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Oral itraconazole versus topical bifonazole treatment in experimental dermatophytosis
M Borgers1, B Xhonneux, J Van Cutsem
1Department of Morphology, Janssen Research Foundation, Beerse, Belgium.
Abstract:
Guinea pigs, infected with either Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Microsporum canis, were treated orally or topically with azole antifungals daily for two weeks. Fungi located in the stratum corneum were affected similarly by both treatment schedules, showing typical cell wall changes after azole exposure and necrosis of internal organelles. Fungi located in the hair sheaths were affected only by the oral treatment, which not only prevented invasion of the inner hair structures and inflammatory responses but also led to a complete clearance of the infection within 7 days. Topically applied azole treatment was not able to injure fungi in the hair sheaths and did not suppress invasion into the hair shafts. These observations are in favour of oral antifungal medication with azoles for the treatment of dermatophyte infections involving hairy skin.
Insights
Oral azole antifungals effectively treat dermatophyte infections in guinea pigs by clearing fungi from hair sheaths within 7 days. Topical treatments were less effective, particularly for fungi within hair structures.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dermatophyte infections, commonly known as ringworm, affect the stratum corneum and hair structures.
- Azole antifungals are a common treatment for fungal infections.
- The efficacy of oral versus topical azole administration for dermatophyte infections involving hair structures requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of oral versus topical azole antifungal treatment in guinea pigs infected with dermatophytes.
- To investigate the impact of azole treatment on fungal elements within the stratum corneum and hair sheaths.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were infected with Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Microsporum canis.
- Animals received daily oral or topical azole antifungal treatment for two weeks.
- Fungal elements were examined for morphological changes and infection clearance.
Main Results:
- Both oral and topical azoles induced cell wall changes and necrosis in fungi within the stratum corneum.
- Oral azoles cleared fungi from hair sheaths within 7 days, preventing invasion and inflammation.
- Topical azoles did not effectively penetrate hair sheaths or inhibit fungal invasion into hair shafts.
Conclusions:
- Oral azole administration is superior to topical treatment for dermatophyte infections involving hairy skin.
- Oral azoles demonstrate better penetration and efficacy against fungi located within hair structures.
- These findings support the use of oral azole antifungals for treating deep-seated dermatophyte infections.