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Experimental inoculation of dermatophytes on psoriatic skin
Abstract:
Two dermatophytic agents, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were used in the experimental inoculation of psoriatic lesions in 27 volunteer patients (13 males and 14 females with an age range from 17 to 72 yr). T. rubrum was inoculated in 14 patients and T. mentagrophytes (varietas granulare) in 13. For purposes of control in each patient the same agent was also inoculated on healthy skin. Results were noted once a week for a period of 1 mo. A positive response was found in 12 of the 14 patients inoculated with T. rubrum but only in 4 of the 13 inoculated with T. mentagrophytes. Healthy skin was found to have a positive response in only 5 cases, in 4 with T. rubrum, and in 1 with T. mentagrophytes. These results confirm the possibility of invasion of psoriatic lesions by dermatophytes and suggest that the coexistance of psoriasis and dermatophytic infection may be not always purely coincidental. The importance of the awareness of the presence of mycotic lesions and their possible spread with the application of steroid ointments under occlusive dressings in a psoriatic patient is stressed.
Insights
Dermatophyte fungi, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, can infect psoriatic lesions. T. rubrum showed a higher infection rate in psoriatic skin compared to healthy skin.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Dermatophytes are fungi that cause skin infections.
- The interaction between psoriasis and dermatophyte infections is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of psoriatic lesions to dermatophyte inoculation.
- To compare the infectivity of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes on psoriatic skin versus healthy skin.
Main Methods:
- Experimental inoculation of psoriatic lesions and healthy skin in 27 volunteers with T. rubrum or T. mentagrophytes.
- Weekly monitoring of lesion response over one month.
- Control inoculation on healthy skin in each patient.
Main Results:
- A positive response was observed in 12 out of 14 patients inoculated with T. rubrum.
- Only 4 out of 13 patients inoculated with T. mentagrophytes showed a positive response.
- Healthy skin showed a lower positive response rate (5 out of 27 cases).
Conclusions:
- Psoriatic lesions are susceptible to invasion by dermatophytes, particularly T. rubrum.
- The coexistence of psoriasis and dermatophyte infection may not be coincidental.
- Clinicians should be aware of potential mycotic infections in psoriatic patients, especially when using occlusive dressings with steroid ointments.