[Dermatophytosis caused by rare anthropophilic and zoophilic agents]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Effective dermatomycosis treatment relies on accurate pathogen identification for targeted antimycotic selection and infection prevention.
• Dermatophyte infections have shown an increasing trend in recent years, necessitating updated knowledge of causative agents.
• The Mycology Laboratory at University Hospital Jena observed an increase in processed samples from 2007 to 2018.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of identifying both common and rare dermatophyte pathogens.
• To inform clinicians about potential shifts in the dermatophyte spectrum.
• To provide context for investigating unusual dermatomycosis cases.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of dermatophyte sample data from the Mycology Laboratory of the Department of Dermatology at University Hospital Jena (2007-2018).
• Identification of the most common and rare dermatophyte species isolated during the study period.
• Review of clinical examples illustrating infections by less common dermatophytes.

Main Results:

• The most frequently isolated dermatophytes between 2007 and 2018 were Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton benhamiae.
• Rare anthropophilic (Epidermophyton floccosum), zoophilic (Trichophyton verrucosum, Trichophyton quinckeanum, Nannizzia persicolor), and geophilic (Nannizzia gypsea) agents also cause dermatophytoses.
• Changes in the pathogen spectrum over time are expected, with potential fluctuations in the incidence of rare dermatophytes.

Conclusions:

• Accurate and timely identification of dermatophyte pathogens is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of recurrent dermatomycosis.
• Clinicians should be aware of a broad range of dermatophytes, including rare species, due to potential shifts in prevalence.
• Continuous monitoring of the dermatophyte spectrum is necessary to adapt diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.