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Host-Pathogen Interaction and Resistance Mechanisms in Dermatophytes
Eleonora Dubljanin1, Jelena Zunic2, Isidora Vujcic3
1Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
Dermatophytes are widely distributed in the environment, with an estimated prevalence of 20-25% of the the global population yearly. These fungi are keratinophilic and keratinolytic and cause the infection of keratin-rich structures such as skin, hair, and nails. The pattern of this infectious disease covers a wide spectrum from exposed individuals without symptoms to those with acutely inflammatory or non-inflammatory, chronic to invasive, and even life-threatening symptoms. This review summarizes current information on the pathogenicity, virulence factors, and drug resistance mechanisms associated with dermatophytes. A greater number of virulence factors of these fungi are important for the occurrence of infection and the changes that occur, including those regarding adhesins, the sulfite efflux pump, and proteolytic enzymes. Other virulence factors include mechanisms of evading the host defense, while the development of resistance to antifungal drugs is increasing, resulting in treatment failure. The investigation of host-pathogen interactions is essential for developing a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying dermatophyte pathogenesis and host response to inform the use of diagnostics methods and antifungal therapeutics to minimize the high fungal burden caused by dermatophytes and to control the spread of resistance.
Insights
Dermatophyte infections affect millions globally, causing skin, hair, and nail issues. Understanding fungal virulence and rising drug resistance is key to developing new treatments for these common infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dermatophytes are common environmental fungi causing infections in 20-25% of the global population annually.
- These fungi infect keratin-rich tissues like skin, hair, and nails, leading to a spectrum of clinical presentations.
- Infections range from asymptomatic colonization to severe, invasive, and life-threatening conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on dermatophyte pathogenicity, virulence factors, and antifungal drug resistance mechanisms.
- To highlight the importance of host-pathogen interactions in understanding dermatophyte infections.
- To inform the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for controlling dermatophytosis and antifungal resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current scientific information on dermatophytes.
- Analysis of virulence factors contributing to infection and disease progression.
- Examination of mechanisms underlying antifungal drug resistance.
Main Results:
- Key virulence factors include adhesins, sulfite efflux pumps, and proteolytic enzymes, aiding infection and host immune evasion.
- Increasing resistance to antifungal drugs is a significant challenge, leading to treatment failures.
- Host-pathogen interactions are crucial for pathogenesis and host response.
Conclusions:
- Understanding dermatophyte virulence and resistance is essential for effective disease management.
- Further research into host-pathogen interactions will guide the development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Controlling dermatophytosis requires strategies to minimize fungal burden and combat the spread of resistance.
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