A unique lipopeptide antimycotic, termed cryptocandin, is described from Cryptosporiopsis cf. quercina, an endophytic fungus. Cryptocandin, with a molecular mass of 1079 Da, contains equimolar amounts of 3,4-dihydroxyhomotyrosine, 4-hydroxyproline, threonine, glutamine, 3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethylproline, 4,5-dihydroxyornithine and palmitic acid. Cryptocandin is chemically related to well-known a...

Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is a common fungal infection of the feet with the major causative organisms being Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum1. It occurs worldwide, with a greater frequency and severity during the warmer months of the year. The condition is most prevalent in adult men, especially in the presence of excessive perspiration and occlus...

BACKGROUND [corrected] Dermatophytes are common in both developed and developing countries, the species involved and the resulting clinical entities vary geographically. AIM OF STUDY To determine public health importance of dermatophytes with special regard to the distribution of the zoophilic species among the examined human cases. METHODS Patient specimens (dermatophytosis-like lesions) w...

Thirty-nine Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii isolates identified by mating behavior were assayed to determine their ribosomal RNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region genotypes. Twenty-two isolates of mating type (+) and 4 of (-) showed the genotype of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, 9 isolates of mating type (+) and 4 of (-) showed the genotype of A. vanbreuseghemii. Nine o...

This study evaluated the prevalence of Tinea capitis among schoolchildren at one primary school and also identified the causative agents. Scalp flakes were collected from children presenting clinical signs suggestive of Tinea capitis. Dermatophytes were identified by following standard mycological procedures. This study found a clinical prevalence of Tinea capitis of 9.6% (110/1149). The dermat...

A rapid two-step DNA extraction method and a multiplex PCR for the detection of dermatophytes in general and Trichophyton rubrum specifically were developed and evaluated with DNA extracted from pure cultures and from clinically diseased nails. DNA from the following dermatophytes was used: Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum audouinii, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum nanu...