using low-temperature plasma. Groups of guinea pigs were artificially infected with Trichophyton mentagrophytes SK 3286 dermatophyte and treated with plasma produced by a DC cometary discharge with an inserted grid. The course of infection was a week shorter and milder in animals treated by plasma than that in nontreated animals, the significant lowering of dermatophytic germs also occurred in the treated group. The exposure to plasma causes no harm to experimental animals. The results allow for the development of a new dermatophytoses therapy by low temperature plasma treatment.
Insights
Low-temperature plasma effectively treated superficial fungal skin infections in guinea pigs, reducing infection duration and fungal load without harm. This suggests a promising new therapy for dermatophytoses.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plasma Physics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Superficial fungal infections, like dermatophytoses, represent a significant and growing global health concern.
- Current treatments for superficial mycoses can be limited by efficacy and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of low-temperature plasma as an experimental therapy for superficial fungal skin infections.
- To evaluate the safety and impact of plasma treatment on dermatophyte infections in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were experimentally infected with the dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
- Treatment involved exposure to plasma generated by a DC cometary discharge with an inserted grid.
- Infection progression and fungal load were monitored in treated and control groups.
Main Results:
- Plasma-treated animals exhibited a significantly shorter and milder infection course compared to controls.
- A notable reduction in dermatophytic germs was observed in the plasma-treated group.
- Experimental exposure to low-temperature plasma did not cause any harm to the guinea pigs.
Conclusions:
- Low-temperature plasma demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for superficial fungal skin infections.
- This study supports the development of novel dermatophytoses treatments utilizing low-temperature plasma technology.
- Plasma therapy offers a safe and effective alternative for managing superficial mycoses.
More Related Videos
06:39Author Spotlight: Exploring Photodynamic Therapy with Curcumin in a Murine Model for Oral Candidiasis
Published on: October 27, 2023
10:03Investigating the Detrimental Effects of Low Pressure Plasma Sterilization on the Survival of Bacillus subtilis Spores Using Live Cell Microscopy
Published on: November 30, 2017