Virulence and Antifungal Susceptibility of <i>Microsporum canis</i> Strains from Animals and Humans

• Main Authors: Chioma Inyang Aneke (Author), Wafa Rhimi (Author), Vit Hubka (Author), Domenico Otranto (Author), Claudia Cafarchia (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2021-03-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

The enzymatic and antifungal profiles of dermatophytes play an important role in causing infections in humans and animals. This study aimed to assess the virulence factors produced by <i>Microsporum canis</i> strains, in vitro antifungal profile and the relationship between virulence, antifungal profile and occurrence of lesions in animals and humans. A total of 100 <i>M. canis</i> strains from humans with <i>tinea corporis</i> (<i>n</i> = 10) and from animals presenting (<i>n</i> = 64) or not (<i>n</i> = 26) skin lesions was employed to evaluate phospholipase (Pz), hemolytic (Hz), lipase (Lz), catalase (Ca), and thermotolerance (GI) activities. In addition, in vitro antifungal profile was conducted using the CLSI broth microdilution method. A statistically significant difference (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in Lz and Ca values was revealed among strains from hosts with and without lesions. Voriconazole, terbinafine, and posaconazole were the most active drugs followed by ketoconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and fluconazole in decreasing activity order. The significant positive correlation between azole susceptibility profile of <i>M. canis</i> and virulence factors (i.e., hemolysin and catalase) suggest that both enzyme patterns and antifungal susceptibility play a role in the appearance of skin lesions in animals and humans.

Item Description

10.3390/antibiotics10030296
2079-6382