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Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Virulence Activities of Dermatophytes on Solid Media

Elangovan Elavarashi1, Anupma Jyoti Kindo2, Sudha Rangarajan3

  • 1Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra University , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR
|April 8, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identified phospholipase, lipase, protease, and gelatinase as key enzymatic virulence factors in dermatophytes. Certain dermatophyte species, including Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, also exhibited significant hemolytic activity, indicating non-enzymatic virulence potential.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Dermatophytes cause superficial fungal infections affecting 20-25% of the global population.
  • Limited research exists on dermatophyte virulence factors in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for managing dermatophytosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the enzymatic and non-enzymatic virulence factors of various dermatophyte species.
  • To analyze the production of phospholipase, lipase, protease, gelatinase, and hemolytic activity.
  • To contribute to the understanding of dermatophyte pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Screened 11 dermatophyte isolates (ATCC, CBS, clinical, and laboratory strains) for virulence factors.
  • Assessed enzymatic activities using specific substrates like egg yolk, tween 80, bovine serum albumin, and gelatin.
  • Evaluated non-enzymatic virulence via hemolytic activity on sheep blood agar.

Main Results:

  • All tested dermatophyte species demonstrated phospholipase, lipase, protease, and gelatinase activity.
  • Complete hemolysis was observed in Trichophyton rubrum complex, Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex, and Arthroderma grubyi.
  • Other dermatophytes exhibited no significant hemolytic activity.

Conclusions:

  • Phospholipase, lipase, protease, and gelatinase are confirmed enzymatic virulence markers in dermatophytes.
  • Complete hemolysis suggests potential non-enzymatic virulence markers in specific dermatophyte species.
  • Findings enhance understanding of dermatophyte virulence and host interaction.
Keywords:
GelatinaseHamolysisLipasePhospholipaseProtease

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