Human models for in vivo and in vitro assessment of topical antifungal compounds

Topical antifungal agents, 1% haloprogin solution (Halotex®), 1% tolnaftate solution (Tinactin®), 1% sodium omadine cream and 5% thiabendazole in dimethylacetamide have been investigated. They were tested for prophylactic effect against experimental human Trichophyton mentagrophytes infections. All the drugs were totally effective against experimental infection if the inoculation was immediate. However, after 48 h the effects of haloprogin and tolnaftate were greatly reduced, but the others were still very effective. Statum corneum may be stripped onto a tape, sterilized and then inoculated with T.mentagrophytes spores. Under controlled conditions the spores germinate in vitro in the stratum corneum. This method has been quantitated and adapted to the investigation of topical antifungal agents. Results show that tolnaftate has very title antifungal activity even at zero time, thiabendazole and sodium omadine retain excellent activity in the stratum corneum for 48 h and are readily detectable even 72 h after one application.