Targeting the Calcineurin Pathway Enhances Ergosterol Biosynthesis Inhibitors against Trichophyton mentagrophytes In Vitro and in a Human Skin Infection Model

Fluconazole-FK506 or fluconazole-cyclosporine drug combinations were tested in an ex vivo Trichophyton mentagrophytes human skin infection model. Conidia colonization was monitored by scanning electron microscopy over a 7-day treatment period. The fluconazole-FK506 combination demonstrated the most obvious advantage over single-drug therapy by clearing conidia and protecting skin from damage at low drug concentrations.