Is Trichophyton simii endemic to the Indian subcontinent?

Med Mycol. 2013 May;51(4):444-8. doi: 10.3109/13693786.2012.737032. Epub 2012 Nov 21.

Abstract

Trichophyton simii is considered to be prevalent only in the Indian subcontinent where it was isolated from soil, as well as from infections of humans and animals. We have investigated a case of onychomycosis caused by this exotic dermatophyte, not traceable to endemic areas. This case, as in others due to this fungus in man or animals, that have been previously and sporadically reported worldwide, suggests infections caused by T. simii might be underestimated, especially outside its primary geographic areas. Indeed, there are isolates that do not show species-specific morphology, as in our case isolate, and as a result may be misidentified by classical methods. By checking the identity of some strains preserved in the collection BCCM/IHEM, we found several that proved to be T. simii, originating from non-endemic areas (Belgium, France and Ivory Coast). Therefore, the natural distribution of T. simii is probably not as restricted as has previously been proposed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Base Sequence
  • Belgium
  • DNA, Fungal / chemistry
  • DNA, Fungal / genetics
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / chemistry
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / genetics
  • Female
  • Foot Dermatoses / drug therapy
  • Foot Dermatoses / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Naphthalenes / pharmacology
  • Naphthalenes / therapeutic use*
  • Onychomycosis / drug therapy
  • Onychomycosis / microbiology*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Species Specificity
  • Spores, Fungal
  • Terbinafine
  • Trichophyton / cytology
  • Trichophyton / drug effects
  • Trichophyton / genetics
  • Trichophyton / isolation & purification*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • DNA, Fungal
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
  • Naphthalenes
  • Terbinafine

Associated data

  • GENBANK/HE962124