Immunohistological characterization of the cellular infiltrate in dermatophytosis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Mycology

Background:

• Fungal skin infections are common and caused by various dermatophytes.
• Understanding the host immune response is crucial for managing these infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the local cellular immune response in skin infections caused by Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis.
• To characterize the types and distribution of immune cells within the infected skin tissue.

Main Methods:

• Utilized monoclonal antibodies and the ABC immunoperoxidase technique for cell identification.
• Examined skin biopsies from patients with confirmed T. rubrum and M. canis infections.
• Quantified and classified immune cell populations in the epithelium and dermis.

Main Results:

• An increase in Langerhans cells was observed in both the epithelium and dermis of infected areas.
• T cells were the predominant immune cells found in the dermis.
• Helper T cells were more numerous than suppressor T cells.
• The ratio of helper to suppressor T cells varied depending on the causative fungal pathogen.

Conclusions:

• Fungal skin infections trigger a localized immune response characterized by increased Langerhans cells and T cells.
• The specific T cell subset balance (helper/suppressor ratio) is influenced by the infecting dermatophyte species.
• These findings contribute to understanding the immunopathogenesis of dermatophytosis.