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Evaluation of the heat sensitivity of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale

  • Investigative Report
  • Published:
European Journal of Dermatology

Abstract

Background

Onychomycosis affects up to 50% of patients in the older population.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore heat sensitivity of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale as pathogens of onychomycosis.

Materials & Methods

The fungi were heated in sterile saline solution up to 100°C for five or 10 minutes with or without additional previous treatment with 1% ciclopirox solution or chitinase and 1,3 β-galactidase or for 45 minutes at 40°C or 60°C with washing powder. Subsequently, the fungi were cultured and regrowth was assessed after one week.

Results

After heating T. rubrum for five minutes at 60°C, growth was completely inhibited. After heating T. interdigitale for five minutes at 60°C, all of the samples regrew, and at 95°C, none of the samples regrew. No difference between five and 10-minute heating was observed. Previous incubation with 1% ciclopirox solution for 24 hours inhibited the growth of T. rubrum completely. T. interdigitale was still able to regrow to 100% after five minutes at 40°C, to 33% after 60°C, and to 22% after 80°C. Incubation for 45 minutes with washing powder solution at 40°C or 60°C did not lead to significant growth reduction of T. rubrum or interdigitale. Two hours incubation with β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase prior to five minutes of heating to 60°C and 80°C reduced the heat resistance of T. interdigitale; growth was inhibited in 56% and 100% of the samples, respectively.

Conclusion

The heat resistance of T. rubrum and interdigitale should be considered using non-medical thermal treatment.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the Society for advancement in science and research at the medical faculty of Ludwig Maximilian University for financially supporting this research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital LMU Munich, Frauenlobstr.9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany

    Katharina Seidel & Anette Kerschnitzki

  2. Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August University, Tammannstr. 2, 37077, Goettingen, Germany

    Lutz F. Tietze

  3. Department of Forensic Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Nußbaumstr. 26, 80336, Munich, Germany

    Christian Braun

  4. Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Rostock, Strempelstr. 13, 18057, Rostock, Germany

    Miriam Mann & Julia K. Tietze

Authors
  1. Katharina Seidel
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  2. Lutz F. Tietze
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  3. Christian Braun
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  4. Miriam Mann
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  5. Anette Kerschnitzki
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  6. Julia K. Tietze
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Julia K. Tietze.

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Seidel, K., Tietze, L.F., Braun, C. et al. Evaluation of the heat sensitivity of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. Eur J Dermatol 33, 19–24 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2023.4406

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2023.4406

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