Scopulariopsis onychomycosis treated with natamycin.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Onychomycosis, a toenail fungal infection, can be challenging to treat.
• Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is a causative agent of onychomycosis.
• Topical treatments require effective drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of topical natamycin in dimethyl sulfoxide for treating Scopulariopsis brevicaulis onychomycosis.
• To assess the long-term outcomes of this treatment regimen.

Main Methods:

• Seven patients with Scopulariopsis brevicaulis onychomycosis were treated with 1% natamycin in 60% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
• Treatment was applied locally to the affected toenails.
• Fungal cultures and clinical follow-up were performed during and after treatment.

Main Results:

• Fungal cultures were negative for Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in all patients after 3-5 months of treatment.
• At 15 months post-treatment, 2 patients reported permanent nail improvement, and 3 reported a complete cure.
• One patient did not respond to the treatment.

Conclusions:

• Topical natamycin in DMSO is a promising treatment for Scopulariopsis brevicaulis onychomycosis.
• This formulation facilitates effective delivery of natamycin to the nail bed.
• Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in a larger cohort.