povidone-iodine and Dermatomycoses

We report a case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Corynespora cassiicola. Molecular identification of this pathogen on grasses confirms that it may be involved in human infection, as previously reported once in pre-molecular literature. In vitro antifungal susceptibility data of the strain are provided. The patient was successfully treated with oral terbinafine with topical povidone iodine in accordance with the results obtained through in vitro susceptibility testing.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Antifungal Agents; Ascomycota; Dermatomycoses; Humans; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microscopy; Middle Aged; Mycoses; Naphthalenes; Povidone-Iodine; Terbinafine

Previous observations have revealed that environmental nondermatophyte molds (NDM) can grow inside specific hydrogel pads (LaserAid). Some of these NDM might be responsible for superficial and invasive mycoses as well as for allergic respiratory and cutaneous disorders. The load of NDM propagules in the environment is considered to be an important risk factor for all these diseases. It is postulated that the quantification of the responsible fungi deposited at the skin surface may be an indicator of a recent exposure to environmental fungi. The aim of the present study was to assess using the LaserAid hydrogel pads, the density of living NDM adhering to the skin surface of healthy subjects. Sterile hydrogel pads were applied in a repeat procedure onto the normal-looking skin of the palms and face of 35 healthcare workers who were active in low exposure areas. Similar samplings were performed after washing the skin with a regular skin cleanser, or after applying an alcohol solution or a povidone iodine solution. As controls, 20 sterile pads were exposed for a few minutes to ambient air of the laboratory without any contact with the skin. Each of these samples was stored for 2 weeks at room temperature in a clean protected environment. After that period, visual inspection of the pads was followed by microscopic examination of PAS-stained 6 microm-thick sections. In addition, mycological cultures were performed from pieces of the pads deposited onto Sabouraud agar plates. While 19/20 air-exposed samples were not contaminated by environmental air-borne fungi, 61/70 of the initial skin samplings and 6/70 of the repeat skin samplings showed foci of fungal colonization confirmed by microscopic examination. No specific differences were disclosed between the face and palm samplings. Cultures revealed the presence of NDM in the majority (64/67) of the colonized pads, and a few Candida albicans contaminations (3/67) were also disclosed. The cleansing with a non-antimicrobial product as well as disinfecting procedures performed before sampling markedly decreased the mycoflora without, however, clearing the skin of NDM and yeasts. In conclusion, the hydrogel pad procedure brings information about potential environmental skin contamination by NDM and commensal yeasts. The regular cleansing and disinfecting procedures do not eradicate these fungi from the skin surface.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bandages, Hydrocolloid; Candida albicans; Candidiasis; Dermatomycoses; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Disinfection; Environmental Exposure; Ethanol; Humans; Povidone-Iodine; Risk Factors; Skin

The effect of antiseptics upon fungal growth inside human stratum corneum is poorly documented. Therefore the present study was undertaken to assess the anti-dermatophyte activity of a diluted povidone-iodine wash solution using the corneofungimetry bioassay. When compared to a non-medicated cleansing product, regular applications of the antimicrobial for two weeks significantly abated the fungal invasiveness inside human stratum corneum. The present findings are most likely relevant for the clinical practice.

Topics: Antifungal Agents; Arthrodermataceae; Dermatomycoses; Humans; Povidone-Iodine

Prevention of superficial mycoses remains a stubborn problem. The effect of antiseptics for that purpose is largely unknown. We studied the potential fungitoxic activity of povidone iodine (PVP-I) contained in wash solutions.. The corneofungimetry bioassay was conducted using PVP-I at 1.33%, 2.5%, 4% and 7.5% as test products and four target fungi, namely Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, var. interdigitale (20 strains) and Microsporum canis.. Data show that PVP-I limits fungal growth on stratum corneum. Different species and strains of fungi are not similarly affected. There also exists a diversity of individual susceptibility of the stratum corneum to promote germination of yeasts and arthroconidia.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Biological Assay; Dermatomycoses; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Fungi; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Povidone-Iodine; Skin Tests; Species Specificity

Topics: Bacterial Infections; Clotrimazole; Coal Mining; Dermatomycoses; Foot Dermatoses; Humans; Ketoconazole; Male; Occupational Diseases; Povidone-Iodine