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Trichophyton mentagrophytes spores differ from mycelia in their ability to induce pustules and activate complement

A D Hernandez, R E Reece, A H Zucker

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
    |December 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Dermatophyte spores, not mycelia, trigger pustules in recovered guinea pigs by activating complement and attracting immune cells. This suggests fungal morphology influences infection severity and immune response in dermatophytosis.

    Area of Science:

    • Mycology
    • Immunology
    • Dermatology

    Background:

    • Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails.
    • The clinical presentation of dermatophytosis can vary.
    • The role of fungal morphology in disease manifestation is not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate if the morphology of dermatophytes (spores vs. mycelia) influences the clinical signs of dermatophytosis.
    • To explore the immunological mechanisms underlying the differential host response to fungal morphology.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolated spores and mycelia from Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
    • Applied fungal elements to the skin of normal and previously infected guinea pigs.
    • Assessed gross and microscopic cutaneous changes.
    • Measured in vitro complement (C') activation and C5a generation by spores and mycelia.

    Main Results:

    • Normal guinea pigs showed no reaction to either spores or mycelia.
    • Previously infected guinea pigs developed pustules in response to spores but not mycelia.
    • Spores activated significantly more complement (C') and generated more C5a than mycelia in vitro.
    • Both spores and mycelia could activate complement.

    Conclusions:

    • The morphology of dermatophytes, specifically spores, plays a critical role in inducing pustule formation during dermatophytosis.
    • Spore-induced pustules are mediated by complement activation and subsequent polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) recruitment.
    • Immune response and clinical manifestation of dermatophytosis are correlated with the predominant fungal morphology during infection.

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