Human Infections with Microsporum gypseum in Japan/ Infektionen des Menschen mit Microsporum gypseum in Japan

Summary: Two hundred and seventy one cases of Microsporum gypseum infection including 8 cases we found in Japan during the period 1931–1980 are discussed in this paper. The overall incidence was relatively high in the districts of Kanto, Kyushu and Kinki. The victims consisted of 47 males, 53 females and 171 other persons. The greatest number of these people, 61.4%, were afflicted in the first decade of this period. The youngest was a 40-day-old girl, apparently the youngest recorded anywhere in the world. Tinea capitis and tinea corporis show a predilection toward this affliction among Japanese people. Incidences involving the head, face and neck account for as many as 75.4% of the cases of this disease.
Zusammenfassung: In dieser Abhandlung werden 271 Fälle von Microsporum gypseum-Infektion, einschließlich acht eigener Fälle, in Japan während des Zeitraums von 1931 bis 1980 diskutiert. Die Gesamthäufigkeit war in den Bezirken Kanto, Kyushu und Kinki relativ hoch. Die infizierten Personen waren 47 Männer, 53 Frauen und 171 sonstige Personen. Die größte Anzahl dieser Personen, 61.4%, erkrankten im ersten Jahrzehnt dieses Zeitraums. Die jüngste Person war ein 40 Tage altes Mädchen, anscheinend der jüngste Patient der weltweit erfaßten Fälle. Bei Japanern sind die Kopftrichophytie und die Körpertrichophytie bevorzugte Lokalisationen der M. gypseum-Infektion. Fälle, die den Kopf, das Gesicht und den Nacken betreffen, machen 75.4% der Fälle dieser Krankheit aus.     

Microsporum gypseum infection in the Siena area in 2005-2006

Fourteen cases of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum gypseum , representing 6.8% of all dermatophytic infections reported, were diagnosed in Siena, Italy, between 2005 and 2006. There were as follows: six cases of tinea corporis, one case of tinea corporis associated with tinea capitis, one case of tinea corporis associated with tinea barbae, one kerion on the head, one tinea cruris, one tinea faciei, one tinea barbae, two onychomycosis. In the three subjects with tinea corporis, the clinical appearance was impetigo-like, psoriasis-like and pityriasis rosea-like respectively. In another case, the lesion was indicative of tinea imbricata. The diagnosis was based on mycological examination. In six cases, the source of infection was a cat, whereas in the others it was contact with soil.     

Studies on Haemagglutinins of Microsporum gypseum

Summary: 36 isolates of Microsporum gypseum recovered from Egyptian soil were found to be capable of agglutinating red blood cells of cow, buffalo, camel, sheep, chicken, duck, pigeon, Guinea pig and mouse. Also microconidial variants obtained dnring repeated subculturing had the same property. Haemagglutinins of both the wild and microconidial forms were partly thermolabile and partly thermostable. They resisted the effect of trypsin, concentrated hydrochloric acid and 4N sodium hydroxide, but they were markedly inactivated by potassium periodate (wild form) and chloroform (microconidial form). The specificity of the reaction was confirmed by the haemagglutination inhibition test.
Zusammenfassung: 36 Stämme von Microsporum gypseum, die aus ägyptischem Erdboden isoliert wurden, zeigten die Fähigkeit, Erythrozyten von Rind, Büffel, Kamel, Schaf, Huhn, Ente, Taube, Meerschweinchen und Mans zu agglutinieren. Auch die Milrokonidien-Variante, die während wiederholter Überimpfungen erhalten wurde, zeigte eine ähnliche Fähigkeit, Hämagglutinine beider Formen waren zum Teil thermolabil und zum anderen thermostabil. Sie widerstanden der Wirkung von Trypsin, konzentrierter SalzSäare und 4N Kalilauge. Sie wurden aber durch Kaliumperjodat (Wildstamm) und Chloroform (Mikrokonidien-Variante) zum größten Teil inakliviert. Der Hämagglutinationshemmungstest bestätigte, daß die Reaktion spezifisch war.     

Dermatophytosis on the eyelid caused by Microsporum gypseum

We report a case of tinea on the eyelid in a woman with psoriasis. Due to the history of psoriasis and clinical aspect of the lesion the diagnosis of psoriasis was suggested in the first place; however, laboratory examination revealed Microsporum gypseum. The patient was treated with oral itraconazole resulting in clinical and mycological cure. We emphasize the uncommon location of tinea caused by M. gypseum and the importance of searching for fungal infection on scaly lesions.     

Tinea Facei Caused by Microsporum gypseum in a Two Days Old Infant

Summary: Tinea facei caused by Microsporum gypseum in an infant at the age of two days is reported. This culturally proved infection is the first of its kind in an infant and is the youngest case recorded in the world literature. The source has been the soil surrounding the house from where the same species has been isolated. This case also records the shortest incubation period in dermatophytosis.
Zusammenfassung: Es wird über eine Tinea faciei, hervorgerufen durch Microsporum gypseum, bei einem 2 Tage alten Säugling berichtet. Diese kulturell nachgewiesene Infektion ist die erste ihrer Art bei einem Säugling und stellt gleichzeitig den jüngsten berichteten Fall der Weltliteratur dar. Die Infektionsquelle war der Erdboden, der das Haus umgab. Aus ihm konnte dieselbe Spezies isoliert werden. Dieses ist gleichzeitig ein Bericht über die kürzeste beobachtete Inkubationszeit einer Dermatophytose.     

Concentric rings: an unusual presentation of tinea corporis caused by Microsporum gypseum

A case of tinea corporis with the unusual presentation of concentric erythematous rings on the abdomen is reported. The pathogen was identified as Microsporum gypseum. While a number of unusual lesions have been described in M. gypseum infections, we are unaware of any reports on concentric rings.     

Okologie, Epiderniologie und klinische Symptomatik von Microsporum gypseum-Infektionen Ecology, Epidemiology and Clinical Symptomatology of Infections Due to Microsporum gypseum

Microsporum gypseum is a geophilic fungus with a world-wide distribution, which is considered to be involved in keratin degradation in the soil. Since 1977, mycotic skin infections due to M. gypseum have been repeatedly observed in the Department of Dermatology in Graz, Austria. A predominance of females was evident. As a rare event, M. gypseum has also been cultivated from onychomycotic lesions.     

Tinea circinata manus due to Microsporum gypseum in a HIV-positive boy in Uganda, east Africa

A 15-year-old HIV-positive Ugandan boy suffered from several dry and hyperkeratotic lesions of his left hand and forearm with circinated, erythematous and scaly morphology. Microsporum gypseum could be isolated as causative agent of this ringworm. Species differentiation was confirmed and specified by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal DNA. Successful topical treatment of the tinea manus was started with clotrimazole-containing ointment.     

Disseminated dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum gypseum in an AIDS patient: response to terbinafine and amorolfine

A 51-year-old white male, native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with advanced AIDS and in chronic use of imidazoles for oral candidosis, presented erythematous, desquamative, pruriginous plaques of 1 month evolution on the trunk, inguinal/crural region, and lower limbs. The diagnosis of dermatophytosis was based on the isolation of Microsporum gypseum from scales scraped from the skin lesions. The lesions regressed after 30 days treatment with itraconazole, 100 mg day(-1). After interruption of this antifungal, the mycosis recurred 2 months later, along with a toe onychomycosis also caused by M. gypseum. Attempted reintroduction of itraconazole at higher dose was unsuccessful. Patient responded well to treatment with terbinafine 250 mg day(-1) for 45 days. However, the medication had to be interrupted as a result of the emergence of a disseminated erythematous/papulous rash. Topical treatment with amorolfine cream was then performed, with a good clinical and mycological response.     

Raster-Elektronenmikroskopie der menschlichen Haare, befallen durch den Dermatophyten Microsporum gypseum (Bodin) Guiart und Grigorakis in vitro

Im Raster-Elektronenmikroskop wurde der Verlauf des Abbaues der menschlichen Haare durch den Dermatophyten Microsporum gypseum in vitro beobachtet. Diese Methode ermöglicht eine eingehende Beobachtung besonders des Verlaufs des Cuticula-abbaues sowie der Morphologie der spezialisierten Abbauorgane in der Haaroberfläche. Es wurde auch die Entstehung der Perforationsorgane sowie der lytischen Höhlen in der Myzelumgebung beobachtet. Der Pilz vermag alle histologischen Bestandteile des Haares allmählich abzubauen und zu verdauen.

Summary

The scanning electron microscopy was used to follow the course of the destruction of human hairs by the dermatophyte Microsporum gypseum in vitro. The method enabled a detailed investigation especially of the course of destruction of the cuticula and of the morphology of specialized erosive organs on the hair surface. The origination of perforating organs and of lytic cavities surrounding the mycelium was also examined. The fungus is able to destroy and digest successively all histological components of the hair.     

The Keratinophilic Fungi in Soils from the Detroit Metropolitan Area/Die keratinophilen Pilze in Bodenproben vom Hauptstadtgebiet Detroit

Summary: The keratinophilic fungi in soils from the Detroit metropolitan area were surveyed by the hair-bait technique. One-hundred soil samples were studied and 92 yielded 172 isolates. Trichophyton ajelloi and its teleomorph, Arthroderma uncinatum, were the preponderant organism, appearing in 58 % of the soils (21% minus, 13% plus, and 24% teleomorphic). Microsporum gypseum and its teleomorph, Nannizzia gypsea, occurred in 33% of the soils (8% teleomorphic). Other isolates were M. cookei (8%) and its teleomorph, N. cajetani (6%); Chrysosporium spp. (46%); Aphanoascus sp. (7%); Ctenomyces serratus (2%); T. terrestre (5%); and 5% were unidentified.
Zusammenfassung: Die keratinophilen Pilze in Bodenproben vom Hauptstadtgebiet Detroit wurden durch die Haar-Köder-Methode überprüft. Hundert Bodenproben wurden analysiert und 92 ergaben 172 Isolierungen. Trichophyton ajelloi und dessen Teleomorphe, Arthroderma uncinatum, waren die überwiegenden Organismen, die in 58% der Bodenprobe (21% minus, 13% plus und 24% teleomorph) gefunden wurden. Microsporum gypseum und dessen Teleomorphe, Nannizzia gypsea, kamen in 33% der Bodenproben vor (8% davon waren teleomorph). Andere Isolate waren: M. cookei (8%) und dessen Teleomorph, N. cajetani (6%); Chrysosporium spp. (46%); Aphanoascus sp. (7%); Ctenomyces serratus (2%); T. terrestre (5%); und 5% blieben unidentifiziert.     

The Role of Cats and Dogs in the Epidemiological Cycle of Microsporum canis*/Die Rolle von Katzen und Hunden im epidemiologischen Zyklus des Microsporum canis

Summary: In order to study the presence of dermatophytes in healthy domestic animals, 104 cats and 126 dogs were studied in São Paulo (Brazil), by using the technique of Mariat & Tapia. Microsporum canis was verified in 88.46% of cats and in 7.93% of dogs. In a lower percentage, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. ajelloi were also isolated. In view of these data, more attention should be given to the cats due to their importance in the transmission and persistence of M. canis. Zusammenfassung: Zur Untersuchung auf Anwesenheit auf Dermatophyten in gesunden Haustieren wurden 104 Katzen und 126 Hunde in São Paulo (Brasilien) mit der Technik von Mariat & Tapia untersucht Microsporum canis konnte bei 88,46% der Katzen und bei 7,93% der Hunde isoliert werden. Mit einem niedrigeren Prozentsatz wurden auch M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes und T. ajelloi gefunden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die Bedeutung gesunder Katzen für die übertragung und den Weiterbestand von Microsporum canis-Infektionen.     

Epidemiology of the Dermatophytoses in the Florence Area: 1982–84.1. Microsporum canis Infections*

Summary: Microsporum canis was the most frequently isolated dermatophyte between 1982 and 1984, with an incidence of 45.19%. This dermatophyte caused almost all cases of tinea capitis (94.99%) and the majority of cases of tinea corporis (75.73%). Some epidemiological data are reported, as well as certain cases with an atypical morphology. Zusammenfassung: Vom Jahre 1982 bis 1984 war Microsporum canis der am häufigsten isolierte Dermatophyt, mit einer Häufigkeit von 45,19%. Dieser Dermatophyt verursachte die meisten Fálle von Tinea capitis (94,99%), wie auch von Tinea corporis (75,73%). Es wird fiber einige epidemiologische Angaben und atypische Bilder berichtet.     

Effectiveness of terbinafine in the eradication of Microsporum canis from laboratory cats

In this study, the coats of 20 cats with no dermatophytosis lesions were sampled for colonization by Microsporum canis, which was isolated in 45% of cases. All cats were treated with oral terbinafine for 3 weeks. The drug was administered orally at a daily dosage 8.25 mg kg-1. Mycologic status was assessed at the end of the treatment; and after follow-up at 2 days, and 4 and 9 weeks. The final evaluation revealed a complete mycologic cure of all cats by obtaining negative cultures, thereby demonstrating that terbinafine is an effective method of eradication of dermatophyte colonization.     

Additive Effect of the Combination of Griseofulvin and Ketoconazole Against Microsporum canis in Vitro: Additiver Effekt der Kombination von Griseofulvin und Ketoconazol gegen Microsporum canis in vitro

The susceptibility of 28 strains of Microsporum canis to griseofulvin, to ketoconazole and to a combination of both antifungal drugs was determined. Griseofulvin proved to be more active than ketoconazole. The combination of both antifungal agents was found to exert an additive effect.     

Microsporum canis infection in a 5-year-old boy: transmission from the interior of a second-hand car

Summary. Microsporum canis is one of the most common zoophilic dermatophytes. If transmitted to humans, inflammatory lesions may develop, e.g. on the scalp. M. canis was isolated from a 5-year-old boy living in a suburban area who suffered from a long-standing, mildly inflammatory lesion on the scalp that had been treated for several months with anti-eczematous regimens. There had been no contact with animals, e.g. cats or dogs, in the previous months, but the lesions had developed a few weeks after the family had bought a used car from a dog owner. Indeed, M. conis could be grown on contact plates from the car's interior. This case illustrates that attention should be paid to the often neglected diagnosis of M. canis -induced tinea capitis and to unusual routes of infection.
Zusammenfassung. Einer der häufigsten zoophilen Dermatophyten ist Microsporum canis. Im Falle der Übertragung auf den Menschen entwickelt sich ein entzündlich geprägtes Bild, etwa im Bereich des Kapillitiums. Bei einem 5-jährigen Jungen konnte aus einem mild entzündlichen, zuvor über Monate antiekzematös behandelten Krankheitsherd am Hinterkopf M. canis angezüchtet werden. Ein Kontakt mit Tieren, insbesondere Katzen oder Hunden während der vorausgegangenen Monate wurde verneint. Allerdings hatte die Familie wenige Wochen vor Auftreten der ersten Hauterscheinungen des Kindes von einem Hundebesitzer einen Gebrauchtwagen erworben, aus dessen Innerem sich über Abklatschplatten ebenfalls M. canis anzüchten ließ. Der Fall zeigt, daß die häufig vernachlässigte Differentialdiagnose Tinea capitis nicht übersehen werden sollte und daß ungewöhnliche Übertragungswege möglich sind.     

An Electron Microscopy Study of Keratin Degradation by the Fungus Microsporum gypseum in vitro

Summary: The authors examined by means of transmission electron microscopy the keratin degradation in human hair invaded by the dermatophyte Microsporum gypseum in vitro. Initial growth of the fungus in hair was intercellular; later on, the hyphae were found mostly inside the cells. The digestion showed all features of an enzymatic breakdown. Mechanical action of penetrating mycelia on surrounding cells could be observed in the cuticle only. The sequence of degradation of the individual hair components corresponded to their degrees of keratinization viz. to the cystine content. In the cuticle, the structures first invaded were the nonkeratinous cell membrane complex and the endocuticle containing cytoplasmic remnants. The exocuticle and especially its A-layer were more resistant. A similar resistant layer was found below the inner membrane of cuticular cells. In the cortex, the cell membrane complex and cytoplasmic residues inside the cells were again digested first. Macrofibril bundles were disintegrated from the surface as well as from the centre. Marked increase of overall osmiophilia was typical of the places of the most intensive degradation. The fungus digested both structural components of the “hard” keratin-microfibrils (filaments) and matrix. However, in the final phases of keratinolysis the remnants of the matrix retained their form a little longer. Zusammenfassung: Die Autoren untersuchten mit Hilfe der Transmissions-Elektronen-mikroskopie den Keratinabbau bei menschlichen Haaren, befallen durch den Dermatophyten Microsporum gypseum in vitro. Die Hyphen im Haar wuchsen zuerst interzellulär, später befanden sie sich aber meist im Innern der Zellen. Der Keratinabbau wies alle Zeichen einer enzymatischen Lyse auf. Die mechanische Wirkung des durchwachsenden Myzels auf die umliegenden Zellen wurde nur in der Cuticula beobachtet. Die Reihenfolge des Abbaues der einzelnen Haarbestandteile entsprach ihrem Keratinisierungsgrad bzw. ihrem Cystingehalt. In der Cuticula wurden zuerst die nicht aus Keratin bestehende Interzellular-Lamelle und die Endocuticula mit zytoplasmatischen Resten verdaut. Die Exocuticula und besonders ihre “A-Schicht” waren widerstandsfähiger. Eine ähnliche resistente Schicht wurde unter der inneren Plasmamembran der Cuticula-Zellen gefunden. Auch im Cortex wurden die Interzellular-Lamelle und die zytoplasmatischen Reste unter den Makrofibrillen am schnellsten gelöst. Die Makrofibrillen-Bündel wurden nicht nur von der Oberfläche, sondern auch von der Mitte her desintegriert. An den Stellen des intensiv verlaufenden Abbaues wurde eine deutliche Erhöhung der Osmiophilie beobachtet. Der Pilz verdaute beide Strukturkomponenten des “harten” Keratins, die Fibrillen (Filamente) und die Matrix. In den letzten Phasen der Auflösung blieben aber die Matrix-Reste etwas länger erhalten.     

Study of the ITS region in an atypical isolate and comparison with six species of Microsporum

Microsporum species are a frequent cause of cutaneous mycoses in humans. Atypical strains of Microsporum can sometimes be difficult to identify with conventional methods. Recently, we have obtained a Microsporum isolate with atypical morphology and special nutritional requirements (Microsporum CHUS-126-02). As several molecular techniques have been developed for the identification of fungi, we analysed six Microsporum species (M. canis, M. gypseum, M. gallinae, M. nanum, M. ferrugineum and M. persicolor) in order to compare them with our isolate, by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme analysis (PCR-REA). We studied the nucleotide sequence of the internal transcribed spacer regions from the nuclear DNA encoding for the ribosomal domain. Digestion with MvaI and EcoRI endonucleases obtained specific patterns for M. gypseum, M. gallinae, M. nanum and M. persicolor. Microsporum canis, M. ferrugineum and Microsporum CHUS-126-02 yielded the same patterns. Based on these results and phenotypic criteria, we classified our atypical isolate as M. canis.