Artemisia argyi (A. argyi), a plant with a longstanding history as a raw material for traditional medicine and functional diets in Asia, has been used traditionally to bathe and soak feet for its disinfectant and itch-relieving properties. Despite its widespread use, scientific evidence validating the antifungal efficacy of A. argyi water extract (AAWE) against dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum, remains limited. This study aimed to substantiate the scientific basis of the folkloric use of A. argyi by evaluating the antifungal effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of its active subfraction against dermatophytes. The results indicated that AAWE exhibited excellent antifungal effects against the three aforementioned dermatophyte species. The subfraction AAWE6, isolated using D101 macroporous resin, emerged as the most potent subfraction. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of AAWE6 against T. rubrum, M. gypseum, and T. mentagrophytes were 312.5, 312.5, and 625 μg·mL^-1, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results and assays of enzymes linked to cell wall integrity and cell membrane function indicated that AAWE6 could penetrate the external protective barrier of T. rubrum, creating breaches ("small holes"), and disrupt the internal mitochondrial structure ("granary"). Furthermore, transcriptome data, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and biochemical assays corroborated the severe disruption of mitochondrial function, evidenced by inhibited tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and energy metabolism. Additionally, chemical characterization and molecular docking analyses identified flavonoids, primarily eupatilin (131.16 ± 4.52 mg·g^-1) and jaceosidin (4.17 ± 0.18 mg·g^-1), as the active components of AAWE6. In conclusion, the subfraction AAWE6 from A. argyi exerts antifungal effects against dermatophytes by disrupting mitochondrial morphology and function. This research validates the traditional use of A. argyi and provides scientific support for its anti-dermatophytic applications, as recognized in the Chinese patent (No. ZL202111161301.9).
Antifungal Agents/chemistry* ; Arthrodermataceae ; Artemisia/chemistry* ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Mitochondria ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Ascosphaera apis spores containing a dark-colored pigment infect honeybee larvae, resulting in a large-scale collapse of the bee colony due to chalkbrood disease. However, little is known about the pigment or whether it plays a role in bee infection caused by A. apis. In this study, the pigment was isolated by alkali extraction, acid hydrolysis, and repeated precipitation. Ultraviolet (UV) analysis revealed that the pigment had a color value of 273, a maximum absorption peak at 195 nm, and a high alkaline solubility (7.67%) and acid precipitability. Further chemical structure analysis of the pigment, including elemental composition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), proved that it was a eumelanin with a typical indole structure. The molecular formula of melanin is C₁₀H₆O₄N₂, and its molecular weight is 409 Da. Melanin has hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, and phenolic groups that can potentially chelate to metal ions. Antioxidant function analyses showed that A. apis melanin had a high scavenging activity against superoxide, hydroxyl, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, and a high reducing ability to Fe³⁺. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses showed that A. apis melanin was located on the spore wall. The spore wall localization, antioxidant activity, and metal ion chelating properties of fungal melanin have been suggested to contribute to spore pathogenicity. However, further infection experiments showed that melanin-deficient spores did not reduce the mortality of bee larvae, indicating that melanin does not increase the virulence of A. apis spores. This study is the first report on melanin produced by A. apis, providing an important background reference for further study on its role in A. apis.
Animals ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Larva ; Melanins ; Molecular Structure ; Onygenales

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection caused by various fungal species, including dermatophytes, non-dermatophytes, and yeast. It is one of most bothersome nail problems, because it may cause permanent deformity of the nail, local pain, paresthesia, and difficulties performing activities of daily living and engaging in social interactions. Additionally, the treatment of onychomycosis is considered to be challenging because of the long duration of treatment, high recurrence and treatment failure rates, and drug interactions. In this article, we review the prognostic factors for onychomycosis treatment, the treatment options that have been approved, and off-label therapies and devices. Furthermore, we describe preventive therapy for recurrence and emerging methods to achieve a high cure rate. For successful treatment of onychomycosis, the risk factors should be clarified according to the patient's status and the clinical characteristics of onychomycosis. Recently, combinations of various treatment options, such as systemic therapy with simultaneous topical antifungal agents and boost therapy, have been reported as effective treatments of onychomycosis. In addition, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and plasma therapy have been proposed as emerging curative options. Providing patient-specific treatment based on an understanding of these treatments plays a pivotal role in achieving better treatment results. This article suggested the updated treatment options for onychomycosis to help clinicians make proper plans and achieve better results.
Activities of Daily Living ; Antifungal Agents ; Arthrodermataceae ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Drug Interactions ; Interpersonal Relations ; Laser Therapy ; Onychomycosis ; Paresthesia ; Photochemotherapy ; Plasma ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Failure ; Yeasts

No abstract available.
Arthrodermataceae* ; Humans ; Mothers* ; Nuclear Family* ; Tinea*

Favus is a chronic dermatophyte infection of the scalp presented by thick yellow crusts within the hair follicles which leads to scarring alopecia. Favus is associated with poor hygiene and malnutrition so that it is seen almost exclusively in Africa, the Middle East and parts of South America with abruptly decreased incidence nowadays. The last report referring favus was published in 1996 in Korea, which might have historical significance. Herein, we report favus diagnosed in siblings in 1979.
Africa ; Alopecia ; Arthrodermataceae ; Cicatrix ; Hair Follicle ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Incidence ; Korea ; Malnutrition ; Middle East ; Scalp ; Siblings* ; South America ; Tinea Favosa*

Dermatophytes usually infect keratinized epithelial structures such as hair and nails. However, they can also cause deep and extensive fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. We report a case with multiple dermal abscesses, which is a rare manifestation of Trichophyton rubrum infection. A 54-year-old man presented with multiple subcutaneous nodules in both inguinal areas with associated tinea cruris. Histopathological findings showed abscesses with fungal hyphae highlighted using Periodic acid-Schiff diastase (PAS-D) staining. Trichophyton rubrum was isolated on a fungal culture of the biopsy specimen obtained from a subcutaneous nodule in the inguinal area. The lesions were resistant to treatment with itraconazole (100 mg twice a day for 6 months); thus, we changed the drug to voriconazole (200 mg twice a day for 3 months). In addition, we extracted the remaining big lesions by incision and drainage. The patient was successfully treated with voriconazole and surgical method.
Abscess* ; Amylases ; Arthrodermataceae ; Biopsy ; Drainage ; Hair ; Humans ; Hyphae ; Immunocompromised Host ; Itraconazole ; Methods ; Middle Aged ; Tinea ; Trichophyton* ; Voriconazole

Dermatophytes usually infect keratinized epithelial structures such as hair and nails. However, they can also cause deep and extensive fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. We report a case with multiple dermal abscesses, which is a rare manifestation of Trichophyton rubrum infection. A 54-year-old man presented with multiple subcutaneous nodules in both inguinal areas with associated tinea cruris. Histopathological findings showed abscesses with fungal hyphae highlighted using Periodic acid-Schiff diastase (PAS-D) staining. Trichophyton rubrum was isolated on a fungal culture of the biopsy specimen obtained from a subcutaneous nodule in the inguinal area. The lesions were resistant to treatment with itraconazole (100 mg twice a day for 6 months); thus, we changed the drug to voriconazole (200 mg twice a day for 3 months). In addition, we extracted the remaining big lesions by incision and drainage. The patient was successfully treated with voriconazole and surgical method.
Abscess* ; Amylases ; Arthrodermataceae ; Biopsy ; Drainage ; Hair ; Humans ; Hyphae ; Immunocompromised Host ; Itraconazole ; Methods ; Middle Aged ; Tinea ; Trichophyton* ; Voriconazole

No abstract available.
Arthrodermataceae ; Microsporum*

A 27-year-old male with underlying history of atopic dermatitis presented with skin lesion on the trunk and upper extremity, occurring a month ago. Scattered erythematous multiple tiny maculopapules and patches were noticed. The lesion was first diagnosed as aggravated atopic dermatitis with folliculitis based on the clinical manifestation, but had failed to improve with antibiotics and medications for atopic dermatitis. KOH examinations were performed on his upper arm's lesion, and with detection of hyphae and isolation of Trichophyton rubrum by fungus culture, he was successfully treated with oral itraconazole 200 mg/day and topical flutrimazole. Tinea incognito refers to dermatophyte infections with atypical clinical presentation caused by previous treatment with steroid. Nowadays, the cases of tinea incognito have been increasing due to the increased usage of steroid and other immunosuppressants. Therefore, it is essential to include fungal infection in the differential diagnosis when cutaneous lesions are noticed in patients taking steroid and other immunosuppressants. Herein, we present a tinea incognito that clinically mimicked folliculitis in atopic dermatitis patient.
Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Arthrodermataceae ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Folliculitis* ; Fungi ; Humans ; Hyphae ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Itraconazole ; Male ; Skin ; Tinea* ; Trichophyton ; Upper Extremity

Aims: Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton are the genera of dermatophytes causing superficial mycoses. These infections are on rise due to increase in immunocompromised patients and favorable environmental conditions in countries like India. The present study was undertaken to identify dermatophytes causing superficial fungal infection by microscopy and culture techniques which helps in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cases. Methodology and results: Samples were collected from affected sites after cleaning the affected surface with 70% alcohol. All samples were microscopically examined for presence of hyphal structures by digesting in 10% to 40% KOH solution. All samples were inoculated into Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and Sabouraud dextrose agar with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol and incubated at room temperature for four weeks. Tease mount technique and slide culture technique were used for identification of dermatophytes. One hundred and ten samples from clinically suspected dermatophytoses which includes 77(70%) from male and 33(30%) from female patients were processed for identification of dermatophytes. Samples were subjected to microscopy and culture. In 61 samples (54.54%) fungal hyphae were seen by direct microscopic examination (KOH). Fifty six samples (50%) yielded dermatophyte growth in culture. Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant species isolated followed by T. violaceum and T. mentagrophytes. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Accurate and rapid diagnosis of superficial fungal infection is essential for proper management of cases. Direct microscopy is very good method for routine diagnosis, however culture remains gold standard.
Arthrodermataceae