Expert review reveals emerging drug-resistant dermatophyte species and atypical transmissions in global populations, highlighting critical diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Key Points
To summarize the changing epidemiology, taxonomic revisions, diagnostic limitations, and antifungal resistance patterns associated with emerging dermatophyte species.
Synthesized evidence on emerging dermatophyte pathogens, focusing on the global spread of Trichophyton indotineae and Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII.
Evaluated current diagnostic technologies, including MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing, alongside clinical management challenges.
Trichophyton indotineae demonstrates widespread resistance to terbinafine and azoles, compounded by the uncontrolled use of topical corticosteroids.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII has transitioned from an animal reservoir to frequent human-to-human and sexual transmission routes.
Routine MALDI-TOF and molecular diagnostic panels fail to distinguish these emerging species, making ITS sequencing necessary for definitive identification amidst modern taxonomic realignments.