In Vitro Enzymatic Virulence Factors of Dermatophytes Species Isolated From Clinical Specimens

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that affect the stratum corneum of the skin and keratinous structures. Violent factors play a vital role in the pathogenesis and antifungal resistance of dermatophytes. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the activity of extracellular enzymatic and biofilm formation as virulence factors of dermatophyte isolates. Methods: Fifty-eight dermatophyte isolates belonged to 27 Trichophyton. rubrum (46.6%), 19 T. mentagrophytes (32.8%), and 12 Microsporum. canis (20.7%) for evaluating the activity of phospholipase, hemolysin, proteinase, and biofilm formation were examined. The biofilm formed was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Findings: Evaluation of extracellular enzymes production revealed that 86.2%, 77.6 %, and 57% of dermatophyte strains were shown to be phospholipase, hemolysin, and proteinase producers, respectively. Furthermore, all isolates of T. rubrum and M. canis can produce phospholipase and hemolysin, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between phospholipase activity and dermatophyte strains (P